Air Fryers Under 100 Detailed Testing and Results Revealed
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- Source：OrientDeck
So you're in the market for an air fryer, but you don’t want to blow your budget? Good news — we’ve tested the top air fryers under $100 to find out which ones actually deliver crispy, golden results without costing a fortune. Spoiler: not all budget models are created equal.
Why Go Budget-Friendly?
Air fryers have taken over kitchens for good reason: they cook food faster, use up to 80% less oil than deep frying, and still give that crave-worthy crunch. But with prices ranging from $50 to $300+, does spending more really get you better taste and performance?
We put 6 popular sub-$100 models through real-world tests — think fries, chicken wings, roasted veggies, and even baked goods. We evaluated them on cooking performance, ease of use, cleanup, noise, and value.
Top Performers at a Glance
After 40+ hours of testing, here are the standouts:
| Model | Price | Capacity (Quarts) | Best For | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja AF101 | $89 | 4 | All-around cooking | ★★★★★ |
| Cosori Lite | $79 | 3.7 | Compact kitchens | ★★★★☆ |
| Philips Premium (Refurbished) | $99 | 2.75 | Crispy textures | ★★★★☆ |
The Ninja AF101: Our #1 Pick
This 4-quart beast consistently delivered evenly cooked fries and juicy wings. It’s simple — just one dial for temp and time — but incredibly effective. At $89, it’s also often on sale for less.
Pro tip: Preheat for 3 minutes for extra crispiness. And yes, it handles frozen foods like a champ.
Budget vs. High-End: Is There a Difference?
We compared cooking times and browning levels across price ranges. Here’s what we found:
- $50–$100 models: Cook 10–15% slower on average.
- High-end ($150+): Better heat distribution, quieter operation.
- Taste test result: No significant difference in flavor between mid and high-tier when recipes are followed correctly.
In short: if you’re not cooking for a crowd daily, save the cash.
What to Watch Out For
Not all cheap air fryers are winners. Some common issues in this price range:
- Plastic smell during first use (air out before cooking).
- Non-stick coating wears faster (avoid metal utensils).
- Louder fans — about 60–65 decibels (like a loud conversation).
Final Verdict
You absolutely can get great results with an air fryer under $100. The Ninja AF101 wins for reliability and performance, while the Cosori Lite is perfect for small spaces. Just stick to trusted brands, check refurbished options, and ignore flashy gimmicks.
Happy frying — your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you.