🍟 Best Budget Air Fryers 2025 (Under $100)

I’ve cooked a ridiculous amount of fries, wings, and roasted veggies this year — all in the name of finding the most affordable air fryers that don’t behave like noisy space heaters or shed their nonstick after two uses. If you’re like me and want crispy results without babysitting a pan, good news: in 2025 there are genuinely solid air fryers under $100.

This guide is opinionated (yep, I have favorites), hands-on, and focused on what actually matters when you’re hungry after work:

• Even crisping without soggy middles
• Fast preheat (or none at all)
• Easy cleanup (no weird corners or flaking baskets)
• Reasonable noise and heat output
• Durability past the honeymoon period

We tested COSORI 6-Qt, Ninja 4-in-1 5-Qt, and Chefman Digital Touch across common use-cases: fries, wings, broccoli/cauliflower, salmon, and reheats for day-old pizza (you know the one). Below are the winners — plus my personal gripes and little joys with each model.

🔝 Top Air Fryers Under $100

How I Tested (and Why You Should Care)

I kept things realistic. No lab white coats, just a small apartment kitchen and a hungry schedule:

• Preheat: from cold to 400–450°F (where available). I timed how long until the basket felt hot and ready.
• Fries: a standard 1-lb bag (frozen), shaken once mid-cycle. Looking for crisp edges + fluffy inside.
• Wings: a 1-lb batch, light seasoning. I checked whether skin actually crisps without drying the meat.
• Veggies: broccoli and cauliflower tossed in oil + salt. I’m watching for char without mush.
• Salmon: 1-inch fillet to medium. This exposes temp accuracy fast.
• Reheat: pizza (day old), because this is why half of us buy air fryers.
• Cleanup: basket shape, coating, and whether food welds itself to corners.
• Noise & Heat: subjective but noticeable — does it drone, and does it turn the kitchen into a sauna?

I scored each model across Cooking, Speed, Cleanup, Noise, Durability, and Value, then averaged for an editorial rating out of 5.

Deep Dives & Personal Takes

⭐ COSORI 6-Qt Compact — Editor Rating: 4.6/5

Why I like it: It’s the easiest everyday pick. Fast preheat, reliable crisping, and a basket that actually cleans in under a minute. The interface is simple without being basic, and the footprint works on smaller counters.

Cooking: Fries and wings came out evenly browned without babysitting. Veggies get a nice char at 400–410°F, and salmon didn’t dry out (a tiny miracle).
Speed: One of the quickest to heat in this price bracket.
Cleanup: Nonstick held up across multiple batches. Rounded corners help.
Noise: Audible but not shouty; a low, steady fan.
Durability: No flaking or weird smells after repeated high-temp runs.
Quirks: The preset buttons are fine, but I still prefer manual temp/time; presets tend to overshoot by a bit for thin foods.

Scores

• Cooking: 4.7
• Speed: 4.7
• Cleanup: 4.6
• Noise: 4.4
• Durability: 4.6
• Value: 4.6
  Overall: 4.6/5 — Best Overall for most people.

⭐ Ninja 4-in-1 5-Qt — Editor Rating: 4.7/5

Why I like it: If you want extra-crisp results and a tougher build, Ninja’s 5-Qt punches above its price. It reaches up to 450°F, which helps when you like your wings shatter-crisp and your veggies a little charred.

Cooking: Most consistent browning of the bunch. Fries felt restaurant-level with a light shake halfway through.
Speed: Quick to temp; maintains heat under load better than average.
Cleanup: Good nonstick; basket design is straightforward.
Noise: Slightly louder fan than COSORI, but not annoying.
Durability: Feels sturdy; buttons and handle have that “this will last” click.
Quirks: 5-Qt capacity is enough for two hungry people, but batch cooking for four might take an extra round.

Scores

• Cooking: 4.8
• Speed: 4.6
• Cleanup: 4.5
• Noise: 4.3
• Durability: 4.8
• Value: 4.6
  Overall: 4.7/5 — Best Build Quality & High-Heat Performance.

⭐ Chefman Digital Touch — Editor Rating: 4.4/5

Why I like it: It’s the budget hero that doesn’t feel cheap. Clear presets, a calm fan tone, and respectable crisping — especially for reheats and veggies. If you’re trying air frying for the first time, this won’t scare your wallet.

Cooking: Fries and veggies are consistently good. Wings need a minute more and a proper shake for peak crisp.
Speed: Not the fastest; give it an extra minute of preheat if you want edge-to-edge browning.
Cleanup: No drama — basket wipes clean, but corners are a touch squarer.
Noise: Quieter than most at this price.
Durability: Feels lighter; still fine for regular use if you’re gentle with the basket.
Quirks: The presets can be conservative — nudge temps up +10°F for frozen foods.

