Air fryers have become a kitchen staple, but with so many options, finding the right one can be overwhelming. Our team compared over a dozen models under $100, focusing on cooking performance, ease of use, and value. We looked for consistent crispiness, simple controls, and compact designs that fit countertops without sacrificing capacity. What we found: the best affordable air fryers arenโt the cheapest-theyโre the ones that nail the basics. From a speedy 6-quart powerhouse to a mini model for singles, each pick earned its spot through hands-on evaluation and analysis of owner feedback. Whether you want to roast veggies, reheat leftovers, or cook frozen snacks, our guide has a recommended model for you.
CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer - Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket, Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Digital Timer and Shake Reminder - Black
We picked this for its ultra-compact footprint and digital controls, making it perfect for small counters. The 2-quart capacity handles single servings or sides, and the nonstick basket cleaned up easily in our tests.
- FAST AND EASY: This small air fryer comes prepared for any culinary challenge. The capacitive touch screen display can customize your cooking time and temperature up to a maximum of 400ยฐF! Cook food fast up to three times quicker than an oven.
- HEALTHY COOKING: Say goodbye to excess oil and fat, and hello to healthy cooking. This mini air fryer uses little-to-no oil to make delicious meals that are good for you, too.
- SUPREME SPACE-SAVER: The square basket maximizes its 2-quart capacity. Housed in a sleek, narrow design to keep its countertop footprint small, this airfryer eliminates clutter and extraneous appliances.
- SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Halfway through cooking, the TurboFry Air Fryer automatically notifies you with an audible alarm that itโs time to shake your food for the crispiest results possible.
Chefman Air Fryer - 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black
Our team chose this 4-quart model for its reliable performance and simple interface at a great price. It consistently produced crispy fries and juicy chicken, and its compact size fits most kitchens without being too small.
- FAST AND EASY: This compact air fryer handles any culinary challenge. Customize cooking time and temperature with the digital touch screen display or use one of four preset functions for quick, one-touch meals. Perfect for serving 2-4 people
- 450ยฐF HI-FRY TECHNOLOGY: Achieve the perfect finishing crunch on your air-fried favorites. Increase the heat to 450ยฐF during the final two minutes of cooking: perfect for extra crispy chicken tenders and French fries.
- STYLISH AND COMPACT: The sleek, narrow design of this air fryers maximizes its 4-quart capacity while minimizing its countertop footprint. Its compact size makes it a great space saver, fitting perfectly on your counter or in your cabinets
- HEALTHY COOKING: Enjoy delicious meals with little-to-no oil. This Chefman small air fryer lets you cook healthier, low-fat meals that still taste amazing
bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer, Fits-anywhereโข Kitchenware, EverGoodโข Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature, 6 Preset Cooking Options, 60 Min Auto Shutoff w Audible Tone, 3.3lb Capacity, Oatmilk
We appreciated the slim, vertical design that slips into tight spaces. The ceramic nonstick coating of this Bella model performed well, and the easy-grip handle made shaking the basket simple. Great for small families.
- Slim Design for Any Space: The bella 4qt Air Fryer features a sleek, space-saving design, perfect for fitting into any kitchen while providing enough room for big batches of your favorite foods. Save up to 50% more space compared to prior models
- EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating: Our proprietary coating ensures easy cleanup without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, or cadmium. Enjoy healthier cooking and hassle-free maintenance, making every meal prep a breeze
- XL Basket Capacity: The innovative XL basket of the air fryers holds up to 3.3 lbs of food, perfect for family meals. Cook up large batches of fries, chicken, salmon, and more, all at once, making mealtime faster and more efficient
- Digital Controls: With adjustable temperature and 6 presets - air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, dehydrate - preparing quick and tasty meals has never been easier. Enjoy crispy food fast with 1300 watts of power and circular heat technology
Instant Pot 6QT VORTEX Plus Air Fryer, 6-in-1, Air Fry, Broil, Dehydrate, Crisp, Roast, Reheat, Bake, Dishwasher-Safe Airfryer basket, from the Makers of Instant Pot, Stainless Steel
This 6-quart Vortex from Instant Pot impressed us with its speed and even cooking. The 6-in-1 functions add versatility, and the square basket uses space efficiently. We found it ideal for cooking for 4+ people.
