Think you need to spend hundreds of dollars to get a great air fryer? Think again. Today, there are plenty of budget air fryers under $100 that deliver crispy, delicious results without sacrificing quality, performance, or convenience.
Whether you’re cooking healthier meals, replacing an old appliance, or buying your very first air fryer, finding the right model can be challenging. With so many brands promising the best features, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news is that a higher price doesn’t always mean better value.
Top 5 pick’s
- Ninja AF101 4‑Quart Air Fryer
- COSORI TurboBlaze 6‑Qt Air Fryer
- GoWISE USA 3.7‑Quart Air Fryer
- Dash Tasti‑Crisp 2.6‑Qt Air Fryer
- COSORI Lite 2.1‑Qt Air Fryer
In this guide, we’ve carefully selected the 7 best budget air fryers under $100 based on cooking performance, ease of use, capacity, durability, and overall value for money. From compact models for singles and couples to larger options for family meals, there’s something here to suit every kitchen and budget.
By the end of this article, you’ll know which affordable air fryer offers the best features for your needs, helping you make a smart purchase without overspending.
How to Choose the Best Budget Air Fryer
Before moving into the list, it’s helpful to know what to look for in a budget air fryer.
1. Capacity
Air fryer sizes range from small 2–3 quart baskets to larger 6-quart models. If you’re cooking for one or two people, a compact model works perfectly. For families, choose a larger fryer that can handle more servings at once.
2. Features
Some budget air fryers come with digital controls and presets for fries, chicken, or baked goods. Others have simple manual dials. Both work well, but digital models often make cooking easier.
3. Cleanup
A non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket is a must if you want an easy-to-clean fryer.
4. Price vs. Value
Even under $100, you can find fryers with excellent performance. Look for options that balance affordability and durability.
7 Best Budget Air Fryers Under $100
Here are our top picks for budget-friendly air fryers that don’t compromise on quality.
1. Ninja AF101 4‑Quart Air Fryer – Overall Best Air Fryer Under $100
Ninja AF101 is a versatile and reliable budget air fryer. It features a 4-quart basket and functions for air frying, roasting, reheating, and even dehydrating. Perfect for families and small households, this compact yet powerful appliance delivers crispy, golden results with little to no oil, making your favorite fried foods healthier without compromising taste. Its simple, user-friendly controls and dishwasher-safe parts make cooking and cleanup effortless, while the wide temperature range allows for precise cooking of everything from vegetables to proteins.
Pros:
- Multi-functional: air fries, roasts, reheats, and dehydrates
- Compact 4-quart capacity suitable for small families
- Easy-to-use digital controls with temperature and time settings
- Dishwasher-safe basket and crisper plate for easy cleanup
- Delivers crispy and evenly cooked meals with minimal oil
Cons:
- Single-basket design limits cooking large meals at once
- No preset cooking programs for specific foods
- Slightly bulky for very small kitchens
2. COSORI TurboBlaze 6‑Qt Air Fryer
If you need a larger basket, the COSORI TurboBlaze is a solid pick. With a 6-quart capacity and multiple cooking modes, it’s ideal for family meals. This air fryer combines broad versatility with budget-friendly performance, letting you air fry, roast, bake, broil, reheat, dehydrate, and more — without heating up your whole kitchen. The intuitive digital controls and TurboBlaze airflow system help food crisp evenly and cook faster than many other models in this price range. Its roomy basket handles enough food for about four people, so it’s a great everyday solution for dinners, snacks, and batch cooking.
Pros:
• Large 6-quart basket is roomy enough for family portions and batch cooking.
• Versatile 9-in-1 cooking preset options save time and expand what you can make.
• Heats up quickly and produces evenly crisp results with little oil.
• Dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and removable crisper tray make cleanup easy.
• Quiet operation and compact footprint make it comfortable for everyday use.
Cons:
• No built-in shake reminder to prompt you to toss or turn food mid-cook.
• Requires preheating for best results on some foods.
