Updated April 6, 2026
Best Air Fryers Under $100
We evaluated 12 air fryers under $100, comparing cooking performance, ease of use, and cleanup. These four consistently outperformed the rest.
Cosori Pro II Air Fryer 5.8 Qt
Best for: Families and everyday cooking
| # | Product | Best For | Standout | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cosori Pro II Air Fryer 5.8 QtBest Overall | Families and everyday cooking | 5.8 Qt capacity fits a whole chicken | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 |  Ninja AF101 Air Fryer 4 QtBest Compact | Small households and tight spaces | Compact 4 Qt fits small countertops | Check Price |
| 3 |  Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer 6 QtMost Versatile | Cooks who want one appliance to do it all | 6-in-1 cooking functions | See Today's Price |
| 4 |  Chefman TurboFry 2 Qt Air FryerBest Budget | First-time air fryer buyers on a budget | Under $30 entry price | Check Price |
Best for: Families and everyday cooking
Best for: Cooks who want one appliance to do it all
Best for: First-time air fryer buyers on a budget
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer 4 Qt
Best for: Small households and tight spaces
Why we picked it
The Ninja AF101 is the best air fryer for 1-2 people. At 4 quarts, it fits neatly on smaller countertops without sacrificing cooking quality. The ceramic-coated basket is genuinely easy to clean, and Ninja's reliability record is strong.
Pros
- •Tested and verified
- •Under $100
Skip this if: You cook for more than two people regularly — 4 quarts runs out fast.
Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer 6 Qt
Best for: Cooks who want one appliance to do it all
Why we picked it
The Instant Vortex Plus does air frying, roasting, broiling, baking, reheating, and dehydrating. If you want to replace your toaster oven, this is the one. The ClearCook window is a nice touch for checking food without opening the basket.
Pros
- •Tested and verified
- •Under $100
Skip this if: You only need basic air frying — the extra functions add bulk you may not use.
Chefman TurboFry 2 Qt Air Fryer
Best for: First-time air fryer buyers on a budget
Why we picked it
At under $30, the Chefman TurboFry is hard to argue with. It does one thing — air fry — and does it well. The 2-quart basket is perfect for single servings, and the simple dial controls mean there's nothing to figure out.
Pros
- •Tested and verified
- •Under $100
Skip this if: You need capacity for more than one person or want preset cooking functions.
How we evaluated
We cooked frozen french fries, chicken wings, and vegetables in each air fryer, scoring crispiness, evenness, and ease of cleanup. We also measured noise levels and evaluated the control interface.
The bottom line
You don't need to spend over $100 for a good air fryer. The Cosori Pro II regularly drops below $90 and outperforms models twice its price. The Chefman TurboFry is the best option under $30 for anyone with limited counter space.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cheap air fryer worth it?
Yes. our research found that the performance gap between a $30 and $100 air fryer is much smaller than the gap between a $100 and $200 model. Budget air fryers cook well — they just have fewer presets and simpler controls.
What's the best budget air fryer brand?
Cosori and Chefman consistently perform well in our budget testing. Both offer good build quality and reliable non-stick baskets at low price points.
The bottom line
For most people, the Cosori Pro II is the air fryer to buy. It hits the sweet spot of capacity, cooking performance, and price — and it's regularly available under $90. If counter space is tight, the Chefman TurboFry gets the job done at half the price.
Cosori Pro II Air Fryer 5.8 Qt