I like the delicious texture of fried food, but I don’t like the nutritional content (or lack thereof) of those foods. Cooking delicious, crispy foods and preparing healthier foods shouldn’t be mutually exclusive.
Luckily, with an air fryer, they don’t have to be. I can prepare healthy, tasty meals for the whole family. But who wants to spend a fortune on an air fryer? No one. That’s who.
That’s why I’ve researched the best air fryer under $100. I really liked the COSORI Pro Air Fryer. It has excellent cooking performance while being easy to use and easy to clean.
But it’s just one of the best air fryers under $100 on the market.
Yet, others might have the perfect features for your cooking needs. I’ve broken down the pros and cons of several choices so you can make the best decision.
Let’s take a look at my list of affordably air fryers:
- COSORI 3.7-Quart Pro Air Fryer with Digital Presets: Best Affordable Air Fryer
- Power XL 2-Quart Vortex Air Fryer: Best for Single Servings
- CRUX Artisan Series 4.6-Quart Air Fryer with Touchscreen: Best Safety Features
- Dash Express Tasti-Crisp 2.6-Quart Air Fryer: Best for Snacks
- NuWave Brio 7.25-Quart Air Fryer: Best Large Capacity
- Magic Bullet 2.5-Quart Air Fryer: Best Compact Air Fryer
- Proctor Silvex 2.2-Quart Air Fryer: Best Bargain Pick
- GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart Digital Air Fryer with 8 Presets: Best Digital Air Fryer
- Hamilton Beach 2.64-Quart Air Fryer: Best Small Capacity Air Fryer
- Instant Vortex 6-Quart 4-in-1 Air Fryer: Most Versatile Air Fryer Under $100
So, what is the best air fryer under $100 for you? Keep reading to find out more.
Contents
Best Air Fryers Under $100: Product Reviews
(Note: At the time of research, all these air fryers were available for less than $100, however prices change, so check before buying.)
COSORI 3.7-Quart Pro Air Fryer with Digital Presets: Best Air Fryer Under $100
COSORI air fryers have become quite popular, and it’s easy to see why. This COSORI Air Fryer perfectly marries convenience with performance. With a capacity of 3.7 quarts (3.5 liters), it’s perfect for feeding 1-3 people. Plus, its compact size saves kitchen space.
The COSORI Pro uses rapid air circulation technology, meaning food cooks evenly in less time. The manufacturer claims you can recreate your favorite fried food with 85% less oil.
The temperature range goes from 170°F (77°C) to 400°F (204°C), so it can handle most recipes. And for ultimate convenience, this COSORI air fryer comes with 13 preset programs on a touch screen display, so all you have to do is press it and forget it.
There is a shake reminder for those recipes requiring you to shake the basket in the middle of the cooking process. Users liked this feature.
Another of the presets is a keep-warm function. This is helpful for those times when the food is done cooking before you’re ready to begin eating.
The cooking basket has a non-stick coating and is removable, and is also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Plus, this COSORI air fryer comes with a cookbook of 100 recipes ranging from breakfast, entrees, appetizers, sides, and desserts.
Customers raved about their COSORI Pro Air Fryer. They loved its performance and ease of use.
Users made everything from chicken wings and french fries to tofu and peach dessert with their air fryer. They especially liked the recipe book, the easy-to-use presets, and the detachable, dishwasher-safe basket.
Some users complained of a plastic smell upon the first use, but it went away after a couple of cycles. This is fairly common with air fryers.
This high-quality air fryer is a great value buy, but it is more expensive than other options. It’s at the top end of the price range, sitting right at $100.
Pros
- Touch screen display
- 13 preset programs
- Keep warm function
- Heats up to 400°F (204°C)
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Non-stick cooking basket
Cons
- More expensive
- Some complaints of smell on initial use
If you’d like to see another COSORI option, check out my in-depth review of the COSORI Premium Smart Air Fryer.
Power XL 2-Quart Vortex Air Fryer: Best Air Fryer for Single Servings
The Power XL Vortex Air Fryer has a capacity of 2 quarts (1.89 liters), the perfect size to feed 1-2 people. This compact air fryer saves counter space, as well.