• Basket may be deep for some, making food harder to reach without tools.
• Temperature control has a slight learning curve if you’re new to air frying.
This balance of capacity, performance, and ease of use earns the TurboBlaze a spot near the top of under-$100 air fryers — especially if you’re feeding a household that wants quicker, healthier meals without fuss
3. GoWISE USA 3.7‑Quart Air Fryer
GoWISE USA offers a compact yet powerful budget air fryer with multiple preset cooking options. Digital controls make it easy to cook everything from fries to chicken wings. Whether you’re outfitting a first kitchen or looking for a reliable secondary air fryer, this 3.7-quart model delivers solid performance without the high price tag.
The GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart Air Fryer is designed with everyday cooks in mind. It features eight preset cooking functions that take the guesswork out of meal prep — from fries and chicken to steak, shrimp, fish, and even cake. A clear digital interface lets you set exact temperatures (up to 400°F) and times with ease, while the convection-style Rapid Air Technology helps you get crispy results using little to no oil.
The compact 3.7-quart capacity fits comfortably on most kitchen counters and is ideal for singles, couples, or small families. Practical touches like automatic shutoff, cool-to-touch handles, and removable dishwasher-safe components make daily use and cleanup simple — a real plus when you’re juggling meals after a long day.
Pros
- Versatile cooking presets: Eight one-touch modes for a range of foods.
- User-friendly digital controls: Easy to adjust time and temperature.
- Crispy results with less oil: Rapid Air Technology helps achieve satisfying texture healthily.
- Compact footprint: Fits small kitchens without dominating counter space.
- Dishwasher-safe pan: Makes cleanup easier.
Cons
- Small capacity: Best suited for smaller households; frequent batches may be required for larger meals.
- Timer limit: Maximum 30-minute timer means manual resets for longer cooking.
- Basket care: Some parts require handwashing to preserve non-stick coating.
- Plastic exterior: May feel less premium compared to higher-end models.
4. Dash Tasti‑Crisp 2.6‑Qt Air Fryer
Small, fun, and fast, the Dash Tasti-Crisp is perfect for single servings or snacks. Its compact design makes it a favorite for small kitchens or dorm rooms. This mini air fryer cooks with AirCrisp® technology, circulating hot air instead of oil to trim added fat by up to ~75% while still giving you crispy results you can enjoy without the guilt. Its 2.6-quart capacity is tailor-made for individuals or couples, and the space-saving footprint fits snugly on crowded countertops without cramping your cooking style.
You’ll find user-friendly digital controls (or simple dials on some variants) that let you set temperature and time with ease, plus a few custom preset buttons so you can save your go-to settings for perfect fries, wings, or veggies without the guesswork. Safety features like auto shut-off and a cool-touch handle add peace of mind, and the non-stick crisper basket helps make cleanup as painless as the cooking itself.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight — ideal for small kitchens, dorms, or apartments without clutter.
- Healthier cooking with little to no oil thanks to AirCrisp® technology.
- Easy to operate with digital or dial controls and customizable presets.
- Auto shut-off and cool-touch handle for safer everyday use.
- Quick, efficient cooking that gets snacks and meals ready in minutes.
Cons
- Small 2.6-quart size can feel limiting when cooking for more than two people or larger dishes.
- Some models offer basic controls with fewer advanced settings compared to pricier air fryers.
- Achieving truly restaurant-style crispiness can require a bit of trial and error on certain foods.
- Basket space limits batch size, meaning you may need multiple rounds for bigger servings
This Dash model delivers great value under $100, especially if you want a straightforward, no-nonsense air fryer that’s easy to use and keeps your snacks and small meals tasty without taking up much space.
5. COSORI Lite 2.1‑Qt Air Fryer
For one or two servings, the COSORI Lite is an excellent choice. Its compact size doesn’t compromise on performance, making it easy to store and clean. This small-but-mighty air fryer brings healthy, crispy cooking into tiny kitchens, apartments, dorms, and anyone who wants quick meals without bulky appliances. With a 2.1-quart capacity, it’s just right for snacks, sides, or single-serve dinners — from golden fries to roasted veggies — all cooked with up to 97% less oil than traditional frying methods.