Scores

• Cooking: 4.3
• Speed: 4.2
• Cleanup: 4.4
• Noise: 4.6
• Durability: 4.2
• Value: 4.7
  Overall: 4.4/5 — Best Value for first-time buyers.

⚖️ Head-to-Head Comparison

Best Overall

COSORI 6-Qt Compact

• Even cooking
• Fast preheat
• Easy to clean basket

4.6•≈ $89–$99

See price on Amazon→

Best Build Quality

Ninja 4-in-1 5-Qt

• Durable build
• 450°F for extra crisp
• Good nonstick basket

4.7•≈ $89–$99

See price on Amazon→

Best Value

Chefman Digital Touch

• Best value
• Clear presets
• Quiet operation

4.4•≈ $69–$89

See price on Amazon→

*Prices are approximate and may change. Always check the live price on Amazon before buying.

Who Each Pick Is For (No-Fluff Guide)

• COSORI 6-Qt: You want the least fussy daily driver. Families of 2–3, students, anyone who prioritizes cleanup and speed.
• Ninja 5-Qt: You love crisp and want a sturdier build. Great for wings, wedges, and people who run high heat often.
• Chefman Digital: You’re on a strict budget or buying your first air fryer and still want reliability.

What I’d Do Differently Next Time (Personal Notes)

• I’d skip any model with gimmicky “smart” features under $100. They’re often slow or flaky — give me a good heater and a reliable fan.
• I’d always pick a removable basket over a tray-only design for easy shake + clean.
• I’d bring a silicone liner into the rotation. It’s not mandatory, but it saves the coating during heavy use (especially for sticky wings).

Real-World Recipes That Show Differences

• Roasted Broccoli (12 min @ 390°F): Ninja gets the deepest char; COSORI close behind; Chefman needs 1–2 extra minutes.
• Frozen Fries (18–20 min @ 400°F): COSORI & Ninja tie on crispness; Chefman lags slightly unless you preheat 2–3 minutes.
• Wings (22–24 min @ 400–425°F): Ninja wins on blistered skin; COSORI is a safe second; Chefman does fine with an extra toss and last-minute temp bump.
• Salmon (8–10 min @ 370°F): COSORI nails moisture easiest; Ninja is great if you drop a few degrees; Chefman needs careful checking the first time.

Care & Maintenance (Keep It Happy)

• Don’t soak the basket overnight — it can damage nonstick edges; use warm water + a soft sponge instead.
• Avoid aerosol oil sprays with propellant — use a mister or brush.
• Line lightly with parchment or a silicone mat for messy marinades.
• Leave space around the machine; the rear vent needs airflow.
• Empty crumbs from the bottom after greasy cooks to avoid smoke next time.

Troubleshooting Quick Wins

• Soggy fries? Preheat 2–3 minutes, don’t overcrowd, shake at the halfway mark.
• Dry chicken? Drop 10–15°F and add 1–2 minutes; temperature accuracy varies.
• Smoky cook? Clean the basket, wipe the heater guard, and reduce oil quantity.
• Sticking food? A teaspoon of oil + liner prevents 90% of stick drama.

⭐ Best for Different Needs (At-a-Glance)

• Best Overall: COSORI 6-Qt — great balance of cooking speed and features.
• Best Build Quality: Ninja 5-Qt — durable and powerful.
• Best Value: Chefman Digital — affordable with practical presets.

📊 What to Expect Under $100

Budget air fryers in 2025 deliver:

• Even crisping without excess oil
• Quick heating and 400–450°F ranges
• Nonstick baskets for fast cleanup
• Compact footprints with 4–6 Qt capacity

Trade-offs: fewer smart features, simpler aesthetics, and sometimes smaller baskets than $150+ models. Personally, I don’t miss the extras — I want speed + crisp.

⚖️ COSORI vs. Ninja vs. Chefman

• COSORI 6-Qt → Balanced all-rounder, easy to clean, fast preheat.
• Ninja 5-Qt → High-heat champ, consistent crisping, tougher build.
• Chefman Digital → Best for tight budgets, quieter fan tone.

🛒 Buying Tips for Budget Air Fryers

• Max temp matters: 450°F helps with blistered wings and roasted veg.
• Pick the right size: 4 Qt = 1–2 people; 5–6 Qt = small family or big appetites.
• Basket design > features: Rounded corners and a true nonstick beat “smart” modes.
• Presets are fine, manual is better: Learn your times/temps and save them.
• Accessories: A silicone liner and a wire rack extend what you can cook and how clean your basket stays.

❓ FAQ

Are air fryers under $100 worth it in 2025?
Yes — models like COSORI 6-Qt and Ninja 5-Qt deliver real crisping and reliability without the premium price.

Which budget air fryer is best overall?
COSORI 6-Qt — balanced cooking, fast preheat, easy cleaning.

Which is the most durable?
Ninja 5-Qt — solid build, consistent high-heat performance.

Which is cheapest but good?
Chefman Digital at ~$70–$89 — great entry point.