Imagine crispy, golden fries or perfectly roasted chicken wings without all the oil and mess. Sounds amazing, right? That’s the magic of an air fryer! But when you’re on a budget, finding a great one for under $100 can feel like a treasure hunt.
So many models pop up when you search, and it’s tough to know which ones are truly worth your money. You want something that cooks well, is easy to use, and won’t break the bank. It’s frustrating to spend time researching only to feel unsure about your final pick.
This post is here to help! We’ve sifted through the options to bring you the best air fryers you can get without spending over $100. You’ll learn what features to look for and discover some fantastic choices that will make your kitchen life easier and your meals tastier. Get ready to find your perfect budget-friendly air fryer!
Our Top 5 Air Fryer Under 100 Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Air Fryer Under 100 Detailed Reviews
1. CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket
Rating: 8.9/10
Meet the CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer, your new kitchen helper for quick, healthy, and delicious meals. This compact air fryer is designed to save space and make cooking a breeze, perfect for smaller kitchens or for individuals and couples. Its digital display and smart features ensure perfectly cooked food every time.
What We Like:
- Cooks food up to three times faster than a traditional oven.
- Uses little to no oil for healthier meals.
- Its small size fits easily on any countertop or in cabinets.
- The square basket design maximizes its 2-quart capacity.
- Alerts you when to shake food for extra crispiness.
- Nonstick basket and rack are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
- Automatic shutoff provides extra safety.
- Comes with cETL approval and a 1-year assurance from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 2-quart capacity is best suited for 1-2 people, so it might not be ideal for larger families.
This air fryer is a fantastic option for anyone looking for fast, healthy, and convenient cooking in a compact package. It simplifies meal prep and cleanup, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
2. Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready for a kitchen game-changer with the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer! This 6-quart powerhouse is designed to make cooking faster, healthier, and more delicious. It fries, roasts, bakes, broils, and more, all while using up to 95% less oil. Its smart features and spacious design make it perfect for busy families and anyone who loves crispy, perfectly cooked food.
What We Like:
- The TurboBlaze Technology with a powerful fan and high temperatures cooks food super fast and makes it extra crispy and juicy.
- Precise temperature control from 90°–450°F and a 5-fan speed system ensure your food cooks evenly every time.
- The premium ceramic coating on the basket and tray is nonstick, durable, and makes cleaning up a breeze.
- The 6-quart basket is large enough for family meals but still saves counter space.
- It’s quieter than many other air fryers, operating at less than 53dB.
- You can enjoy your favorite fried foods with significantly less fat.
- The dishwasher-safe parts mean less scrubbing after dinner.
- The customizable Preheat function helps you get perfect results, or you can skip it for quicker cooking.
- It comes with a helpful recipe book created by chefs and dietitians.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the 6-quart capacity is good for families, it might be too large for single servings or small kitchens.
- The instruction manual and recipe book are printed in small font, which might be difficult for some to read.
The Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer truly upgrades your cooking experience with its speed, precision, and ease of use. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to enjoy healthier, delicious meals with less effort.
3. DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt
Rating: 8.9/10
The DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt is a compact kitchen helper designed for quick, healthy meals. This mini air fryer boasts digital controls and a space-saving, sleek design, making it ideal for smaller kitchens or for individuals and couples. It promises to bake, reheat, and roast your favorite foods with minimal fuss and noise.
What We Like:
- It heats up fast, so you can go from frozen to golden in just minutes.
- The digital touchscreen lets you easily set the time and temperature, up to 400°F.
- It uses very little oil, making your meals healthier and giving you crispy, tender results.
- You can enjoy up to 90% less oil compared to traditional frying.
- The square basket uses its 3-quart space well, and the narrow design takes up little counter space.
- Its compact size is perfect for cooking for one or two people.
- It operates quietly, so it won’t disturb your peace.
- The nonstick basket is BPA-Free and dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 3-quart capacity might be too small for families or for cooking larger batches.
- While it’s quiet, some users might prefer even more silent operation.
This DEIME Air Fryer is a fantastic option for anyone seeking convenient, healthier cooking without sacrificing taste or taking up too much space. It simplifies meal prep and cleanup, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
4. Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the Chefman Air Fryer – your new kitchen best friend for whipping up delicious meals in a flash! This 4-quart powerhouse is designed for speed and simplicity. Its sleek, compact build fits right in, and the easy-to-use touchscreen lets you pick from four handy presets or set your own time and temperature. Get ready for crispy, tasty food with less oil!
What We Like:
- It cooks food super fast and makes meals easy.
- The Hi-Fry Technology boosts crispiness to an amazing 450°F.
- Its small size saves counter space, and it looks stylish.
- You can enjoy healthier meals with little to no oil.
- Shake notifications remind you to get the best crunch.
- Clean-up is a breeze because the basket and rack are dishwasher safe.
- Safety features like auto shutoff give you peace of mind.
- Chefman offers trusted quality with a 1-year assurance.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 4-quart size is ideal for 2-4 people, but might be small for larger families.
- While compact, some users might prefer an even smaller footprint.
This Chefman Air Fryer is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and delicious results. It’s a smart choice for anyone wanting quick, healthy, and crispy meals.
5. CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to transform your kitchen with the CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven. This all-in-one appliance is designed to make cooking faster, healthier, and more convenient for your whole family. With its XL 10-liter capacity and a variety of cooking functions, it’s a true game-changer for busy households and meal preppers.
What We Like:
- It offers incredible versatility, letting you air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, or roast with crispy results.
- You can cook your food much faster because it doesn’t need preheating like a regular oven.
- It makes healthy eating simple, using 98% less oil than traditional fryers.
- Setting it up is easy, with 17 pre-programmed settings and a user-friendly touch screen.
