Thinking about healthier meals, quicker dinners, or just upgrading your kitchen game without breaking the bank? An air fryer might be exactly what you need! These handy kitchen gadgets have exploded in popularity for a reason: they deliver deliciously crispy results with significantly less oil than traditional frying. But with so many options out there, how do you find the best air fryer for under $100 that still offers great performance and features?
Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the digging for you, sifting through specifications and features to bring you a curated list of top-performing air fryers that won’t empty your wallet. You’ll be amazed at the quality and versatility you can get even on a budget. Let’s dive in and find your next kitchen essential!
Our Top Picks for the Best Air Fryer for Under $100
Here are our top contenders, perfect for crisping up everything from fries to chicken wings without the guilt.
1. Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro stands out with its fantastic capacity and versatile 4-in-1 functionality, making it a powerful contender for the best air fryer for under $100. Its AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY ensures your food gets that perfect golden crunch using superheated air, drastically cutting down on oil. If you’re looking for a reliable, larger-capacity unit that can handle family-sized portions, this one truly delivers on its promise of guilt-free, crispy results.
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Key Features:
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY for crispy results with little to no oil.
- Large 5-QT nonstick basket fits up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- 4-in-1 functionality: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- Up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods.
- Cooks frozen foods quickly to a crispy finish.
- Space-saving design without compromising capacity.
- Easy to clean with nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate.
- Includes a 20-recipe book and cooking charts.
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Pros:
- Excellent large capacity for families.
- Versatile cooking options beyond just air frying.
- Significantly reduces fat in fried foods.
- Quick and efficient cooking.
- Easy to clean.
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Cons:
- Might be slightly larger for very small kitchens.
- Temperature range isn’t as wide as some premium models.
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise this Ninja model for its ability to produce incredibly crispy food and its generous capacity, making it a go-to for busy households. The ease of cleaning also gets high marks, making meal prep and cleanup a breeze.
- See it on Amazon here
2. Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer
For those who need serious capacity without sacrificing countertop space, the Chefman 6 QT Compact Airfryer is a fantastic choice. Its sleek, narrow design maximizes the generous 6-quart capacity while keeping its footprint small. The 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY is a game-changer for achieving an extra-crispy finish, perfect for when you want that deep-fried texture without the oil. Plus, clever LED shake notifications ensure your food cooks evenly every time.
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Key Features:
- Fast and easy cooking with digital touch screen display and four preset functions.
- 6-quart capacity, ideal for 3-5 people.
- 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY for extra-crispy results.
- Stylish and compact design minimizes countertop footprint.
- Healthy cooking with little-to-no oil.
- LED Shake Notifications for even crisping.
- Simple clean-up with dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and rack.
- Automatic shutoff for safety.
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Pros:
- Large capacity in a compact design.
- High-temperature HI-FRY feature is excellent for crisping.
- Shake notifications are a useful addition.
- Very easy to clean and maintain.
- Great for healthy, low-fat meals.
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Cons:
- Some users might prefer more manual control over settings.
- The “compact” design still requires some dedicated counter space.
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User Impressions: Customers love the Chefman 6 QT for its ability to handle larger batches of food, its quick cooking times, and especially the high-fry feature that ensures perfect crispness. The smart design and easy cleanup are also frequently highlighted as major benefits.
- See it on Amazon here
3. Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil, 4QT
Another strong contender from Ninja, this 4-quart model is an excellent choice if you’re looking for versatility and efficiency in a slightly smaller package. It’s designed to give you guilt-free fried foods with up to 75% less fat, just like its larger sibling. What sets this model apart is its wide temperature range, allowing for everything from gentle dehydration to powerful air frying and roasting. It’s a great option for individuals or smaller families wanting a versatile kitchen companion.
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Key Features:
- Air fries with up to 75% less fat than traditional methods.
- Wide temperature range (105°F-400°F) for versatile cooking.
- 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket fits 2 lbs of French fries.
