Best Air Fryers Under $100: 7 Models Worth Checking

Quick comparison

Product	Best for	Capacity	Main drawback
Cosori Pro LE 5QT	Best match	See product section	See product section
Instant Vortex Mini 4QT ClearCook	Best alternative	See product section	See product section
BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven	Best for a different need	See product section	See product section
InstantHeat Mini Air Fryer Toaster Oven	Additional option	See product section	See product section
Instant Vortex Plus 6QT ClearCook	Additional option	See product section	See product section
Fritaire Glass Air Fryer	Additional option	See product section	See product section
Cosori TurboBlaze 6QT	Additional option	See product section	See product section

A straightforward 5-quart starting point

A 5-quart basket keeps the setup simple for everyday portions without taking the space of a large dual-basket machine. It is a reasonable starting point, though larger meals may require more than one batch. The manufacturer listing remains the place to confirm the exact variant, dimensions, materials, controls, and care instructions. We did not test this appliance hands-on. See Cosori Pro LE 5QT for the exact model listing.

A compact fit for small servings

This small basket works best for one or two portions, quick sides, and kitchens where every inch matters. The compact size is easy to place, but it will feel restrictive when you cook a full family meal. The manufacturer listing remains the place to confirm the exact variant, dimensions, materials, controls, and care instructions. We did not test this appliance hands-on. See Instant Vortex Mini 4QT ClearCook for the exact model listing.

The budget oven for toast and snacks

This oven is useful when a tight budget and toast capacity matter more than advanced controls. It combines several countertop jobs, but the smaller four-slice format limits how much food fits at once. The manufacturer listing remains the place to confirm the exact variant, dimensions, materials, controls, and care instructions. We did not test this appliance hands-on. See BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven for the exact model listing.

A small oven for tight counters

Pick this compact oven when you need toaster-oven functions in a small footprint. It can cover snacks and modest portions, but the reduced interior is not suited to large trays. The manufacturer listing remains the place to confirm the exact variant, dimensions, materials, controls, and care instructions. We did not test this appliance hands-on. See Cosori Pro LE 5QT for the exact model listing.

The balanced everyday pick

Buy this one if you want a sensible everyday basket and a window for checking food without pulling the drawer. Its 6-quart size suits routine family cooking, though the window needs wiping to stay useful. The manufacturer listing remains the place to confirm the exact variant, dimensions, materials, controls, and care instructions. We did not test this appliance hands-on. See Instant Vortex Mini 4QT ClearCook for the exact model listing.

The glass-bowl choice for material-conscious cooks

The glass bowl gives you a direct view of the food and avoids relying on a dark drawer to judge progress. That material choice appeals to shoppers focused on the cooking chamber, but the form is less compact than a typical basket. The manufacturer listing remains the place to confirm the exact variant, dimensions, materials, controls, and care instructions. We did not test this appliance hands-on. See BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven for the exact model listing.

The flexible choice for fast batches

Choose this when flexible cooking control matters more than seeing the food through the drawer. The 6-quart basket is a practical middle ground, but you will need to open it to check browning. The manufacturer listing remains the place to confirm the exact variant, dimensions, materials, controls, and care instructions. We did not test this appliance hands-on. See InstantHeat Mini Air Fryer Toaster Oven for the exact model listing.

What should decide this purchase?

A price cap changes the shortlist more than any preset. Confirm the live checkout price, then favor a useful basket over decorative modes.

• Measure the counter, including the open drawer or door and the ventilation space in the manual.
• Compare usable basket width. Headline capacity does not tell you whether food can sit in one layer.
• Check the exact food-contact surfaces and cleaning instructions for the model and color you plan to buy.
• Ignore a longer preset list unless one of those modes changes how you actually cook.

Frequently asked questions

A practical comparison

When two picks look close, compare the tradeoff you will notice every time you cook. A window helps if you check food often. A simpler basket may win if you care about quick washing. Extra capacity matters only when you use it, and a second cooking zone helps only if you regularly prepare foods with different timings. The appliance should earn its counter space through the meals you actually make.

Do not treat a preset as a promise that every recipe will finish perfectly. Presets are starting points. Food quantity, shape, moisture, and whether it begins chilled or frozen all change the result. Stay nearby for the first few uses and adjust from there. That is ordinary cooking judgment, not a claim about hands-on testing for this guide.

Also check the return policy and replacement-part information before ordering. A product can match the buying brief and still be a poor fit if the basket, tray, or rack is difficult to replace. Verify the current listing, model number, and delivered price at checkout because retailers change availability and variants.

Before you order

The page’s modifier should decide the purchase. Start with the food, space, or routine that brought you here, then use capacity and controls as tie-breakers. A larger number on the box does not guarantee a wider cooking surface. For crisp food, room to spread a loose layer often matters more than deep volume. For a household meal, check whether the chosen layout suits one large batch, two separate foods, or several smaller rounds.

Measure the appliance where it will actually live. Include the handle, the open drawer or door, and the ventilation gap required by the manual. An air fryer that fits between two cabinets may not have enough room to exhaust heat safely. Oven-style models also need a clear landing area in front. If the appliance will move in and out of storage, measure that path too. Weight, hot surfaces, and accessory storage can matter more than a small difference in capacity.

Read the care instructions before paying. Check which parts are removable, whether the manufacturer permits a dishwasher, and which tools or cleaners it rules out. A window, rack, crumb tray, or second drawer can be useful, but each adds another surface to wipe. For material-focused pages, inspect the exact food-contact parts rather than relying on the outer shell or product name.

Use manufacturer pages to confirm the exact model, dimensions, functions, materials, and care instructions. Independent reviews provide useful category context, but they do not replace a fit check for your kitchen. These recommendations are based on that research. We did not test the appliances hands-on.

Can a good air fryer cost less than $100?

Yes. Five-quart basket models often land around this cap, but sales move, so check the final price before buying.

Is a basket air fryer better than an air fryer oven?

A basket is usually quicker to load and wash. An oven handles toast, pizza and flatter batches. Choose the format around the food you cook, not the larger-looking appliance.

How much counter clearance does an air fryer need?

Use the clearance in the manufacturer manual. Hot exhaust needs open space, and a toaster-oven door also needs a safe landing area in front.

Related guides

Compare our overall air fryer picks, non-toxic air fryer guide and air fryer oven guide before settling on a format.

How we chose

We matched current product specifications to this page’s exact buying constraint. We did not test these appliances hands-on. Specifications came from Cosori Pro LE 5QT, Instant Vortex Mini 4QT ClearCook, BLACK+DECKER 4-Slice Air Fry Toaster Oven, Instant Vortex Plus Dual 8QT ClearCook, Cosori 9QT Dual Basket Air Fryer, Ninja Foodi DualZone 10QT DZ401, Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro BOV900. We also checked the selection against Food Network’s current independent air fryer testing. Prices and availability change, so verify the exact model at checkout.

Recommendation

The Cosori is the balanced basket. Choose the Instant for a window or the BLACK+DECKER if toast matters as much as fries.