Finding a quality air fryer that fits a tight budget can feel like a challenge, but the market is filled with excellent options that deliver performance without the premium price tag. These versatile appliances offer a healthier way to enjoy your favorite crispy foods, from golden french fries to juicy chicken wings, by using rapid air circulation instead of excessive oil.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, there is a model designed for your needs. Our roundup of the best air fryers under $100 for 2025 focuses on capacity, ease of use, and unique features to help you find the perfect match for your kitchen and lifestyle.
Our Top Air Fryer Picks Under $100
- BELLA 2.6 quart Electric Hot Air Fryer
- Big Boss 16Qt Extra Large Glass Air Fryer
- Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt
- Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer
- bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer, Fits-anywhere™
- Chefman TurboFry® Touch Air Fryer, XL 8-Qt
- DASH Tasti-Crisp™ Electric Air Fryer Oven
- Power Vortex XL Digital 10 Quart Air Fryer Pro
- Elite Gourmet Personal Compact Air Fryer
- GoWISE USA 3.7QT Air Fryer
BELLA 2.6 quart Electric Hot Air Fryer
The BELLA 2.6-quart air fryer is a fantastic entry-level model that makes no-oil frying simple and accessible. Its 1500-watt circular heat technology ensures quick, even cooking for crispy golden brown results on everything from french fries to chicken nuggets. The compact design is powerful enough to handle up to 2.2 lbs of food, making it suitable for small families or couples.
Safety and convenience are key with this model. It features a removable, dishwasher-safe basket for easy cleanup and cool-touch parts for safe handling. An automatic shut-off function and a ready indicator light provide added peace of mind, allowing you to cook without constant supervision.
Big Boss 16Qt Extra Large Glass Air Fryer
For those needing to cook for a crowd, the Big Boss 16-quart air fryer is a game-changer. This is more than a fryer; it’s a 4-in-1 cooker with three stainless steel racks that functions as an air fryer, baker, roaster, and grill. Its massive capacity and wide temperature range from 180°F to 400°F make it incredibly versatile for any meal.
A significant benefit of the Big Boss is its health-conscious design. It is 100% free of Teflon and forever chemicals, addressing concerns about non-toxic cooking. The transparent glass bowl lets you monitor food as it cooks, and the dual-bowl design helps keep excess fat away from your food for a healthier crunch.
Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt
The Cosori TurboBlaze stands out with its advanced technology and premium build. It boasts nine cooking functions, including air fry, roast, bake, and even a keep-warm setting, making it a true multi-cooker. The innovative TurboBlaze technology uses a powerful 3600 rpm fan and temperatures up to 450°F to achieve exceptionally crispy and juicy results.
Precision is at the core of this model, with a unique 5-fan speed system and precise temperature control from 90° to 450°F for even cooking. The basket and crisper tray feature a durable, nonstick ceramic coating that is heat-resistant and easy to clean, enhancing both your cooking results and cleanup experience.
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer
From the trusted makers of Instant Pot, the Vortex Plus offers reliability and user-friendly operation. This 6-quart model includes six cooking functions: air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, and reheat. The adjustable temperature range from 95 to 400°F provides great control for achieving perfect texture on a wide variety of foods.
Operation is simplified with one-touch smart programs and an intuitive touchscreen that clearly displays each cooking stage. For those who love guided cooking, access to over 100 in-app recipes helps you get the most out of your appliance. All removable parts are dishwasher-safe, streamlining the cleanup process.
bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer
The bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer is designed for kitchens where counter space is at a premium. Its Fits-anywhere™ design saves up to 50% more space compared to previous models without sacrificing capacity. The XL basket can surprisingly hold up to 3.3 lbs of food, making it ideal for efficient family meal preparation.
This model features the proprietary EverGood ceramic nonstick coating, which is free from PFAS, PFOA, and other harmful chemicals. This ensures healthier cooking and makes cleanup remarkably easy. With six preset cooking options and a 60-minute auto-shutoff with an audible tone, it combines convenience with a thoughtful, compact design.
Chefman TurboFry® Touch Air Fryer, XL 8-Qt
The Chefman TurboFry Touch is an excellent choice for larger families, thanks to its generous 8-quart capacity. Its one-touch digital control panel includes presets for popular foods like fries, chicken, fish, and meat, taking the guesswork out of cooking. This allows you to achieve crispy, healthy results with up to 98% less oil.
A helpful feature is the LED shake reminder, which alerts you to shake the basket for even crispiness on all sides of your food. The nonstick, dishwasher-safe parts make maintenance simple, and the automatic shutoff provides an added layer of safety for worry-free cooking.
DASH Tasti-Crisp™ Electric Air Fryer Oven
The DASH Tasti-Crisp is the ultimate compact air fryer, perfect for singles, couples, dorm rooms, or RVs. Its 2.6-quart capacity and 1000-watt power make it a personal-sized powerhouse. Using AirCrisp Technology, it can reduce added fat by 70-80% compared to traditional frying methods.
Despite its small footprint, it offers a generous cooking surface inside its nonstick basket. The digital interface with timer and temperature control is straightforward to use. Its modern black design looks great in any setting, and the auto-shutoff feature ensures safety and peace of mind.
Power Vortex XL Digital 10 Quart Air Fryer Pro
For those who need maximum capacity, the Power Vortex XL Digital Air Fryer Pro offers a substantial 10-quart cooking space. This model is built for functionality with ten pre-set programs that simplify cooking a wide array of dishes. The digital timer and auto-shutoff provide modern convenience and safety.
