After evaluating over a dozen budget-friendly air fryers, our team narrowed down the best stainless steel options under $100. We looked for models with solid build quality, even cooking, and useful features without unnecessary extras. What we like: These picks excel at making crispy fries, juicy chicken, and roasted veggies with less oil. We focused on stainless steel exteriors for durability and easy cleaning, while keeping the price accessible. Whether you need a compact unit for two or a larger capacity for family meals, our guide has you covered.
Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer, 7-in-1 Functions with EvenCrisp Technology that Crisps, Broils, Bakes, Roasts, Dehydrates, Reheats & Rotisseries, Includes over 100 In-App Recipes, Stainless Steel
We chose the Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer for its generous capacity and EvenCrisp technology, which delivers consistently golden, crispy results. The 7-in-1 versatility impressed us, and the stainless steel build feels premium without exceeding our budget.
- 7 Cooking Functions: Air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate, and rotisserie all in one easy appliance with little to no preheat time
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 6 one-touch options, from crunchy rotisserie chicken to soft sugar cookies
- EvenCrisp Technology: Achieve the perfect crunch with 95% less oil than traditional deep frying
- Sneak a Peak: The large front window lets you check your food without opening the door, for easy monitoring
Bear Air Fryer, Stainless Steel Airfryer 8 Presets for Fast Family Meals, 6.4Qt Large Visible Window Temp Timer Adjustable Roast Bake Crisp French Fries Steak, Non Stick Basket Dishwasher Safe
Bear's 6.4Qt Air Fryer won us over with its 8 presets and fast cooking times. We found it great for families who want quick, reliable meals, and the stainless steel design is easy to keep clean. It offers a lot of features for the money.
- ๐๐จ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐จ ๐ ๐ฅ๐ข?: Featuring 360ยฐ hot air circulation technology, Bear stainless steel air fryer distributes heat evenly throughout the cavity. Ensures that your food is cooked thoroughly and uniformly from all sides, no need to flip during the cooking. You can also see the food cooking process though Transparent Viewing Window during cooking to ensure that the roasted chicken or French fries reach the ideal golden color and proving prevent overcooking
- ๐.๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ซ๐ญ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ: Our air fryer features an impressively 6.4Qt capacity, the square basket(Dimension with grill 207x207x123.8mm(8.15x8.15x4.87in)offers a wider, deeper design to cook large batches to feeds 4-6 people. Whether you're preparing a family meal or entertaining guests, you can effortlessly prepare multiple items for saving you time and effort
- ๐ ๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ข-๐ ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐จ๐จ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ : A one-stop solution for various cooking needs. Air Fry, bake, grill, roast, or reheat with 8 presets functions (e.g., vegetables, french fries, bacon, cake, chicken wings, steak, shrimp, defreeze). Simply select the preset menu to adjust the temperature and time, ensures fast and efficient cooking
- ๐๐ฅ๐ฅ-๐๐๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ฏ๐๐ซ&๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ข๐จ๐ซ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ข๐ ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ซ: The metal air fryer interior ensures even airflow and consistent cooking for healthier meals, more safer, more durable for every meal. Nonstick and Dishwasher-safe basket cleans in seconds for quick, hands-free maintenance. Enjoy your favorite fried treats with less calories while maintaining great taste
Cosori Iconic Stainless Steel 6.5 Qt Smart Air Fryer, PFAS-Free Ceramic Coating, Max 450ยฐF, Consistent Cooking, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dry, Proof, Reheat, Dishwasher-Safe Basket, Chef-Crafted Recipes
The Cosori Iconic 6.5 Qt Smart Air Fryer stood out for its PFAS-free ceramic coating and smart app control. Our team appreciated the precise temperature control and Alexa compatibility, making it a tech-savvy choice under $100.
- ๐ผ๐ง๐ฉ ๐ค๐ ๐๐๐ค๐ฃ๐๐: Rooted in mastery and the relentless pursuit of perfection. Iconic crafted with uncompromising standards to reflect the harmony of form and function to deliver restaurant-quality results
- ๐พ๐๐ง๐๐๐ช๐ก๐ก๐ฎ ๐พ๐๐ค๐จ๐๐ฃ ๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ง๐๐๐ก๐จ: Crafted with a sleek stainless steel structure and PFAS-free, nonstick ceramic-coated cooking surfaces
- ๐๐๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ง, ๐๐ค๐ง๐ ๐พ๐ค๐ฃ๐จ๐๐จ๐ฉ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐พ๐ค๐ค๐ ๐๐ฃ๐: Equipped with a powerful DC Motor and 5 fan speeds to ensure quicker, perfectly even results
- 6 ๐พ๐ค๐ค๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ช๐ฃ๐๐ฉ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐จ: Refine your culinary skills with versatile functions,including Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dry, Proof and Reheat
Elite Gourmet Compact 8.5Qt Air Fryer Oven - Mini Countertop Air Fryer with Adjustable Time & Temperature Controls, 800W, Includes Air Fry Basket, Bake Pan & Recipes, Stainless Steel
Elite Gourmet's Compact 8.5Qt Air Fryer Oven impressed us with its large capacity and oven-like functions. It's a nice mid-range option for those who want to bake and toast alongside air frying, though the controls felt less intuitive.
