Do you dream of crispy food without all the extra oil? Air fryers can make that dream come true! These handy kitchen gadgets cook food fast and give you that satisfying crunch we all love. But here’s the tricky part: finding a great one that doesn’t empty your wallet. Many people want the air frying magic but think they need to spend a lot of money.
The truth is, searching for the “best” air fryer under $100 feels overwhelming. You see so many brands and features, and you worry about buying a cheap model that breaks quickly or cooks unevenly. You want value, performance, and reliability, all while sticking to a budget. It feels like a treasure hunt where you’re not sure which map to trust!
Don’t worry! We have done the hard work for you. This guide cuts through the noise. We will show you the top-rated, budget-friendly air fryers that deliver amazing results without the high price tag. Keep reading to discover which affordable air fryer will become your new kitchen MVP.
Top Air Fryers 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
- Slim Design for Any Space: The bella 4qt Air Fryer features a sleek, space-saving design, perfect for fitting into any kitchen while providing enough room for big batches of your favorite foods. Save up to 50% more space compared to prior models
- EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating: Our proprietary coating ensures easy cleanup without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, or cadmium. Enjoy healthier cooking and hassle-free maintenance, making every meal prep a breeze
- XL Basket Capacity: The innovative XL basket of the air fryers holds up to 3.3 lbs of food, perfect for family meals. Cook up large batches of fries, chicken, salmon, and more, all at once, making mealtime faster and more efficient
- Digital Controls: With adjustable temperature and 6 presets - air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, dehydrate - preparing quick and tasty meals has never been easier. Enjoy crispy food fast with 1300 watts of power and circular heat technology
- Modern, Subtle Fluting: Designed with stylish rounded corners, a soft matte finish, and subtle fluting, our premium quality, small kitchen appliances add a touch of modern elegance to any home, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics
- FRY UP YOUR FAVORITES: Enjoy faster, healthier cooking for popular deep fryer foods like French fries, corn dogs, chicken wings, Brussels sprouts, and more! This stainless steel air fryer produces extra-crispy meals with a fraction of the calories compared to oily, messy deep fryers.
- FOUR-IN-ONE COOKING: This touchscreen air fryer features four functions, including Air Fry, Bake, and Reheat. Our new Frozen function defrosts and then crisps for an added crunch on fries or mozzarella sticks.
- INTUITIVE CONTROLS: Set up your cooking with the easy-to-use touch control UI. TurboFry air fryers let you program your perfect cooking time and temperature up to an impressive 400°F.
- BRING THE HEAT: The Chefman air fryer cranks up the temperature to 450°F for the final two minutes of cooking. Our HI-FRY button puts a beautiful golden-brown crisp on air fried potatoes and chicken.
- SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Get automatic alerts halfway through cooking to shake the air fryer basket, guaranteeing evenly crisped French fries without having to set an extra timer.
- 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
- Compact Cooking – 4 Qt Capacity Digital Air Fryer : Perfect size for quick snacks, personal portions or meals for two without wasting counter space.
- Preset Convenience – 12 One-Touch Functions : Air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, reheat and more with one-touch ease.
- FryForce 360° Technology – Crispy, Light Results : Enjoy golden fries, nuggets, and wings with little to no oil.
- Easy Cleanup – Nonstick, Dishwasher-Safe Parts : Basket and crisper tray clean up quickly by hand or in the dishwasher.
- Powerful Performance – Compact Yet Capable : Measures 12.5” D x 11” W x 13” H, uses 1300 watts of power and cooks at 90°F to 400°F (32°C–200°C).
- 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.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Scoring an Air Fryer Under $100
Air fryers are popular kitchen tools. They cook food crispy like deep-frying but use much less oil. Finding a great one for under $100 is totally possible. This guide helps you choose the best budget-friendly air fryer.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for an air fryer under $100, you need to focus on what really matters. Don’t just look at the price tag.
Capacity and Size
- Basket Size: This is very important. A small basket (around 2 to 3 quarts) works well for one or two people. If you have a family of four, aim for 4 quarts or more. Bigger baskets cost more, so you must balance needs with the budget.
