Best Air Fryers Under $100 — Tested and Ranked for 2026
A $300 air fryer isn’t going to cook your chicken wings any better than a $79 one. I know that sounds like a bold claim — but after spending time with budget-friendly models from Ninja, Cosori, and Instant Vortex, it’s genuinely true.
The best air fryers under $100 have quietly gotten very good. Better preheating, smarter baskets, more consistent heat distribution. The gap between “budget” and “premium” has shrunk dramatically in 2026.
That said — not all sub-$100 air fryers are worth your counter space. Some run hot in the wrong spots, have flimsy baskets that warp after a month, or produce soggy results no matter what you do. So I did the sorting so you don’t have to.
Here are the best air fryers under $100, ranked honestly.
What to Look for in a Budget Air Fryer
Before the list, let’s talk about what actually separates a good budget air fryer from a waste of $60.
Capacity matters more than you think. A 4-quart basket sounds generous until you’re cooking for two and realize a single layer of fries barely fits. For couples or small families, aim for at least 5–6 quarts.
Wattage tells you about speed. Lower-wattage models (under 1500W) take longer to preheat and can leave food unevenly cooked. The sweet spot for under $100 is 1700W–1750W.
The basket coating matters long-term. Cheap non-stick coatings start peeling within months of daily use. Look for models that specifically mention ceramic coating or reinforced non-stick — and always check if the basket is dishwasher safe.
Digital vs dial controls. Neither is objectively better, but digital panels give you more precision. Dial controls are faster to use when you’re in a hurry. Choose based on your cooking style.
Now — the picks.
1. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer — Best Overall Under $100
Price: ~$79–$89 | Capacity: 4 Quarts | Wattage: 1550W
If I had to send one person to buy one air fryer right now, this would be it.
The Ninja AF101 consistently delivers crispy, evenly cooked results — whether you’re doing frozen fries, fresh chicken thighs, or roasted vegetables. The 4-quart basket is honestly a bit smaller than ideal for families of three or more, but for one or two people it hits perfectly.
What makes it stand out at this price is the wide temperature range (105°F–400°F). Most budget competitors top out at 400°F but don’t go low enough for dehydrating or gentle reheating. Ninja does both well.
The basket is dishwasher safe, the ceramic-coated interior is durable, and the unit itself doesn’t take up much counter space. The digital controls are simple without being dumbed down.
The one genuine downside: at 1550W, it’s slightly underpowered compared to some competitors, so preheating takes a touch longer.
2. Cosori Pro Gen 2 Air Fryer — Best for Cooking Variety
Price: ~$89–$99 | Capacity: 5.8 Quarts | Wattage: 1750W
The Cosori Pro Gen 2 is the pick for anyone who cooks more than just frozen snacks. The 5.8-quart basket is noticeably roomier — a whole chicken breast fits flat without curling up the sides, which makes a real difference in cooking results.
At 1750W, it preheats faster and pushes more hot air through the basket than the Ninja, which shows up in crispier skin on proteins and more even browning on vegetables.
The control panel has 12 preset cooking modes — and unlike most presets that are basically useless, Cosori’s are actually calibrated well. The “Steak” preset genuinely works. The shake reminder is a small thing that matters: it buzzes at the halfway point so you never forget to flip.
The companion app (VeSync) lets you send recipes directly to the fryer, which sounds gimmicky until you’re using it regularly for timed cooking routines.
The basket coating can show wear faster than Ninja’s if you’re scrubbing it daily. Stick to soft sponges and you’ll be fine.
3. Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 — Best for Families
Price: ~$79–$99 | Capacity: 6 Quarts | Wattage: 1700W
The Instant Vortex Plus earns its spot by doing something the other two don’t — it works convincingly well as a mini oven, not just an air fryer.
The 6-in-1 modes include air fry, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate, and broil. The “broil” function especially stands out: crank it up and you get a real surface browning on salmon or steak that most air fryers can’t replicate well.
At 6 quarts, this is the largest capacity on this list under $100. Cooking for three or four people? This is your fryer. A full rack of chicken tenders fits in a single layer, which is exactly how air frying is supposed to work.
The Instant Vortex is also the easiest to clean. The basket and tray both pop out, both are dishwasher safe, and the interior wipes down quickly. No awkward crevices catching grease.
The trade-off is that it’s the bulkiest of the three — it takes up more counter space, which matters in a smaller kitchen. The control interface is also less intuitive than Cosori’s on first use.
4. Ninja AF161 Max XL — Best for Large Batches
Price: ~$99 | Capacity: 5.5 Quarts | Wattage: 1750W
This is Ninja’s bigger sibling — and at just slightly more than the AF101, it bridges the gap between compact and family-sized nicely.
