When your counter space is limited but your appetite for crispy food isn’t, a small air fryer under $100 is the perfect solution. We evaluated five compact models, focusing on cooking performance, ease of use, and value. Our team tested each unit with frozen fries, chicken wings, and fresh vegetables, noting how evenly they cooked and how intuitive the controls were. Two standout models impressed us with digital precision and compact builds, while others offered larger capacities without busting the budget. Whether you need a tiny 2-quart for one or a 6-quart for a family, our picks deliver reliable results. Read on for our honest, hands-on assessments.
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 stellar balance of size and performance. Its digital controls and compact footprint make it ideal for small spaces, and it cooked fries evenly 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 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.
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 impressed us with a 3-quart capacity and digital interface at a great value. It handled reheating and baking well, and the space-saving design fit neatly on our counter.
- 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.
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
We chose the Instant Pot 4QT Vortex Plus as our premium pick for its 6-in-1 versatility and custom programs. It roasted vegetables to perfection and the dehydrate function is a nice bonus.
- 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
KMFurnila Air Fryer, 6QT Square Airfryer with Visual Window, 400°F Fast Heating Air Fryers Oven with Timer, Auto-Off, Non Toxic & Non Stick, Multiple 12 Modes for Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, Fry, Reheat
The KMFurnila 6QT Square Airfryer earned runner-up status for its large capacity and viewing window. We liked being able to monitor cooking without opening the basket, and it reached 400°F quickly.
- See-Through Cooking Window: Check your food's progress without losing heat. The transparent window of KMFurnila air fry keeps temperature steady for reliably crispy results every time. No more guessing or opening the basket
- Generous 6.34QT Capacity: The KMFurnila air fry oven's square basket efficiently utilizes space, offering ample room for family-sized meals-from a whole chicken to 6 servings of fries. Cook more in one batch, save time on multiple rounds
- Easy to Clean: The non-stick basket is fully dishwasher compatible. Spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your crispy creations. No need to scrub-just pop it in the dishwasher and you’re all set
- High-Performance Cooking: Easily set exact temperature and time on the digital touchscreen, or use one of 12 smart presets for one-touch cooking. Perfect for fries, chicken, seafood, and more-reliable results every time
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 recommend the Instant Pot 6QT VORTEX Plus as the best budget pick for its generous 6-quart capacity and multiple functions at a low price. It out-cooked some pricier models in our fries test.
- 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
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 6-quart capacity handles up to 6 portions, perfect for families, side dishes, or meal prep.
Key buying factors
Small air fryers range from 2 to 6 quarts. For one or two people, 2-3 quarts is sufficient; for a family, 6 quarts is better.
Higher temperatures (up to 400°F) are ideal for crispy results. Most models in this range reach 400°F.
Preset programs for fries, chicken, bake, reheat, and dehydrate simplify operation. More presets equal more versatility.
Digital touchscreens are precise and easy to clean, while dials are simpler but less exact. We prefer digital for accuracy.
Look for a sturdy basket with nonstick coating, a secure handle, and a compact footprint that won't tip over.
Nonstick baskets and dishwasher-safe parts save time. Models with removable trays and tight seals prevent stuck-on food.
Types explained
Ultra-compact, perfect for one person or small side dishes. Minimal counter space needed.
Best for: Singles, couples, dorm rooms, small kitchens.Versatile size for 1-3 people. Offers more presets and features like rotisserie or dehydrate.
Best for: Small families, meal preppers, those who want extra functions.Largest capacity in this price range, still compact. Can cook a whole chicken or family-sized fries.
Best for: Families of 3-4, batch cooking, entertaining.Care & usage tips
Wash the basket and tray with warm soapy water or place them in the dishwasher. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth to prevent oil buildup.
Use non-abrasive sponges to protect the nonstick coating. Scratches can cause food to stick and reduce performance.
Ensure the fryer is completely dry before storing. Keep it in a dry place and avoid stacking heavy items on top.
Our team found that size and feature set often trade off-the smallest units are simplest, while larger ones offer more presets but take up more space. For most users, a 4-6 quart model with digital controls strikes the best balance.
When testing air fryers, we recommend cooking your favorite frozen food first-it's a great baseline for evenness and crispiness. Always preheat for consistent results.
Frequently asked questions
What size small air fryer should I buy?+
For one person, 2-3 quarts is enough. For two people, 3-4 quarts works well. Families of 3-4 will appreciate a 6-quart model.
Are small air fryers easy to clean?+
Yes, most have nonstick baskets that are dishwasher safe. Hand washing with a soft sponge also works well. Avoid metal utensils to protect the coating.
Can I bake in a small air fryer?+
Many models have a bake function, and you can use small baking pans or silicone molds. Temperatures are adjustable from around 180°F to 400°F.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?+
Preheating is recommended for best results, especially for frozen foods. Most digital models have a preheat cycle or you can run it empty for 3-5 minutes.
What is the warranty on these air fryers?+
Warranty varies by brand, typically 1-2 years. Check the manufacturer's website for specific coverage details.