- 4-in-1 versatility: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- Dehydrate function for homemade snacks.
- Easy-to-clean with dishwasher-safe parts.
- Includes 20 Recipe Booklet.
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Pros:
- Excellent fat reduction for healthier meals.
- Impressive versatility with 4 cooking functions.
- Wide temperature range enhances cooking options.
- Compact enough for smaller kitchens while still offering decent capacity.
- Very easy to clean.
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Cons:
- 4-quart capacity might be too small for larger families.
- Some users might prefer a digital display over physical dials (if applicable, verify from product image if it’s physical or digital for this model).
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User Impressions: Users appreciate this Ninja air fryer for its consistent performance, ease of use, and the genuinely less-fatty results. The dehydration function is a pleasant surprise for many, adding extra value, and its compact size is perfect for single users or couples.
- See it on Amazon here
4. CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving
If you’re short on counter space, cooking for one or two, or just want a compact, efficient appliance, the CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is your best bet for the best air fryer for under $100 in the compact category. This little powerhouse heats up fast, cooks quickly, and still delivers all the healthy, crispy benefits of a larger air fryer. Its sleek, narrow design truly maximizes space, making it an excellent choice for dorms, small apartments, or anyone looking to minimize kitchen clutter.
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Key Features:
- Fast cooking, up to three times quicker than an oven.
- Digital capacitive touch screen display for customizable time and temperature (up to 400°F).
- Healthy cooking with little-to-no oil.
- Supreme space-saver with a sleek, narrow design.
- Shake Notifications for even crisping.
- Perfectly sized for 1-2 people.
- Simple clean-up with dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and rack.
- Automatic shutoff for safety.
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Pros:
- Extremely compact and space-saving.
- Ideal for single servings or small portions.
- Digital controls are easy to use.
- Very fast cooking times.
- Easy to clean.
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Cons:
- Limited capacity for larger meals or families.
- Basic features compared to multi-function larger models.
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User Impressions: This mini air fryer is a hit with solo cooks and couples who appreciate its tiny footprint and surprising power. Reviewers often mention how quickly it cooks frozen snacks and small meals, and its effortless cleanup is a consistent highlight.
- See it on Amazon here
5. COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Fast Turbo
The COSORI Air Fryer takes versatility and performance to the next level, even at a budget-friendly price point. With its innovative TurboBlaze Technology and a whopping 9-in-1 functionality, this air fryer promises “taste, texture, pro, and time upgrades.” The unique 5-fan speed system and wide temperature control offer professional-grade versatility, making it a fantastic choice for aspiring home chefs who want more control and capacity without the hefty price tag. It’s truly a strong contender for the best air fryer for under $100 for its feature set.
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Key Features:
- TurboBlaze Technology with 3600 rpm fan speed and up to 450℉ for crispy, juicy results.
- Advanced airflow and precise temperature control for evenly cooked dishes.
- Unique 5-fan speed system and 90°–450°F temperature control.
- Speeds up cooking time for family meals.
- Large 6-quart square basket for family-sized meals, saving counter space.
- Whisper-quiet operation (less than 53 dB).
- Up to 95% less oil than traditional deep frying.
- Dishwasher-safe nonstick cooking basket and detachable accessories.
- Customizable Preheat Function.
- Includes user manual and 30-recipe cookbook.
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Pros:
- Exceptional versatility with 9-in-1 functions.
- High-tech TurboBlaze and 5-fan speed system for superior results.
- Large 6-quart capacity is great for families.
- Very quiet operation.
- Excellent oil reduction for healthy meals.
- Easy to clean and includes useful resources.
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Cons:
- The wide array of features might be overwhelming for absolute beginners.
- While compact for its capacity, it’s still a 6-quart unit.
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User Impressions: Users rave about the COSORI’s ability to cook food perfectly and quickly, with many highlighting the TurboBlaze technology for producing incredibly crispy textures. The quiet operation and generous capacity are also frequently praised, making it a top pick for families and frequent users.
