Finding a quality air fryer that fits a tight budget can feel like a challenge, but the market is full of excellent options that deliver performance without breaking the bank. These versatile appliances offer a healthier way to enjoy your favorite crispy foods, from French fries to chicken wings, using significantly less oil. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a small family, there is a model designed to meet your needs.
This roundup focuses on the best air fryers available for under $100, highlighting key features, capacities, and smart functions. We’ve compiled a list of top-rated models from trusted brands to help you find the perfect addition to your kitchen counter. Get ready to simplify meal prep and enjoy delicious, guilt-free results every time.
Our Top Picks for Affordable Air Fryers
- Ninja Air Fryer, 4 QT Capacity, 4-in-1 Functions
- Instant Pot Vortex 2QT Mini Air Fryer
- GoWISE USA 1700-Watt 5.8-QT 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer
- COSORI Air Fryer Pro 9-in-1, Compact 5QT
- Chefman 4 QT Compact Airfryer with Easy-View Window
- Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt
- Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer, 6-in-1
- Hamilton Beach Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
- PowerXL Air Fryer 7 QT Maxx Classic
- Chefman TurboFry Air Fryer
Ninja Air Fryer, 4 QT Capacity, 4-in-1 Functions
This Ninja Air Fryer is a fantastic choice for creating healthier versions of your favorite meals. It uses up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods, allowing you to enjoy guilt-free food. The 4-quart capacity is perfectly sized for small families, capable of fitting up to two pounds of French fries.
With a wide temperature range from 105°F to 400°F, this model is incredibly versatile. You can use it for everything from dehydrating fruits to crisping and roasting meats and vegetables. Cleanup is straightforward, thanks to its dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate, and it even includes a recipe book to get you started.
Instant Pot Vortex 2QT Mini Air Fryer
Ideal for singles, couples, or small kitchens, the Instant Pot Vortex Mini Air Fryer packs a lot of functionality into a compact 2-quart design. Its 4-in-1 capabilities let you air fry, bake, roast, and reheat with ease. The signature EvenCrisp technology ensures a perfect golden finish and crispy-tender results on every type of food.
This air fryer simplifies cooking with one-touch smart programs for popular items like wings, roasted veggies, and even cinnamon buns. The intuitive controls make it easy to operate, and the included access to over 100 in-app recipes provides plenty of inspiration for quick and easy meals.
GoWISE USA 1700-Watt 5.8-QT 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer
The GoWISE USA Air Fryer offers substantial capacity and a wide array of cooking options. Its 5.8-quart basket is great for families, and the 8 preset cooking functions take the guesswork out of preparing everything from fries and chicken to cake and pizza. The sleek digital touchscreen provides a modern look and easy control.
This model features a helpful shake reminder alarm, ensuring your food cooks evenly without requiring you to constantly monitor it. The ability to adjust the temperature in 10-degree increments gives you precise control over your cooking, making it simple to achieve consistent and delicious results every time.
COSORI Air Fryer Pro 9-in-1, Compact 5QT
Designed for efficiency, the COSORI Air Fryer Pro heats up to 450°F to cut cooking time in half. Its JuiceLock technology is engineered to seal in moisture, delivering crispy exteriors and juicy, tender interiors for meats. This makes it an excellent tool for those following low-carb or high-protein diets.
With nine dedicated cooking functions, including settings for steak, chicken, and seafood, this air fryer offers remarkable versatility. The sleek glass panel is not only stylish but also easy to clean with a single wipe. You also get access to a vast library of over 130 recipes through the companion app.
Chefman 4 QT Compact Airfryer with Easy-View Window
This Chefman Air Fryer combines a space-saving design with powerful performance. The 4-quart capacity is ideal for serving two to four people, and the compact shape ensures it won’t take over your countertop. The built-in viewing window lets you monitor your food’s progress without opening the basket and letting heat escape.
You can choose from four convenient preset functions or manually customize the time and temperature using the digital touchscreen. The special Hi-Fry technology allows you to boost the temperature to 450°F for the final two minutes of cooking, giving you an extra-crispy finish on favorites like fries and chicken tenders.
Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt
The Cosori TurboBlaze represents a significant upgrade in air frying technology. It features a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450°F to ensure exceptionally crispy and juicy results. The unique 5-fan speed system provides precise heating for even cooking and perfect texture in every bite.
This model stands out with its premium ceramic coating on the basket and crisper tray. This coating is highly durable, nonstick, and heat-resistant, promising a better cooking and cleaning experience. With nine functions including proof and keep warm, it’s a highly capable kitchen appliance.
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer, 6-in-1
For those needing more capacity, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus offers a spacious 6-quart basket and six distinct cooking functions. You can air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, and reheat, all with little to no preheating time. The adjustable temperature range from 95°F to 400°F gives you complete control over your cooking.
Operation is user-friendly, with one-touch settings for popular foods and an intuitive touchscreen that clearly displays each cooking stage. This model is perfect for preparing larger batches of food for family meals or gatherings, and it includes access to a large collection of in-app recipes.
Hamilton Beach Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
This Hamilton Beach appliance is a true multi-tasker, combining an air fryer with a toaster oven. Its large capacity can fit six slices of bread or a 12-inch pizza. The Sure-Crisp air fry function uses convection technology to cook and brown foods evenly with little to no oil.