- 6 Cooking Functions: Air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, or reheat with little to no preheating time, all in one easy appliance
- Adjustable Temperature: Dial it in from 95 to 400ยฐF (35 to 205ยฐC) for perfectly crispy, golden, or gooey results-your call
- User-Friendly Operation: One-touch settings make everything from chicken wings to cinnamon buns ridiculously easy while an intuitive touchscreen keeps you in the loop, showing each cooking stage at a glance
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 6-quart capacity handles up to 6 portions, perfect for families, side dishes, or meal prep.
Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt, PFAS-Free Ceramic Coating, 90ยฐ-450ยฐF, Precise Heating for Even Results, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dry, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, Keep Warm, 120V, Dark Gray
The Cosori TurboBlaze stood out for its wide temperature range and PFAS-free ceramic coating. In our evaluation, it delivered the crispiest results and had intuitive presets. It's our top pick for those who want premium features without the high price.
- ๐ผ๐๐ง ๐๐ง๐ฎ๐๐ง ๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐๐: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450โ, achieving crispy, juicy results every time
- ๐๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐๐: Cosori's unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90ยฐ- 450ยฐF temperature control deliver evenly cooked dishes with perfect texture in every bite
- ๐๐๐ผ๐-๐๐ง๐๐ ๐พ๐๐ง๐๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐๐: The basket and crisper tray feature a PFAS-free, nonstick ceramic coating for enhanced durability, heat resistance, and a healthier cooking experience.
- ๐๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐๐: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology helps speed up cooking and save time to deliver perfectly crispy family meals, even on busy days
Key buying factors
Choose based on household size. 2-3 quarts for 1-2 people, 4-6 quarts for families. Consider basket shape-square baskets fit food better than round ones.
Look for at least 200ยฐF to 400ยฐF. Models that go up to 450ยฐF allow for better browning and roasting. A wider range gives more versatility.
Digital touchscreens are easier to clean and offer presets for common foods. Manual dials are simpler but less precise. We prefer digital with intuitive controls.
Ceramic nonstick is safer and more durable than traditional PTFE. PFOA-free is a must. We tested how well food releases and how easy cleanup is.
Measure your counter space. Slim or mini designs save room but may have smaller capacity. Some models are tall-check clearance under cabinets.
Broil, dehydrate, and reheat modes add value. But don't overpay for features you won't use. We prioritized models that do the basics well.
Types explained
2-3 quart capacity, ideal for small kitchens, singles, or couples. They heat quickly and take up minimal counter space.
Best for: Singles, dorm rooms, small countertops4-5 quart capacity, perfect for small families. They balance footprint and capacity, fitting most meals without being bulky.
Best for: Couples and small families6-7 quart capacity, suitable for families of 4+. They can cook whole chickens, large batches of fries, or multiple layers of food.
Best for: Families and meal prepInclude additional cooking modes like broil, dehydrate, and rotisserie. Often larger and more expensive but offer versatility.
Best for: Home cooks who want one appliance for multiple tasksCare & usage tips
Wipe the basket and tray with a soft sponge and mild soap. Most nonstick coatings are delicate-avoid abrasive scrubbers. Allow to cool before cleaning.
Don't crowd the basket; air needs to circulate for even crispiness. Overfilling can cause uneven cooking and may affect the nonstick coating over time.
For models with exposed heating elements, wipe them gently after a few uses. Use a vinegar-water solution to descale if needed, but check your manual first.
Our testing showed that mid-size air fryers (4-6 quarts) offer the best balance of capacity, performance, and countertop fit for most households.
To get the crispiest results, preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes and shake the basket halfway through cooking.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use aluminum foil or parchment paper in my air fryer?+
Yes, but don't cover the entire basket-airflow is key. Use perforated parchment or ensure foil is weighted down so it doesn't touch the heating element.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?+
We recommend preheating for 3-5 minutes to get the crispiest results. Many models have a preheat function, or you can simply run it empty at the desired temperature.
How do I prevent food from sticking?+
Lightly spray or brush the basket with oil before adding food. Most nonstick coatings work well with a tiny bit of oil. Avoid using cooking spray with additives like lecithin, as it can gum up the coating.
Can I cook frozen food directly in the air fryer?+
Absolutely! Air fryers excel at cooking frozen foods like fries, chicken wings, and mozzarella sticks-no thawing needed. Just add a few extra minutes and shake halfway.
Is an air fryer healthier than a deep fryer?+
Yes, because it uses 70-80% less oil. But the healthiness also depends on what you cook-frozen processed foods still have fat and additives. It's great for making crispy vegetables and lean proteins.