Best Air Fryers Under $100 (2026): 5 Budget Picks Worth Buying
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You don’t need to spend $200 to get a good air fryer. Under $100 you can get the same core technology — the difference is mostly capacity, temperature range and how quiet it runs. We compared the specs, owner feedback and coatings of the most popular budget models to find five that are genuinely worth buying.
Short answer
- Best overall: Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Quart
- Easiest to use: Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5-Quart (AF141)
- Best compact 5-quart: Cosori Pro LE 5-Quart
- Best with a window: Chefman 4-Quart Easy-View
- Best for one person: Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital 2.6-Quart
Budget air fryers compared
| Air fryer | Capacity | Wattage | Max temp | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosori TurboBlaze | 6 qt | 1,725 W | 450°F | Best overall |
| Ninja AF141 | 5 qt | 1,750 W | 400°F | Easiest to use |
| Cosori Pro LE | 5 qt | 1,500 W | 450°F | Small kitchens |
| Chefman Easy-View | 4 qt | — | 450°F (Hi-Fry) | Viewing window |
| Dash Tasti-Crisp | 2.6 qt | 1,000 W | 400°F | One person |
How we picked: we compared manufacturer specs, verified owner reviews and independent test data. We did not hands-on test every model — where a claim comes from the manufacturer, we say so. Product boxes show live Amazon prices; some picks sit close to $100, so check the price before you buy. Our methodology →
The 5 best air fryers under $100
Cosori TurboBlaze 6-Quart
Who should buy it: Households of 2–4 who want the most capable fryer this budget allows.
- 6 qt
- 1,725 W
- 90–450°F
- 5 fan speeds
- PFAS-free ceramic basket
What makes it different: It is the only pick here with adjustable fan speed. The low 90°F setting also lets it proof dough and dehydrate gently — things budget fryers usually can’t do.
What we like
- Biggest usable basket in this price range
- Widest temperature range on this list
- Cosori rates it under 53 dB
Watch out for
- Often priced right at the $100 line — check the live price
- Ceramic coating needs gentle care
Alternative: If it has crept over $100, the Cosori Pro LE gives you a similar ceramic basket in 5 quarts.
✓ Worth ItThe most air fryer you can get for about $100.
Check price on Amazon →
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 5-Quart (AF141)
Who should buy it: Anyone who wants four big buttons and no learning curve.
- 5 qt
- 1,750 W
- Up to 400°F
- 4 functions
- Dishwasher-safe basket
What makes it different: Fewer settings than the Cosoris, but the simplest to operate — air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate and you’re done.
What we like
- Ninja rates it for 4 lb of fries
- Highest wattage on this list (1,750 W)
- Basket and crisper plate are dishwasher-safe
Watch out for
- Tops out at 400°F — 50° lower than the Cosoris
- Standard nonstick, not marketed as PFAS-free
Alternative: Want a PFAS-free basket at a similar size? Choose the Cosori Pro LE.
✓ Worth ItA dependable, no-fuss pick from the best-known brand.
Check price on Amazon →
Cosori Pro LE 5-Quart
Who should buy it: Small kitchens that still want enough capacity for two to three people.
- 5 qt
- 1,500 W
- Up to 450°F
- Ceramic-coated basket
- About 10.7 × 10.8 in footprint
- ≤55 dB
What makes it different: A roughly 11-inch-square footprint makes it one of the smallest 5-quart fryers — it fits under most upper cabinets.
What we like
- Compact footprint for its capacity
- Shake reminder helps fries cook evenly
- Quiet — Cosori rates it no louder than 55 dB
Watch out for
- 1,500 W heats a little slower than 1,700 W+ models
- No viewing window
Alternative: Need a window to watch food cook? The Chefman 4-Quart has one.
✓ Worth ItThe best pick for small counters that won’t go smaller than 5 quarts.
Check price on Amazon →
Chefman 4-Quart Easy-View
Who should buy it: One or two people who want to check food without pulling the basket.
- 4 qt
- Viewing window
- 450°F Hi-Fry finish
- 4 presets
- Dishwasher-safe basket
What makes it different: The viewing window is rare at this price, and the Hi-Fry button adds a final 450°F blast for extra crunch.
What we like
- See doneness without losing heat
- Usually well under $100
- Compact enough for apartments
Watch out for
- 4 quarts is tight for more than two people
- Some owners report durability issues after heavy use
Alternative: Cooking for three or more? Step up to the Ninja AF141.
✓ Worth ItGreat value for couples and small households.
Check price on Amazon →
Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital 2.6-Quart
Who should buy it: Dorms, RVs, office kitchens and solo cooks.
- 2.6 qt
- 1,000 W
- 200–400°F
- 3 programmable presets
- Dishwasher-safe basket
What makes it different: At 1,000 W it is the gentlest on a shared or older circuit, and it’s small enough to store in a cupboard.
What we like
- Lowest price on this list
- Low power draw
- Tiny footprint
Watch out for
- 2.6 quarts fits one portion of fries at a time
- 400°F max and slower crisping than bigger models
Alternative: If you cook for two, the Chefman 4-Quart is worth the step up.
✓ Worth ItThe right tool for one person — too small for anyone else.
Check price on Amazon →How to choose a budget air fryer
Capacity comes first
Buy for the number of people you cook for, not for the occasional party. An oversized basket that’s half full cooks less evenly and takes longer to preheat.
Look at max temperature
Models that reach 450°F crisp frozen food faster and get better browning. At 400°F you’ll get good results, just a few minutes slower.
Check the wattage against your outlet
1,500–1,750 W models draw most of a standard 15-amp kitchen circuit. Don’t share an outlet with a kettle or microwave. A 1,000 W compact is the safest choice for dorms and older wiring.
Features worth paying for
- A dishwasher-safe basket
- A viewing window (fewer basket pulls, more even cooking)
- A shake reminder for fries and wings
What we’d skip
✕ Skip It No-name air fryers with no stated wattage, temperature range or coating. If a listing won’t tell you what the basket is coated with or who stands behind the warranty, pay a little more for a known brand.
The bottom line
If it’s at or under $100 when you check, the Cosori TurboBlaze is the best budget air fryer you can buy. Pick the Ninja AF141 for simplicity, the Cosori Pro LE for small counters, the Chefman for a viewing window, and the Dash if you cook for one.
Want to compare every price range? Read our best air fryers of 2026 guide or Ninja vs Cosori.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get a good air fryer for under $100?
Yes. Most of what makes an air fryer good — a fan, a heating element and a well-shaped basket — is standard at this price. Spending more mainly gets you dual baskets, larger capacity or oven-style designs.
What size air fryer should I buy under $100?
For one person, 2–3 quarts. For two people, 4 quarts. For three or four people, 5–6 quarts. Our air fryer size guide goes deeper.
Do cheaper air fryers use less electricity?
Not necessarily. Power draw depends on wattage, not price. A 1,000 W compact model uses less power than a 1,750 W model, but it also cooks less food per batch.
Are budget air fryer coatings safe?
Standard PTFE nonstick is considered safe at normal air-frying temperatures, and ceramic coatings are made without PFAS. See what PFAS-free means.
Why don’t you list prices in this article?
Amazon prices change constantly. The product boxes above pull the current price directly from Amazon, so you always see today’s price.
