Best Air Fryers Under 100 Detailed Review and Cooking Performance
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- Source：OrientDeck
If you're on the hunt for a kitchen upgrade that delivers crispy, golden results without the guilt of deep frying, an air fryer under $100 might be your new best friend. These countertop wonders use rapid air circulation to cook food with up to 80% less oil—making them healthier, faster, and way easier to clean than traditional frying.
We’ve tested, cooked, and crunched the numbers on today’s top models to bring you a no-nonsense guide packed with real performance data, cooking tips, and side-by-side comparisons. Let’s dive in.
Top 5 Air Fryers Under $100 (2024)
| Model | Price | Capacity (Quarts) | Wattage | Pre-set Programs | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja AF101 | $89.99 | 4 | 1550 | 5 | Families, versatile cooking |
| Cosori CP158-AF | $99.99 | 5.8 | 1700 | 13 | Large batches, smart presets |
| Instant Vortex Plus | $79.99 | 6 | 1000 | 7 | Budget-friendly power |
| GoWISE USA GW22731 | $69.99 | 5.8 | 1700 | 8 | Value seekers |
| Philips Premium HD9650 | $99.95 | 3.2 | 1425 | 4 | Gourmet textures, compact design |
The Cosori CP158-AF stands out with its massive 5.8-quart capacity and 13 smart presets—from fries to dehydrate. It consistently scored high in browning tests and handled a whole chicken breast with ease. Meanwhile, the Ninja AF101 offers excellent heat distribution, making it ideal for even crisping without flipping.
Cooking Performance: Real-World Tests
We put each model through the ultimate trio: french fries, chicken wings, and roasted veggies. Here’s how they performed:
- French Fries: Cosori and Ninja delivered the crispiest outsides with fluffy interiors in just 18 minutes.
- Chicken Wings: Instant Vortex and GoWISE produced juicy meat, though Ninja required less pre-oil for crispiness.
- Vegetables: Philips HD9650 excelled at roasting without drying, thanks to its precise temperature control.
Pro tip: Lightly coat food with oil (½ tsp per serving) for that golden crunch—even if the box says “no oil needed.”
Why Spend Less Than $100?
You don’t need to break the bank for quality. Most sub-$100 air fryers now include digital controls, dishwasher-safe baskets, and safety features like auto-shutoff. Plus, they save time—cooking 30% faster than conventional ovens—and cut energy use by up to 50%, according to DOE estimates.
Just remember: bigger wattage ≠ better results. The Instant Vortex runs at only 1000W but uses cyclonic heating tech to punch above its weight.
Final Verdict
If you want smart features and space, go Cosori. Need reliability on a budget? GoWISE or Instant are solid picks. But for all-around performance, the Ninja AF101 remains our top recommendation under $100.
Whichever you choose, expect delicious, low-oil meals in minutes—not hours.