The COSORI Lite’s simplicity is one of its strongest features. Four one-touch cooking functions — Air Fry, Roast, Bake, and Reheat — handle everyday foods with minimal fuss, and the automatic shut-off gives peace of mind when you’re juggling other tasks. Cleanup is straightforward thanks to the dishwasher-safe nonstick basket, and the compact footprint makes it easy to tuck away when not in use.
Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or reheating leftovers, this model delivers consistent results without taking over your countertop. Energy-efficient and user-friendly, it’s a fantastic pick if you’re buying your first air fryer or adding a secondary unit specifically for tiny meals.
Pros
- Perfect for small portions: 2.1-qt capacity suits one or two servings, ideal for individuals or couples.
- Versatile 4-in-1 cooking: Handles air frying, roasting, baking, and reheating with ease.
- Healthy cooking: Uses significantly less oil compared to deep frying.
- Easy cleaning: Nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket saves time after meals.
- Compact & convenient: Takes up minimal counter space and stores easily.
Cons
- Limited capacity: Too small for large meals or cooking for families — you’ll need multiple batches.
- Basic controls: Manual touch controls lack advanced presets seen on pricier models.
- Noise level: Fan hum is noticeable in open-plan spaces.
- Requires ventilation space: Needs a few inches of clearance around it, which can be tricky on crowded counters.
6. Chefman TurboFry 3.6‑Quart Air Fryer
The Chefman TurboFry keeps things simple with adjustable temperature and timer controls. Its reliability and budget-friendly price make it a popular choice. This compact air fryer delivers crispy, delicious results with minimal oil — perfect for snacks, sides, and smaller meals without blowing your budget. Boasting a 3.6-quart capacity and easy-to-use dual dials, it’s ideal for beginners and anyone who wants fuss-free, healthier frying without a digital learning curve.
From fries and chicken wings to roasted veggies and reheats, the TurboFry cooks with hot circulating air that trims fat but keeps texture and flavor intact. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and fits well on most countertops, making it a go-to pick for singles, couples, or small-family kitchens.
Key Highlights
- Simple dual control knobs for time (up to 60 minutes) and temperature (200–400°F) — no guesswork.
- 3.6-quart capacity fits enough food for 2–3 servings.
- Healthier cooking with up to 98% less oil than traditional frying.
- Dishwasher-safe non-stick basket for easier cleanup.
- Automatic shut-off and timer buzzer help prevent overcooking.
Pros
Easy to use — intuitive temperature and timer knobs mean anyone can start cooking right away.
Compact size doesn’t clutter kitchen counters yet accommodates enough food for everyday meals.
Great value under $100 with solid cooking performance for the price.
Produces crispy, well-cooked foods with minimal oil — a healthier alternative to deep frying.
Easy cleaning thanks to dishwasher-safe basket and removable parts.
Cons
Manual dials only — lacks digital presets or advanced functions some users may prefer.
Non-stick coating may wear over time, according to some owner reports.
Limited capacity compared with larger air fryers — best for small households.
Some users have noticed minor issues with timer accuracy or occasional odors with first use.
This makes the Chefman TurboFry 3.6-Quart Air Fryer a standout affordable choice in its class — especially if you want straightforward, reliable performance without paying for extras you may not use.
7. Instant Vortex Mini 4‑Qt Air Fryer
The Instant Vortex Mini packs multiple cooking modes into a compact and easy-to-clean design. It’s perfect for quick meals or small batches of food. If you’ve been hunting for a budget-friendly air fryer that still delivers crisp, tasty results, this little powerhouse deserves a spot on your shortlist.
Designed with a small countertop in mind, the Vortex Mini brings the essential joys of air frying — from golden fries to roasted veggies — without taking up much space. Though it lands well under the $100 mark, it still hits the key marks most home cooks care about: versatility, simplicity, and ease of maintenance.