- Footprint: Measure your counter space. Some budget models are surprisingly bulky.
Controls and Settings
- Digital vs. Analog: Digital controls (touch screens) usually offer more precise temperature settings. Analog (knobs) are simpler and sometimes last longer, but they are less exact. For under $100, simple digital displays are common.
- Presets: Look for handy preset buttons for common foods like fries, chicken, or fish. These make cooking easier for beginners.
Temperature Range
Make sure the fryer can reach at least 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps achieve that perfect crispiness. Lower maximum temperatures might leave food soggy.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your air fryer lasts and how safe it is to use.
Basket Material
Most baskets use metal coated with a non-stick material. Look for **PFOA-free** non-stick coatings. This means harmful chemicals are not used in the coating. Check reviews to see if the coating flakes off easily. Good quality coatings last longer.
Housing and Body
The outer body is usually plastic on budget models. Ensure the plastic feels sturdy, not flimsy. Hot air is involved, so the housing must be heat-resistant and durable.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality in a budget air fryer often comes down to thoughtful design.
Ease of Cleaning (A Major Factor)
If cleaning is hard, you won’t use the machine often. Check if the basket and crisper plate are **dishwasher safe**. Handwashing a greasy basket is tough. A truly good budget model has parts that wipe clean quickly.
Noise Level
Air fryers work by blowing hot air very fast. This creates noise. Cheaper models sometimes use weaker fans, which can be surprisingly loud. Search user reviews specifically about the noise level if this bothers you.
Power Cord Length
A short power cord limits where you can place the unit. Longer cords offer more flexibility on your counter.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your new appliance.
Speed and Preheating
Air fryers cook faster than conventional ovens. Good budget models usually preheat in about 3 to 5 minutes. Faster preheating means you get dinner on the table quicker.
Best Uses for Under $100 Models
- Reheating pizza (keeps the crust crisp!).
- Making frozen snacks like chicken nuggets or tater tots.
- Roasting small batches of vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts.
These air fryers are excellent for small jobs. They are not ideal for cooking a whole chicken, as larger specialized models are needed for that.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Air Fryers Under $100
Q: Can I cook frozen food directly in an air fryer?
A: Yes! Air fryers excel at cooking frozen foods like fries and fish sticks without making them soggy. You usually do not need to thaw them first.
Q: Are air fryers under $100 safe?
A: Yes, they are safe when used correctly. Look for safety certifications (like ETL or UL). Always place them on a heat-safe surface and never cover the air vents.
Q: Do I need to use oil in these budget air fryers?
A: A little oil is best for flavor and color, but you do not need to submerge food like deep-frying. Often, just a light spray or tossing the food works perfectly.
Q: What is the difference between an air fryer and a toaster oven?
A: Air fryers circulate air much faster and more intensely. This makes food cook quicker and results in a crispier exterior than a standard toaster oven.
Q: How much counter space do I need for a 4-quart model?
A: You should plan for at least 10 to 12 inches of clearance around the back and sides for proper ventilation. Measure twice before you buy!
Q: Will a cheap air fryer smoke a lot?
A: Excessive smoking usually happens if you use too much oil or cook very fatty meats like bacon. If you follow instructions, smoking should be minimal.
Q: Are the baskets truly non-stick?
A: Most are non-stick, but the quality varies. Using silicone liners or parchment paper designed for air fryers can protect the coating and make cleanup easier.
Q: Can I cook raw meat in these small air fryers?
A: Yes, you can cook raw meat, but you must cook in small batches. Overcrowding the basket lowers the temperature and prevents even cooking, which is unsafe for meat.
Q: How long does food usually take to cook?
A: It varies, but expect most items to cook 20% to 30% faster than in a traditional oven. Fries might take 15 minutes instead of 25.
Q: Do I need to shake the basket during cooking?
A: Yes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking is highly recommended. This ensures all sides of the food get exposed to the hot circulating air for maximum crispiness.
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!