Shopping for a budget-friendly air fryer that wonโ€™t leave you stranded without support? Weโ€™ve been there. Our team evaluated five models under $100 that come with solid warranties, so you can cook crispy food without worries. We considered capacity, ease of use, cooking performance, and warranty terms. Whether you need a compact model for one or a larger unit for a family, our picks deliver on both value and peace of mind. Hereโ€™s what we found after hours of testing and research.

#1
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
Best Budget

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 because it's the most affordable compact model without sacrificing quality. The 2-quart size is perfect for singles, and the warranty gives peace of mind.

  • 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 itโ€™s time to shake your food for the crispiest results possible.
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#2
Gourmia Air Fryer - 6 Qt Large Capacity, FryForce 360ยบ, Digital Display with 12 Presets, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Dishwasher Safe Accessories, Black
Best Value

Gourmia Air Fryer - 6 Qt Large Capacity, FryForce 360ยบ, Digital Display with 12 Presets, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Dishwasher Safe Accessories, Black

We chose this for its large 6-quart capacity and comprehensive warranty at a low price point. The FryForce 360 technology ensures even cooking, which we found impressive for the cost.

  • Family Cooking - 6 Qt Capacity Digital Air Fryer : Serves 3-4 people with ease, from weeknight meals to weekend snacks.
  • Preset Convenience - 12 One-Touch Functions : Air fry, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, and more at the touch of a button.
  • FryForce 360ยฐ Technology - Crispy, Light Results : Enjoy golden fries, nuggets, and wings with little to no oil.
  • Easy Cleanup - Nonstick, Dishwasher-Safe Basket : Basket and crisper tray are removable and top-rack safe.
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#3
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
Best Premium

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

Our pick for best premium budget air fryer because of its versatile 9-in-1 functions, wide temperature range, and PFAS-free ceramic coating. The warranty is longer than most competitors.

  • ๐˜ผ๐™ž๐™ง ๐™๐™ง๐™ฎ๐™š๐™ง ๐™๐™ฅ๐™œ๐™ง๐™–๐™™๐™š: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450โ„‰, achieving crispy, juicy results every time
  • ๐™ƒ๐™š๐™–๐™ฉ๐™ž๐™ฃ๐™œ ๐™๐™ฅ๐™œ๐™ง๐™–๐™™๐™š: Cosori's unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90ยฐ- 450ยฐF temperature control deliver evenly cooked dishes with perfect texture in every bite
  • ๐™‹๐™๐˜ผ๐™Ž-๐™๐™ง๐™š๐™š ๐˜พ๐™š๐™ง๐™–๐™ข๐™ž๐™˜ ๐™๐™ฅ๐™œ๐™ง๐™–๐™™๐™š: The basket and crisper tray feature a PFAS-free, nonstick ceramic coating for enhanced durability, heat resistance, and a healthier cooking experience.
  • ๐™๐™ž๐™ข๐™š ๐™๐™ฅ๐™œ๐™ง๐™–๐™™๐™š: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology helps speed up cooking and save time to deliver perfectly crispy family meals, even on busy days
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#4
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
Runner-Up

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

We selected this as runner-up for its consistent performance and 6-in-1 versatility. It's a reliable choice from a trusted brand with a solid warranty.

  • 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.
Check Price on Amazon โ†’
#5
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
Best Compact

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

We chose this for its compact 4-quart size that still cooks meals for two. The warranty and ease of cleaning made it a top contender in our tests.

  • 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
Check Price on Amazon โ†’

Key buying factors

Capacity

Consider how many people you typically cook for. Compact 2-quart models suit singles or sides, while 6-quart units handle family meals.

Warranty

Look for at least a one-year warranty. Some brands offer longer coverage, which indicates confidence in build quality.

Temperature Range

A wider range (e.g., 90ยฐF-450ยฐF) allows for dehydrating, proofing, and more precise cooking beyond just frying.

Presets and Functions

Presets simplify cooking common foods. More functions (bake, broil, dehydrate) add versatility without extra cost.

Ease of Cleaning

Nonstick coating and dishwasher-safe parts save time. PFAS-free coatings are a plus for health-conscious users.

Size and Footprint

Measure your counter space. Compact models are easier to store, but larger ones may require more room.

Types explained

Compact Air Fryers

Small 2-4 quart models ideal for individuals or couples. They take up minimal counter space and are great for quick snacks.

Best for: Singles, dorm rooms, or limited counter space
Mid-Size Air Fryers

4-6 quart models that balance capacity and footprint. Suitable for small families or frequent home cooks.

Best for: Small families, batch cooking
Large Capacity Air Fryers

6+ quarts for families or meal prepping. Often include extra functions like dehydrate and rotisserie.

Best for: Large families, entertaining

Care & usage tips

Hand Wash or Use Dishwasher

Most baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe. For nonstick, hand wash with soft sponge to prolong coating life.

Avoid Abrasive Cleaners

Steel wool or harsh chemicals can damage nonstick surfaces. Use mild detergent and a non-abrasive pad.

Dry Thoroughly

After washing, dry all parts completely before storing to prevent rust or mold. Wipe the heating element gently with a damp cloth.

Why this matters

We found that even budget air fryers with decent warranties can outperform pricier models. Don't assume you need to spend more for reliability.

Pro tip

When comparing warranties, note whether it covers the entire unit or just the heating element. We prefer brands that offer hassle-free returns or replacements within the warranty period.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best cheap air fryer with a warranty?+

Our top pick is the CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer for its compact size, reliable performance, and warranty coverage. It's ideal for singles or small portions.

How long should the warranty be on an air fryer?+

We recommend at least one year. Some brands like Cosori offer two years, which adds peace of mind for a budget appliance.

Can I use aluminum foil in a cheap air fryer?+

Yes, but avoid covering the basket completely. Ensure proper air circulation and check the manual for specific guidelines.

Do cheap air fryers cook as well as expensive ones?+

In our experience, many budget models perform admirably for basic frying and roasting. Higher-end models may offer more precise temperature control or extra features.

What size air fryer should I buy for a family of four?+

We suggest a 5-6 quart model like the Gourmia 6 Qt or Cosori 6 Qt. They can cook a whole chicken or fries for a family.

Sources

MD
Author

Morgan Davis

Home & Kitchen Editor

Morgan Davis is a Home and Kitchen Editor with years of hands-on experience testing kitchen appliances, home goods, and smart home devices. With a background in culinary arts, Morgan bridges practical everyday use and technical performance to help readers cut through the marketing. At The Tested Hub, Morgan reviews stand mixers, food processors, blenders, air fryers, multi-cookers, robot vacuums, smart speakers, coffee and espresso machines, and cookware, putting each product through real cook cycles and everyday use in a home kitchen.