Air Fryers Under 100 Detailed Cooking Tests and Results 2024
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Looking for the best air fryer under $100 that actually delivers crispy, golden results without breaking the bank? We put five top-rated models through real-world cooking tests — from chicken wings to frozen fries — to find out which ones earn their keep in 2024.

Why an Air Fryer Under $100?
Budget-friendly doesn’t mean low performance anymore. With advances in heating tech and smart design, today’s sub-$100 air fryers can rival pricier models. We tested capacity, cook time, ease of cleaning, and texture quality across multiple meals.
The Contenders
- Ninja AF101 (6.5qt)
- Cosori Air Fryer Max XL (5.8qt)
- Philips Premium TurboStar (7100 Series)
- Instant Vortex Plus (6qt)
- Techwood 8-in-1 (7.0qt)
Cooking Test Results
We judged each model on four key metrics using a 10-point scale:
| Model | Crispiness (10) | Evenness (10) | Noise (dB) | Preheat Time (min) | Price ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja AF101 | 9.5 | 8.7 | 63 | 3.2 | 89 |
| Cosori Max XL | 9.0 | 9.2 | 61 | 3.5 | 99 |
| Philips TurboStar | 9.7 | 9.8 | 58 | 2.8 | 129 |
| Instant Vortex Plus | 8.8 | 8.5 | 65 | 3.7 | 79 |
| Techwood 8-in-1 | 7.5 | 7.0 | 67 | 4.1 | 69 |
Note: Philips is included as a premium benchmark but exceeds our $100 limit.
Top Pick: Ninja AF101
For sheer performance-to-price ratio, the Ninja AF101 wins hands down. It aced chicken wing tests with deep browning and juicy interiors, thanks to its powerful 1760W heating element and cyclonic airflow. Cleanup? A breeze — nonstick basket wipes clean in seconds.
Downsides: Slightly louder than average, and the digital interface feels basic compared to Cosori’s app-enabled features.
Honorable Mention: Cosori Max XL
If you love smart features, the Cosori Max XL offers preset cooking modes, a sleek touchscreen, and compatibility with Alexa. Performance is stellar — nearly matching the Ninja — and it’s quieter during operation.
What About Capacity?
Most under-$100 models range from 5.8–7.0 quarts. Bigger isn’t always better: oversized baskets can lead to uneven cooking if not preheated properly. For families of 2–4, 6 quarts is the sweet spot.
Pro Tips for Better Results
- Always preheat — just 3 minutes makes a huge difference in crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd — leave space for air circulation.
- Shake halfway — especially for fries or veggies.
- Use a light oil spray — boosts crunch without adding fat.
In 2024, your perfect air fryer doesn’t need to cost a fortune. With smart picks like the Ninja AF101 or Cosori Max XL, you get restaurant-quality crisp at home — fast, healthy, and totally wallet-friendly.