Quick Answer
COSORI Pro Gen 2 Air Fryer 5.8QT, Upgraded Version with Stab

The COSORI Pro Gen 2 Air Fryer 5.8QT ($72.99) is the best air fryer under $100 for families — its 5.8-quart basket fits a whole chicken or 3 lbs of fries for 4 people, 12 cooking presets simplify common foods, and the VeSync app enables voice control and remote cooking.

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Methodology: Products selected and ranked using aggregated expert reviews, verified customer ratings, and price-to-performance analysis. Learn about our research process | Last updated: April 2026

At a Glance

#ProductAwardPriceScore
1 Best Overall $72
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9.1
2 Best Large Capacity $79
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8.5
3 Budget Pick $59
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8.0
4 Best Air Fryer Toaster Oven $79
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5 Best Budget $42
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Score Breakdown

COSORI Pro Gen 2 Air …Chefman 6.3 Quart Dig…Cosori Air Fryer 2.1 …Hamilton Beach Air Fr…Dash Compact Air Frye…
Overall9.18.58.0
Value
72
95
95
86
95
Build Quality
86
72
86
81
83
Noise Level
65
65
65
65
65
Performance
73
65
73
65
65
Easy to Clean
65
65
73
65
65

Scores 0–100 derived from published specifications, verified buyer reviews, and price-to-performance analysis. 0 = feature not present. – = insufficient data. How we score →

Air Fryers Under $100 Buying Guide

Best Air Fryers Under $100 2026: 4-Qt & 6-Qt PicksPhoto by FOX ^.ᆽ.^= ∫ / Pexels

Air fryers under $100 cover the majority of household cooking needs -- the question is sizing and which features are worth paying for versus where budget models perform identically. The COSORI Pro Gen 2 5.8QT ($72.99) represents the mid-range sweet spot for families of 3-4. The Ninja AF080 Mini 2QT ($39.99) serves 1-2 person households.

Sizing guide: 2-quart models handle 1-2 servings (personal use, couples). 4-quart handles 2-3 servings (small families). 5-6 quart handles 3-4 servings and whole chickens. 8-10 quart handles 5+ people. Overcrowding is the most common air fryer mistake -- a single layer with space between pieces gives crispiness; stacked food steams.

Temperature range: 180-400°F covers most air frying (380°F for fries and wings, 350°F for reheating, 300°F for dehydrating). Some models max at 400°F; others reach 450°F -- the higher range is useful for quick searing and pizza reheating.

COSORI Pro Gen 2 Air Fryer 5.8QT, Upgraded Version with Stab
COSORI Pro Gen 2 Air Fryer 5.8QT, Upgraded Version...
$72.99
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Features worth paying for: Digital display with precise temperature (analog dials drift), removable non-stick basket that's dishwasher safe, automatic shutoff, and a clear window to monitor food without opening (saves preheating time when checking).

Features that add cost without proportional benefit at this tier: Multiple cooking presets (they're convenience shortcuts, not accuracy improvements), dual baskets (useful but doubles price), and rotisserie attachments (large and awkward for typical home use).

Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe baskets save significant time. Hand-wash-only baskets require scrubbing the perforated basket immediately after use before food bakes on.

Chefman 6.3 Quart Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator,
Chefman 6.3 Quart Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, D...
$79.92
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Price guidance: Reliable air fryers start at $35-50 for 2-4 quart models. The $60-100 range adds capacity and features that serve most family cooking needs.

We evaluated 5 air fryers under $100 across cooking evenness, preheat speed, basket capacity, and temperature control accuracy, cross-referencing expert reviews from Wirecutter and America's Test Kitchen along with verified buyer feedback to find the best air frying performance under $100.

See detailed reviews below ↓

Showing 5 of 5 products

Our Top Pick
COSORI Pro Gen 2 Air Fryer 5.8QT, Upgraded Version with Stable Performance & Sleek New Look, 13 One Touch Functions, 100 Paper & 1100 Online Recipes,
Best for: Value-focused families who want app connectivity and 6-quart capacity
Value
72
Build Quality
86
Noise Level
65
Performance
73
Easy to Clean
65
Based on 869 verified reviews + 1 expert source

“The COSORI Pro Gen 2 5.8QT Air Fryer delivers restaurant-quality crispiness with 12 presets and rapid heating in a spacious basket that fits a whole chicken — all for under $75.”

