Do you dream of crispy fries and juicy chicken without all the extra oil? Air fryers promise that magic, but your wallet might be screaming at the thought of the price tag. You see those amazing deals, but then you start scrolling. Suddenly, every option seems too small, too complicated, or just plain unreliable. Finding a great air fryer that doesn’t cost a fortune feels like a treasure hunt where all the maps are wrong.
The truth is, you shouldn’t have to spend a lot of money to eat healthier and cook faster. That’s why we dug deep into the market to find the absolute best air fryers available for under $100. We know you want quality, space, and features, all while keeping that budget intact. Stop wasting time reading confusing reviews!
By the end of this guide, you will know exactly which budget-friendly air fryer fits your kitchen best. We break down the top performers based on real cooking tests, ease of cleaning, and overall value. Get ready to discover the secret weapon for quick, guilt-free meals. Let’s dive into the best air fryers that prove great cooking doesn’t require a huge bank account!
Top Air Fryer Under 100 Recommendations
- 𝘼𝙞𝙧 𝙁𝙧𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉, achieving crispy, juicy results every time
- 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Cosori's unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°– 450°F temperature control deliver evenly cooked dishes with perfect texture in every bite
- 𝘾𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙘 𝘾𝙤𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The basket and crisper tray feature a premium ceramic coating that is nonstick, durable, and heat-resistant to improve your cooking experience
- 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology helps speed up cooking and save time to deliver perfectly crispy family meals, even on busy days
- 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The 6-quart square basket offers a wide, deep design, great for the entire family meals while saving you space on your kitchen counter or cabinet
- FAST AND EASY: This compact air fryer handles any culinary challenge. Customize cooking time and temperature with the digital touch screen display or use one of four preset functions for quick, one-touch meals. Perfect for serving 3-5 people
- 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY: Achieve the perfect finishing crunch on your air-fried favorites. Increase the heat to 450°F during the final two minutes of cooking: perfect for extra crispy chicken tenders and French fries.
- STYLISH AND COMPACT: The sleek, narrow design of this air fryers maximizes its 6-quart capacity while minimizing its countertop footprint. Its compact size makes it a great space saver, fitting perfectly on your counter or in your cabinets
- HEALTHY COOKING: Enjoy delicious meals with little-to-no oil. This Chefman large air fryer lets you cook healthier, low-fat meals that still taste amazing
- LED SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Get notified with an audible alarm halfway through cooking, reminding you to shake your food for the crispiest results possible
- Versatile countertop cooking: Air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, or roast to crispy perfection in one convenient appliance
- Cook faster: No need to preheat like traditional ovens. This all-in-one convection oven uses rapid air heating elements to cook fast, even, and crispy food
- Healthy cooking made easy: Make healthy meals using 98% less oil than traditional fryers
- Simplified set-up: Anyone can cook perfect meals in minutes with 17 preset options and an easy-to-use capacitive touch control screen
- All-inclusive: Includes three air flow racks, stainless steel rotisserie oven spit with retrieval tool, and a drip tray
- EXTRA CRISPY COOKING: This countertop airfryer produces delicious golden-brown results with only a fraction of the oil that deep fryers need. Plus, it cooks quicker than a traditional oven with powerful convection functions.
- 4-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Ditch any extra kitchen appliances with an air fryer that can do it all! This all-in-one wonder has functions for Air Fry, Bake, Reheat, and a Frozen function which defrosts, then immediately crisps.
- DIGITAL TOUCH CONTROLS: Program time and temperature up to 400°F with the sleek top-facing control panel. You can set up anything from fries to chicken tenders on this touchscreen air fryer oven.
- X-SHAPED AIRFLOW: Unlike other air fryers, the TurboX features airflow which circulates throughout the entire basket with ease, for evenly cooked results without needing to preheat.
- 5-QUART CAPACITY: Feed up to four people with a small air fryer that features a large basket capacity. You can crisp up your favorite potato dish or veggies for delicious side dishes!
- FAST AND EASY: This compact air fryer handles any culinary challenge. Customize cooking time and temperature with the digital touch screen display or use one of four preset functions for quick, one-touch meals. Perfect for serving 2-4 people
- 450°F HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY: Achieve the perfect finishing crunch on your air-fried favorites. Increase the heat to 450°F during the final two minutes of cooking: perfect for extra crispy chicken tenders and French fries.
- STYLISH AND COMPACT: The sleek, narrow design of this air fryers maximizes its 4-quart capacity while minimizing its countertop footprint. Its compact size makes it a great space saver, fitting perfectly on your counter or in your cabinets
- HEALTHY COOKING: Enjoy delicious meals with little-to-no oil. This Chefman small air fryer lets you cook healthier, low-fat meals that still taste amazing
- SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Get notified with an audible alarm halfway through cooking, reminding you to shake your food for the crispiest results possible
- 𝑫𝒐𝒓𝒎-𝑭𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝑪𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈: Compact design fits perfectly in dorms, offering versatile Air Fry, Reheat, Roast, and Bake functions for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks—even during busy study sessions
- 𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝑷𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑴𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔: Compact basket heats faster, cutting down kitchen time and can help give you more time to relax after work
- 𝑬𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒔: Ultra-light 4.87-lb air fryer makes cooking easy, better than heavy pans or ovens
- 𝑪𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑶𝒊𝒍, 𝑪𝒖𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒂𝒕: Use up to 97% less oil, allowing seniors to enjoy meals with little to no added oil in each bite.Tested using french fries against traditional deep frying. Results may vary
- 𝑺𝒏𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝑴𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔: 2.1-quart capacity delivers ideal portions for families, with a compact size that's easier to use, clean, and better for crispy snacks than ovens or larger fryers
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- LARGE CAPACITY: The 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
- 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- GUILT-FREE FRIED FOODS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- FROZEN TO CRISPY: Cook frozen foods in just minutes for an extra-crispy finish.
