6 Best Air Fryers Under $100
Craving crispy fries, juicy chicken, and perfectly roasted veggies without the guilt of deep frying? An air fryer might be your new kitchen hero, and the best part? You don’t need to break the bank to get one! We’ve scoured the market and rounded up the top 6 best air fryers available for under $100. Get ready to ditch the oil and say hello to healthier, tastier meals made easy. We’ll reveal the features, functions, and performance of each model, helping you choose the perfect air fryer to elevate your cooking game without emptying your wallet.
6. Ninja AF101 4-in-1 Air Fryer
The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer is a compact kitchen appliance that aims to offer a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying. It boasts a 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate, claiming to fit 2 pounds of French fries. The air fryer functions across a wide temperature range of 105°F-400°F, allowing you to air fry, roast, reheat, and even dehydrate. While the 4-in-1 versatility is appealing, it’s worth noting that this model doesn’t quite match the performance of dedicated appliances, particularly when it comes to larger batches.
One of the key selling points of the AF101 is its ability to air fry with up to 75% less fat compared to deep frying. In my testing, this claim held true. The air fryer produced crispy fries and chicken with minimal oil, resulting in a noticeably healthier snack. However, achieving that perfect crispiness sometimes required adjusting cooking times and temperatures, especially for thicker cuts of meat. The included recipe booklet offers a good starting point, but experimenting is key to mastering the appliance.
While the air frying capabilities are commendable, the other functions feel somewhat secondary. The roasting function worked adequately, but larger cuts of meat might benefit from a larger cooking chamber. Dehydrating worked as advertised, producing thin, crispy snacks, but the relatively small capacity might limit your batch sizes. The reheating function was reliable, but nothing groundbreaking.
Overall, the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer is a decent option for individuals or smaller households looking for a compact appliance to air fry and explore other cooking methods. It delivers on its promise of healthier frying with crispy results. However, its limitations in capacity and performance for certain functions might make it less appealing to larger families or those seeking a dedicated appliance for specific cooking styles. At its price point, it offers decent value for occasional use, but users with frequent and heavy cooking needs might consider investing in a more specialized or higher-capacity air fryer.
5. CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital, Nonstick
The CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is a compact appliance that aims to bring the convenience of air frying to smaller kitchens or individuals. While it boasts several features like a digital touch screen, shake reminder, and dishwasher-safe basket, there are some limitations to consider.
On the plus side, the air fryer heats up quickly and delivers crispy results for a variety of foods. The 2-quart capacity is sufficient for preparing meals for one or two people, and the square basket design maximizes the available space. I found the shake reminder to be a helpful feature, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking. The digital timer and temperature control are easy to use, allowing for precise adjustments to suit different recipes.
However, the small size does come with some drawbacks. If you plan on cooking for larger families or preparing substantial meals, the 2-quart capacity might feel restrictive. The heating element also sits quite low in the fryer, which can make it challenging to fit larger items without overcrowding.
While the CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer is a decent option for individuals or couples looking for a space-saving and convenient way to cook healthy meals, its limited capacity and potential for uneven cooking with larger items might be a dealbreaker for some users. The value for money is decent, considering its features and compact design, but those with larger cooking needs might be better served by a larger air fryer model.
4. Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Hi-Fry Technology
The Chefman Air Fryer is a compact and stylish addition to any kitchen, boasting a 4-quart capacity that’s surprisingly spacious for its size. While marketed as perfect for 2-4 servings, I found it a tad small for larger families or those who enjoy big portions. The touchscreen controls with pre-set functions are intuitive and user-friendly, allowing for quick and easy meal preparation. The “Hi-Fry” technology, which boosts the temperature to 450°F for the last two minutes of cooking, does deliver a satisfying crunch, though I noticed it can sometimes lead to uneven browning, especially with thicker pieces of food.
One of the biggest drawbacks of this air fryer is its smaller capacity. While advertised for 2-4 servings, I found it struggled to accommodate large batches of fries or even a whole chicken. The 450°F Hi-Fry setting is a nice touch, but it can be a bit finicky and requires constant monitoring. If you’re not careful, you can easily overcook the edges while the center remains underdone. The nonstick basket and rack are dishwasher safe, which is a definite plus for easy clean-up. However, the exterior of the air fryer tends to collect grease splatters, requiring a bit more manual cleaning.
Overall, the Chefman Air Fryer delivers on its promise of quick and easy meals with a crispy finish. It’s a great option for individuals or couples who prioritize convenience and a compact footprint. However, its smaller capacity and some inconsistencies in cooking performance may be a deterrent for larger households or those who prefer more hands-off cooking.
For its price point, the Chefman Air Fryer offers decent value, especially if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option. However, if you’re seeking a larger capacity, more consistent cooking performance, or a model with advanced features, you might want to explore other options in the market.
3. Simple Deluxe Air Fryer – 6.34 QT Digital
The Simple Deluxe Air Fryer is a decent option for those looking to embrace healthier cooking without sacrificing flavor. Its 6.34-quart capacity is definitely a plus, easily accommodating family-sized meals or multiple servings. I found it worked well for a variety of dishes, from crispy French fries and juicy chicken wings to roasted vegetables and even a few simple desserts. The 12 pre-set functions are a convenient feature, offering quick and easy settings for popular air fryer recipes.