This Powerl XL Vortex air fryer uses Turbo-Cyclonic Power, a fancy term that just means rapid air circulation. Since The Power XL can heat up to 400°F (204°C), you can cook all types of food.
This hot air cooks food evenly and results in crispy food without needing loads of oil. In fact, Power XL claims this air fryer can cook food with up to 70% fewer calories than regular frying.
This appliance comes with a removable non-stick basket for easy loading and unloading of food. What’s more? It’s dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is a breeze.
For safety, this Power XL fryer comes with an automatic shut-off function and a cool-to-touch handle. For convenience, the digital control system has easy-to-use time and temperature controls.
Users praised their results with this Power XL Vortex Air Fryer. They were able to make tater tots, egg rolls, chicken nuggets, and more. They liked the ease of use and the space-saving design.
Some felt this size was too small for them, and others had issues with the cooking plate. It is removable, but you have to remove the rubber bumpers first.
You can snag this Power XL Vortex for around $70, although I found it on sale for $65.
Pros
- Space-saving design
- Heats up to 400°F (204°F)
- Auto shut off
- Non-stick basket
- Dishwasher safe parts, easy to clean
- Digital screen, easy to use
- Includes recipe book
Cons
- Small capacity
- Cooking plate difficult to remove
CRUX Artisan Series 4.6-Quart Air Fryer with Touchscreen: Best Safety Features
The CRUX Artisan Series Air Fryer comes in a sleek stainless steel body that looks great in practically any kitchen.
This fryer can handle up to 4.6 quarts (4.35 liters), so it’s perfect for a family of 4-6. This air fryer features six convenient cooking functions so you can air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate food with ease.
This CRUX air fryer utilizes circular heat technology and requires little to no oil, so you can cook faster and healthier. The manufacturer claims this air fryer preheats 75% faster than traditional ovens, uses 87% less energy, and reduces fat content by 88%.
I’m not sure how they arrived at their exact percentages, but it is true that this air fryer preheats quickly and efficiently. It also has a variable temperature control up to 400°F (204°C), so you can prepare all types of food.
In addition to the easy-to-use touchscreen, this CRUX air fryer also has several safety features. There’s an audible 60-minute auto shut-off function to avoid prolonged heating. There’s overload protection and a cool touch exterior.
What’s more? The cancel button is great for correcting user error in choosing the wrong program. I’m sure that would never happen to you, but my track record isn’t so hot.
As far as cleaning? It’s no problem with the dishwasher-safe, PFOA free air fryer non-stick basket and crisping tray.
Users were pleased with their CRUX Artisan Series Air Fryer and reported great results making zucchini fries, sweet potato fries, chicken wings, shrimp burgers, and more. The multiple cooking function and decent capacity are both popular features.
Some said they would have liked preset cooking times for different foods. The temperature and timing are both manual, so you’ll have to find the times and temps that work for each dish. There were also a couple of isolated incidents where the unit turned on by itself.
This unit will run right at $100. It’s a good option if you like maximum versatility and maximum control over cooking tasks.
Pros
- 6 cooking functions
- Adjustable temperature setting
- Auto shut off timer
- Cancel button
Cons
- Isolated reports of unit powering on by itself
- No automatic cooking time
- More expensive
Dash Express Tasti-Crisp 2.6-Quart Air Fryer: Best for Snacks
Dash makes a variety of brightly-colored small kitchen appliances targeted toward single servings. This Dash 2.6-quart (2.46 liters) Tasti-Crisp air fryer is perfect for 1-2 servings. This is one countertop appliance that can accommodate limited counter space.
But don’t let this compact air fryer fool you; it packs a valuable punch in the kitchen. Using convection heat, this Dash fryer makes healthy cooking attainable. According to the manufacturer, you can use up to 75% less fat compared with traditional frying methods.
This electric air fryer is one of the easiest to use, with just one temperature setting of 400°F (204°C). Simply turn the adjustable dial to set the time for up to 30 minutes, and you’re done.
