Let’s face it—cooking at home can be a hassle, especially when you're short on time but still want delicious, crispy meals without drowning everything in oil. Enter the air fryer: the modern kitchen hero that delivers crunch without the calories. The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a high-quality one. If you’re on the hunt for the best air fryers under $100, you’re in the right place.
We’ve done the research, sifted through hundreds of reviews, and curated a list of top-rated, best-selling air fryers that give you great performance without breaking the bank. Ready to upgrade your kitchen game? Let’s dive in!
1. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer (4 Quart)
⭐ Best Overall Under $100
The Ninja AF101 is a fan-favorite for a reason. With a 4-quart capacity, it’s perfect for singles, couples, or small families. It air fries, roasts, reheats, and dehydrates—talk about multitasking!
Main Features:
- Wide temperature range (105°F–400°F)
- Ceramic-coated nonstick basket
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup
Pros:
✔ Even, crispy results every time
✔ Easy to use with simple controls
✔ Sleek, compact design
Cons:
✘ Slightly noisier than some models
✘ Preheating required
2. COSORI Lite 4.0-Quart Smart Air Fryer
⭐ Best for Tech-Lovers
Looking for a smart air fryer that connects to your phone? The COSORI Lite is WiFi-enabled, meaning you can control it via the VeSync app or even voice commands with Alexa or Google Assistant.
Main Features:
- 4-quart basket fits up to 2.5 lbs of food
- 7 one-touch cooking presets
- Quiet operation and modern design
Pros:
✔ Smart features and app integration
✔ Great for small kitchens
✔ Consistently high user ratings
Cons:
✘ Smaller capacity may not suit larger families
✘ App setup may take a few minutes
3. Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer (6 Quart)
⭐ Best for Bigger Portions
From the makers of Instant Pot, the Instant Vortex offers great value with its 6-quart capacity—ideal for families or meal prepping. It features four functions: air fry, bake, roast, and reheat.
Main Features:
- Large basket for more food
- Simple touchscreen interface
- Preheat and turn reminders
Pros:
✔ Roomy interior
✔ Cooks fast and evenly
✔ Intuitive and beginner-friendly
Cons:
✘ Bulkier footprint
✘ No shake reminder
👉 View on Amazon
4. Chefman TurboFry 2-Quart Compact Air Fryer
⭐ Best Compact Option
If you’re tight on counter space or just cooking for one, the Chefman TurboFry is a compact powerhouse. It’s simple, effective, and gets the job done.
Main Features:
- Manual temperature & timer dials
- Nonstick basket
- Compact size fits small kitchens
Pros:
✔ Budget-friendly
✔ Space-saving
✔ Energy efficient
Cons:
✘ Small capacity
✘ No digital display
5. GoWISE USA 5.0-Quart Air Fryer
⭐ Most Versatile Under $100
GoWISE brings affordability and versatility together. With 8 cooking presets and a 5-quart capacity, it's great for experimenting with different meals.
Main Features:
- Digital touchscreen with 8 presets
- Temperature range from 180°F to 400°F
- Includes recipe book
Pros:
✔ Large capacity
✔ Versatile cooking options
✔ Great value for the size
Cons:
✘ Can take up counter space
✘ Exterior may get hot
👉 Find It on Amazon
Final Thoughts: Why These Air Fryers Are Worth It
Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, save time in the kitchen, or just love crispy fries without the guilt, an air fryer is a must-have. And with so many high-performing models under $100, you don’t need to splurge to get top-notch features. Each of the models above brings something special to the table—from smart functionality to large capacity—all while being wallet-friendly.
So go ahead, pick the one that fits your lifestyle and cooking needs. Your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you!
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