6 Best Air Fryers Under $100 of 2026

For those scrutinizing the market for the best air fryer under $100, the Chefman 4 QT presents a compelling case as a budget-friendly powerhouse. This compact unit doesn’t just save counter space; it delivers quick, efficient cooking with a smart design. Its standout 450°F Hi-Fry Technology offers a unique edge, allowing you to add that crucial extra crisp to finishes, a feature often missing in entry-level models. Coupled with an Easy-View Window and intuitive touch controls offering four presets, it tackles the common pain point of needing both speed and visibility in a small kitchen appliance.

Performance in the Chefman 4 QT is centered around simplicity and speed. The 1500W system heats up rapidly, making it ideal for single servings or meals for two. While its 4-quart capacity is best suited for smaller batches—think a pound of fries or a couple of chicken breasts—it handles these tasks with remarkable efficiency. The shake notifications are a thoughtful touch, ensuring even cooking and crisping without constant manual checks. Cleanup is also a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe, nonstick basket, addressing another key user frustration.

Comparing the Chefman 4 QT to larger units like the Instant Vortex Plus 6QT, you trade sheer capacity and multi-functionality for a smaller footprint and lower cost. It’s perfectly positioned for dorm rooms, small apartments, or individuals/couples who prioritize fast, basic air frying and easy storage. While it lacks the extensive presets or advanced features of some pricier models, its core performance, Hi-Fry capability, and user-friendly design offer significant value, often outperforming other basic units in its size and price class for crisping results.

Stepping up in features while staying firmly within the best air fryer under $100 category, the Instant Vortex Plus 6QT distinguishes itself as a feature-rich contender. From the makers of the ubiquitous Instant Pot, this model brings 6-in-1 versatility, allowing you to air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate. Its ClearCook window paired with an interior light solves the guessing game of monitoring progress, while the innovative OdorErase technology actively filters cooking smells, a major benefit for open-concept living spaces.

In terms of performance, the Instant Vortex Plus 6QT leverages EvenCrisp air flow technology and a potent 1700W heating element to deliver results comparable to deep frying using up to 95% less oil. The generous 6-quart capacity is ample for family-sized portions, handling everything from a whole small chicken to multiple servings of vegetables or fries. Its ability to go from frozen to golden in minutes with little to no preheating is a significant time-saver. While its array of functions is impressive, navigating all the options might take a moment longer than simpler units.

Compared to the basic Chefman 4 QT, the Instant Vortex Plus 6QT offers significantly more capacity and cooking functions, making it suitable for larger families or those who want to replace multiple appliances. It stands out against the single-function Chefman 4 QT by providing roasting and baking capabilities alongside air frying. This Instant model provides a superior feature set and capacity for its price point, making it an excellent value proposition for users seeking versatility without breaking the bank, especially when considering its unique odor-filtering capability.

For busy households hunting for the best air fryer under $100 that can handle multiple dishes simultaneously, the CHEFMAN 6 Quart Dual Basket model is a game-changer. Its core innovation lies in the two independent 3QT baskets, totaling a versatile 6-quart capacity. This dual-zone technology is a lifesaver for preparing main courses and sides at once, directly addressing the common problem of cooking items sequentially. Features like Sync Finish ensure both baskets complete cooking at the same time, eliminating the need to keep one dish warm while the other finishes.

Performance-wise, this CHEFMAN dual air fryer operates with a powerful 1700W, heating both baskets efficiently. The wide temperature range (200-450°F) allows for diverse cooking methods, from gentle warming to high-heat crisping. Each 3-quart basket is well-sized for individual components of a meal for 3-4 people. The large viewing windows on both baskets are practical, allowing you to monitor progress without interrupting the cooking cycle. While dual baskets offer flexibility, they might slightly reduce the overall usable space compared to a single large 6QT basket for very bulky items.

Positioning the CHEFMAN Dual Basket against single-basket models like the COSORI 6-Qt TurboBlaze, the trade-off is clear: you gain the efficiency of simultaneous cooking but lose some flexibility for cooking one very large item. Compared to the Instant Vortex Plus 6QT, you swap multi-functional modes (roast, bake, dehydrate) for the unique advantage of dual-zone air frying. This CHEFMAN is specifically tailored for families who need to cook different foods concurrently, offering a unique value proposition within the sub-$100 market that single-basket units cannot match.

