We totally understand the concern that you want to spend as little money as possible on an air fryer. But be careful not to make a bad buy. There are plenty of air fryers for sale that look good at first glance, but perform far below expectations.
To get started, let's briefly explain what an air fryer is and isn't. An air fryer is a small oven in the shape of a traditional deep fryer. You can prepare a meal in the air fryer just by setting a time and temperature. Nothing more, nothing less. An air fryer does not have a special grill setting, pastries setting or other heating functions that a normal hot air oven does. The cooking compartment of the air fryer is exposed to circulated 3D hot air, as the type of heating.
Incidentally, it is a misconception to think that you can only bake snacks and fries with an air fryer. You can also cook vegetables and meat with it. You can even bake cakes with an air fryer. This small machine may seem compact but it also offers a high value of diversity that after some time you'll start to generate your own custom recipes as you get more familiar with your skillful hot air cooking machine.
We have ranked the best air fryers under 100 Dollars and summarized their most notable qualifications in the comparison table below. This is followed by the extended reviews of each individual product and our comprehensive buying guide which we believe will help you make the proper choice.
Comparison Table of the Winners
Image | Product | Features |
|
|---|---|---|---|
 | BEST OVERALL NUWAVE Brio 37012 | ||
 | BEST RUNNER-UP COSORI Max XL | ||
 | BEST BUDGET DASH Tasti Crisp | ||
 | NINJA AF101 | ||
 | OMORC Habor |
A Humble Reminder about the Figures
We have compiled a list of products consisting of top rated airfryers priced below $100 for the moment. Please bear in mind, the prices and stock availabilities are taken at the time of this article's publication. Several factors like stock, interest and seasonal deals at certain time of the year, may lead to price changes, as a result you may encounter a slight discount or rise in the amounts.
We don't really expect an increase everlasting over hundred dollars, but if you come up against a brick wall with prices, it's strongly advised checking up for a coupon code before you add products to the basket. Rather, it's a good routine to check for a discount code on every possible occasion.
We regularly update the content and if we see a large increase in prices, a notification will be placed to the regarding product to inform you. Eventually, you are welcome to check the latest prices from the links and pass the final verdict.
Well, keep reading this because you will learn more about this useful kitchen appliance since we have carried out extensive research and interviewed experts to determine which products are the best on the market. We have gathered all the information possible so that you can decide which to buy according to your preferences.
Top 8 Air Fryers for a Hundred Bucks
#1 Best Overall - Nuwave Brio Digital Air Fryer
After careful considerations, the Nuwave Brio easily won the contest for the price level of $100. We'll provide you all the information you need below, there are several reasons why we choose this product without any doubt. But in the first place, its two shelf structure with a total of 6-quart capacity and high temperature range for several cooking styles makes it the best choice.
Top Pick
NUWAVE BRIO 6-Quart Digital Air Fryer with one-touch digital controls, 6 easy presets
Meet the famous Nuwave Digital Air Fryer, one of the best technologically-advanced air fryer you can buy around 100 dollars.
Basket Divider for Multi-Cooking
Thanks to the basket divider, which is one of the prominent features of this product, lets you cook two separate meals at the same time. It helps to save a lot of time in the kitchen since foods can be cooked simultaneously. Two jobs become one with just one person in the kitchen as in dreams! Here also comes a bigger internal capacity compared to the other products we review in the guide. It has the ideal size for cooking 3 pounds of French fries. Whether you live alone or you are a couple, this is perfect for you.
Temperate Range with Equal Increments
With the adjustable 5-degree increments in the 100°F-400°F temperature range, you can experience different styles of cooking, not only air frying but broiling, roasting, baking, and even barbecue. The product also includes a non-stick baking pan and a cooking rack in the box, so you don’t need to pay extra as in some other brands.
Preheat and Start to Cook
It's mostly a good practice to preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. So, you ensure to see the best crispy experience after you remove the basket and get the food out. No need to flip the food over half way. The Nuwave is reasonably perfect to start with onion rings, chicken wings, corn dogs, potatoes both frozen and fresh. Just set the time and go!
