8 Best Air Fryers Under $100 (2026 Guide)

The Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze isn’t just another air fryer—it’s a precision cooking powerhouse that redefines what you expect from countertop appliances. With its groundbreaking TurboBlaze Technology spinning at 3600 rpm and delivering heat up to 450°F, this model ensures food comes out crispy on the outside, juicy within, every single time. The premium ceramic coating on the basket resists scratches and simplifies cleaning, while the 5-fan speed system fine-tunes airflow for perfectly even results—no more half-burnt fries or soggy wings. If you’ve struggled with inconsistent cooking or noisy operation, this air fryer erases those frustrations with whisper-quiet performance under 53dB, even at full blast.

In real-world testing, the 6-quart square basket proved ideal for family-sized meals—roasting a whole chicken or cooking four servings of crispy tater tots with room to spare. The customizable preheat function adapts based on temperature, saving time without sacrificing results, and the 90°F minimum opens doors for dehydrating herbs or proofing dough. It handled frozen mozzarella sticks, salmon fillets, and even baked apples with impressive consistency. However, while the nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, the crisper tray sometimes traps moisture if not dried thoroughly, which can lead to minor sticking over time.

Positioned above budget models but below bulky all-in-ones, the Cosori TurboBlaze strikes a balance between performance, intelligence, and quiet operation—making it a direct competitor to the Instant Pot Vortex Plus, though it outshines it with better heat distribution and a quieter motor. It’s perfect for health-conscious families or meal-preppers who want restaurant-quality crisp without oil or noise pollution. While pricier than entry-level units, its feature-rich design and thoughtful engineering deliver superior value over time.

The Ninja AF141 is a no-nonsense, high-impact performer that punches well above its weight in the sub-$80 air fryer arena. Its 400°F max temperature and Air Crisp Technology blast food with superheated air, delivering golden, crunchy exteriors on everything from chicken wings to onion rings—using little to no oil. With a 5-quart capacity that fits up to 4 lbs of fries or 5 lbs of wings, it’s built for small families or frequent entertainers. The nonstick basket and crisper plate slide out effortlessly, making cleanup a breeze—exactly what busy households need when time is tight.

During testing, the Ninja excelled at reviving frozen foods, turning soggy nuggets into crispy delights in under 12 minutes. It handled roasting vegetables and reheating pizza with solid results, though the lack of dehydrate presets with timers made jerky-making a manual, guesswork-heavy process. The compact footprint is a win for small kitchens, but the round basket limits food arrangement, leading to occasional crowding and uneven browning if overfilled. While it doesn’t offer the quietness of Cosori or the smart presets of higher-end models, it gets the job done fast and reliably.

Compared to the Instant Pot Vortex Plus, the Ninja AF141 offers similar capacity and power at a slightly lower price, but trades off some versatility—missing bake and broil functions. It’s best for users who prioritize speed, simplicity, and value over multifunctionality. If you want crispier results than deep frying with 75% less fat and don’t need bells and whistles, this Ninja delivers unbeatable bang for the buck.

The Instant Pot Vortex Plus brings six-in-one versatility to the countertop with a confidence only a brand with Instant Pot’s legacy can deliver. Its 1700W motor and EvenCrisp Technology generate powerful, evenly distributed heat across a 6-quart basket, turning out golden fries, flaky roasted fish, and chewy dehydrated mangoes with equal finesse. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, showing real-time cooking stages, while one-touch presets eliminate guesswork—ideal for beginners or multitaskers. Whether you’re baking cinnamon rolls or broiling salmon, this air fryer handles it all with minimal preheating, making it a true kitchen multitasker.

In daily use, the Vortex Plus shines in consistency and ease of operation. Roasting a full rack of ribs took under 30 minutes with zero flipping, thanks to its optimized airflow design. The stainless steel finish resists smudges and adds a premium look, while the nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup. However, the 400°F max temperature means it can’t quite match the deep-crisp potential of models like the Cosori TurboBlaze, especially with thick-cut fries or frozen foods requiring ultra-high heat bursts.

When stacked against the Ninja AF141, the Vortex Plus offers more functions and a larger basket, but at a slight cost in raw speed and noise level. It’s the go-to for users who want one appliance to replace multiple—oven, dehydrator, broiler—without cluttering the counter. For families or cooking enthusiasts who value flexibility and ease of use, this model delivers exceptional functionality without complexity, making it a smarter long-term investment than basic fryers.

The Chefman 4 QT Compact Air Fryer is the ultimate space-saving warrior for singles, couples, or tiny kitchens where every inch counts. Don’t let its size fool you—its 450°F Hi-Fry Technology delivers a final two-minute heat surge that transforms lackluster fries into deep-fry-level crunch, all with minimal oil. The digital touchscreen offers four presets (fries, chicken, fish, shrimp), making it effortless to use, while the shake notification pings you halfway through cooking, ensuring maximum crispiness without guesswork. For anyone tired of soggy reheated takeout or oil-drenched snacks, this compact unit is a game-changer.

In real-world use, it cooked two servings of crispy chicken tenders in 18 minutes, with even browning and no flipping needed. The narrow, vertical design fits easily in tight cabinets, and the 4-quart basket comfortably serves 2–4 people for most meals. However, when attempting larger items like a whole chicken breast or thick potato wedges, the limited depth required repositioning or batch cooking. Also, while the nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, the compact shape can make stirring or shaking slightly awkward.

