Air fryers have gone from trendy kitchen gadget to absolute must-have in just a few years. They cook food faster than a traditional oven, use way less oil, and make cleanup a breeze.
The best part? You do not need to spend a fortune to get a great one. There are plenty of excellent air fryers under $100 that deliver crispy, delicious results every time.
We rounded up the seven best affordable air fryers you can buy in 2026. Whether you are cooking for one or feeding a family, there is something here for you.
7 Best Air Fryers Under $100
1. CrispAir 5.8 Quart Digital Air Fryer
Our top pick for most people. The 5.8-quart basket is big enough for a family of four, and it has eight one-touch presets for fries, chicken, fish, and more. Easy to clean and consistently delivers perfectly crispy food. Best for families on a budget.
2. CompactFry 3.7 Quart Mini Air Fryer
Perfect for small kitchens, apartments, or cooking for one or two people. It heats up fast, has a simple dial control, and takes up minimal counter space. The basket is dishwasher safe too. Best for solo cooks and couples.
3. DualZone 8 Quart Two-Basket Air Fryer
Cook two different foods at two different temperatures at the same time. The dual basket design is a game-changer for meal prep. It finishes both baskets simultaneously so everything is ready together. Best for busy families who want versatility.
4. TurboAir Oven-Style Air Fryer
This toaster oven style air fryer gives you more cooking space and can handle a small pizza or a whole chicken. It also works as a toaster, dehydrator, and rotisserie. Best for people who want an all-in-one countertop oven.
5. SlimFry Ultra-Quiet Air Fryer
Noticeably quieter than most air fryers, which is a bigger deal than you might think. It has a 4.5-quart capacity and a sleek, modern design. Cooks evenly and the non-stick basket is easy to clean. Best for noise-sensitive households.
6. HealthCrisp Oil-Free Air Fryer
Specifically designed for health-conscious cooking with rapid air circulation technology that needs zero oil for crispy results. It has a clear viewing window so you can check on food without opening the basket. Best for health-focused individuals.
7. MaxiCrisp XL 6 Quart Air Fryer
A great mid-size option with a generous 6-quart capacity and 12 cooking presets. The square basket design fits more food than round baskets of the same size. Also has a built-in shake reminder. Best for people who want a good balance of size and features.
Things to Consider Before Buying
- Capacity: A 3-4 quart air fryer works for 1-2 people. Families of 3-4 should look at 5-6 quarts. Larger families may want 8 quarts or more.
- Basket vs oven style: Basket air fryers are more compact and cook faster. Oven-style models offer more versatility but take up more counter space.
- Ease of cleaning: Dishwasher-safe baskets and non-stick coatings make a huge difference in daily use. Check this before buying.
- Noise level: Air fryers can be surprisingly loud. If you have an open kitchen or a sleeping baby, look for models marketed as quiet.
- Presets vs manual: Presets are convenient for beginners. Manual temperature and time controls give you more flexibility as you get comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are air fryers actually healthy?
They are healthier than deep frying because you use little to no oil. However, the healthiness of your food still depends on what you are cooking. Air-fried vegetables are great. Air-fried frozen pizza rolls are still junk food.
Can you cook frozen food in an air fryer?
Yes, and it is one of the best uses for an air fryer. Frozen fries, chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, and more all come out better in an air fryer than in a regular oven.
Do air fryers use a lot of electricity?
Not really. Most air fryers use 1200-1800 watts and cook food much faster than a conventional oven. You will actually save energy compared to preheating and running a full-size oven.
What can you not cook in an air fryer?
Avoid wet batters like tempura, very light foods that can blow around, and large roasts that do not fit. Everything else is fair game.
Final Thoughts
You really cannot go wrong with any air fryer on this list. They all deliver great results for under $100. Pick the size that fits your household and the style that works for your kitchen, and you will wonder how you ever cooked without one.