Pros:
Cons:
#2 Best Design - COSORI 5.8QT Air Fryer
A device with the typical design of a removable drawer with capacity for about six people, depending on what type of eater we are, of course. Ability to fit a full chicken makes you appreciate it even more. Its power of 1700 watts is within the usual in this type of appliance and allows it to reach optimal temperatures for all kinds of food. In the end, the important thing is not the total power, but rather the power/capacity ratio.
Runner-Up
COSORI 5.8QT Air Fryer 5.8 QT Preheat& Shake Reminder, Nonstick Basket, Burgundy Red
The design of a product is as important as its functionality. COSORI is the Red Dot Design champion!
This fryer is totally digital and has a touch led light panel to configure it, choose any of its 11 programs or adjust temperature and time to our like.
These appliances are cleaner than conventional fryers or pans since they do not emit much smoke. Furthermore, this model is removable and compatible with the dishwasher, facilitating cleaning.
In general, it is a well-built fryer, with quality materials (BPA and PFOA free) and that, according to users, offers promising results in cooking.
Cosori Air Fryer has an extra metal holder and 5 skewers. Its red design is very beautiful for your kitchen. Comes with a recipe book which contains hundreds specially prepared by the chefs of the brand for the product. It has a rotating mechanism so it provides the appropriate cooking style. Capacity is this product’s main focus and ability to fit a full chicken makes you appreciate it even more.
It is the international design winner of 2019 in the Red Dot Design Competition. Besides, if you are looking for other colors, you can check the new release black model or the creamy white option of the same brand.
Pros:
Cons:
#3 Best Cheap Pick for Small Kitchens - Dash Tasti Crisp Air Fryer
This is one of the most affordable air fryers you can find on the market. This air fryer is very compact, super-fast, and very easy to use. Reviews of this product are overwhelmingly positive. We highly recommend it to college students, people who have limited space in their kitchens, campers, or RV travelers. Due to its size, you can even put it in your bag and bring it with you anywhere, and if you find electricity, you can even bring it to picnics.
Budget Pick
Dash Tasti Crisp 1000-Watt, 2.6Qt Air Fryer, Auto Shut Off Feature, Teal
If you have a limited counter space in the kitchen, Dash Air Fryer will be a great fit for also its easy setup.
The Dash Tasti-Crisp Air Fryer is perfect for cooking up crispy favorites like fried chicken, french fries, and more without the added fat that deep frying requires. It has an adjustable temperature and timer that allows you to enjoy your favorite foods in their best and healthiest form and takes up less space on your countertop than a larger air fryer with the same capacity.
It has an auto shut off functions, which prevents overcooking. Safety features like cool touch housing and handle will help you get to trust the product quickly. Even your kids can use it very easily. Compared to most air fryers, it uses 1000 watts, so it makes the machine more energy efficient. It has very low cost.
This popular Dash design is about half the size of traditional designs and is great for cooking meals for one.
Pros:
Cons:
#4 Best Upgrade - Ninja 4-QT AF101 Air Fryer
The product features four different functions to cook your favorite meals. It can roast, reheat, and also dehydrate besides frying. It has a reasonable rate of customer satisfaction.
Also Great
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer, 4 Quart Capacity, 1500W
Ninja offers a high gloss stylish look. But also designed functionally smart... Hot air is released from the sides, so no worries about damaging the surface it stands on.
Related: Best Ninja Air Fryers
The capacity is much bigger than it seems; moreover, it has a family-sized 4-quart ceramic-coated basket to cook your fries up to 2 lbs. It is straightforward to use and has a one-touch control panel where you choose between 4 programmable cooking functions. It also has a multilayered rack, which increases the dehydrating capacity. All of the accessories are dishwasher safe.
Accessories of the Ninja Air fryer have passed the test, they are very resistant, easy to wash, and the food does not stick using little to no-oil, although it is advisable to add a teaspoon or spray of oil, preferably to add more crunch.
Pros:
Cons:
#5 Best Basket Capacity - OMORC Habor Air Fryer
The brand’s earlier models were also successful, durable, compact, and easy to use, so with this product, the brand shows that it can provide and make even better end results.
Best Basket
OMORC Habor 6 Quart Pot & 5.8QT Basket Air Fryer
Newly upgraded series of OMORC with a more accurate temperature controller. The best option if you usually cook for a family.
