Best Air Fryers Under $100

Here is the good news, and it is genuinely good news: you do not have to spend a fortune to get a great air fryer. You can spend under $100 and end up with crispy fries, juicy chicken, and reheated pizza that actually tastes like pizza again.

That is not us being generous to fit a price cap. It is physics. Every air fryer works the same basic way, a heating element plus a fan that whips hot air around your food. That is why basic crisping performance plateaus cheaply. Tasting Table makes the point bluntly: a solid pod-style unit around $70 to $80 will air fry just as well as a model that costs three times more. The extra money buys features and capacity, not better fries.

So who is this guide for? First-time buyers who want reassurance they are not being cheap in a way they will regret. Replacement buyers whose old unit gave up. Anyone who wants a short, trustworthy list of specific models with real prices so they can buy today and get on with dinner. If that is you, you are in the right kitchen.

One thing worth knowing up front: the under $100 bracket is not the bottom of the barrel. Consumer Reports notes that air fryers in its ratings run from $30 to $350, but most models sell for $100 or less. You are shopping the heart of the market, not the scraps.

The picks at a glance

Prices swing with sales, so always re-check the live number before you buy. A few of these are reliably under $100 every day; a couple only slip under the line when they are discounted, which we flag below.

Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer (2.6 Qt)

The Yolk: The tiny, quiet one that costs about as much as a few takeout orders.

This is the cheapest credible pick on the list. At roughly 2.6 quarts and around six pounds, it is built for one or two people, dorms, RVs, and kitchens where counter space is precious. Consumer Reports rated it among its highest-scoring compact models and gave it a top noise score, so it is one of the quietest you can buy.

Pros

• Very inexpensive, very compact, and light enough to stash in a cupboard
• One of the quietest air fryers in Consumer Reports testing
• Simple digital controls, dishwasher-safe nonstick basket, auto shut-off

Cons

• Small basket fits about 1 to 2 servings, not a family
• TechGearLab's hands-on cooking found crisping merely average and fries not very crispy, with corners darkening early
• Basic feature set, short 1-year warranty, and 1000W means slower preheat than 1500W rivals

Skip it if you cook for more than two people or want restaurant-level crunch.

EggBoo Verdict: A brilliant little starter or second air fryer when budget and counter space matter most. Just go in knowing the crisping is fine rather than fantastic.

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Chefman RJ38-2T (1.8 Qt)

The Yolk: The bare-bones solo mini that punches above its rock-bottom price.

If you want a Consumer Reports-recommended single-serving unit for as little as possible, this is it. Consumer Reports lists it among its recommended models, with excellent noise and cleaning scores. It is the no-frills counterpart to fancier minis: a digital display, dishwasher-safe basket, and not much else.

Pros

• Consumer Reports recommended, with strong noise and cleaning scores
• Straightforward controls and a dishwasher-safe basket
• Very cheap with a very small footprint

Cons

• Tiny 1.8 qt capacity is genuinely single-serving
• No programmed presets and no extra accessories
• Short 1-year warranty, and it can go in and out of stock

Skip it if you ever cook for two at once or want any presets.

EggBoo Verdict: The honest pick for a true party of one. Confirm the exact listing and availability before you buy, because this model comes and goes.

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Cosori Lite 4.0-Quart Smart Air Fryer

The Yolk: Smart features and Cosori build quality without the premium sticker.

This is the step up from rock-bottom minis. You get app and voice connectivity, which is rare under $100, plus 150-plus in-app recipes. At 4 quarts it is a usable size for one to three people without hogging the counter. Reviewers are warm on it: TopTenReviews, TechRadar, and The Kitchn all praise its strong, even crisping, with one outlet calling it a fantastic appliance for under $100.

Pros

• Smart app and voice connectivity, unusual at this price, plus 150-plus recipes
• Quiet, easy to use and clean, with dishwasher-safe basket and tray
• Strong, even crisping per multiple review outlets

Cons

• Can underperform if you overcrowd the basket
• Plastic-heavy build with standard nonstick, not the PFAS-free ceramic of pricier Cosori models
• Multiple color SKUs exist, so confirm the exact listing and price

Skip it if you want a large family-size basket or a metal-heavy build.

EggBoo Verdict: One of the best sub-$100 values for solo and couple cooking, especially if app control appeals. Note this 4.0-quart Lite is a different unit from the smaller 1.7-quart Cosori Lite mini.

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Ninja Air Fryer AF101 (4 Qt)

The Yolk: The proven, everywhere-recommended compact that earned its reputation.