- LESS FAT: Now enjoy guilt-free food. Air fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
- WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE: 105°F-400°F allows you to gently remove moisture from foods or quickly cook and crisp foods with convection heat.
- FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate fit 2 lbs of French fries.
- 4-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Includes 4 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- DEHYDRATE: Create flat, chip-like dehydrated foods for fun, homemade snacks. The combination of low fan speed and low temperature enables thorough dehydration.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Snagging the Best Air Fryer Under $100
Finding a great air fryer doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Many excellent models sit comfortably under the $100 mark. This guide helps you choose the right one for your kitchen.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for an affordable air fryer, certain features really matter. Think about what you cook most often.
- Capacity: This is how much food fits inside. For one or two people, a 3-quart basket works well. Families usually need 4 to 5 quarts. Don’t buy too small; you will have to cook in batches.
- Temperature Range: Good air fryers heat up to 400°F (200°C). This lets you crisp up everything from frozen fries to chicken wings.
- Timer and Controls: Look for simple digital controls or easy-to-use dials. A 60-minute timer is standard and very helpful.
- Preset Functions: Some budget models include buttons for common foods like fries, chicken, or fish. These take the guesswork out of cooking.
2. Important Materials Matter
The materials used affect how long your air fryer lasts and how easy it is to clean.
Most affordable air fryers use durable plastic for the main body. That is fine for the outside. The important part is the cooking basket.
- Basket Coating: Always check for a non-stick coating. This coating makes cleanup much faster. Look for PFOA-free materials if you are concerned about chemicals.
- Stainless Steel vs. Plastic Interior: While some high-end models use stainless steel inside, most under $100 use sturdy plastic housing. Ensure the basket itself is metal so it handles the heat well.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is not just about price. Smart design choices boost performance.
What Improves Quality:
- Even Heating: Look for models that mention strong internal fans or heating elements that surround the basket. This helps food cook evenly without constant shaking.
- Dishwasher-Safe Parts: If the basket and crisper plate go into the dishwasher, cleaning becomes much easier. This is a huge quality-of-life improvement.
- Automatic Shut-Off: A safety feature that turns the unit off when the timer ends prevents burning food.
What Reduces Quality (Watch Outs):
- Flimsy Drawers: If the basket slides in and out roughly or feels too light, it might break quickly.
- Strong Plastic Smell: New, cheap plastics sometimes release a strong smell when first used. Good models usually clear this up after one or two test runs.
- Noisy Operation: Budget fans can be loud. Read reviews to see if users complain about excessive noise.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the air fryer dictates the best choice.
For Quick Meals: If you only reheat leftovers or make small batches of frozen snacks (like mozzarella sticks or tater tots), a smaller, simpler 3-quart model works perfectly. These heat up fast.
For Small Families: A 4-quart unit offers more flexibility. You can roast a small chicken or make enough crispy vegetables for two adults and one child. These units usually have better power for slightly longer cooking times.
Ease of Use: Digital controls are generally easier to clean than mechanical dials because you wipe a flat surface. Make sure the instruction manual is clear. A simple machine helps beginners feel confident.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Air Fryers Under $100
Q: Can I really get a good air fryer for under $100?
A: Yes, you absolutely can. Many reputable brands offer reliable 3 to 4-quart models that perform very well for everyday cooking.
Q: What is the minimum capacity I should look for?
A: We recommend aiming for at least 3.5 quarts. Smaller sizes (under 3 quarts) limit you to cooking only for one person at a time.
Q: Are the non-stick coatings safe on budget models?
A: Most modern air fryers use coatings that are PFOA-free. Just avoid scratching the surface with metal utensils to keep the coating intact for longer.
Q: How hot do these cheaper air fryers get?
A: Most models under $100 reach the standard maximum temperature of 400°F (200°C), which is hot enough for nearly all air frying recipes.
Q: Do I need to preheat a budget air fryer?
A: Yes. Preheating for 3 to 5 minutes helps the food start crisping immediately, leading to better results, just like in a regular oven.
Q: Are they hard to clean?
A: If the basket is dishwasher safe, cleaning is easy. If not, a quick scrub with warm, soapy water usually works because the non-stick coating resists stuck-on food.
Q: Will a small air fryer take up too much counter space?
A: Smaller 3-quart models are often about the size of a large coffee maker. They are usually compact enough for most kitchens.
Q: Can I cook frozen food without thawing it first?
A: Yes. Air fryers excel at cooking frozen items like french fries or chicken nuggets directly from the freezer. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: What is the biggest drawback of buying the cheapest models?
A: The main drawback is usually capacity and sometimes noise level. Very cheap models might not cook large batches evenly.
Q: Should I buy a digital or manual control air fryer?
A: Digital controls offer more precise time and temperature settings and are easier to wipe clean. Manual dials are simpler if you prefer fewer buttons.
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!