And with the redesigned basket to provide more cooking space, food gets crispier in less time. But if you forget to set the timer? No worries. The automatic-off function prevents overcooking.
After cooking is complete, the non-stick basket is removable and dishwasher safe for quick cleaning.
User reviews were largely positive regarding this small air fryer. They especially liked using their Dash Express for reheating leftovers and making single batches of snacks, like mozzarella sticks.
Some people complained about the lack of temperature control. There are also reports of problems with mushy fries, while other customers had trouble finding the right cook time.
If you want more control while cooking, this may not be your best option. But if you want an inexpensive air fryer that is easy to use, this one fits the bill. Best of all? You can grab this one for around $50 (at the time of research), making it a good bargain pick.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Space-saving design
- Auto-off function
- Non-stick basket
- Great for single servings
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Small cooking capacity
- No adjustable temperature
NuWave Brio 7.25-Quart Air Fryer: Best Large Capacity
For those of you needing a large air fryer, this NuWave Brio can hold a generous 7.25 quarts (6.86 liters). That’s large enough to cook a whole bird or 2 pounds of french fries. You can easily feed 5-7 people with this air fryer.
This countertop digital air fryer uses hot air in combination with high-speed air circulation to cook food with maximum cooking speed. You can bake, roast, and grill with ease.
For those that like simplicity, there are six presets for fries, frozen fries, nuggets, steak, poultry, and fish. This is a great option for those who like to press it and forget it.
Plus, the LED advanced touch screen menu makes it easy to select the right cooking function.
But for those who want more control, the NuWave air fryer is programmable and features an adjustable temperature. And with a wide temperature range of 50°-400°F (10°-204°C), the possibilities are almost limitless.
As far safety features, this NuWave Brio has an automatic shut-off function, power indicator lights, and a mechanism that prevents the unit from operating unless the drawer is in place.
When it comes to cleanup, this air fryer makes it painless. The drawer and air circulation riser are removable, non-stick, and dishwasher-safe.
Users were impressed with the NuWave Brio air fryer. They used their air fryers to make fried food, steak, chicken wings, salmon, hashbrowns, and veggies. They said the food cooked evenly and quickly. They also liked the large cooking capacity.
Some did say this air fryer took up more kitchen countertop space than other models. With its larger size, that’s no surprise. Just be sure you have the proper storage space.
A few customers said their air fryer suddenly stopped working. A few mentioned that the company sent them a replacement without hassle.
Overall? This digital air fryer is a great value. It’s right at $100, but its size and versatility make it a steal.
Pros
- 6 preset programs
- Wide temperature range
- Programmable
- Digital screen
- Non-stick, dishwasher safe parts
- Great price for the capacity
Cons
- Reports that some fryers quit working
- Takes up more space
Magic Bullet 2.5-Quart Air Fryer: Best Compact Air Fryer
You might recognize Magic Bullet from the popular single-serve blenders, but Magic Bullet now produces a range of kitchen appliances, from blenders and food processors to juicers and air fryers. This Magic Bullet air fryer has a capacity of 2.5 quarts (2.37 liters), an ideal size for serving 1-2 people.
This Magic Bullet air fryer uses all-around convection technology to cook evenly and efficiently. It has a wide temperature range, going from 180°-400°F (82°-204°C). The temperature is also adjustable so that you get delicious food cooked to perfection.
Short on kitchen space? No problem. This air fryer’s compact design fits easily on the kitchen counter or in the cabinet.
Users have made crispy french fries, Brussel sprouts, chicken strips, and egg rolls with the Magic Bullet air fryer. They liked the compact size, the crispy results, and the recipe book with tips for cooking with air fryers.
They also said this air fryer was easy to clean, even though the tray and basket are hand wash only. They did say it was small, and you won’t get that perfect crispy texture if you fill it to the top.
Some also complained of a strong plastic smell. This is normal for air fryers upon the first use or two, but some said the smell lasted longer than expected, and a couple said it flavored their food.
One review recommended letting the plastic smell burn off for 10 minutes. But most users had no issues.
