6 Best Air Fryers Under $100 2026

This isn’t just another air fryer—it’s a kitchen revolution. The Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze delivers crisp-perfect results thanks to its 3600 rpm TurboBlaze fan and precise 5-fan speed system, creating a vortex of heat that locks in moisture while crisping exteriors flawlessly. With a 6-quart square basket, ceramic nonstick coating, and 90°–450°F range, it handles everything from delicate proofing to aggressive searing—making it a true multi-cooker powerhouse for health-conscious families tired of soggy, unevenly cooked meals.

In real-world testing, the TurboBlaze truly earns its name. Whether reheating pizza (crust stays crisp, cheese melts perfectly) or air frying a full batch of frozen fries, the 360° rapid air circulation ensures no cold spots. The less than 53dB operation is a game-changer—quieter than most blenders—so you can cook dinner without disturbing a movie night. While the digital interface is intuitive, the preheat function can be finicky, defaulting to skip unless manually enabled, which may trip up beginners expecting auto-preheat.

Priced competitively within the sub-$100 range, the Cosori outshines many rivals with 9 cooking functions—far beyond basic fry/roast presets. Compared to the Ninja AF141, it offers broader temperature control and quieter operation, though the Ninja’s compact build wins on countertop footprint. Ideal for families of 3–5 and meal-prep enthusiasts, this air fryer balances power, precision, and peace like no other in its class. It doesn’t just cook food—it elevates everyday meals with gourmet consistency.

If you’ve ever overcooked fries because you couldn’t see inside, the Nutrichef 5.8 Quart Air Fryer is your visual cooking ally. Its transparent fry bowl is a game-changing feature, letting you monitor food in real time without interrupting the cooking cycle—a rare win for precision-focused cooks who hate guesswork. Backed by a 1200W heating element and 360° hot air circulation, it delivers even browning on wings, shrimp, and veggies, all within a compact 5.8-quart chamber that fits snugly in small kitchens.

Performance-wise, the LED touch screen and 8 preset modes make it incredibly user-friendly—perfect for beginners or busy households. Cooking a pound of frozen fries takes under 18 minutes with a crisp-to-the-core finish, and the adjustable temp up to 390°F handles most recipes flawlessly. However, the lower max temperature (compared to 450°F models) means it can’t achieve that deep golden sear on thicker cuts like steak or chicken thighs. The nonstick tray is a breeze to clean, but the handle gets hot during extended cycles, requiring oven mitts for safe handling.

When stacked against the Chefman 6 Qt, the Nutrichef trades raw power for visibility and simplicity—a smart compromise for those who prioritize control over extreme crispiness. It’s not the most powerful, but for solo cooks, couples, or compact kitchens, it delivers consistent, observable results without cluttering countertops. If watching your food cook gives you peace of mind, this model offers unmatched transparency—literally and figuratively.

The Ninja AF141 is a family-sized beast disguised as a countertop appliance. With 400°F superheated air and 5-quart capacity, it effortlessly handles 4 lbs of fries or 5 lbs of wings—perfect for weekend game days or weekday family dinners. Its Air Crisp technology delivers crispy, golden exteriors with up to 75% less fat than deep frying, making it a go-to for health-conscious households who refuse to sacrifice texture. The 4-in-1 functionality (air fry, roast, reheat, dehydrate) turns it into a versatile kitchen workhorse, eliminating the need for multiple appliances.

In testing, the Ninja excels at frozen-to-crispy transitions—frozen tater tots come out uniformly crunchy, and roasted chicken thighs develop a delicious, crackling skin. The nonstick basket cleans easily, though food can stick if sprays are overused. While the space-saving design is a plus, the short power cord can be limiting on crowded counters. It lacks preset customization, relying on manual time/temp inputs, which may frustrate users who want smart automation.

Compared to the Cosori TurboBlaze, the Ninja offers less cooking variety (only 4 functions vs. 9) but better batch capacity and more rugged build. It doesn’t have ceramic coating or ultra-quiet fans, but it gets the job done fast and reliably. Ideal for families of 4+ or meal-preppers, it’s a no-nonsense performer that prioritizes capacity and speed over bells and whistles. It may not be the quietest or most feature-packed, but for consistent, large-batch cooking, it’s hard to beat.

For those drowning in kitchen clutter, the bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer is a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. Its slim, vertical design saves up to 50% more space than traditional models, making it the ultimate space-saver for dorms, RVs, or studio apartments. Don’t let the size fool you: the 3.3 lb XL basket handles meals for 2–3 people with ease, and the 1300W circular heat tech ensures even cooking across fries, salmon fillets, or roasted veggies.

In daily use, the 6 presets (air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, dehydrate) make it effortlessly versatile, while the EverGood ceramic coating delivers superior nonstick performance—no PFAS, PFOA, or toxic chemicals. Cleaning is a wipe-and-go process, and the 60-minute auto shutoff adds peace of mind. However, the 4-quart capacity is tight for families, and larger items like whole chicken breasts can feel cramped. The matte finish looks elegant but shows fingerprints easily.

Against the Chefman 6 Qt, the bella trades capacity for compactness, making it the clear winner for small kitchens. While it can’t match high-end crispiness like 450°F models, it nails consistency and convenience. It’s not for big families, but for urban dwellers, singles, or couples, it offers smart design, clean cooking, and countertop harmony. If style, safety, and space are your top concerns, this air fryer is a slim, elegant champion.

The Chefman 6 Qt Compact Air Fryer is the budget warrior that refuses to compromise on performance. With 1700W of power and 450°F Hi-Fry Technology, it delivers a final two-minute temperature surge that transforms lackluster fries into golden, crunchy perfection—a feature usually reserved for pricier models. The LED shake notifications ensure even crisping, eliminating guesswork, while the 6-quart nonstick basket handles family-sized meals with ease.

Real-world tests show it excels at frozen foods—mozzarella sticks, chicken nuggets, and fries all come out hot and crispy in under 20 minutes. The touchscreen presets are intuitive, though the interface can feel slightly laggy. While compact, the narrow footprint fits neatly on counters, but the plastic housing feels less premium than stainless steel rivals. Still, for the price, the build quality and performance punch above their weight.

When compared to the Nutrichef, the Chefman offers higher max temperature and larger capacity, but lacks a viewing window—so you’re cooking blind. It’s not the quietest or sleekest, but for budget-focused families or first-time buyers, it delivers professional-level crispiness at a fraction of the cost. If value, power, and results matter most, this model is the unbeatable entry-level champion.

When capacity is king, the Chefman 8 Qt TurboFry® reigns supreme. This XL air fryer fits whole chickens, full racks of ribs, or 2 lbs of fries with room to spare—making it the best choice for large families or entertainers. Its TurboFry 4-in-1 system (air fry, bake, reheat, dehydrate) and 450°F Hi-Fry boost ensure deep, golden crispness that rivals deep frying, all without the oil. The stainless steel build feels durable, and the top-rack dishwasher-safe basket makes cleanup a breeze.

In testing, it handles bulk cooking with ease—a full tray of wings crisps evenly in 25 minutes, and the automatic shake alerts prevent clumping. The frozen function is a standout, defrosting then crisping items like tater tots or fish sticks flawlessly. However, its size demands counter real estate, and the interior light is dim, making it hard to monitor progress without opening the basket.

Against the Cosori 6 Qt, the Chefman offers 2 extra quarts and higher wattage, but fewer cooking modes and no ceramic coating. It’s overkill for singles, but for households of 5+ or meal-preppers, it’s a powerhouse performer. If size, speed, and crispiness are non-negotiable, this model is the undisputed XL leader—delivering restaurant-scale results at home.