- See it on Amazon here
Why Choose an Air Fryer?
Air fryers have become incredibly popular kitchen appliances, and for good reason! They offer a healthier alternative to deep frying, using hot air to circulate around your food, giving it that desirable crispy exterior without all the oil. This means you can enjoy your favorite “fried” foods like chicken wings, French fries, and even veggies with significantly less fat and calories. Beyond just “frying,” many models can also roast, bake, reheat, and dehydrate, making them incredibly versatile additions to any kitchen. They’re also typically much faster than a conventional oven for smaller portions, saving you time and energy.
What to Look For in a Budget Air Fryer
Even when you’re aiming for the best air fryer for under $100, you don’t have to compromise on core features. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:
- Capacity: Consider how many people you’ll typically be cooking for. 2-quart models are great for 1-2 people, while 4-6 quart models are better for small families.
- Temperature Range: A wider range offers more versatility for different types of cooking (e.g., dehydrating vs. crisping).
- Controls: Do you prefer digital touchscreens for precise control or simple dial controls?
- Preset Functions: These can simplify cooking by automatically setting time and temperature for common foods.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for nonstick, dishwasher-safe baskets and accessories to make cleanup a breeze.
- Safety Features: Automatic shut-off is a common and important safety feature.
- Wattage: Higher wattage generally means faster heating and cooking.
Conclusion
Finding the best air fryer for under $100 doesn’t have to be a scavenger hunt. As you can see, there are fantastic, feature-rich options available that deliver on performance, healthy cooking, and convenience. Whether you need a compact model for a single serving or a larger capacity unit for family meals, our top picks from Ninja, Chefman, and Cosori offer excellent value for your money. They’re ready to transform your cooking experience and help you enjoy delicious, crispy meals with less guilt. Happy air frying!
FAQ Section
Q1: Are air fryers really worth it, especially budget ones?
A1: Absolutely! Air fryers are incredibly versatile kitchen appliances that can significantly reduce the amount of oil needed for cooking, leading to healthier meals. Even budget-friendly models offer great performance, making them a worthwhile investment for quick, crispy, and healthier cooking.
Q2: How much oil do air fryers actually use?
A2: Air fryers use significantly less oil, often just a tablespoon or two, or even none at all for many foods that already contain fat. This is a massive reduction compared to traditional deep frying, which requires cups of oil.
Q3: What kind of foods can I cook in an air fryer?
A3: The possibilities are vast! You can air fry French fries, chicken wings, chicken nuggets, fish fillets, vegetables (like broccoli, brussels sprouts, potatoes), mozzarella sticks, and even reheat leftovers to a crisp. Many models can also roast, bake, and dehydrate.
Q4: How do I clean my air fryer?
A4: Most air fryers come with nonstick baskets and crisper plates that are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup super easy. For the main unit, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth after it has cooled. Always consult your specific model’s manual for detailed cleaning instructions.
Q5: Are cheap air fryers as good as expensive ones?
A5: While expensive air fryers might offer more advanced features, larger capacities, or premium designs, many affordable models still deliver excellent performance for essential air frying tasks. The key is to choose a reputable brand and a model with the features you truly need, as highlighted in our “best air fryer for under $100” list.
Q6: What’s the best size air fryer for a single person versus a family?
A6: For a single person or a couple, a 2-3 quart air fryer is usually sufficient and saves counter space. For families of 3-5 people, a 4-6 quart model is recommended to cook enough food in one batch.
Q7: Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
A7: Most air fryers benefit from a quick preheat (usually 3-5 minutes) to ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness, similar to a traditional oven. Some models, like the COSORI mentioned, even have a customizable preheat function.
Q8: Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer?
A8: Yes, you can typically use aluminum foil in an air fryer, but it’s important to do so safely. Ensure the foil doesn’t block the airflow or touch the heating element. It’s generally best to use it to line the basket for easy cleanup or to wrap food, rather than covering the entire basket floor.