A large visible window allows you to monitor your food’s progress without opening the basket and releasing heat. The package includes a crisper tray, a drip tray, and even a rotisserie set, greatly expanding your cooking possibilities. The dishwasher-safe parts make cleaning this large-capacity fryer surprisingly manageable.
Elite Gourmet Personal Compact Air Fryer
The Elite Gourmet personal air fryer is the definition of space-saving efficiency. Its 2.1-quart capacity is perfect for individual portions or small snacks, holding up to 1.5 lbs of food. The 1000-watt convection system cooks food faster and more safely than oil, eliminating splatter and reducing electricity use.
This model promotes healthy eating by enabling you to cook with 85% less oil. The adjustable timer and temperature control (from 180°F to 395°F) offer great versatility, allowing you to fry, bake, grill, and roast. The 30-minute timer with auto-shutoff ensures your food is cooked perfectly and safely every time.
GoWISE USA 3.7QT Air Fryer
The GoWISE USA 3.7-quart air fryer strikes a great balance between capacity and a manageable footprint. This size is versatile enough for small to medium families, capable of preparing a full meal’s worth of food in one batch. It uses rapid air circulation to create a crispy texture with little to no oil.
Known for its user-friendly design, it typically features straightforward digital controls and pre-set functions for popular foods. The non-stick, dishwasher-safe basket makes for easy cleaning after use. It’s a reliable and well-regarded option for anyone seeking a dependable mid-size air fryer.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Fryer under $100
Finding a good air fryer without spending a fortune is totally possible. I have tested a bunch of models, and the key is knowing which features matter most when your budget is firm. Let me walk you through what I look for when I am searching for the best air fryers under $100.
First, consider the capacity. This is probably the most important decision. If you are cooking for one or two people, a 2 to 4-quart model is perfect. It is compact and heats up quickly. For families of three or four, you will want to look at air fryers in the 5 to 6-quart range. This size can handle a decent batch of fries or enough chicken wings for a small group. Anything larger than 6 quarts often pushes past the $100 mark, but you can find great mid-size options.
Next, look at the controls. You will find two main types: digital and analog. Digital touchscreens offer precision. You can set the temperature and time to the exact minute and degree, which I prefer for repeatable results. Analog models use dials. They are incredibly simple and often a bit cheaper. Some people find them more durable. Think about whether you value pinpoint accuracy or straightforward, no-fuss operation.
The design and footprint are also crucial. The classic basket-style air fryer is the most common. It works well for a wide variety of foods. However, if counter space is limited, consider an air fryer with a square or rectangular base; they often fit better against a wall than a round one. Also, check if the model is dishwasher-safe. Having a basket and pan that you can just toss in the dishwasher is a huge time-saver and makes clean-up a breeze.
Do not forget about special features. Many of the best air fryers under $100 now come with pre-programmed settings for things like fries, chicken, steak, and even baking. This can be really helpful if you are new to air frying. A keep-warm function is another nice bonus, ensuring your food is still hot if you are not ready to eat immediately. While you might not get all the bells and whistles of a $200 model, you can still find impressive functionality in this price range.
Finally, read the reviews! Pay close attention to what people say about noise level, how evenly the machine cooks, and how long it lasts. A model might have all the right specs on paper, but real-world performance is what counts. By focusing on capacity, controls, design, and key features, you can confidently find an air fryer that fits both your kitchen and your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are air fryers under $100 actually good?
Yes, absolutely. The technology behind air frying has become more affordable to manufacture. While a $100 model might not have the massive capacity or some of the premium materials of a more expensive one, it performs the core function of circulating hot air to cook food perfectly well. You are getting a highly effective appliance for a great price. Many of the best air fryers under $100 receive ratings that are just as high as their pricier competitors.
What is the ideal capacity for a small family?
For a family of two to four people, I recommend looking for an air fryer with a capacity between 5 and 6 quarts. This size is versatile enough to cook a meal for the whole family at once, like a batch of chicken tenders and fries, without needing to cook in multiple rounds. It strikes a good balance between being useful for family meals without taking up an excessive amount of counter space.
How do I clean my air fryer?
Cleaning is straightforward. Always make sure the unit is completely cool and unplugged. The basket and the pan are almost always removable. I strongly suggest checking if these parts are dishwasher-safe, as this makes cleanup effortless. If washing by hand, use warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. For any stuck-on grease or food, let the basket soak for a few minutes. Wipe down the inside of the machine and the heating element with a damp cloth to remove any oil residue.
Can I bake in an air fryer?
You can! An air fryer is essentially a small, powerful convection oven. This makes it surprisingly good for baking small batches of things like cookies, muffins, or even a small cake. You will need to use an oven-safe dish or pan that fits inside the basket. The hot, circulating air can lead to baked goods that cook faster and are a bit crispier on the outside than in a traditional oven. It is a fantastic way to make a quick dessert without heating up your whole kitchen.
Is an air fryer really healthier than deep frying?
Using an air fryer can be a healthier cooking method compared to deep frying. Traditional deep frying submerges food in hot oil, which the food absorbs. An air fryer needs only a tablespoon of oil, or sometimes none at all, to achieve a similar crispy texture. This can significantly reduce the fat and calorie content of your meals. It is a great way to enjoy your favorite fried foods with less guilt, which is a key reason people look for the best air fryers under $100.