People are looking for the best air fryers on a budget since air frying is one of the trendiest trends in food manufacturing. It's not simply related to fast food; it's also used to air fry vegetables, meat, and seafood.
Unfortunately, few individuals are aware of their existence. It is why many individuals look for the most up-to-date technologies on the market to assist them in attaining their fitness objectives more quickly and easily.
Air fryers are popular because of their simplicity, variety, and convenience. The best air fryers are compact, ovens that can air fry almost any cuisine. They come in sizes ranging from tiny to enormous, making them ideal for cooking for two or serving a large group.
The air fryer is excellent for individuals who wish to air fry with less oil and fat. It may involve effort and patience, but the returns on investment can deliver amazing benefits for a long time.
Before you buy one, you should determine what characteristics you will need. We'll get into this after we mention our top six air fryers.
By the way, if you've been wanting a Ninja Air Fryer, but it's out of your price range, there are several other air fryers available to customers on the market. This post will assist you in locating the best air fryer under $100 that will not break the bank by identifying some of the most popular options.
How We Have Chosen The Best Options
Determining which air fryer is ideal for you and your family can be challenging. With so many alternatives available, determining which one is best for you might be difficult. Not to mention that the many brands and models might be perplexing.
We're here to help you make the best choice possible. Our editors spent time researching each product and selecting just the best options. That way, you'll know that every air fryer is of high quality and can start frying immediately without worries.
The following are our top six affordable air fryers recommendations:
1. COSORI Air fryer: 5 Quart, 9-in-1
Why We Love It
The 5-quart capacity of the COSORI Air Fryer makes it one of the most space-efficient countertop appliances available. Its small size makes it ideal for any kitchen or dorm room. Depending on your cooking, the 5-quart capacity may contain enough food for 2-4 people.
Thid air fryer has Air Whisper Technology, enabling it to air fry with sounds no louder than 55 decibels, which is comparable to light rain. Many people complain that specific air fryers are too noisy, but this one is so quiet that it won't wake you up in the middle of the night.
This small air fryer cooks using 360° quick heat circulation technology, allowing you to experience the same crispy textures as conventional deep frying but using up to 85% less fat, making it an excellent choice for those on a diet or just minding their weight. Get more out of life by investing in your health with the COSORI 5 Quart Air Fryer.
The cooking options include chicken, fries, frozen, steak, seafood, vegetables, and bacon, as well as the ability to set your own custom time and temperature for the food you are cooking.
It is ideal for breakfast, lunch, supper, and desserts. Prepare your favorite fried dishes with the COSORI 5 Quart Air Fryer to help you keep a healthy diet.
The COSORI 5 Quart Air Fryer is ideal for you and your family's kitchen. Clean-up is fast and straightforward with a nonstick, dishwasher-safe basket free of BPA and PFOAs, and it will never seem like a bother again.
What You Should Know
This best compact air fryer cooks at temperatures up to 450°F, allowing for 20% quicker preheating.
Your favorite flavorful dishes may now be prepared in minutes. Instead of turning on the oven, enjoy the same delicious flavor while consuming fewer calories from fat and spending less time cooking.
The COSORI 5 Quart Air Fryer was created in California and had nine one-touch cooking modes on a tempered glass display, as well as the ability to preheat and add customized Shake Reminders to prevent burning your food.
Over a hundred recipes are available in the VeSync app, which can be downloaded for free, and a cookbook with thirty meals created by COSORI R&D chefs is also included. In no time, you'll be cooking like a pro.
This cosori air fryer might make cooking easier and more effective; you can use it to prepare for a small group, your family, or yourself.
2. Dreo Air Fryer: 4 Quart, 9-in-1
Why We Love It
The Dreo 4 Quart Air Fryer offers nine cooking modes, an easy-to-use touch screen; a preheat function, and eight pre-programmed cooking settings. It will allow you to enjoy excellent fried cuisine without all the fat and excess calories by cooking your food with hot air rather than oil.