The customer service of this brand is simply outstanding. If you have any problems, you can simply call, and it gets fixed ASAP. The capacity is fairly large so that can fit a 5lbs-6lbs whole chicken in it. It has an LED control screen, which makes it easy to use. You can serve up to 8 people using this product. You can get the full value of your money. Perfect for family gathering and also perfect for gifting.
Pros:
Cons:
#6 Best Compatible for Instant Pot Users - Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
Please keep in mind that this is not an air fryer on its own. Even so, we think portability adds value nowadays, and it’s on the list because you’ll have the chance for a fantastic transformation with your current cooker.
Best Portable
Instant Pot 6 Qt, 1500 W Air Fryer Lid 6 in 1
If you already own an Instant Pot multi cooker, why not also turn it into an airfryer as you like?
This product fits perfectly for any Instant Pot brand users who already own an Instant Pot multicooker. The lid changes your instant pot to an air fryer with just one click and opens a door to a way of new cooking styles, so that you can crisp food in your IP. Because it is a lid, it is straightforward to use, wash, and store. Also, the big catch of this product is very healthy. Uses ninety-five percent less oil than usual, and you can wipe dry with a soft cloth. It is also very safe to use due to its couple of features, which are overheat protection and automatic shut off. Easy to pick up and learn.
If you are looking for an all-in-one air fryer with the Instant Pot brand and we recommend you check Instant Vortex model.
Pros:
Cons:
#7 Best Stainless Steel - Cuisinart AFR-25 Silver Air Fryer Oven
Durability always puts a product one step ahead. Therefore, the use of stainless steel is crucial. The fact that a product that falls or takes a hit due to possible accidents in the kitchen breaks immediately, no matter how functional it is, reduces satisfaction. At the same time, these products must be wiped or washed as they get dirty quickly. Knowing that it will not rust when in contact with water makes you feel comfortable while cleaning the product. Although inexpensive, an air fryer made of stainless steel may be preferred instead of plastic ones.
Best Resistant
Cuisinart AFR-25 Stainless Steel Air Fryer, 1600 Watt
Monitor progress from the viewing window while food cooks. Just like an oven, as you know it.
The brushed stainless steel surface not only has an excellent visual appearance but also makes it durable. It has an uncomplicated control panel that temperature and time adjustment becomes a piece of cake. The oven offers 450 Fahrenheit of heat and a cooking time of up to 60 minutes. It also offers a compact use with its small structure. The main reason for the manufacturer to keep the design in this way is to produce an elegant product that can fit any kitchen.
The package includes a frying basket and a baking tray for multiple cooking and frying techniques. Since the product is of high quality due to the materials used, the manufacturer aimed to keep the affordability at the optimum level.
Pros:
Cons:
#8 Best Even Heating - CROWNFUL Spit-Roasting Air Fryer Oven
Since the design stands out as a multi-functional oven with a 10.6 quart large capacity, nearly ten portions of food can be served any time you like! 1-3 minutes preheat process helps to prepare crispy and very fresh meals.
Variety of Accessories
CROWNFUL 9-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven, Convection Roaster with Rotisserie & Dehydrator
The rotating basket provides hundred percent guarantee for heating up every side of the food equally .
At 400° F with the rotatable basket, you can make frozen potato fries in 12 minutes, frozen chicken tenders in 13 minutes, grilled cheese sandwich in 6 minutes. Some people don’t prefer to have meatballs in daily life just because it’s complicated and needs patience to cook. But CROWNFUL makes it super easy and delicious. Moreover, you can also try biscuits, hamburgers and more as you imagine. It will fit on your kitchen’s countertop perfectly.
Achieving different results by using eight additional accessories in various combinations is a good sign for the versatility of the product. Even though the oven will take up more space than other ovens due to its size, the fact that large plates and trays can fit inside makes this negligible.
Pros:
Cons:
Tips for Buying an Affordable Air Fryer
Longevity
Every purchase is actually an investment, meaning that every time you spend your money, it matters how much efficiency and return you get. For this reason, durability and longevity are always the most important criteria when choosing a product. Otherwise, money spent on a product that you cannot use is a bad investment. While selecting a product, predicting what kind of problems you may encounter in a scenario that you will use for many years will provide you with a happy experience. Longevity should therefore be the first feature you will look at in comparison. Customer reviews will help you evaluate this feature.