The Max XL tops out at 450°F, which is genuinely higher than most air fryers in this price range. That extra heat ceiling makes a real difference for things like getting crispy duck skin, thick-cut bacon, or caramelized Brussels sprouts with actual char.
The 5.5-quart basket is wide rather than tall, which encourages single-layer cooking — the right way to air fry. The digital display is clear, the controls feel precise, and the build quality is what you’d expect from Ninja: sturdy without being heavy.
If you’re regularly cooking for two to four people and don’t want to compromise on batch size, this is the move.
5. Cosori Lite Air Fryer — Best for Small Spaces
Price: ~$59–$69 | Capacity: 3.8 Quarts | Wattage: 1500W
Not everyone needs a 6-quart beast on their counter. If you’re cooking for one, living in an apartment, or have a genuinely small kitchen, the Cosori Lite is the smartest buy on this list.
At under $70, it’s the most affordable option here — and it doesn’t feel cheap. The basket is well-made, the non-stick holds up, and the airflow is surprisingly consistent for a smaller unit.
The 3.8-quart basket won’t fit a whole meal for four, but it handles individual portions, snacks, reheating leftovers, and weeknight side dishes without complaint.
It’s lower wattage (1500W), so preheating takes a minute longer — but for the kind of quick solo cooking this is built for, that’s rarely a problem.
Full Comparison Table: Best Air Fryers Under $100
| Model | Price | Capacity | Wattage | Best For | Biggest Pro | Biggest Con |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja AF101 | ~$79–$89 | 4 Qt | 1550W | 1–2 people, everyday use | Wide temp range, compact | Smaller basket |
| Cosori Pro Gen 2 | ~$89–$99 | 5.8 Qt | 1750W | Cooking variety, couples | Large basket, 12 presets | Coating needs gentle care |
| Instant Vortex Plus | ~$79–$99 | 6 Qt | 1700W | Families of 3–4 | 6-in-1 functions, easiest to clean | Bulky footprint |
| Ninja AF161 Max XL | ~$99 | 5.5 Qt | 1750W | Large batches, high heat | 450°F max temp, wide basket | Near the $100 ceiling |
| Cosori Lite | ~$59–$69 | 3.8 Qt | 1500W | Singles, small kitchens | Cheapest, compact, solid build | Smaller capacity, slower preheat |
Final Verdict — Which One Should You Actually Buy?
Here’s the straight answer based on who you are:
Buy the Ninja AF101 if you’re cooking for one or two people and want a reliable, no-fuss air fryer that consistently delivers. It’s the easiest recommendation I make.
Buy the Cosori Pro Gen 2 if you cook a real variety of things — proteins, vegetables, baked goods — and want more basket space without going over $100. This is the one I’d pick for myself.
Buy the Instant Vortex Plus if you’re feeding a family or want genuine oven-like versatility. The 6-in-1 functions and 6-quart capacity make it the most practical daily-driver for households of three or more.
Buy the Ninja Max XL if batch size and maximum temperature matter to you and you’re okay spending right at the $100 mark.
Buy the Cosori Lite if you’re on a tight budget, cooking solo, and working with limited counter space. It does the job without the bulk or the price tag.
The honest truth: any of these five will outperform whatever old oven method you’re replacing. The difference between them is about matching the right size and feature set to your actual cooking habits — not about one being dramatically better than another.
FAQ — Best Air Fryers Under $100
Q: Is a cheap air fryer worth buying, or should I save up for a premium model? For most everyday cooking, absolutely worth it. The improvements in sub-$100 air fryers over the past two years have been significant. Unless you’re cooking for six people daily or need very specific features like rotisserie, a budget model will serve you well. The Cosori Pro Gen 2 and Ninja AF101 in particular hold their own against fryers that cost twice as much.
Q: What size air fryer do I need for a family of four? You’ll want at least 5.5–6 quarts to cook a proper family-sized portion in one batch. Anything smaller means cooking in multiple rounds, which defeats the convenience of air frying. The Instant Vortex Plus at 6 quarts is the best under-$100 option for families.
Q: Do air fryers really make food crispy, or is that just marketing? They genuinely do — but only if you use them correctly. The biggest mistake people make is overcrowding the basket. Hot air needs to circulate around the food. Keep things in a single layer, and yes, you’ll get real crispiness. Stack them up, and you’ll get steamed food instead.
Q: How do I keep my air fryer basket from getting sticky or damaged? Don’t use metal utensils in the basket — use silicone or wood. Avoid harsh scrubbing pads on non-stick coatings. For stubborn residue, soak the basket in warm soapy water for 10 minutes before washing. Most baskets on this list are dishwasher safe, but hand-washing extends the coating’s life considerably.
Which air fryer did you go with — or do you have a budget pick I missed? Drop it in the comments below. I read every one.