You can find this Magic Bullet air fryer for around $60, although prices can fluctuate. It’s a great value for those who need 1-2 servings.
Pros
- Great for 1-2 servings
- Space efficient
- Adjustable temp control
- Includes recipe book
- Easy to use
Cons
- Small capacity
- Strong plastic smell on initial use
Proctor Silvex 2.2-Quart Air Fryer: Best Bargain Pick
The ideal size for serving 1-2 people, this Proctor Silvex Air Fryer can hold 2.2 quarts (2.08 liters) of food, and it requires little or no oil to air fry delicious meals.
The Proctor Silvex has a temperature range of 200°-400°F (93°-204°C) and has a 30-minute cooking timer. Simply turn the knob to the desired temp and time, and you’re ready to cook!
Although there are no automatic programs, the top of the air fryer does show recommended cooking temps for different types of food. It’s helpful when you’re first getting started.
This air fryer is easy to clean, featuring a removable non-stick basket and crisping insert. They are not safe for the dishwasher, however. Hand washing is a must.
The locking lid and automatic shut-off ensure safe usage, and the cord wrap makes storing this air fryer simple.
Customers used their Proctor Silvex Air Fryer for sausages, frozen tater tots, coconut shrimp, veggies, and of course, chicken and fries.
One user did note that the fries were soggy on the bottom after filling up the basket. Only partially filling it will ensure a crispy texture all the way through.
All of these features are available for around $55, so it’s a great deal.
Pros
- Space-saving
- Easy to use
- Adjustable temp
- Non-stick basket and crisper tray
- Auto shut-off
Cons
- Small size
GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart Digital Air Fryer with 8 Presets: Best Digital Air Fryer
For a medium-sized air fryer under $100, the GoWISE Digital Air Fryer has a capacity of 3.7 quarts (3.5 liters), enough to feed 3-4 people.
This air fryer utilizes rapid air technology that cooks foods by circulating hot air in all directions, ensuring fast and even cooking.
This air fryer is great for beginners. It comes with 8 presets that include: warm, fries, pork, shrimp, cake, chicken, steak, and fish. Plus, the digital LCD display is straightforward and easy to read.
The temperature goes from 180°-400°F (82°-204°C), so it can handle a wide variety of dishes. It has a built-in alarm function that lets you know when the food is done cooking.
After cooking, simply hand wash the removable basket. This air fryer comes with a recipe book and a removable oil container.
Customers loved using this GoWise Air Fryer for sweet potato fries, chicken, grilled cheese, bacon, and sprouts. They said it was quiet while cooking, although several complained that the beep at the end of the cooking cycle was very loud.
However, some people had problems with a peeling non-stick layer. Others said the fryer suddenly quit working. Those were the biggest complaints.
This air fryer is in the mid-range. It will set you back around $85, although that can change.
Pros
- Includes 8 cooking presets
- Decent capacity
- Easy to use
- Wide temperature range
- Includes recipe book
Cons
- Some reports that fryer quit working
- Loud timer beep
- Complaints of peeling non-stick coating
Hamilton Beach 2.64-Quart Air Fryer: Best Small Capacity Air Fryer
Hamilton Beach is a household name, manufacturing a wide range of affordable kitchen appliances. This 2.64-quart (2.5 liters) air fryer is the right size for 1-3 servings, making it a great wedding or graduation gift.
This fryer comes in a sleek gray color and features an easy-to-read digital display. The cool-touch handle and locking lid mean you can cook safely and securely.
This Hamilton Beach Air Fryer uses rapid air technology to get that perfectly crispy, golden brown finish without using much, if any, oil.
This air fryer gives you the perfect blend of ease and control. Use the manual mode or choose from one of six pre-programmed settings: fries, chicken, seafood, steak, baked goods, and veggies.
The removable cooking basket is non-stick for easy cleanup. Just wipe clean and hand wash.
User reviews praised the results they had with this Hamilton Beach air fryer. They made everything from kale chips, zucchini fries and fried ravioli to bacon, mozzarella sticks, and eggs.
