3 Best Budget Air Fryers Under $100 That Deliver Crispy Perfection

If you’re seeking an affordable air fryer that can deliver crisp, evenly cooked meals without breaking the bank, you’re not alone. For under $100, several models boast features like multiple preset functions, large capacities, and easy cleanup, making quick work of fries, wings, or snacks. But which one truly balances value and performance? Let’s explore three options that stand out, each promising efficiency without upping your kitchen budget—though each has its quirks, so your choice might depend on your specific needs.

CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer with Rotisserie and Dehydrator

The CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer with Rotisserie and Dehydrator is a great all-in-one kitchen tool. It can do many jobs, so you don’t need so many other appliances taking up space. It has a large 10-liter (or 6.3-quart) size, which is good for feeding a family or cooking in big batches.

This air fryer has 17 touch buttons to choose different cooking modes. You can fry, bake, dehydrate, roast, and even use the rotisserie. It heats up fast and uses special rapid air technology. This makes your food crispy and cooked evenly while using 98% less oil. It runs on 1700 watts, so it is powerful but stays quiet. You can see your food through a clear window, and a light inside helps you watch it cook.

This fryer is easy to use. The big buttons help you pick what you want, and the see-through window makes monitoring simple. It’s a sleek stainless steel look that looks good in any kitchen.

Best for: Families and people who like to prepare meals in advance. It’s perfect for those who want a device that replaces many other tools.

Pros:

• Combines air frying, baking, dehydrating, roasting, and rotisserie in one machine.
• Large space with multiple racks helps cook big meals or several things at once.
• Easy controls and a see-through window make cooking simple and fun.

Cons:

• Some users say the door feels a bit weak or not very durable.
• Food on top racks might cook unevenly. You may have to turn it during cooking.
• No dedicated off button. You need to unplug it to turn it off, which may be a little less convenient.

DEIME Air Fryer 10.2 QT Oilless 1700W Large Capacity Oven Air Fryers

If you want an air fryer that can cook big meals for your family without costing a lot, the DEIME Air Fryer 10.2 QT is a great choice. It has a large, square basket that holds up to 10.2 quarts. This means you can cook food for 5 to 8 people at once. The basket is non-stick, so it’s easy to clean after cooking.

This air fryer does more than just fry. It can roast, bake, grill, dehydrate, and reheat food. It uses 1700 watts of power, which helps it cook the food quickly. The high-definition touch screen makes it easy to use. It also has 10 preset programs that you can select with just a few taps.

The hot air circulates around the food at 360 degrees. That makes everything crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You don’t need to use much oil, so your meals are healthier.

This device saves space because it replaces several kitchen appliances. It’s perfect for busy families or small kitchens that need a versatile oven.

Best For: Families or small households needing fast, healthy, and easy-to-make meals.

Pros:

• Large enough for 5-8 people at once
• Can do many cooking tasks in one machine
• Easy-to-use touchscreen with preset buttons

Cons:

• It is big and might not fit in small kitchens
• You might need to learn how to use all its features
• Uses more energy because of the high wattage (1700W)

This air fryer is a simple and helpful tool for quick, healthy cooking. It’s easy to operate and can handle big meals, making your kitchen work easier.

Chefman Air Fryer, 4 QT Compact, Touchscreen, Nonstick Basket

If you want a small, easy-to-use air fryer that makes food crispy and tasty without costing a lot, the Chefman Air Fryer with a 4-quart size is a good choice. It’s perfect for small families or people who live alone. You can cook meals quickly and get everything ready in just minutes.

This air fryer has a 450°F Hi-Fry technology. That means your food gets extra crispy, just like fried food, but you use less oil. In the last two minutes of cooking, it makes sure everything is perfectly crispy. You don’t need to turn on your oven.

The digital touchscreen makes it simple to pick cooking settings. There are four presets, so you can choose the right one for what you’re making. The nonstick basket and tray are easy to clean because they go in the dishwasher. Plus, it has an automatic shutoff safety feature, so it turns off by itself when done.

This small size fits well on your kitchen counter and takes up little space. It makes crispy food fast and clean-up is a breeze.

Who is it for?

It’s great for small families, singles, or anyone who wants quick, crispy food in a small space.

Pros:

• Small 4-quart size perfect for small kitchens or limited space
• Uses 450°F Hi-Fry tech for crispy food with less oil
• Easy to operate with a digital screen and dishwasher-safe parts

Cons:

• Not big enough for large families or big meals
• No window to see inside while cooking
• You may need to change cooking times for some recipes because it heats quickly

This air fryer gives you crispy, tasty food fast, with simple controls. It’s small, safe, and easy to clean. A good choice if you want a compact appliance that does a big job.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Budget Air Fryers Under $100

When selecting a budget air fryer under $100, you’ll want to take into account factors like size and capacity—imagine fitting family-sized fries or just a single snack without screaming in frustration. Look for useful cooking presets and functions to simplify your kitchen dance, but don’t forget about ease of cleaning, because burnt-on grease is nobody’s idea of fun. Finally, check safety features, build quality, and durability—after all, this isn’t the time to sacrifice longevity for a lower price.

Size and Capacity

Most budget air fryers under $100 have sizes from 1.5 to 4 quarts. This size is good for making 2 to 4 servings at once. If you’re cooking just for yourself or a friend, a smaller size, like 1.5 or 2 quarts, works well. It saves space on your kitchen counter.