If you want the safest, most-reviewed compact air fryer, this is the default. The 1550W fan delivers strong, fast crisping for its size, with reviewers citing results around 85 percent of what a deep fryer gives. The ceramic-coated basket is more durable and PFOA-free, unlike cheap Teflon rivals, and it has a massive base of five-star ratings and a long track record as a bestseller.

Pros

• Powerful 1550W fan for strong, fast crisping
• Ceramic (PFOA-free) coated basket, more durable than cheap nonstick
• Air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate, with a huge, glowing review base

Cons

• 4 qt is small for families, really a 1 to 2 person unit
• Louder than a microwave, though quieter than a blender
• Hand-washing is recommended to protect the coating despite the dishwasher-safe claim
• Often sits right at the $100 line at full price, so buy on a dip

Skip it if you need to feed four or more in one batch.

EggBoo Verdict: Widely called the gold standard compact, and for good reason. Catch it on a dip toward $80 and it is hard to beat.

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Instant Vortex Plus 4QT Mini Air Fryer

The Yolk: A touchscreen Instant-brand compact that cooks evenly and cleans up easy.

Built for students, singles, and small families, this 4-quart unit uses Instant's EvenCrisp tech for strong, even results. The touchscreen and one-touch smart programs are intuitive, it covers six functions from air fry to dehydrate, and reviewers cite impeccable cooking performance with easy cleanup. The trade-off is value: it costs a bit more than the average air fryer of this size.

Pros

• EvenCrisp tech with strong, even cooking
• Intuitive touchscreen and six functions
• Dishwasher-safe basket and a trusted brand with broad availability

Cons

• Pricey for a 4 qt, so it can creep toward the top of the budget
• Smaller basket than 6QT siblings for similar money on sale
• Touchscreen-only with no dial

Skip it if you want maximum capacity per dollar or prefer a physical dial.

EggBoo Verdict: A polished, easy-to-live-with compact. Just confirm you are buying the 4QT Mini model and not a pricier 6QT version to stay under $100.

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Cosori TurboBlaze 6 Qt (9-in-1)

The Yolk: The most-loaded ~$100 all-rounder, with a genuine ceramic upgrade.

If you want the best near-$100 unit for a family, start here. It packs the most complete feature set in the bracket: nine functions, a wide 90 to 450F range, and a fast TurboBlaze fan that cooks noticeably quicker than the older Cosori Pro. The PFAS-free ceramic coating, no PTFE, PFOA, lead, or cadmium, is a real upgrade over standard nonstick. The big square 6-quart basket handles family-size batches, and it earns consistently high ratings across a very large base of reviews.

Pros

• Most complete feature set under ~$100: nine functions and a wide temperature range
• PFAS-free ceramic coating, a genuine upgrade over standard nonstick
• Big square 6 qt basket, with consistently high ratings across a very large base of reviews

Cons

• At full list (~$119) it is over budget, so rely on the frequent ~$89 Amazon price
• A few reviewers (TechRadar) report somewhat inconsistent results on certain foods
• Larger footprint and touchscreen-only controls

Skip it if your counter is tight or you only ever cook single servings.

EggBoo Verdict: Our pick for the best all-rounder near $100. Buy it when it sits around $89 and you are getting genuine value, ceramic and all.

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Chefman TurboFry Touch 8 Qt

The Yolk: The most basket you can buy per dollar, for batch cooks on a budget.

This is the one for families of four to six, batch cooking, and whole-chicken or large-tray jobs without overspending. The 8-quart basket is enormous for the price. You also get a digital touchscreen with presets, a viewing window, a dishwasher-safe basket and rack, and auto shut-off. The honest catch: reviewers flag inconsistent performance, with the temperature running roughly 17F low.

Pros

• Very large 8 qt basket at a low price, excellent capacity per dollar
• Digital touchscreen with presets, viewing window, dishwasher-safe basket and rack
• Owners praise the ease of use, size, and crispy results

Cons

• Consumer Reports and TechGearLab note inconsistent performance and temps running ~17F low
• Some owners report touchscreen sensitivity and basket quality complaints
• Big footprint and overkill for 1 to 2 people

Skip it if you cook small or want pinpoint temperature accuracy.

EggBoo Verdict: Unbeatable on capacity per dollar if you batch-cook for a crowd. Because it is sold as a multi-SKU family, confirm the exact listing before you buy and expect to add a few extra degrees to dial in your results.

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What you give up under $100

Here is the honest part, because it would not be a Good Eggs guide without it. Staying under $100 mostly costs you convenience and longevity, not cooking quality.

