Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier way to enjoy crispy, fried foods without the guilt. For those on a budget, finding a high-quality air fryer that doesn’t break the bank is entirely possible. This guide compiles the best budget air fryers available in 2025, all priced under $100, based on performance, features, and user feedback. From compact models for small kitchens to versatile options with multiple cooking modes, these air fryers deliver excellent value.
Top Budget Air Fryer Picks
1. COSORI Air Fryer 5 Qt
The COSORI Air Fryer Oven 5 Qt is engineered to cook food that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, without needing to add much oil. Nine one-touch cooking presets take the guesswork out of preparing your favorite foods, like steak, chicken, fries, and even desserts. Its 5-quart capacity is perfect for small to medium-sized families, fitting up to 3.5 pounds of fries or a 5-pound chicken. The air fryer heats up to 450°F for that perfect crisp and comes with a tempered glass display for a modern look. Cleaning is a breeze with a non-stick basket that’s dishwasher safe.
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Pros:
- Wide temperature range (170°F–450°F) for versatile cooking
- Intuitive one-touch presets for beginners
- Compact design fits small kitchens
- Dishwasher-safe basket simplifies cleanup
Cons:
- 5-quart capacity may be small for larger families
- Some users report uneven cooking with denser foods
2. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer 4 Qt
Now you can enjoy guilt-free fried food with the Ninja Air Fryer. This 4-quart air fryer uses superheated air to give you crispy results with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. It offers four versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate. The temperature ranges from 105°F to 400°F, allowing you to gently dehydrate snacks or crank up the heat for crispy fries. Its ceramic-coated basket and crisper plate are nonstick and dishwasher safe, making cleanup effortless. The sleek design and compact footprint make it ideal for small countertops.
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Pros:
- Versatile with dehydrate and roast functions
- Fast preheating and consistent results
- Easy-to-clean nonstick components
Cons:
- Smaller 4-quart capacity limits batch sizes
- Controls can feel less intuitive for some users
3. Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer 6 Qt
The Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer combines air frying, roasting, baking, and reheating in one compact appliance. Its 6-quart capacity can handle a 4-pound chicken or a 12-inch pizza, making it suitable for families. The EvenCrisp technology ensures food comes out crispy on the outside and tender inside, with up to 95% less oil than deep frying. Customize cooking with adjustable temperatures (95°F–400°F) and times. The nonstick basket and tray are dishwasher safe, and the sleek stainless steel finish adds a premium touch to your kitchen.
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Pros:
- Larger 6-quart capacity for bigger meals
- Multiple cooking functions for versatility
- Even cooking with reliable crispiness
Cons:
- Takes up more counter space than smaller models
- Learning curve for mastering all functions
4. Dash Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer 2.6 Qt
The Dash Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer is perfect for small households or solo cooks. Its 2.6-quart basket is compact yet capable of whipping up crispy fries, wings, or veggies in minutes. Using AirCrisp technology, it circulates hot air to cook food evenly with little to no oil. The simple interface features a temperature dial (up to 400°F) and a timer, making it user-friendly for beginners. Its lightweight design and small footprint are ideal for dorms or tiny kitchens. The nonstick basket is easy to clean by hand or in the dishwasher.
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Pros:
- Ultra-compact for small spaces
- Simple controls, great for beginners
- Affordable price point
Cons:
- Small capacity limits portion sizes
- Lacks advanced features like presets
5. Chefman TurboFry Air Fryer 3.6 Qt
The Chefman TurboFry Air Fryer delivers crispy, evenly cooked food with a sleek, space-saving design. Its 3.6-quart basket is ideal for small families or couples, fitting enough food for 2–4 servings. The digital touch screen offers precise temperature control (200°F–400°F) and a 60-minute timer. The air fryer uses rapid air technology to cook food with up to 98% less oil than traditional frying. The removable basket is nonstick and dishwasher safe, and the compact size fits easily on any countertop.
Shop Chefman TurboFry Air Fryer on Amazon
Pros:
- Digital controls for precise cooking
- Compact yet powerful for small households
- Excellent value for the price
Cons:
- Smaller capacity than some competitors
- Digital display may be prone to smudges
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Budget Air Fryer
Capacity: Consider how much food you’ll cook at once. A 2–3-quart air fryer suits 1–2 people, while 4–6 quarts works for small families. Larger capacities take up more counter space, so measure your kitchen before buying.
Cooking Functions: Basic air fryers focus on frying, but many budget models now include roasting, baking, reheating, or dehydrating. Multifunction models offer more value if you want versatility.
Controls: Analog dials are simple and durable, ideal for beginners. Digital touch screens offer precision and presets but may be less intuitive for some users.
Ease of Cleaning: Look for nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts to save time. Some models include removable trays for easier maintenance.
Power and Speed: Higher wattage (typically 1200–1700W) means faster cooking. Check temperature ranges—most budget models reach 400°F, but some go higher for better crispiness.
Safety Features: Auto shut-off, cool-touch handles, and sturdy bases prevent accidents. These are standard in most modern air fryers but worth confirming.
Price vs. Value: Budget air fryers under $100 can still offer advanced features like presets or digital controls. Compare warranties—most come with a 1-year guarantee.
For more tips on selecting kitchen appliances, check out Consumer Reports’ Air Fryer Guide.
Why Choose a Budget Air Fryer?
Air fryers use rapid air circulation to mimic deep frying, producing crispy results with significantly less oil. Budget models deliver the same core benefits as premium ones—healthier cooking, faster prep times, and easy cleanup—without the high price tag. They’re ideal for beginners, small households, or anyone looking to save money without sacrificing quality. Most budget air fryers are compact, energy-efficient, and versatile enough to handle snacks, mains, or even desserts.
Common Questions About Budget Air Fryers
1. Are budget air fryers safe to use?
Yes, most budget air fryers include safety features like auto shut-off, cool-touch exteriors, and nonslip bases. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, avoid overfilling, and place the unit on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
2. Can I cook frozen foods in a budget air fryer?
Absolutely. Budget air fryers excel at cooking frozen foods like fries, nuggets, or wings. Many have presets for frozen items, and you typically don’t need to thaw beforehand—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. How do I clean a budget air fryer?
Most models have nonstick baskets that are dishwasher safe or easy to clean with warm, soapy water. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth, and remove crumbs from the interior after each use to prevent buildup.
4. Do budget air fryers come with recipes?
Many include recipe booklets or access to online recipe libraries. Brands like COSORI and Instant offer apps with hundreds of air fryer recipes tailored to their models.
5. Are budget air fryers energy-efficient?
Yes, air fryers use less energy than traditional ovens due to their smaller size and faster cooking times. A typical budget air fryer (1200–1500W) costs pennies per use, depending on local electricity rates.
For additional air fryer recipes and tips, visit Serious Eats’ Air Fryer Collection.
Final Thoughts
Budget air fryers under $100 offer incredible value, combining healthy cooking, convenience, and versatility. The COSORI 5 Qt stands out for its presets and high temperature range, while the Ninja AF101 excels in multifunctionality. For larger families, the Instant Vortex 6 Qt handles bigger portions, and the Dash Tasti-Crisp is perfect for solo cooks. The Chefman TurboFry rounds out the list with its digital precision. Use the buying guide to match your needs, and you’ll find a budget air fryer that delivers crispy, delicious results without straining your wallet.