Best Air Fryers Under $100 (2025) – Top 5 Budget Picks
Looking for the best air fryer under $100 in 2025? You’re not alone. Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances for fast, oil-free cooking – but with hundreds of options out there, it’s hard to know which ones actually deliver crispy, tasty results without breaking the bank.
In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed five top-rated air fryers under $100 that offer the best combination of performance, features, and value. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, these budget-friendly picks punch above their price tag.
Let’s break down the best models for your kitchen in 2025 – plus what to look for when choosing the right one.
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Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.8/5 – Best Overall for Performance
Overview:
The Ninja AF101 is one of the most reliable and best-selling air fryers under $100 for a reason. With a 4-quart ceramic-coated basket, this model delivers consistent, crispy results across fries, chicken wings, vegetables, and more. It offers a wide temperature range (105°F to 400°F), which makes it great for both dehydrating and crisping. The interface is simple and easy to use, and cleanup is quick thanks to dishwasher-safe parts.
Why We Like It:
- Cooks evenly and consistently
- Feels durable and well-built
- Preheats faster than most models in this price range
- Low-profile design fits nicely on most countertops
✅ Key Specs
- Capacity: 4 quarts (serves 2–3 people)
- Temperature Range: 105°F – 400°F
- Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate
- Dimensions: Approx. 13.6″ x 11″ x 13.3″
- Wattage: 1550W
👍 Pros
- Ceramic-coated, non-stick basket
- Preheats in under 3 minutes
- Compact yet spacious
- Dishwasher-safe components
👎 Cons
- Fan is slightly noisy on higher settings
- No cooking presets (just manual buttons)
COSORI Pro LE Air Fryer
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.7/5 — Best for Compact Kitchens
Overview:
The COSORI Pro LE offers sleek design, smart functionality, and powerful cooking in a compact footprint. With a 5-quart capacity, it’s roomy enough for 2–4 servings but won’t take over your counter. The 9 one-touch cooking presets make it easy to prepare everything from chicken and vegetables to frozen snacks and baked goods. The control panel is angled and touchscreen-operated, giving it a modern look and intuitive usability.
Why We Like It:
- Compact and lightweight
- Quiet operation even at high temp
- Pre-programmed cooking modes
- Excellent crisping results with little to no oil
✅ Key Specs
- Capacity: 5 quarts
- Temperature Range: 170°F – 400°F
- Functions: 9 cooking presets + manual
- Dimensions: Approx. 10.8″ x 10.8″ x 11.9″
- Wattage: 1500W
👍 Pros
- Sleek, modern design
- Quiet operation
- Easy-to-read digital interface
- Dishwasher-safe basket
👎 Cons
- No viewing window
- Fingerprints show on the surface (clean often)
Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.6/5 — Best for Versatility & Capacity
Overview:
The Instant Vortex 4-in-1 is a high-capacity, multi-functional air fryer from the makers of Instant Pot. It combines air fry, bake, roast, and reheat functions into one sleek unit. With a 6-quart capacity, it’s ideal for families or anyone who likes to cook in batches. What sets this model apart is EvenCrisp™ technology, which circulates hot air around your food for golden, crunchy results every time—without excess oil.
Why We Like It:
- Large enough to cook a full pound of fries or chicken
- Delivers crispy texture without burning
- Great for batch prep or family-size meals
- Sleek black design with easy-to-use dial interface
✅ Key Specs
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Temperature Range: 120°F – 400°F
- Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat
- Dimensions: Approx. 12.8″ x 11.8″ x 14.9″
- Wattage: 1700W
👍 Pros
- Large capacity without being bulky
- EvenCrisp technology = consistently great results
- Reheat function is excellent for leftovers
- Solid build with simple controlss
👎 Cons
- Larger footprint than most
- Dial-only controls may lack precision for some users
Ultrean 4.2 Qt Air Fryer
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5/5 — Best for Simplicity & Value
Overview:
The Ultrean 4.2 Qt Air Fryer is a budget-friendly favorite that delivers surprising performance for its price point. With a straightforward control dial system and an LCD display, it’s easy to operate—even for beginners. Its non-stick basket, consistent cooking results, and compact design make it a great entry-level air fryer for singles, couples, or anyone trying air frying for the first time.
Why We Like It:
- Incredibly affordable (often under $60)
- Simple controls—ideal for non-techy users
- Great for smaller households
- Compact yet roomy enough for most meals
✅ Key Specs
- Capacity: 4.2 quarts
- Temperature Range: 180°F – 400°F
- Functions: Air Fry, Roast, Grill, Bake
- Dimensions: Approx. 14.2″ x 13.2″ x 13.2″
- Wattage: 1500W
👍 Pros
- Affordable and reliable
- Non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket
- Simple analog controls
- Great for quick snacks and single meals
👎 Cons
- No presets or smart features
- Design is a bit dated
- Fan is a bit loud at times
Dash Tasti-Crisp Air Fryer
Rating: ★★★★☆ 4.5/5 — Best Compact Air Fryer for Small Spaces
Overview:
The Dash Tasti-Crisp is one of the most compact and affordable air fryers on the market. Designed for simplicity, this 2.6-quart model is perfect for singles, students, or anyone with limited kitchen space. Despite its size, it performs surprisingly well—delivering crisp results for fries, nuggets, veggies, and more. The manual dial controls are easy to use, and its lightweight build makes it easy to store between uses.