• Fewer or no presets. Budget units typically give you basic temperature and timer controls and limited one-touch programs. The cheapest ones sometimes use an analog dial, which is less precise to set than a digital touchpad.
• Less precise temperature control. Higher-end models tend to run more accurate temps with better insulation. Budget units can run hotter or cooler than the dial says, which is exactly why the Chefman 8 qt above runs about 17F low.
• Louder fans and possible wear. Fan noise is a recurring complaint on cheaper units, and a grinding or clicking fan can signal a failing bearing down the line.
• Basic coatings. Cheaper baskets use more basic nonstick that can wear over time. The Cosori TurboBlaze's PFAS-free ceramic is the exception that proves the rule.
• Smaller real capacity. Usable space is routinely smaller than the quart number on the box, and plenty of people who buy a tiny 2 to 3 qt unit quickly regret it.
• Shorter warranties. Budget models commonly carry a 1-year warranty, versus 2 to 3 years on premium. And because repairs run roughly 73 percent of retail, replacing a failed budget unit is usually smarter than fixing it.
• No premium extras. You give up dual baskets, rotisserie modes, and on most models, Wi-Fi and voice control (the Cosori Lite being a happy exception).

None of that changes the core truth: the fries come out great. You are trading polish and lifespan, not flavor.

How we picked

EggBoo does not run a test lab, and we will never pretend otherwise. Our research-based approach is to analyze published specifications, track real street and sale prices, and read aggregated reviews from sources owners actually trust.

For this guide that meant cross-referencing Consumer Reports, Tom's Guide, RTINGS, TechGearLab, Food Network, The Kitchn, TechRadar, and TopTenReviews, plus retailer listings and the price-history tool camelcamelcamel to sanity-check whether a model is genuinely under $100 or only on sale. We weighted three things heavily: real-world crisping as described by reviewers, honest usable capacity rather than the box number, and price stability, because an air fryer that is only briefly under $100 is not really a budget pick.

Prices here are approximate and move with sales, so we flag the models that only dip under $100 when discounted. Always confirm the live price before buying. For a deeper walk through specs, sizes, and features, see our guide on how to choose an air fryer, and if you are torn between sizes, our air fryer finder tool narrows it down in a minute.

FAQ

Are cheap air fryers any good?

Yes, for the core job. Every air fryer crisps the same way, a heating element plus a fan, so a solid sub-$100 unit delivers roughly the same fries and chicken as a premium one. Reviewers find budget models hit 85 to 90 percent of premium crisping. The catch is fewer presets, more basic coatings, and shorter warranties, not worse food.

What is the cheapest decent air fryer, not just the cheapest?

Aim for the $50 to $95 sweet spot rather than the rock-bottom $25 to $35 units. Above about $50 you get reliable 400F heat, a usable 4 to 6 qt basket, and a real brand warranty. RTINGS and multiple 2026 roundups point to models like the Ninja AF101, Cosori Lite, and Instant Vortex in this band. Below $50, capacity gets cramped fast.

Is it worth spending more than $100 on an air fryer?

Only if you want the extras, not better frying. More money buys presets, dual baskets, Wi-Fi and voice control, dehydrate and roast modes, a sturdier build, and a longer warranty. If you mainly want crispy fries, chicken, and reheats, a sub-$100 unit does that just as well.

What size air fryer do I need on a budget?

Roughly 1 quart per person. Figure 2 to 3 qt for one or two people, 4 to 5 qt for a family of four (that fits a whole chicken or a 9-inch pizza), and 6 qt or more for five or more. Usable space is smaller than the box claims, so size up if you are unsure. The price gap between a 3 qt and a 5 qt is often only $10 to $15. If you are cooking for two, our guide to the best air fryers for two people goes deeper, and if counter space is the real constraint, see the best air fryers for small kitchens.

Do cheap air fryers break quickly?

They can have shorter lifespans, but care matters more than price. A well-maintained budget unit can outlast a neglected expensive one. Common budget failure points are fan-bearing noise and coating wear. Warranties are usually 1 year, and since repairs cost about 73 percent of retail, replacement is normally the move. A few simple habits go a long way, mostly avoiding the common beginner mistakes like overcrowding the basket and skipping regular cleaning.

Are budget air fryers loud?

Often noticeably louder than premium models. Fan noise is a recurring complaint on cheaper units, and a grinding or clicking fan can signal a failing bearing, which counts as a warranty defect. Noise does not reliably improve with price, but the very cheapest units tend to be the buzziest. The Dash Tasti-Crisp above is a happy exception, scoring among the quietest in Consumer Reports testing.