- It comes with everything you need, including three racks, a rotisserie spit, and a drip tray.
- The large 10-liter size is perfect for cooking family meals or preparing food for the week.
- You can easily watch your food cook through the big window and the interior light.
- Clean-up is a breeze thanks to the removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts.
- It’s built for safety and durability, with cETL approval and a 1-year warranty from Chefman.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s a great all-around appliance, some users might prefer more advanced customization options beyond the presets.
- The countertop footprint, while manageable for its capacity, might be a consideration for very small kitchens.
This Chefman air fryer is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking possibilities and simplifying meal preparation.
Your Guide to Finding an Air Fryer Under $100
Looking for a kitchen gadget that makes food crispy and delicious without all the oil? An air fryer is your answer! And guess what? You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a great one. This guide will help you find the perfect air fryer for under $100.
Why an Air Fryer?
Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air around it. This makes food taste like it’s fried, but it uses a lot less oil. It’s a healthier way to enjoy your favorite snacks and meals. Plus, they cook food super fast!
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for an air fryer under $100, keep these important features in mind:
Capacity
- Size Matters: Air fryers come in different sizes. Think about how many people you usually cook for.
- Small Households (1-2 people): A 2-quart to 3-quart capacity is usually enough.
- Families (3-4 people): Look for something around 4-quart to 5-quart.
- Larger Families or Entertainers: You might need to stretch your budget a little, but some 5-quart models are available under $100.
Temperature Control
- Adjustable Heat: Most air fryers let you set the temperature. Look for a range from around 170°F to 400°F. This lets you cook many different types of food.
- Digital vs. Manual: Digital controls are often easier to use and more precise. Manual knobs are simple but might be less exact.
Timer Function
- Set It and Forget It: A built-in timer is a must. It tells you when your food is ready. Many timers go up to 60 minutes.
- Auto Shut-Off: This is a great safety feature. The air fryer turns off by itself when the timer is done.
Ease of Cleaning
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts: This is a huge time-saver! Check if the basket and tray can go in the dishwasher.
- Non-Stick Coating: A good non-stick surface makes cleaning easier, even if you have to wash it by hand.
Important Materials
The materials used in an air fryer can affect how well it works and how long it lasts.
Basket and Tray
- Stainless Steel: This is a durable and safe material. It heats up well.
- Non-Stick Coatings: Most baskets have a non-stick coating. Look for PFOA-free coatings. This means they are made without certain chemicals that some people want to avoid.
Outer Casing
- Plastic: Most air fryers under $100 have a plastic exterior. Look for sturdy, heat-resistant plastic.
- Cool-Touch Exterior: This means the outside of the air fryer won’t get too hot to touch while it’s cooking.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make an air fryer better, while others can make it less good.
What Makes it Good:
- Even Cooking: A good air fryer circulates air really well. This cooks your food evenly on all sides. No more flipping food halfway through!
- Quiet Operation: Some air fryers are quite loud. A quieter model makes cooking more enjoyable.
- Simple Controls: Easy-to-understand buttons or knobs make using the air fryer a breeze.
- Good Reviews: Reading what other people say about an air fryer can tell you a lot about its quality.
What Can Make it Less Good:
- Hot Spots: If the air doesn’t circulate well, some parts of your food might burn while others are undercooked.
- Cheap Plastic: Flimsy plastic can feel cheap and might not last as long.
- Difficult Cleaning: If the basket is hard to clean, you might not use your air fryer as much.
- Short Cord: A very short power cord can make it hard to find a good spot to plug it in.
User Experience and Use Cases
An air fryer is super easy to use! Here’s what you can do with it:
- Snacks: French fries, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and onion rings become incredibly crispy.
- Main Meals: You can cook chicken breasts, fish fillets, pork chops, and even small roasts.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes get a delicious roasted flavor.
- Reheating: Leftovers taste much better from an air fryer than from a microwave. They get crispy again!
- Baking: Some air fryers can even bake small cakes or muffins.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a healthy meal fast. It’s also great for making snacks for game day or movie night.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Air Fryers Under $100
Q: What is the most important feature to look for in an air fryer under $100?
A: The most important features are capacity and easy-to-clean parts, like a dishwasher-safe basket.
Q: Can I cook a whole chicken in an air fryer under $100?
A: Usually, air fryers under $100 are too small for a whole chicken. They are better for smaller portions or pieces of chicken.
Q: Are air fryers under $100 worth the money?
A: Yes, many air fryers under $100 offer great value. They can cook food well and are a good entry point into air frying.
Q: How do I clean an air fryer basket?
A: Most baskets are non-stick. You can wash them with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Many are also dishwasher-safe.
Q: What kind of foods cook best in an air fryer?
A: Foods that are usually fried, like fries, wings, and nuggets, cook best. Vegetables and smaller cuts of meat also do very well.
Q: Will an air fryer under $100 be loud?
A: Some can be a bit noisy, like a fan. Reading reviews will help you find a quieter model.
Q: Is it safe to use an air fryer with a plastic exterior?
A: Yes, as long as the plastic is heat-resistant and designed for cooking appliances. Many have cool-touch exteriors.
Q: What does “PFOA-free” mean for my air fryer basket?
A: PFOA is a chemical that was sometimes used in non-stick coatings. PFOA-free means the coating doesn’t have this chemical, which some people prefer.
Q: How long does it take to cook food in an air fryer?
A: Cooking times vary, but air fryers are generally faster than traditional ovens. French fries might take 15-20 minutes.
Q: Can I use metal utensils in my air fryer basket?
A: It’s best not to use metal utensils. They can scratch the non-stick coating. Use silicone, wood, or plastic tools instead.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!