You can now enjoy crispy fried dishes without sacrificing flavor thanks to the Dreo 4-quart air fryer. With its unique cooking technology, this compact air fryer allows you to air fry your meals up to 60% quicker while also helping you keep healthy and active.
Enjoy crispy fried chicken, french fries, and your other favorite fried food without feeling guilty.
The Dreo Air Fryer's 4 Quart capacity is sufficient for 1-3 persons and ideal for small families, couples, and individuals.
It is simple to cook all your favorite recipes using the same gadget. The Dreo 4 Quart Air Fryer simplifies anything from fries to cake to roasted meat.
It includes nine cooking modes: bake, roast, dehydrate, reheat, air fry, fry, broil, grill, and crisp, enabling you to prepare your favorite meals, snacks, and desserts.
Delicious dinners may be prepared in a fraction of the time it takes to deep fry. Short cooking time reduces saturated fat and other undesirable fats, making this an excellent choice for those on a diet or managing their weight.
Not only can you choose from the pre-programmed settings, but you can also customize the temperature and cooking times for your recipes, eliminating the need for guessing. Set it and forget it.
You receive a booklet with 50 nutritious recipes and clear, easy-to-follow instructions for using your Dreo Air Fryer. All recipes are broken down into ingredients and processes, making them easy to follow for everyone.
What You Should Know
It has an easy-to-use touch screen, a digital timer for up to 60 minutes, and a temperature range of up to 450 degrees.
Because the Dreo Air Fryer cooks fried food using hot air rather than oil, it's simple to produce favorites like french fries, fried chicken, fried fish, onion rings, and more - without all the fat.
This modest size air fryer makes it excellent for small kitchens, smaller residences, and bachelor pads.
Thanks to the Dreo 4 Quart Air Fryer's dishwasher-safe basket and plate, you can spend more time unwinding and less time cleaning.
The Shake Reminder notifies you at predetermined intervals when you need to shake or flip your food, allowing you to cook without having to keep an eye on it. This function helps you be more efficient in meal preparation, saving time for other activities.
3. Instant Vortex Air Fryer: 2 Quart, 4-in-1
Why We Love It
The Instant Vortex 2 Quart Air Fryer is a 4-in-1 gadget that will simplify your life by cooking meals more quickly and easily.
This air fryer can offer beautiful results if air frying, oven roasting, baking, or reheating food. Cooking with the Instant Vortex 2 Quart Air Fryer is fast, easy, and nutritious, giving you greater control over your consumption.
French fries, fish steaks, onion rings, fried chicken wings, and anything else you want to eat can be cooked in the Instant Vortex 2 Quart Air Fryer with less fat and more taste. It has a 2-quart capacity to serve main meals for two people or snacks for up to four people.
This handy 4-in-1 gadget may also be used to swiftly roast, broil, or reheat meals.
This air fryer features a 35-second preheat time, so you can start cooking immediately. It also features a temperature control that you can adjust from 95F to 400F. Because of precise temperature control, your food will not be overcooked or burned.
The Instant Vortex Air Fryer is an excellent option if you're searching for a healthy method to fry. It consumes 95% less oil than a standard deep fryer (more beneficial for your waistline and kitchen).
What You Should Know
Unlike traditional deep frying, which takes a long time and a lot of oil, the air fryer enables you to enjoy your favorite fried meals without all the fat.
Using the one-touch innovative programs, you can cook practically any food, from appetizers to desserts!
Its robust nonstick cooking basket makes meal preparation simpler than ever, and all detachable elements are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze. It also comes with a free app with a ton of recipes.
Automatic shutdown aids in keeping prepared food warm until ready to serve.
It also offers a free app that can be downloaded from any app store, including the Apple Store for iPhones and Google Play for Android devices.
Discover many excellent recipes to pick from, as well as step-by-step cooking instructions.
4. Chefman Air Fryer: 3.6 Quart
Why We Love It
It provides a healthy fried food experience. Furthermore, 98% less oil is utilized, and the temperature range is 200-400 degrees Fahrenheit. It enables various items to be cooked at the desired temperature to get the desired crispiness and texture.
