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Let’s be honest. You want an air fryer. You want that crispy, “deep-fried” texture without using a whole bottle of oil. But you look at the prices on some high-end models and think, “Do I really need to spend $200 to make chicken wings?”
Short answer: Nope. You don’t.
The market for budget-friendly air fryers has exploded, and some of these cheap models are surprisingly fantastic. But some are just cheap plastic junk. We sifted through the noise, checked the reviews, and found the 3 best air fryers under $100 that *actually* deliver crispy results without breaking the bank.
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The 3 Best Air Fryers Under $100: At a Glance
1. Best Overall: COSORI Air Fryer 4-Quart
The perfect balance of size, features, and performance for the price. It’s quiet, has 7 smart functions, and a 4-quart basket that’s great for 1-3 people.
2. Best Compact: DASH Tasti-Crisp Digital 2.6-Quart
If you’re cooking for one or have a tiny kitchen, this is your champ. Super compact, dead simple to use, and gets food incredibly crispy.
3. Best Brand Name: Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer 4-Quart
From the company that made the Instant Pot. This 4-quart model is a reliable workhorse. It air fries, bakes, roasts, and reheats, all in one simple machine.
In-Depth Reviews of the Best Budget Air Fryers
1. COSORI Air Fryer 4-Quart
Best Overall (“The Perfect All-Rounder”)
This 4-quart COSORI hits the sweet spot. It’s not too big, not too small. The 7 built-in cooking functions (Chicken, Fries, Bacon, etc.) are actually useful and not just gimmicks. It’s also surprisingly quiet for an air fryer.
But the best part? The food. It cooks evenly and produces a fantastic, crunchy exterior on everything from frozen fries to fresh veggies. The basket is nonstick and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a total breeze. For under $100, this is the most “premium” feeling air fryer you can get.
Verdict
This is the best air fryer under $100 for most people. It’s the perfect size, has great features, and delivers consistently crispy results. A fantastic value.
Pros:
- Great size for individuals or small families
- 7 useful pre-set functions
- Cooks evenly and quietly
- Dishwasher-safe basket
Cons:
- Takes up a bit of counter space
- The white model can get dirty easily
2. DASH Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer 2.6-Quart
Best Compact (“The Small-Space Hero”)
If you live in a dorm, a small apartment, or you’re just cooking for yourself, this DASH is a game-changer. It’s tiny, lightweight, and comes in a bunch of cool colors. The 2.6-quart basket is perfect for a single-serving of fries, a couple of chicken wings, or reheating leftovers (it’s *so* much better than a microwave).
This “Digital” version is a step up from the original analog one, with 3 pre-set buttons and a digital timer that’s way more accurate. It heats up in a flash and uses “AirCrisp” technology to get things… well, really crispy. It’s simple, it’s cute, and it works.
Verdict
The perfect air fryer for one person or a tiny kitchen. It’s small, simple, and makes single-servings of crispy food fast. A fantastic “starter” air fryer.
Pros:
- Super compact and lightweight
- Very easy to use (digital display)
- Heats up extremely fast
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Way too small for a family (2.6-quarts)
- Basket can be hard to clean in corners
3. Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer 4-Quart
Best Brand Name (“The Reliable Workhorse”)
From the same people who made the legendary Instant Pot, this is their no-nonsense air fryer. The 4-quart size is, like the COSORI, a great all-around size. But the Vortex is built for simplicity and multiple uses.
It’s a “4-in-1” machine, meaning it can Air Fry, Bake, Roast, and Reheat. The controls are dead-simple (no confusing pre-sets, just time and temp) and the square basket is roomy. It’s known for circulating air *really* well, giving you a very even, golden-brown finish on your food.
(While this is one of the best air fryers under $100, if you have a bit more budget, you might be wondering what the extra money gets you. Check out our review of the high-end air fryers to see the difference!)
Verdict
A super solid, reliable, and easy-to-use air fryer from a brand you can trust. It’s a workhorse that handles all the basics perfectly.
Pros:
- From a very trusted brand (Instant Pot)
- 4-in-1 functions (Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Reheat)
- Simple, easy-to-use controls
- Even cooking and crisping
Cons:
- A bit bulky for a 4-quart model
- The beep is famously loud
Final Verdict: Which Budget Air Fryer Should You Buy?
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these. It’s all about size and features:
Get the COSORI 4-Quart if: You want the best all-arounder with a good size and useful smart features.
Get the DASH Tasti-Crisp if: You’re cooking for one or your counter space is *really* tight. It’s the perfect compact choice.
Get the Instant Vortex 4-Quart if: You trust the Instant Pot brand and want a simple, reliable machine that can also bake and roast.
