Best Air Fryers Under $100

Highly rated air fryers we've tested include some models that cost less than $50

By Anna Kocharian

Air fryers soared in popularity in the past few years, and some of our picks for the best air fryers cost as much $150, depending on which bells and whistles they equip. That said, Consumer Reports’ testing engineers have found some worthy air fryers with relatively budget-friendly prices.

In case you’re new to the device, an air fryer can be used for so much more than wings and hot dogs—you can whip up pizza, fish, and even banana bread in one. Relying on a fan that circulates hot air around its basket or tray, an air fryer functions very much like a convection oven. The plus side is that it can live on top of your kitchen counter or be stowed away in a cabinet when not in use—if space is a significant issue, check out our picks for the best small air fryers (and the best large air fryers).

Below, we compiled our picks of the best air fryers under $100 whose features and performance we rated highly—they’re listed in alphabetical order.

Amazon Basics 3.2 Quart Compact Multi-Functional Digital Air Fryer

This Amazon Basics digital air fryer, with a 2.4-quart measured capacity, receives an Excellent rating in our tests for how simple the controls are to use, including the ease of setting a desired time and temperature. The appliance also scores well in our noise tests and in how seamless it is to clean both baskets, the interior of the machine, and exterior surfaces.

Beautiful by Drew Barrymore 6 Quart Touchscreen Air Fryer

The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore air fryer is not all about looks. Its 4-quart measured capacity puts this touch screen model among the larger air fryers in our tests. It scores well across the board in ease of cleaning, operating, and low noise levels while in use. It also has a 2-year warranty.

Chefman TurboFry Air Fryer 4.5 Quart

The Chefman TurboFry air fryer is the latest star in our air fryer ratings. It aces our noise and controls tests, and earns a Very Good score for cleaning. It’s also worth noting that despite its larger claimed capacity, the interior basket measures just 2.7 quarts.

Chefman TurboFry Touch Air Fryer

A CR Best Buy, the Chefman TurboFry Touch has a measured capacity of just 2.4 quarts. It earns high marks for controls and ease of cleaning, and it operates quietly, acing our noise test. Though it does have a digital display, it does not come with programmed settings. That means you’ll need to have a general idea of the temperature and time required for each recipe. It does, however, come with a 1-year warranty, as well as a cookbook and parchment liners for the fryer basket.

Dash Digital Tasti Crisp Air Fryer 2.6 Quart

The Dash Digital Tasti-Crisp is small but mighty. At a measured capacity of 1.9 quarts and an overall size of less than a square foot, this 6-pound model is one of the most compact air fryers in our ratings. Still, it ranks among the best. It earns a Very Good score for controls and cleaning, and excels in our noise test. It has a 1-year warranty, which is typical for most models.

Dash Express Tasti-Crisp 2.6 Quart Air Fryer

The Dash Express Tasti Crisp is small but mighty. At a measured capacity of 1.9 quarts and an overall footprint of less than a square foot, this 6-pound model is one of the most compact air fryers in our ratings. Still, it ranks among the best. It earns a Good score for controls and impresses for ease of cleaning and in our noise tests. It has a 1-year warranty, which is pretty typical for air fryers.

Dreo Air Fryer

The Dreo Air Fryer earns Very Good ratings for the ease and legibility of its controls, ease of cleaning, and relatively quiet operating noise. The basket’s claimed capacity is 4 quarts, but CR’s test engineers measured it at 2.5 quarts. The 1-year warranty is on a par with most of the models we test.

Elite Platinum EAF-1506D 3.5 Quart Digital

The Elite Platinum air fryer earns Very Good ratings in all CR’s tests. It’s relatively quiet, and the controls and programmed settings are fairly easy to read. While the model may appear to be large, its handle folds down, making storage a cinch. Cleaning the inside and outside of the air fryer is a snap, but cleaning the basket takes a little more effort. This model’s measured capacity is 3.4 quarts, which is average.

Gourmia 5 Quart Analog Air Fryer

The Gourmia Analog air fryer earns Very Good ratings for the legibility and ease of its controls and for its relatively quiet operation. It’s also a standout when it comes to cleaning. Its great performance, coupled with its price, makes it a CR Best Buy. It’s worth noting that the basket’s claimed capacity is 5 quarts, while CR’s test engineers measured it at 3.4 quarts.

Gourmia GAF686 Digital

The Gourmia GAF686 Digital has a measured capacity of 4.3 quarts and in addition to receiving an Excellent rating for controls, the model impresses with its quiet operation and ease of cleaning. At 9 pounds, the Gourmia is a bit lighter than some air fryers, which means you can move it more easily from cabinet to countertop.

GoWise USA GW22731

A CR Best Buy, this GoWise air fryer has a measured capacity of 4.9 quarts. Its touch buttons and programmed settings are among the easiest to see and use. It also stands out as a particularly quiet air fryer to boot. That said, the exterior’s crevices and the basket’s nooks and crannies may take some effort to clean.

NuWave Brio Air Fryer 36011

This highly rated NuWave air fryer has electronic controls with programmed settings that are among the easiest to see and use. It’s also relatively quiet. Cleaning the basket takes some effort, however. And it has a measured capacity of just 2.6 quarts, among the smallest we test.

Proctor Silex 5 Liter Air Fryer Model 35060

The Proctor Silex air fryer comes with a measured capacity of 4.9 quarts and preprogrammed settings. It earns a Very Good rating in our tests for ease of cleaning and equally impresses when it comes to our noise tests.

Williams Sonoma Open Kitchen Digital Air Fryer

A Williams Sonoma exclusive, the Open Kitchen Digital Air Fryer comes with a 3.6-quart interior basket and a brushed stainless steel exterior. It earns only a middling score for its controls but aces the noise test. It’s also pretty easy to clean. This model is designed with a digital display and programmed settings. Like most of the models we test, this one comes with a 1-year warranty.

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