The roll-top door is a standout feature, designed to provide easy access to your food without requiring much clearance above your countertop. With a 30-minute timer, stay-on function, and automatic shutoff, this combo oven is both convenient and safe for everyday use.
PowerXL Air Fryer 7 QT Maxx Classic
The PowerXL Air Fryer Maxx Classic boasts a large 7-quart capacity, making it suitable for bigger families or batch cooking. Its Extra Hot Air Fry Technology uses faster air flow to create a crispy, golden-fried texture with up to 70% fewer calories from fat. The 1700-watt system provides powerful and consistent performance.
This 5-in-1 versatile appliance includes an LED display with seven one-touch presets for foods like French fries, chicken, and steak. The temperature can be adjusted in precise 10°F steps, giving you fine control over your cooking process for reliable results.
Chefman TurboFry Air Fryer
Chefman is a trusted name in kitchen appliances, and their TurboFry line is known for delivering powerful air frying performance at an accessible price point. These models typically feature rapid air circulation technology to cook food evenly and efficiently, producing crispy results with minimal oil.
While specific features vary by model, you can expect user-friendly digital controls, multiple cooking presets, and dishwasher-safe components for straightforward cleanup. Chefman air fryers are a solid choice for anyone seeking a reliable and effective appliance from a reputable brand.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Fryer Under $100
When I first started looking for an air fryer, I was overwhelmed by the options, especially when trying to stick to a budget. Finding one of the 10 best air fryers under $100 right now is totally possible, but you need to know what to prioritize. After testing and researching, I’ve found that a few key factors make all the difference between a machine you’ll use daily and one that collects dust.
First, consider capacity. This is probably the most important decision. If you’re cooking for one or two people, a compact 2-quart model might be perfect. For a family of three or four, you’ll want to look at models in the 4 to 6-quart range. Remember, you need to leave some space around the food for the air to circulate properly, so a “5-quart” basket doesn’t mean you can fill it with 5 quarts of fries. Think about what you cook most often. If you’re planning to make a whole chicken or a large pizza, you might need to stretch your budget a bit or look for a square-shaped basket that offers more usable space.
Next, look at the controls. You’ll find two main types: digital and analog. Digital touchscreens offer precise temperature and time control, often with pre-set functions for things like fries, chicken, and fish. They can be easier to clean and offer a more modern look. Analog models with dials are famously straightforward and durable. Some people, including myself, appreciate the simple twist-of-a-dial operation. There’s no right or wrong answer here; it’s purely about your personal preference for interface.
Don’t ignore the wattage. Generally, a higher wattage (like 1700W vs. 1400W) means the air fryer can heat up faster and cook more evenly. This is crucial for getting that crispy texture we all want. A powerful motor also means you won’t have to cook in as many batches for larger quantities. Finally, think about cleaning. Non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets are a huge time-saver. Removable parts that are easy to hand-wash are also great. Some models even have dishwasher-safe pans and baskets, which is a massive win for convenience. By focusing on these aspects—capacity, controls, power, and clean-up—you can confidently find a high-performing air fryer that fits your life and your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are air fryers under $100 actually good?
Yes, absolutely. The technology behind air fryers has become more accessible and affordable. While a budget model might not have all the bells and whistles of a $250 one, the core function—circulating hot air to cook food—is performed exceptionally well by many models under $100. You can still achieve crispy fries, juicy chicken, and roasted vegetables without spending a fortune. The key is to read reviews and pick a model from a reputable brand known for quality appliances.
What is the main drawback of a cheaper air fryer?
The most common compromise is capacity and material quality. To hit that lower price point, some manufacturers use plastics that might feel less premium, though they are still perfectly functional. The basket size might also be smaller, making it less ideal for large families. You might also find that the very cheapest models have fewer pre-set functions or a less powerful heater, which could lead to slightly longer cook times. However, for the average user, these are often minor trade-offs.
Can I cook frozen foods in an air fryer?
This is one of the primary reasons I use my air fryer! Frozen foods like french fries, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, and mozzarella sticks come out incredibly crispy and cooked through much faster than in a conventional oven. You typically don’t even need to preheat the machine. Just place the frozen food in the basket, set the time and temperature (often according to the package instructions, but at a slightly lower temperature), and shake the basket halfway through.
Is an air fryer healthier than deep frying?
An air fryer can be a healthier alternative to deep frying because it uses significantly less oil. Deep frying requires submerging food in quarts of oil, whereas air frying typically needs just a tablespoon or even just a light spray. This dramatically reduces the fat and calorie content of your food. For example, air-fried french fries can have 70-80% less fat than their deep-fried counterparts. It’s a great way to enjoy the texture of fried food with a much better nutritional profile.
How do I clean my air fryer?
Cleaning is straightforward, which is a big part of the appeal. Always make sure the unit is completely cool and unplugged. The basket and pan are almost always removable and non-stick. I usually wash mine with warm, soapy water. Many are even dishwasher safe, which is a feature to look for if you hate doing dishes. Wipe down the inside of the main unit with a damp cloth to remove any grease or food splatters. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers that could damage the non-stick coating.
Where can I find the best deals on air fryers?
You can find great prices on the 10 best air fryers under $100 right now at major online retailers like Amazon and Walmart, which often have sales, especially around holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day. Don’t forget to check the websites of big-box stores like Target and Best Buy, as they frequently offer competitive pricing and bundle deals. Signing up for brand newsletters can also alert you to direct-to-consumer sales and promo codes.