Air Fryers Under 100 Detailed Cooking Performance Test
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- Source：OrientDeck
Looking for the best air fryer under $100 that actually delivers crispy, golden results without breaking the bank? You're not alone. With hundreds of models flooding the market, it's easy to get lost in marketing hype. So we rolled up our sleeves, tested five top-rated budget air fryers, and put them through real-world cooking challenges—from fries to chicken wings to baked veggies.
Why an Air Fryer Under $100 Makes Sense
Budget-friendly doesn’t mean low performance. In fact, many sub-$100 air fryers now come with digital controls, preset programs, and rapid-air technology that rivals pricier models. Our goal? Find which one crisps like a champ, heats evenly, and cleans up fast.
Tested Models & Key Features
| Model | Price | Capacity (L) | Wattage | Preset Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja AF101 | $89 | 4.7 | 1550W | 4 |
| Cosori CP158-AF | $99 | 5.5 | 1700W | 11 |
| Philips Premium HD9641/96 | $95 | 4.1 | 1425W | 5 |
| Instant Vortex Plus | $79 | 6.0 | 1500W | 7 |
| Tower Health Pro | $65 | 4.0 | 1550W | 6 |
Performance Breakdown
We judged each model on four key metrics: crispiness, heat distribution, cooking time, and ease of cleaning.
- French Fries: Cosori and Ninja tied for crunchiest texture. The Instant Vortex cooked fastest (18 mins), but had slight uneven browning.
- Chicken Wings: Cosori’s 11 presets made it foolproof. Skin was crackling-crisp, meat juicy. Philips came second—consistent but took 23 mins.
- Veggie Roast: Tower struggled with dryness. Ninja and Instant delivered tender-inside, caramelized-outside carrots and Brussels sprouts.
- Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe baskets are a game-changer. Cosori and Instant win here. Tower’s non-removable basket? A scrubbing nightmare.
The Verdict: Best Value vs. Best Performance
If you want smart features and reliability, go for the Cosori CP158-AF ($99). Its touchscreen, multiple presets, and even airflow make it our top pick. But if you’re on a tighter budget, the Instant Vortex Plus ($79) offers massive capacity and solid results.
And yes—air fryers under $100 really can compete. Just look at the data.