While you’ll pay more for this unit than other small air fryers, it still sits comfortably under the $100 mark. This affordable air fryer is available for around $90, making it a superb value pick.
Pros
- Great for 1-3 people
- 6 pre-programmed settings or manual mode
- Safety features
- Non-stick cooking basket
- Temps up to 400°F (204°C)
Cons
- Smaller capacity
Instant Vortex 6-Quart 4-in-1 Air Fryer: Most Versatile Air Fryer Under $100
You’re probably familiar with Instant Pot, but the brand extends beyond electric pressure cookers. Instant Pot also makes air fryers, as well.
This Instant Vortex Air Fryer is larger than other air fryers on the list, a perfect option for those who want to make healthier food for the whole family.
For reference, this fryer has a capacity of 6 quarts (5.68 liters). That’s large enough to hold two pounds of fries or a 4-lb. (1.8 kg) chicken.
The Instant Vortex Air Fryer uses circulating hot air to lock in moisture and cook food evenly. But this appliance isn’t a one-trick pony. You can air fry, bake, reheat, and roast with the Instant Vortex, giving it max versatility.
This fryer has 8 simple touch controls that are easy to use and easy to read on the LCD display. The basket is non-stick, and all the removable parts are safe for the dishwasher.
If that’s not enough? You’ll get instant access to over 1,000 Instant Pot recipes with the downloadable app.
Watch this short video from the manufacturer that explains how to use the Instant Vortex:
So how did customers like the Instant Vortex Air Fryer? The reviews were mostly glowing. Users were able to successfully air fry cheese sticks, salmon burgers, potatoes, and even cookies. They loved the speed of cooking, as well as the ease of use.
Several customers experienced a broken handle. This was a common problem and one of the biggest complaints.
The other main complaint was the strong plastic smell. Several other air fryers have this issue, too, but some said the smell lingered long after the first use or two.
All in all, this Instant Vortex Air Fryer has earned its spot on the list of best air fryers under $100. It’s at the top end of that price range, so expect to pay right at $100 for this air fryer.
Pros
- Large cooking capacity
- 4 convenient cooking functions
- 8 simple touch controls with LCD display
- Easy to clean
- Access to over 1000 Instant Pot recipes
Cons
- More expensive model
- Complaints of strong plastic smell on initial use
- Reports of broken handle
Best Air Fryer Under $100 Buying Guide
How Does an Air Fryer Work?
Air fryers use a combination of heating elements and a high-powered fan to circulate hot air and cook food. This circulating heat speeds up the cooking process while guaranteeing a crispy fried finish. The heating technology works much like convection ovens.
Watch this video showing 8 easy recipes you can make with an air fryer:
What Are the Advantages of an Air Fryer?
With the plethora of kitchen appliances, is an air fryer really worth the precious counter space?
If you like the idea of crispy, golden brown food without the fat, then an air fryer is absolutely worth it.
Air frying allows you to cook food with little to no oil, lowering the calories and fat content of fried foods. It can be a healthier alternative to deep frying for some.
Air Fryers not only provide a potentially healthier alternative to fried foods, they also save time. I don’t know about you, but my oven can seemingly take forever to preheat. Air fryers require much less preheating time, and in some cases, don’t require any.
An air fryer is much like a toaster oven, except it saves on space and cooks food faster. If that’s not enough, air fryers use less electricity than a conventional oven. And if you’ve paid an electric bill lately, you know how valuable that is!
An air fryer is also ideal for reheating leftover or frozen food. Once you’ve tried crispy leftover pizza, there’s no going back to soggy microwaved slices. If you won’t settle for anything but that perfectly crispy texture, an air fryer is the best tool for the job.
Is An Air Fryer Healthy?
An air fryer significantly cuts down on the amount of oil you need to “fry” food, so it saves you calories and fat.
Just for reference, a medium serving of deep fried french fries from a fast food chain will have anywhere from 16-21 grams of fat, whereas a batch of air fryer french fries has 6 grams of fat.
Is it healthy to only eat frozen french fries and chicken nuggets? You can probably answer that. Is using an air fryer preferable to using a deep fryer? Possibly.
