Budget doesn't have to mean bad. These air fryers all punch above their price — they crisp well, hold enough food for most households, and won't die after six months. If you have $100 to spend, spend it on one of these.
COSORI 5.8 Qt Pro
Our overall favorite sub-$100 air fryer. Quiet, spacious, 13 presets, nonstick basket that actually lasts. 90% of the premium models' performance.
Ninja AF101
The OG 4-quart Ninja. Small enough for tight counters, powerful enough to crisp wings. Been on Amazon bestseller lists for years — deservedly.
Chefman TurboFry 8 Qt
An 8-quart basket for under $90 is unusual. The Chefman won't match Ninja on build quality but it holds an entire pound of wings in one batch.
Instant Vortex 6 Qt
The basic Vortex (not Plus) comes in at $90-ish. Same even cooking as the Plus but with fewer bells and whistles. Often on sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a sub-$100 air fryer cook as well as a premium one?
For 90% of what most people cook, yes. The differences at higher price points are dual-zone capability, higher max temps (450°F), and multi-functionality (toaster oven hybrid). If you just want to air fry, $99 is plenty.
Which sub-$100 air fryer has the biggest basket?
Chefman TurboFry at 8 quarts. COSORI 5.8 Pro is next. Ninja AF101 is the smallest at 4 qt.
Do these dishwasher-safe baskets really hold up?
COSORI and Ninja: yes, for years. Chefman: yes, though the nonstick coating degrades slightly faster. Instant: yes.