Why We Like It:
- Ultra-compact footprint
- Ideal for dorms, apartments, or RVs
- Great results with basic foods
- Excellent value under $50
✅ Key Specs
- Capacity: 2.6 quarts
- Temperature Range: 200°F – 400°F
- Functions: Air Fry only (manual timer + temp dials)
- Dimensions: Approx. 10.7″ x 8.7″ x 11.3″
- Wattage: 1000W
👍 Pros
- Very small and lightweight
- Great for quick meals or snacks
- Easy to clean
- Available in multiple colors
👎 Cons
- Too small for families or meal prep
- Lacks digital controls or presets
- No multi-functionality
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📘 Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Fryer Under $100
When shopping for an air fryer under $100, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by features, specs, and marketing jargon. But with a few key considerations, you can find the perfect model for your kitchen and budget. Here’s what to look for:
1. Capacity
Air fryer sizes range from compact 2-quart units to family-friendly 6-quart models.
- 2–3 quarts: Ideal for singles or couples
- 4–5 quarts: Great for small families
- 6+ quarts: Best for batch cooking or meal prep
Choose the size based on how many people you typically cook for – and how much counter space you can spare.
2. Controls & Presets
Air fryers come with either manual dials or digital controls.
- Manual models (like Dash or Ultrean) are simple, budget-friendly, and beginner-friendly.
- Digital models (like COSORI or Instant Vortex) often include presets, timers, and more precision.
If you want quick, set-it-and-forget-it cooking, go digital. If you prefer simplicity, manual may be all you need.
3. Ease of Cleaning
Look for:
- Non-stick baskets
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Minimal interior crevices
Air fryers with removable baskets and dishwasher-safe trays save a lot of time after meals.
4. Wattage & Performance
Higher wattage = faster preheat and cook times.
Most models under $100 range between 1000W and 1700W, which is plenty for daily use.
Just be sure your kitchen outlets can handle it – especially with larger models.
5. Footprint & Storage
If you’re in a small apartment or kitchen, check the dimensions before buying.
- The Dash and COSORI models are space-saving.
- Larger options like Instant Vortex may need more dedicated space.
Tip: Measure your counter or cabinet clearance before committing to a 6-quart model.
6. Additional Functions
Some air fryers also:
- Roast, bake, reheat, or dehydrate
- Include smart features (rare under $100)
- Come with accessories like racks or baskets
If versatility matters to you, models like the Ninja AF101 or Instant Vortex are strong all-in-one options.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are air fryers under $100 worth it?
Yes — many air fryers under $100 offer excellent performance, especially for everyday cooking. While they may lack premium features like smart apps or dual baskets, you can still get powerful heating, even crisping, and easy cleanup in this price range.
What can I cook in an air fryer under $100?
Most air fryers at this price point can handle:
- Frozen snacks (fries, nuggets, mozzarella sticks)
- Chicken wings, thighs, or tenders
- Roasted vegetables
- Small baked goods
- Reheated leftovers
Larger models (5–6 quarts) can even cook a whole chicken or small roast.
How long do budget air fryers last?
With regular cleaning and proper use, a quality air fryer under $100 can last 2–3 years or more. Models from trusted brands like Ninja or COSORI tend to hold up better over time.
Do air fryers under $100 have presets or smart features?
Some models (like the COSORI Pro LE) offer presets and digital controls. Most don’t have Wi-Fi or app controls, but they still deliver reliable one-touch functionality.
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Final Verdict
Choosing the best air fryer under $100 doesn’t mean compromising on performance. Each of the five models we’ve reviewed offers solid value, but the best choice comes down to your kitchen size, cooking needs, and feature preferences.
Here’s our quick recommendation:
- 🥇 Best Overall: Ninja AF101 – Reliable, powerful, and built to last. A great all-around performer.
- 🏠 Best for Small Kitchens: COSORI Pro LE – Compact, quiet, and sleek with digital presets.
- 👨👩👧👦 Best for Families: Instant Vortex 4-in-1 – Big capacity and EvenCrisp tech for batch cooking.
- 💰 Best Budget Option: Ultrean 4.2 Qt – Solid results at a great price.
- 🎯 Best for Singles or Dorms: Dash Tasti-Crisp – Simple, tiny, and surprisingly effective.
No matter which you choose, you’ll enjoy quicker meals, crispier textures, and healthier cooking — all for less than $100.