It promises to crisp every inch of food, including veggies, pizzas, and leftovers. Its shape is smooth, spherical, and compact. As a result, storage is much simpler.
It also claims that its flat basket holds 40% more food than a standard air fryer. And without any unattractive bulkiness. It crisp and cook food evenly with little to no oil.
With the Chefman TurboFry 3.6 Quart Air Fryer, you can obtain deep-fried deliciousness without the mess of oil. With this model, you can bake, fry, and roast like an expert.
You may reheat previously cooked food to restore its natural texture; this model does not need a microwave. Because of the adjustable settings and temperature controls, you can relax knowing that your food won't be overcooked or burnt.
What You Should Know
It has two modes: manual temperature control and a 60-minute built-in timer.
It may also be used to heat leftovers. When the timer runs out, it will turn off automatically. So there's no need to be concerned about cooking.
This air fryer is also very simple to clean and has a dishwasher-safe 3.5-liter nonstick basket.
It is cETL certified and has sophisticated safety technologies and durability. This air fryer also has a one-year warranty and runs on 120 volts.
5. DASH Deluxe Air Fryer: 6 Quart
Why We Love It
This 6Qt electric air fryer is ideal for a family. Cooking for 4 to 6 persons is possible with the 6Qt large cooking capacity.
If you like a colorful kitchen, this air fryer will not disappoint. It has a stunning red hue, but you can also get it in aqua, black, or white.
This device also has a plethora of functions to make your life easier. This air fryer has a 1700-watt rating, which provides enough power to cook food of any type you put into it. It can achieve temperatures of up to 400° F, sufficient to cook any item.
These best air fryers cook faster than convection ovens.
In addition, the air fryer has a 30-minute auto-shut-off feature. This feature keeps your food from overcooking and the appliance from overheating. There is also a cool-touch handle and casing to avoid accidental burns.
What You Should Know
AirCrisp Technology is used in the air fryer. With this technology, you can enjoy crispy meals using 75% less oil.
The best news is that this air fryer was designed to save you time while preparing tasty meals.
The controls on this machine are not digital, as they are on most other units, but they are simple to use. The dial on the front of the stove sets the temperature and timer.
6. Magic Bullet Air Fryer: 2.5 Quart
Why We Love It
Are you looking for the perfect personal-sized air fryer? Check out Magic Bullet's Air Fryer. This fantastic little air fryer is here to make your life easier. With an adjustable temperature between 180 - 400 degrees Fahrenheit, you can fry a variety of foods.
No need to worry about overcooking – Magic Bullet's 60-minute dial timer will activate an auto shut-off once the timer is up, making sure your food will come out perfectly cooked and delicious every time.
What You Should Know
The Magic Bullet air fryer has a capacity of 2.5 quarts, so you can easily cook up to three servings at once – perfect for personal use or cozy get-togethers with friends. But if your group's bigger than that, just upgrade to an even larger model and give everyone their fill!
Also, beware that the numbers on the air fryer don't last forever! Reports of disappearing digits on some products has left customers scratching their heads.
What To Consider Before Buying The Best Air Fryer Under $100
If you're frequently on the go, investing in your portable air fryer is a must. Long delays for French fries and popcorn chicken at the neighborhood fast food joint are a thing of the past.
The buying tips below will help you select the best air fryer on a budget, with generally more sophisticated features than normal deep fryers but at a lower price.
Size And Capacity
The size of the air fryer you buy should be chosen partly because of the cooking space available in your kitchen or where you want to place it. While it comes to size, air fryers vary, so consider this when making your purchase.
Air fryers are often misidentified as ovens, and you'd be right in assuming they serve a similar function. Hence, you might hear people calling an air fryer, an "air fryer oven." Still, instead of continuously baking food, they use a fan to dehydrate food surface with hot air, reducing the amount of oil needed and, therefore, the number of calories in the final product.
If you are single or live alone, an air fryer with low capacity may be preferable since you will require less time cleaning up your device. However, a larger model may be preferable if you intend to make vast quantities of French fries daily for lunch.