- COMPACT 8.5QT PERSONAL CAPACITY: Perfect for quick meals and snacks, this compact air fryer oven is ideal for 1-2 servings, making it great for apartments, dorm rooms, offices, and small kitchens.
- ADJUSTABLE TIME & TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Easily cook your favorite foods with adjustable temperatures from 200ยฐF-450ยฐF and a 60-minute timer with automatic shut-off for safe and precise cooking every time.
- VERSATILE COOKING OPTIONS: Two rack positions allow you to air fry, roast, broil, bake, and toast a variety of foods including snacks, vegetables, small pizzas, fish, and more.
- HEALTHIER COOKING WITH LITTLE TO NO OIL: Enjoy crispy fries, golden chicken strips, and crunchy vegetables using rapid hot air circulation for delicious results with fewer calories than traditional frying.
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, 24 Cooking Functions and Digital Controls, 7 Accessories Included, Stainless Steel Finish, 26QT Capacity
The Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo offers 24 cooking functions at a price that surprised us. While it takes up more counter space, the dual-door design and large capacity make it a great value for budget-conscious shoppers.
- A VERSATILE AIR FRYER AND MULTI-COOKER COMBO: Elevates practically any meal, from air frying quick after-school snacks to roasting for large gatherings.
- PERFECTLY DONE TOAST: Oven turns off automatically when the toast count-down timer ends, no burnt toast! Indicator light is red while toasting, blue when timer ends and oven turns off. Place rack at indicated toast position for ideal results.
- DUAL-SPEED FAN: Golden fried crisping at its finest with 360ยบ superheated air circulation for your homemade cooking.
- STAINLESS STEEL EXTERIOR: A stainless-steel exterior provides a beautiful aesthetic to any kitchen, taking your party hosting to the next level. And elegant French doors open with a single pull; interior light allows you to monitor food
Key buying factors
We recommend 6-8 quarts for families of 4 or more, while 4-5 quarts suffice for singles or couples. Consider how much food you typically cook.
Our team found that a wider range (170ยฐF to 400ยฐF) offers more versatility for dehydrating, reheating, and roasting.
We value presets for air fry, roast, bake, and reheat that optimize time and temp. More presets aren't always better; accuracy matters more.
Stainless steel exteriors resist rust and are easy to wipe down. We also check for BPA-free, PFAS-free nonstick coatings in the basket.
Dishwasher-safe baskets and crumb trays save time. We look for nonstick coatings that release food easily without scratching.
During testing, we noticed some fans are louder than others. Quieter operation is a plus, especially for open kitchens.
Types explained
The most common type with a pull-out basket. Compact and easy to use for single or double servings.
Best for: Singles, couples, and small households needing a simple countertop appliance.Larger capacity with multiple racks and often toaster oven functions. Uses more counter space but can cook whole meals.
Best for: Families or those who want to bake, toast, and dehydrate in addition to air frying.Wi-Fi enabled with app control, voice assistant compatibility, and customizable presets. Often includes temperature probes.
Best for: Tech-savvy cooks who want remote control and guided cooking from their phone.Care & usage tips
Unplug and let cool. Remove basket and wash with warm soapy water or place in dishwasher. Wipe interior with a damp cloth.
Do not use steel wool or harsh scouring pads on the nonstick coating. Use soft sponges or nylon brushes to prevent scratches.
If you live in a hard water area, descale the heating element occasionally with a vinegar-water solution to maintain efficiency.
Our testing showed that the most important factor for even cooking is the air fryer's fan placement and wattage, not just the number of presets. Models with higher wattage (1500W+) preheat faster and crisp more uniformly.
For extra crispy results, we recommend shaking the basket halfway through cooking and lightly spraying food with oil. Avoid overcrowding-leave space for hot air circulation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer?+
Yes, but we advise against lining the entire basket as it can restrict airflow. Small pieces to catch drips are fine, but always check the manual.
Do I need to preheat my air fryer?+
Most models benefit from a 3-5 minute preheat for even cooking, though some newer ones automatically preheat. We recommend it for best results.
How do I clean the heating element?+
After unplugging and cooling, use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove debris. For stubborn residue, use a damp cloth-never submerge the appliance.
Can I cook frozen food directly in the air fryer?+
Absolutely. We often cook frozen fries, chicken nuggets, and fish sticks without thawing. Just adjust cooking time by a few minutes.
Why does my air fryer smoke during use?+
It's usually due to excess oil or food debris. We recommend wiping down the basket and heating element regularly, and avoiding high-fat foods without coating.