Seeking maximum utility in the best air fryer under $100 category? The CHEFMAN Multifunctional 10L Oven is a versatile powerhouse that goes far beyond basic air frying. This appliance truly shines by combining air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, and roast functions into a single countertop unit. Its extra-large 10-Liter capacity and oven-style design with multiple racks make it perfect for larger families, meal prepping, or even cooking a small rotisserie chicken. The large easy-view window and interior light make monitoring effortless, a key advantage over basket models.

Performance is robust thanks to its 1700W heating system, utilizing rapid air heating for faster cooking than traditional ovens. The inclusion of accessories like three air flow racks and a rotisserie spit expands its cooking capabilities significantly. While its spacious interior is fantastic for volume, the oven design means it might take slightly longer to preheat compared to compact basket-style fryers like the COSORI Pro 5QT. Its footprint is also larger, demanding more counter real estate.

When stacked against basket-style air fryers like the Instant Vortex Plus 6QT or COSORI 6-Qt TurboBlaze, the CHEFMAN 10L Oven offers unparalleled versatility and capacity within this price bracket. It’s the ideal choice for users who want to replace several appliances and need the volume for larger cuts of meat or multiple trays of food. While it might lack some of the specific feature refinements of basket models (like odor filtering or shake reminders), its sheer range of functions and generous size provide exceptional value for its cost, making it a true multi-tasker.

Positioned as the best overall air fryer under $100, the COSORI 6-Qt TurboBlaze brings serious performance and thoughtful features to the forefront. Its standout TurboBlaze Technology boasts a powerful 3600 rpm fan and temperatures up to 450°F, promising beyond-crispy results and juicy interiors. This isn’t just marketing; the 5-fan speed system and precise 90-450°F control allow for cooking versatility that rivals more expensive units, tackling everything from delicate dehydrating to high-heat searing.

Performance is where the COSORI 6-Qt TurboBlaze truly shines. The advanced airflow and precise temperature control ensure evenly cooked food with excellent texture, whether you’re making fries, roasting vegetables, or cooking proteins. The 6-quart square basket provides ample capacity for family meals while maintaining a relatively compact footprint. A notable feature is its whisper-quiet operation (<53 dB), making for a much more pleasant kitchen environment compared to many noisy competitors. While it offers 9 functions, it’s primarily a high-performance air fryer, lacking the oven-style versatility of the CHEFMAN 10L.

Comparing this COSORI to the Instant Vortex Plus 6QT, both offer 6QT capacity and multi-functions, but the COSORI distinguishes itself with its TurboBlaze fan technology and wider temperature/fan speed control, potentially offering superior crisping and texture results. Against the CHEFMAN Dual Basket 6QT, the COSORI provides a single, larger cooking zone ideal for bulkier items, trading the convenience of dual baskets for optimized single-batch performance. For users prioritizing speed, texture, and quiet operation in a standard basket format, the COSORI 6-Qt TurboBlaze delivers exceptional value and performance within the sub-$100 price range.

For apartment dwellers or smaller families prioritizing performance in a smaller package, the COSORI Pro 5QT stands out as the best compact air fryer under $100. Despite its smaller 5-quart capacity compared to 6QT models, it packs a punch with temperatures reaching up to 450°F and JuiceLock technology, specifically designed to achieve maximum crispness while keeping meat tender and juicy. Its focus on meat cooking programs (steak, chicken, seafood, bacon) caters directly to low-carb diets and protein-focused meals.

In real-world use, the COSORI Pro 5QT heats up incredibly fast due to its compact size and high temperature capability, making quick family meals in minutes a reality. The 5-quart square basket is perfectly sized for 2-3 servings. Its compact design is a major selling point, easily fitting on crowded countertops or storing away. The inclusion of 130+ wellness recipes with nutritional info via the VeSync app adds significant value for health-conscious users. While it excels at high-heat crisping, its smaller capacity means cooking for more than 3 people might require multiple batches.

When compared to larger 6QT models like the Instant Vortex Plus or COSORI 6-Qt TurboBlaze, the COSORI Pro 5QT sacrifices some capacity for a smaller footprint and faster heat-up time. It offers similar high-temperature performance to the TurboBlaze but in a more space-efficient form factor. For individuals or couples who primarily cook proteins and sides and have limited kitchen space, this COSORI Pro model offers a powerful, space-saving solution with excellent crisping capabilities and valuable app integration, providing strong value for its size and features.