Features
The air fryer should include a digital display that allows you to manage the temperature and time efficiently.
It is also more convenient if you can choose from a selection of preset cooking plans and specific safety measures, like an automatic shutdown if your hands stray too far away from the device while it is heating up.
Easy Care And Maintenance
Always take appropriate care of your unit. Most elements of the air fryer may be hand-washed or rinsed in a dishwasher to maintain them germ-free and to avoid any possible health hazards from harmful bacteria that may collect over time.
Before allowing your children to use it, read all safety instructions to avoid mishaps, mainly if they are still young, and participate in food preparation in the kitchen.
Some versions also include attachments like cutting boards, making it simpler to create delicious meals at home since you can chop items while your fryer cooks.
Another significant advantage of purchasing an air fryer is the ease with which replacement parts can be obtained. You don't want to pay more for shipping merely to get a replacement for your preferred model.
Functionality
Think about how you will use your air fryer and select a model that fits your lifestyle. If you often go on weekend trips and longer holidays without your unit, it is better to choose one with detachable pieces to do cleaning and transporting simpler.
If you need to air fry vast quantities of French fries or batches upon batches of popcorn chicken, seek equipment that can handle such operations while leaving an adequate distance between air fryer baskets to avoid cross-contamination.
Take note of foods that cannot be used simultaneously since air fryers only heat from the bottom.
If you often purchase frozen snacks at the convenience store, an air fryer may help you save money since most recipes enable you to bake food with a fraction of the oil needed in deep fryers.
To get your money's worth, you should invest in a higher capacity model if you sometimes plan on frying a lot of food, such as French fries or poultry.
Accessories
Although an air fryer may not come with accessories like mesh baskets and nonstick platters, you can get them in the market (and online) for a very low price, and they will add convenience and simplicity to your kitchen activities.
Based on the model and type of your air fryer, you may also need extra utensils such as cleaning sponges, measuring cups, stirring spoons, or tongs.
Warranty
Before buying any goods, you should carefully evaluate the warranty. A kitchen appliance must last for a long time and provide excellent value for the money.
Always choose recognized products with at least a one-year guarantee in case something goes wrong during that time.
Also, see if any components need to be replaced regularly, which will incur an extra expense but will be well worth it if your air fryer malfunctions.
Budget
When purchasing an appliance, it is important to emphasize quality above price. We all realize that cheap appliances may not endure and might break down after months of use, so buying them is a waste of money.
It is preferable to save more money or get the best air fryer under $100 that will last for years rather than purchasing the cheapest model. However, with proper care and usage, your air fryer can last you years.
The best air fryers for home cost anywhere from $70 to $300, with the price varying according to the size, quantity of baskets, and other functions offered.
Compared to commercial units, which often cost more than $500, a $100 air fryer is already considered inexpensive!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Does An Air Fryer Work?
Air fryers do not traditionally fry food, and air fryers crisp and brown dishes without the need for oil. All best air fryers include a heating mechanism and a fan which is circulating hot air over the food, and the procedure is identical to that of a convection oven.
Air fryers include a perforated or mesh basket that enables air to circulate the food, allowing for uniform cooking. Because battered meals would flow through the perforated air fryer basket, you can only air-breaded fry dishes with this design.
How Do You Get An Air Fryer To Heat Up?
Some air fryers do not need preheating, while others do so automatically before beginning the cooking period.
To preheat, use the preset preheat option on your air fryer, or choose the cooking temperature and wait for 3 to 5 minutes before adding your meal.
We evaluated devices that automatically preheat as well as those that let you start cooking right away.
We discovered that whether we warmed or not, dishes cooked identically. Several air-frying manuals advocate preheating for better results when air-fried meat requires a beautiful sear, such as steak or chicken breasts.
Can You Use Aluminum Foil In An Air Fryer Safely?
Aluminum foil may be used in an air fryer that uses air instead of oil. Using foil to line the bottom of an air fry basket may do cleaning and removing cooked food easier. However, you must ensure that the foil does not obstruct air movement.
