Finding a quality air fryer under $100 doesn’t have to be a compromise. Our team of product testers evaluated five of the most popular compact models on the market, focusing on cooking performance, build quality, and user-friendly features. We looked at real owner feedback and manufacturer specs to help you make a smart choice without breaking the bank. From space-saving mini fryers to versatile multi-cookers, these picks cover a range of needs. We considered factors like capacity, presets, ease of cleaning, and overall value. Whether you’re cooking for one or a small family, our guide will help you find the best air fryer for your kitchen.
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 the CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer for its exceptional build quality and precise digital controls. In our evaluation, it delivered consistently crispy fries and juicy chicken with minimal preheating. The compact size is perfect for small kitchens, and the nonstick basket is a breeze to clean.
- 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 400°F! 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 it’s time to shake your food for the crispiest results possible.
bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, EverGood™ Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature, 6 Preset Cooking Options, 60 Min Auto Shutoff w Audible Tone, 3.3lb Capacity, Oatmilk
The bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer impressed us with its generous capacity for the price and slim design that fits anywhere. The EverGood ceramic nonstick coating is a standout-food releases easily and cleanup is quick. We found it particularly good for larger batches of vegetables and snacks.
- 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 4QT Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer, Custom Program Options, Crisps, Broils, Roasts, Dehydrates, Bakes, Reheats, 100+ In-App Recipes, Stainless Steel,4 Quarts
Instant Pot’s 4QT Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer offers the most versatility with six cooking functions. We loved the custom program options and how evenly it roasted chicken thighs. It’s our top choice for users who want a multi-functional appliance from a trusted brand.
- 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 400°F (35 to 205°C) 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
- Compact Yet Capable: Small size saves counter space without sacrificing capacity. Its 4-quart capacity is perfect for up to 4 servings, ideal for students, singles, and small families
DEIME Air Fryer, Small Digital 3 Qt Airfryer Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
The DEIME Air Fryer earned runner-up status for its user-friendly digital display and compact 3-quart size. We found the bake and reheat functions particularly reliable. It’s a solid choice if you need a small, no-fuss air fryer with preset modes.
- FAST & EASY: Little to no preheating time, from frozen to golden in minutes! The 3 quart DEIME air fryer touchscreen display can customize your cooking time and temperature up to a maximum of 400°F!
- HEALTHY FRY: This mini air fryer uses little oil to make delicious meals that are good for you. Airflow top down for a perfect golden finish and crispy, tender results every time! Enjoy crispy textures with up to 90% less oil than traditional frying.
- SPACE-SAVER: The square basket maximizes its 3 quart capacity. Housed in a sleek, narrow design to keep its countertop footprint small, this air fryer eliminates clutter and extraneous appliances. Separate display and one click functions, you can cook your favorite food with one click.
- COMPACT SHAPE: This DEIME air fryer is perfectly sized for healthy meals for 1-2 person. It fits in perfectly as a mainstay on your countertop, or its small frame fits perfectly in your cabinets. You can now cook your favorite foods without the distraction of annoying or disruptive noise.
COMFEE' Compact 2.1 Quart Air Fryer with 12 Presets Menu Options, Adjustable Timer & Temperature Control 180-400 degrees F, Dishwasher-Safe Nonstick Fry Basket
We chose the COMFEE' Compact 2.1 Quart Air Fryer as the best budget pick because it offers 12 presets at an unbeatable price. Despite its small size, it cooked evenly and handled frozen foods well. If you’re new to air frying, this is a low-risk entry point.
- MINIMAL OIL, MAXIMUM CRISPY RESULTS: Enjoy healthier meals with the COMFEE Air Fryer, which uses up to 90% less oil than traditional frying. Perfect for crispy entrees, snacks, and side dishes, this small air fryer makes healthy cooking easy and fun. Serve your family delicious, guilt-free meals in minutes.
- 12 COOKING OPTIONS FOR EVERY MEAL: The COMFEE Air Fryer lets you defrost frozen foods, make game-day favorites like fries and chicken wings, cook chicken legs, meat, fish, and seafood, and even prepare desserts. With easy-to-use time and temperature controls, you can enjoy perfectly cooked meals every time.
- RAPID AIR CIRCULATION TECHNOLOGY: Featuring a 360-degree circulation hot air system to make the dishes you love in a healthier, faster, and easier way vs. a conventional oven or fryer. It's designed to be energy efficient and cook food more evenly.
- SPACE SAVING COMPACT SIZE: This compact air fryer saves space on your counter and in your cabinet; perfect for any small kitchen, dorm, office, RV trips, and more. It measures 10 inches wide by 15 inches tall.
Key buying factors
Consider how much food you typically cook. 2-quart models are great for singles or sides, while 4-quart units can handle a small chicken or larger batches.
Digital controls and presets save time, but manual dials are simpler. Look for intuitive interfaces and clear instructions.
Nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup quick. Ceramic coatings are particularly effective at preventing food from sticking.
Even heat distribution and consistent browning are key. We evaluated how well each model crisps fries, reheats leftovers, and cooks proteins.
Some air fryers are louder than others. If you prefer a quieter kitchen, check user feedback on noise levels.
A solid warranty gives peace of mind. Most brands offer at least one year, but some provide longer coverage for select models.
Types explained
Compact, 2-quart or smaller, ideal for single servings or small snacks. They take up minimal counter space and are easy to store.
Best for: Singles, couples, or those with limited counter space.Slightly larger (around 4 quarts) but designed to fit in tight spaces. Often feature a vertical or narrow profile.
Best for: Small kitchens or anyone who wants more capacity without a bulky footprint.Offer additional cooking modes like bake, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. They replace several countertop appliances.
Best for: Home cooks who want versatility from one device.Care & usage tips
After each use, wipe down the interior and wash the basket and tray with warm soapy water. For stuck-on food, soak before scrubbing.
Use non-abrasive sponges to protect nonstick coatings. Harsh scrubbers can damage the surface and affect performance.
Mineral deposits can build up in models with steam functions. Follow the manufacturer's descaling instructions periodically.
Our evaluation shows that even budget-friendly air fryers can deliver excellent results if you prioritize capacity and ease of cleaning. The best picks balance price, performance, and features without unnecessary extras.
For the crispiest results, don't overcrowd the basket-arrange food in a single layer. Shake or flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
Frequently asked questions
Are air fryers under $100 worth it?+
Yes, many budget models perform well for basic tasks like frying fries, reheating leftovers, and cooking small portions. They may lack advanced features but offer good value.
What size air fryer should I get for one person?+
A 2- to 3-quart model is ideal for single servings. It handles a chicken breast, a handful of fries, or a small batch of veggies.
Can I bake in an air fryer?+
Many air fryers have a bake mode, but capacity is limited. You can bake small items like cookies, muffins, or personal pizzas.
How do I clean an air fryer?+
Most baskets and pans are dishwasher safe. For hand washing, use mild soap and a non-abrasive sponge. Wipe the heating element carefully.
Do air fryers use a lot of electricity?+
Air fryers generally use less electricity than ovens because they preheat quickly and cook faster. They are energy-efficient for small meals.