If you are trying to reduce your saturated fat intake, or currently deep fry with vegetable oilr, then an air fryer is probably healthier. But, pan-frying using olive oil on low temperature is not unhealthy, for example. And some diets, such as the keto diet, promote high-fat content in food as healthy. (Though there are other issues with deep frying.)
So it depends on what your objectives are and how you are cooking currently.
Plus, you can also use an air fryer with healthy food like sweet potatoes, fish, broccoli, and green beans.
One nice trick is to slice up a vegetable, such as a beetroot, and air fry the slices to get yourself healthy vegetable chips.
A nice bonus is that an air fryer is a safer option. No more hot oil splatters or unevenly cooked food. An air fryer can cook food evenly without splatters or burns.
What Size Air Fryer Do I Need?
When it comes to choosing an air fryer, you have to consider how many people you are cooking for and the capacity of the air fryer.
A good rule of thumb is to have roughly 1.5 quarts (1.4 liters) for each person. So if you’re cooking for one, look for a small fryer, 1-2 quarts (.9-1.9 liters). This size fryer can hold a few snacks or a chicken breast with a serving of fries.
If you’re cooking for a small family, 4-6 quarts (3.8-5.7 liters) should be just about right. You’ll be able to cook a pound of chicken wings or french fries. At this size, you can cook in fewer batches.
For the entertainer, 6-10 quarts (5.7-9.5 liters) can serve all your cooking needs. This size air fryer can take on a whole bird. Or, if you prefer, you can use it for casseroles, pounds of finger foods, or party appetizers.
Basket Style vs. Oven Style
There are two basic styles of air fryers: basket style and oven style.
The first type of air fryer has a removable basket that holds food. There is a handle to pull out the basket and remove the food when the cooking cycle is complete.
The air fryer oven resembles a toaster oven with dials and removable cooking trays. Some are smaller, while others can be quite large. Some of these air fryer ovens will have the capacity for rotisserie or other cooking methods.
Oven-style air fryers are more expensive, so all the fryers on my list are basket-style. I like the simplicity of the basket fryers and the fact that they save countertop space.
Both styles range from simple designs to those that include modern technology like a digital touch screen, one-touch smart programs, and more. The sky’s the limit!
How Do I Use an Air Fryer?
Since all the air fryers I’ve included are basket-style, I’ll stick to explaining how to use that type only.
Using an air fryer is quite simple. Plug in the fryer and turn it on by pressing the power button, if there is one. Some fryers automatically preheat upon plugging them in, and give the fryer a few minutes to preheat.
Once the fryer is ready to cook, use the handle to pull out the air fry basket. Place food inside the basket and insert it back into the base. Some foods might require cooking spray, depending on the recipe.
Air fryers include either a touch screen or a manual cooking timer. Select the desired cooking time or preset cooking program. Then let the air fryer work its magic!
Once the food is done, remove the basket and empty the food or remove it with tongs. Now you’re ready to enjoy oil-free, delicious food.
Should I Get an Air Fryer With Rotisserie?
That really depends on your personal preference and cooking needs. An air fryer oven with rotisserie will be more expensive, so you might find it more difficult to get one on a strict budget.
If you want a rotisserie option, various ovens have that capability. However, due to affordability, none of the ones on our list have a rotisserie function.
What Air Fryer Accessories Do I Need?
Many air fryers include extra accessories to make cooking easier. Common accessories include a nonstick basket, a spatula or food turner, forks or other tools, and extra riser trays or a baking pan to create multiple levels of food.
Are you new to air frying and want some recipes to help get you started? Many air fryers come with recipe books. Recipes can ensure you get the right temperature and cooking times.
Best Air Fryer Under $100: My Recommendation
So the big question is, what’s the best air fryer under $100? My top choice is the COSORI Air Fryer. It’s large enough to feed more than 1-2 people, but it’s small enough to be space-efficient. It has enough bells and whistles for modern convenience while still being easy to use.
The COSORI Air Fryer has the perfect balance of features that make it my top choice for the best air fryer under $100.