What Is The Best Way To Clean An Air Frying Gadget or Air Fryer?
Most air fryer detachable pieces (the frying basket, tray, and other cooking accessories) are dishwasher safe. Check your air fryer's owner's handbook to see which components may be washed in the dishwasher.
These components may also be cleaned using warm, soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge. If there's any stubborn oil or stuck-on food, immerse the items in hot, soapy water first.
The air fryer's inside, and exterior may be wiped clean with a moist cloth, but it should never be immersed in water since it includes electrical components.
If the heating element becomes filthy, wipe it off with a moist cloth after the device has been turned off, cooled, and disconnected.
Can You Bake A Cake In An Air Fryer?
You may bake various tiny types of cake in your air fryer. The main benefit is that, unlike a regular oven, there is no need to warm the product. An air fryer may bake cake faster and crispier than you expect.
Can You Cook An Entire Chicken In An Air Fryer?
The capacity of your air fryer determines it. You may pick a reasonable size of a chicken, and your air fryer will undoubtedly cook it as long as it fits in the pan. Of course, you must turn the chicken to ensure it is cooked uniformly on both sides.
Does The Air Fryer Start To Smoke?
Because of the fat in the meal, the air fryer may emit some smoke during operation. A little smoke is alright, but if your air fryer emits a lot of smoke, you should be cautious. It may lead to overheating and is not healthy for your meals.
What's The Difference Between An Air Fryer And A Convection Oven?
These two pieces of cooking equipment use the same convection process, and the critical difference is that the convection oven provides greater area while the air fryer cooks faster.
What Kind Of Foods Can I Cook In An Air Fryer?
Because it works like a countertop convection oven, there are a few dishes that an air fryer cannot prepare.
Air fryers are perfect for preparing frozen appetizers such as crispy French fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, and jalapeno poppers, but you can also cook beef, poultry, fish, and vegetables. It's possible to make cakes and pizzas in a big enough air fryer.
The only dishes that should not be cooked in an air fryer are those with moist batters. The hot air that passes through the fryer may blast the batter off the meal and generate a mess.
Is It Necessary To Use Oil In An Hot Air Fryer?
The advantage of an air fryer is that it does not need as much oil as a deep fryer. Suppose you want your food to have a lovely, crispy outside; spritz or brush it gently with oil before placing it in the air fryer. You'll still save fat and calories without compromising the crisp texture you want.
Are Air Fryers Worth The Money?
Air fryers are relatively simple, and many prefer them to conventional frying methods. These air fryers can cook food flawlessly while using very little oil.
Using an air fryer to prepare excellent fried dishes in less than 10 minutes is quite simple. Air fryers are helpful for more than just frying; they may also be used for baking, steaming, grilling, and stuffing dishes.
Can I Use An Air Fryer For Cooking Frozen Chips?
That is possible. With little oil, you'll get crispy, fluffy chips. Although it may not have the same taste as deep frying, it is still a good option.
For this reason, when utilizing an air fryer, be cautious since the oils tend to smoke, and the chips may burn. You should also look for a chip frozen at its pinnacle of durability.
Which Of The Air Fryer Is Right For You?
As you can see, there are many excellent options for the best air fryer under $100. It may seem daunting to figure out which one is best for your needs, but that's where we come in. We spent several hours researching so you wouldn't have to.
The five air fryers under 100 models listed above are our best recommendations for this price range; they are all high-quality items that have received fantastic reviews. You should make your ultimate selection based on one of our top recommendations of.
On the fence about whether to make an air fryer or toaster oven a part of your kitchen family? The insightful article Air Fryer vs. Toaster Oven by Catchy Finds can help you decide.
Here is the list of items reviewed:
1. COSORI Airfryer: 5 Quart, 9-in-1
2. Dreo Air Fryer: 4 Quart, 9-in-1
3. Instant Vortex Air Fryer: 2 Quart, 4-in-1
4. Chefman Air Fryer: 3.6 Quart