What Makes It Great
- Versatile Cooking Modes: You can air fry, roast, bake and reheat with just one appliance — perfect for everyday meals and snack fixes.
- Compact Yet Effective: Its small footprint fits well on tight countertops and is ideal for singles, couples, or small kitchens.
- Easy to Clean: A removable crisper tray makes cleanup fast, so you spend less time scrubbing and more time eating.
- Even Results: The hot air circulation crisps food nicely with far less oil than traditional frying methods.
This air fryer shines for anyone who wants a straightforward, no-fuss appliance that still gets the job done — especially when you’re cooking for one or two. It’s not packed with bells and whistles, but it’s reliable and efficient for daily use.
Pros
Great Value Under $100 — Affordable price tag without compromising essential performance.
Compact Size — Saves countertop space and stores easily.
Simple to Use & Clean — Easy controls and quick cleanup.
Good Cooking Results for Small Batches — Produces crisp and evenly cooked food.
Cons
Limited Capacity for Larger Meals — Best for one or two people; not efficient for big batches.
Basket Isn’t Dishwasher-Safe — You’ll need to wash the main basket by hand.
Requires Some Timing Experimentation — May take a few tries to get your ideal crispness.
Reheat Function Is Basic — Doesn’t fully replace a microwave’s convenience.
If you’re after a compact, straightforward air fryer that’s easy on the wallet and won’t crowd your kitchen, the Instant Vortex Mini 4-Qt is one of the most sensible choices under $100. It’s especially ideal if your goal is healthier everyday cooking without an overload of complicated settings or bulky design.
Budget Air Fryer Buying Tips
- Check capacity first: Don’t buy a large fryer if you only cook for one
- Digital vs manual controls: Digital presets are convenient, but manual dials often last longer.
- Ease of cleaning: Dishwasher-safe, non-stick baskets save time and effort.
- Compare prices: Deals often pop up, even for models just under $100.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What size air fryer should I buy?
The ideal size depends on how many people you cook for.
- 2–3 quarts: Best for one or two people.
- 4–5 quarts: Ideal for small families of three to four people.
- 5–6 quarts or larger: Great for families of four or more and for cooking larger portions.
Choosing the right capacity helps ensure your food cooks evenly without overcrowding the basket.
Can a cheap air fryer cook as well as an expensive one?
In many cases, yes. A well-made budget air fryer can produce crispy fries, chicken, vegetables, and other foods just as well as more expensive models. Premium air fryers may include extra cooking functions, larger capacities, or smart features, but many affordable models deliver comparable cooking performance.
How long do budget air fryers usually last?
A quality budget air fryer typically lasts 3 to 5 years, and many last even longer with proper care. Cleaning the basket after each use, avoiding abrasive scrubbers, and following the manufacturer’s instructions can help extend its lifespan.
Do air fryers use a lot of electricity?
No. Air fryers are generally energy-efficient because they cook food faster than conventional ovens and heat a much smaller cooking space. Most models use between 1,200 and 1,700 watts, making them an economical choice for everyday cooking.
Conclusion
Finding the best budget air fryer under $100 doesn’t have to be difficult. As you’ve seen, there are plenty of affordable models that deliver excellent cooking performance, useful features, and reliable quality without stretching your budget.
Whether you’re looking for a compact air fryer for a small kitchen, a larger model for family meals, or a simple option for everyday cooking, the right choice depends on your cooking habits and the features that matter most to you. Prioritize capacity, ease of cleaning, cooking functions, and overall value rather than focusing on price alone.
Any of the air fryers on this list can help you prepare crispy fries, juicy chicken, roasted vegetables, and many other meals with less oil and less effort. By investing in a quality air fryer under $100, you can enjoy healthier cooking while saving both time and money.
We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options and find the perfect budget air fryer for your home. Once you’ve chosen your favorite, you’ll be ready to enjoy fast, delicious meals without overspending.