For bigger families or if you like to cook in batches, a larger size, around 3 or 4 quarts, is better. It can hold more food and helps prepare larger meals quickly. Keep in mind, bigger air fryers take up more space. Make sure they can fit on your counter before buying.

Some air fryers have square or rectangular baskets. These fit better in tight spaces than round baskets. Pick a size that matches how much food you usually cook. This way, you won’t waste space or have trouble fitting your air fryer in your kitchen.

In short, size really matters. Choose what fits your needs best for good cooking and enough space in your kitchen.

Cooking Presets & Functions

Budget air fryers under $100 usually have only a few preset buttons, maybe three to eight. But even with just a few, they can make cooking much easier. Most models have preset options for common foods like chicken wings, French fries, or snacks. These presets set the right heat and cooking time automatically. This means you don’t have to guess or watch the clock.

Some air fryers come with touchscreens or simple dials. These let you change the settings if needed. But keep in mind, they don’t have as many different presets as more expensive models. If you like cooking complicated dishes, this might matter to you.

Even so, these budget air fryers work well for quick, simple meals. They help you get consistent results without a lot of fuss. Do you need a machine that does everything? Or do you want one that just gets the job done fast and easy? For many people, a few preset buttons are enough to make cooking easier.

Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning your air fryer doesn’t have to feel like a big task. Choose a model that is easy to clean. Look for parts that are dishwasher safe, like the basket and tray. That way, you can just put them in the dishwasher instead of scrubbing.

Check if the air fryer has a nonstick coating. Coatings that don’t have harmful chemicals make wiping away grease simple and safe. Pick a unit with removable parts and a clear window. This helps you see inside and clean quickly without taking everything apart.

Try to find an air fryer with fewer tiny holes and tricky spots. This stops food from getting stuck and makes cleaning faster. Some models have a light inside or a window on top. These let you watch your food without opening the door, keeping things tidy.

A clean air fryer makes your food look good and taste better. Plus, it takes less time and effort to keep it looking new. Cleaning smart makes cooking fun and hassle-free.

Safety Features

Have you ever thought about whether a cheap air fryer can be safe to use? The good news is, yes it can be safe if you pick the right one. Look for air fryers that have an automatic shutoff. This feature turns off the machine if it gets too hot or if the timer runs out. It helps stop fires and keeps things from overheating.

Safety locks or lid latches are also helpful. They keep the lid or door closed while cooking so spills or accidents don’t happen. Some air fryers have a cool-touch exterior. That means the outside stays cool, even when the inside gets hot. This keeps your hands safe when you move or touch the machine.

Check if the air fryer has non-slip feet or a steady base. This keeps it from tipping over while working. Also, see if it has safety certificates like ETL or UL. These logos show that it has been tested and meets safety rules. Picking a safe air fryer doesn’t mean you have to pay a lot. Just look for these simple safety features to cook safe and enjoy your food.

Build Quality & Durability

To get the best results from a budget-friendly air fryer, it’s important to think about how well it’s built and how long it will last. Good build quality means the air fryer is made with strong materials like stainless steel or good plastic. These materials last longer and don’t break easily.

You can check reviews from other people to see if the model has issues. Some problems to look for are doors that feel weak or control panels that scratch or break. Make sure the baskets and trays can go in the dishwasher. This helps keep them clean and in good shape.

Look at the base of the air fryer. It should be steady and have non-slip feet. If it’s wobbly or slips easily, it can cause accidents or uneven cooking. Spending a little more now on a sturdy model can save you money and trouble later.

Versatility & Accessories

Budget air fryers are a great way to cook healthy food without spending a lot. To get the most value, look at their features and accessories. Good models have many cooking options like baking, roasting, dehydrating, and grilling. These options let you cook many different foods in one machine.

Make sure the air fryer has adjustable temperature controls. Usually, they go from 180°F to 400°F. This helps you cook a variety of recipes. Preset buttons can also make cooking easier. They let you pick common settings quickly.

Some air fryers come with extra accessories, such as baking racks, skewers, or dehydrating trays. These pieces let you try new recipes and do more with your machine. Having a bigger interior or removable parts helps you cook multiple items at once.

A simple digital screen makes changing settings easy. It saves time and helps you cook without confusion. If a model has these features, it will be more useful and fun to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Durable Are Budget Air Fryers for Daily Use?

Budget air fryers can be quite durable with proper use and maintenance, but they might not last as long as premium models. You should expect some wear and tear if you use them daily, yet many still perform well.

Do Budget Air Fryers Require Special Cleaning or Maintenance?

You don’t need special cleaning for budget air fryers; regular wiping, occasional deep cleaning, and thorough drying keep them in good shape. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions, avoid harsh chemicals, and maintain the non-stick surfaces carefully.

Can Budget Air Fryers Handle Frozen Foods Effectively?

Yes, budget air fryers can handle frozen foods effectively. You just need to adjust the temperature and cooking time accordingly, and make sure you shake or turn foods halfway through for even crispiness and thorough cooking.

What Safety Features Are Typically Included in Affordable Models?

You’ll find safety features like automatic shut-off, cool-touch exteriors, and non-slip feet in affordable air fryers. These protect you from overheating, burns, and slips, ensuring safe operation while you enjoy crispy, delicious meals.

Are Warranty Options Available for Under-$100 Air Fryers?

Yes, some under-$100 air fryers offer warranty options, but coverage varies by brand. You should always review the warranty policy before purchasing to make sure you’re protected against defects or malfunctions, giving you peace of mind.