Warranty
Remember that your relationship with the manufacturer will continue after the purchase is over. When your product breaks down, you will need a manufacturer that can provide support, meaning that the company that helps you in the fastest way while communicating values its customers. You should check the manufacturer’s profile to see if there is a call center or warranty service. In particular, the availability of these services in your country is critical. A warranty service that is miles away will not work for you, and if it does, it can cause you to wait for weeks. In addition to the fact that this service is offered to you, it is also important for how long it will continue to be active because periods such as a year or two can pass much faster than you think.
Another critical issue is the ongoing production of spare parts. Otherwise, if a part of the product is broken, the entire product will go to waste. Check that your warranty card is signed and sealed; if it has not reached you this way, don’t forget to contact the seller. Since the return policy provided by Amazon expires after a certain period of time, you should choose a seller who can assist you after that period.
Extra Tools that Come with The Product
Even if the main content of the product plays a significant role during the use of a product, it often does not work for you without the extra tools that come with it. You can think of it like a phone that doesn’t come with a charger. If you have to buy these tools yourself, you will buy a product that you think is cheap but actually cost more money than it deserves. For air fryers, this is even more critical. You cannot cook most dishes without a basket or tray inside. Thus, the product you buy will be no different from a simple oven. You should check before purchasing whether extra tools such as skewers, handles, mesh racks, drip trays, and rotisserie shafts are included in the package.
DID YOU KNOW?
If you're a person who likes to eat fries often at home, then there is one tool that can't be overlooked when cutting french fries: the french fry cutter. Not only does this device produce consistent cuts and maximize ease on your arm by reducing strain - but it also optimizes taste with their cross cut blade and can be used with a variety of vegetables.
Production Material
In fact, this subject is directly related to longevity. Most products in the market are made from plastic to cost low. This situation means an unhealthy cooking experience. Even if the outer surface is plastic, you should make sure that the inner surface of the oven you will buy is metal. The most suitable materials are steel or stainless steel and will give you durability, healthy cooking, and easy cleaning. The product will also not be easily broken or scratched.
Cooking Functions
Some oil-free electric fryers can cook various kinds, such as vegetables, donuts, meats, spring rolls, or even nuggets.
We recommend appliances that have two independent cooking zones to cook simultaneously, minimizing the risk of mixing the flavors. Also, prefer machines that have a programmable timer and an automatic shutdown function.
These are more practical because the cooking time is adjustable, and they stop cooking when the preparation is ready.
Heat and Air Blowing
The main reasons to buy air fryers are oil-free and fast cooking. In order to fulfill the fast-cooking function, air fryers require adjustable heat values and air blowing intensity. A high-temperature value range will be an advantage for you. If this is at a low level, you should not choose it as you won’t be able to try different cooking styles. Likewise, an air blowing mechanism that works with a simple fan is not the feature you are looking for. This mechanism should have a structure developed, especially for cooking, and should be able to rotate at high rpm when necessary.
Safety
First of all, a product should not treat any danger in working state. Air fryers that use electricity at high voltages should therefore be produced by taking safety precautions. When making your choice, we recommend that you choose air fryers with an emergency shutdown option. Products where electrical circuits are produced cheaply and are likely to be short circuited, can cause undesirable results. Like the possibility of a fire in your home, you may be electrocuted by leakage. Especially if there is a child at home, this will be very dangerous. Not only that, but some poorly manufactured products can damage the electrical system of your home or even your building. Always use products that are insured and well manufactured because safety is not something that can be bypassed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
In addition to the reviews being important, it is also good to know what to look for when looking for a budget airfryer.
First, check whether the size of the airfryer and the capacity of the frying basket suits your needs and the number of eaters. Small air fryers are often reasonably priced lower, but with a small air fryer you can only bake limited portions which leads to a limited menu. You'd better go for a larger airfryer, these are called XL or XXL airfryers. Our experience shows that these have better baking results.
Then check whether the power of the airfryer is not too low. An airfryer with a large capacity and with only 1200 watts will underperform, which simply means that fries do not really get crispy. I regularly see that there are cheap airfryers with ample capacity for sale, but that have far too low power to airfry your dish properly.