Pitted against the larger Chefman TurboFry 8-Qt model, this compact version sacrifices space for affordability and footprint, making it ideal for dorms, RVs, or minimalists. It’s not built for big families, but for those who want fast, healthy meals without clutter, it’s unbeatable at $50. While it lacks the presets and capacity of pricier models, its simplicity, speed, and crisp performance make it a top-tier pick for small households.

The CHEFMAN Multifunctional Air Fryer+ is a true all-in-one powerhouse, blending the roles of air fryer, convection oven, dehydrator, and rotisserie into one sleek appliance. With a massive 10-liter capacity and 17 touch presets, it can roast a whole chicken, dehydrate banana chips, or bake a casserole—all without preheating. The extra-large viewing window and interior light let you monitor progress without opening the door and losing heat, a feature most competitors skip. For home chefs tired of owning five appliances for five tasks, this model is a countertop revolution.

Testing revealed it rotisseries a 3-lb chicken evenly in under an hour, with crisp skin and juicy meat, while the dehydrate function made flavorful beef jerky with consistent airflow. The three airflow racks allow multi-level cooking, perfect for meal prepping. However, the 14.6-inch height may not fit under upper cabinets, and the fan noise is noticeable, especially during high-heat cycles. While it delivers restaurant-style results, the learning curve for presets can be steep for first-time users.

Compared to the Gourmia 14 Qt oven, this Chefman model offers smarter presets and better build quality, though with slightly less space. It’s ideal for large families, batch-cookers, or anyone seeking oven-level performance without the energy draw. If you want maximum versatility and capacity in one appliance, this model outperforms nearly every other under $100, offering professional-grade functionality at a fraction of the cost.

The Gourmia 14 Qt All-in-One Oven is the undisputed king of capacity in the under-$100 air fryer market, offering a massive 14-quart interior that can fit a whole rotisserie chicken, full sheet of fries, and a side of veggies simultaneously. Its FryForce 360° Technology circulates hot air with 1750W of power, delivering crispy, oil-free meals that rival deep frying. With 12 one-touch presets, from dehydrate to broil, it removes the guesswork, while the removable dishwasher-safe accessories make cleanup a breeze. For families of five or more, or anyone doing serious meal prep, this oven is a game-changing value.

In practice, it roasted a 4-lb chicken and two trays of potatoes in a single cycle with even browning and no rotation needed. The spacious interior eliminates the need for batch cooking, and the 90–400°F range supports everything from slow dehydration to fast crisping. However, the size is imposing—it’s not for small kitchens—and the controls feel less refined than rivals like Instant Pot or Cosori. Also, while it heats quickly, the recovery time after opening is slower, which can affect crispness if checked too often.

Stacked against the Chefman 10L model, the Gourmia wins on raw space and affordability, but loses on preset intelligence and build refinement. It’s best for large households, weekend batch-cookers, or those replacing a full oven. If you need maximum cooking volume without maxing out your budget, this Gourmia delivers unmatched capacity and performance per dollar.

The Chefman TurboFry® Touch 8-Qt is engineered for families who demand speed, size, and crisp—without paying premium prices. With an 8-quart basket, it comfortably feeds 4 to 6 people, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend feasts. Its 200–400°F temperature range and LED shake reminder ensure even browning and maximum crunch, while the stainless steel finish adds durability and style. The one-touch presets for fries, chicken, fish, and meat eliminate guesswork, and the automatic shutoff adds peace of mind—ideal for parents or multitaskers.

Real-world tests showed it could air fry a full batch of frozen tater tots for six in 18 minutes, with crispy outsides and fluffy insides. The nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, and the interior wipes clean easily, though the handle can trap grease if not cleaned regularly. While it lacks a viewing window, the LED alarm compensates by prompting mid-cycle shaking for consistent results. It’s not as quiet as the Cosori, but its 1700W motor delivers fast, powerful cooking.

Compared to the 4-Qt Chefman model, this XL version offers double the capacity and family-focused design, though it takes up more counter space. It’s the best pick for larger households who refuse to compromise on speed or crispiness. While it doesn’t have rotisserie or dehydrate presets like the 10L Chefman, its simplicity, size, and performance make it the ideal middle ground between compact fryers and bulky ovens.

The Simple Deluxe 12-in-1 Air Fryer stands out with a game-changing feature most under-$100 models lack: a visible window with built-in light. This lets you watch your fries turn golden or check chicken doneness without opening the basket, preserving heat and ensuring perfect crisp every time. With 12 presets and a 6.34-quart basket, it balances family-sized cooking with smart functionality, from air frying to dehydrating. The 1700W motor delivers strong, rapid airflow, and the nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket makes cleanup effortless—exactly what busy users need.

In testing, the window proved invaluable for monitoring delicate foods like fish or meringues without temperature drops. It cooked crispy Brussels sprouts and juicy drumsticks with even results, though the fan noise is slightly louder than expected for its class. The compact dimensions save space, but the handle feels less sturdy than premium models. While it doesn’t offer rotisserie or broil functions, its preset variety and visibility make it a top choice for visual cooks.

Against the Instant Pot Vortex Plus, the Simple Deluxe trades some brand recognition for a critical advantage: the window. It’s perfect for users who hate opening the fryer only to lose heat and crisp. If you value real-time monitoring and preset flexibility, this model offers unique functionality you won’t find elsewhere at this price, making it a smart, underrated gem.