While the air fryer does deliver on its promise of crispy results with up to 95% less oil, I did notice that the heat distribution wasn’t always even. Some areas of the food would be perfectly golden brown while other parts remained slightly undercooked. This might require adjusting cooking times and shaking the basket more frequently to ensure consistent results.
The visible window and oven light are handy features, allowing you to monitor your food without opening the fryer and losing heat. However, the window itself is quite small, making it a bit challenging to get a clear view of the entire cooking chamber. Additionally, the nonstick coating on the basket, while dishwasher safe, seemed to show signs of wear after a few uses. This might lead to food sticking more easily in the future and requiring more vigorous scrubbing.
Overall, the Simple Deluxe Air Fryer is a reasonable choice for budget-conscious consumers who want to explore healthier cooking options. Its large capacity and pre-set functions are convenient, and the visible window allows for easy monitoring. However, the uneven heat distribution and potential for the nonstick coating to wear down are drawbacks to consider.
2. Ninja AF141 Air Fryer Pro 5QT 4-in-1
The Ninja Air Fryer Pro is a true game-changer in the kitchen. This 4-in-1 appliance not only air fries, but also roasts, reheats, and dehydrates, making it a versatile addition to any home cook’s arsenal. I was particularly impressed with the Air Crisp Technology, which uses superheated air at 400°F to create crispy results with minimal oil. French fries cooked in this air fryer were unbelievably crunchy, rivaling even deep-fried versions.
The 5-QT capacity is generous, easily accommodating a 4-lb batch of fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings. This means you can cook larger portions for family and friends without having to make multiple batches. I found the nonstick basket and crisper plate to be a huge bonus, making cleanup a breeze. The design is also incredibly sleek and compact, taking up minimal counter space.
One of the best things about this air fryer is its ability to cook frozen foods to perfection in a flash. Gone are the days of waiting for frozen fries to finish in the oven – this air fryer crisps them up in minutes. It’s also great for reheating leftovers, bringing them back to a satisfyingly warm and crispy texture. The included recipe book and cooking charts provide a wealth of inspiration, showing you just how versatile this appliance truly is.
While the Ninja Air Fryer Pro is a fantastic product overall, the preheating process does take a little longer than some other air fryers on the market. However, the superior results and versatility make it well worth the slight wait. If you’re looking for a high-quality air fryer that delivers on its promises, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro is definitely worth considering. It’s a valuable investment that will undoubtedly become a kitchen staple.
1. COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, 6-Qt
The COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 is a kitchen game-changer. From the moment I unboxed it, I was impressed by its sleek design and spacious 6-quart capacity. This isn’t your average air fryer; it’s a powerhouse equipped with innovative TurboBlaze Technology, boasting a 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450°F. This means achieving that coveted crispy exterior and juicy interior, even on larger cuts of meat or a whole chicken.
What truly sets this air fryer apart is its precision. The 5-fan speed system and 90°–450°F temperature control allow for incredibly customized cooking. Whether you’re roasting vegetables, baking a cake, re-heating leftovers, or even proofing dough, this air fryer delivers professional-quality results. And the best part? It’s remarkably user-friendly. The intuitive controls and clear display make navigating the various functions a breeze.
One of the things I appreciated most was the quiet operation. Even on the highest fan speed, the COSORI Air Fryer operates at less than 53 dB, making it a welcome addition to any kitchen, even during early mornings or late evenings. Cleaning is a cinch thanks to the dishwasher-safe nonstick basket and detachable accessories. The included 30-recipe cookbook with pictures is a fantastic resource, providing inspiration and guidance for your culinary adventures.
While there isn’t a “dehydrate” function, the versatility of the other 9 modes makes this air fryer an exceptionally valuable investment. The 6-quart capacity comfortably accommodates family meals, and the compact design won’t take up too much counter space. If you’re looking for an air fryer that is both powerful and user-friendly, the COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1 is an outstanding choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What size air fryer should I get for under $100?
A: For most households, a 3.5-4 quart air fryer is a great size option under $100. It’s large enough to cook meals for 2-4 people, but not too bulky for smaller kitchens.
Q: What features should I look for in a budget-friendly air fryer?
A: Look for an air fryer with adjustable temperature settings (at least 170-400°F), a timer, and easy-to-clean parts. Bonus features like presets for common foods (fries, chicken, etc.) can be helpful, but aren’t essential for basic air frying.
Q: Are there any well-regarded air fryer brands available under $100?
A: Yes! Some popular brands known for offering quality air fryers in this price range include Instant Vortex, Chefman, Cosori, and Ninja. Be sure to read reviews from other users to get a sense of their performance and reliability.
Conclusion
So, there you have it!
Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer enthusiast or just starting your crispy journey, these top picks under $100 offer exceptional value and performance. Choose the air fryer that best suits your needs and get ready to enjoy healthier, delicious meals with ease. Happy air frying!