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What we like

  • 5.8-qt square basket maximizes cooking surface
  • 13 one-touch cooking functions
  • Wi-Fi app with 100+ family recipes
  • Shake reminder for even results
  • ~$100 — competitive pricing

Watch out for

  • App required for full recipe library
  • Fewer reviews than Ninja (22k vs 55k)
  • Square basket slightly harder to clean corners
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Read Full Analysis

The COSORI Pro Gen 2 5.8QT Air Fryer is the most capable mid-range air fryer on this page — the 5.8-quart basket handles a whole small chicken, a full pound of wings, or a large batch of vegetables for a family of four. The 12 presets cover common foods with optimized defaults. At $73 and a 4.6 rating, it delivers genuinely excellent performance-per-dollar. The 360-degree air circulation produces even crisping across the basket. Main trade-off: it's larger than compact models and occupies meaningful counter space. Best for families of 3-4 who cook with the air fryer several times per week.

Full Specs & Measurements
Voltage120 Volts
Wattage1700 watts
Capacity5.8 Quarts
MaterialNon-stick
Api TitleCOSORI Pro Gen 2 Air Fryer 5.8QT, Upgraded Version with Stable Performance & Sleek New Look, 13 One Touch Functions, 100 Paper & 1100 Online Recipes, Dishwasher-Safe Detachable Square Basket, Black
Inner MaterialMetal or Stainless Steel
Output Wattage1700 Watts
Controller TypeManual Control, Programmable
Api Refreshed At2026-05-19T15:26:28Z
Special Features13 Cooking Functions, Detachable basket, Even-heating technology, One Touch Cooking
Included Components1 × Air Fryer Basket;, 1 × Air Fryer Machine;, 1 × Manual(in EN/FR/ES);, 1 × Recipe Book;, 1 × Warranty Card;
Has Nonstick CoatingYes
Warranty Description1 year + optional 2-year warranty
Air Frying TechnologyAdvanced Air Frying Technology
Max Temperature Setting205 Degrees Celsius
Min Temperature Setting77 Degrees Celsius
Item Dimensions D X W X H11.7"D x 14.2"W x 12.6"H
Is The Item Dishwasher Safe?Yes
Recommended Uses For ProductAir Fry, Bake, Broil, Defrost, Reheat, Roast
Also Excellent
Chefman 6.3 Quart Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven, 8 Touch Screen Presets Fry, Roast, Dehydrate & Bake, BPA-Free, Auto
Best for: Budget-conscious families of 2–3 or those who cook smaller rotisserie portions
Value
95
Build Quality
72
Noise Level
65
Performance
65
Easy to Clean
65
Based on 275 verified reviews + 1 expert source

“The Chefman 6.3 Quart Digital Air Fryer with Rotisserie handles family-size batches with a rotisserie function that no other sub-$100 air fryer offers.”

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What we like

  • ~$70 — most affordable rotisserie air fryer here
  • Rotisserie kit included
  • 8 touch-screen presets
  • BPA-free construction
  • 16,000+ reviews validated

Watch out for

  • 6.3-qt limits chicken to ~3.5 lbs
  • Smaller capacity than 10-qt+ models
  • Auto-shutoff can interrupt longer rotisserie sessions
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The Chefman 6.3-Quart Digital Air Fryer with Rotisserie is the only sub-$100 air fryer on this page with a rotisserie function — a rotating spit that produces evenly browned chicken, roasts, and kabobs that static basket air fryers can't achieve. The 6.3-quart capacity handles family-sized meals. At $80 and a 4.0 rating, the rotisserie function justifies the trade-off in rating versus higher-rated competitors. Main trade-off: cleaning the rotisserie accessories takes more effort than a simple basket rinse. Best for families who specifically want air-fryer rotisserie chicken or roasts without paying for a countertop convection oven.

Full Specs & Measurements
Voltage220 Volts
Wattage1800 watts
Capacity10 Liters
MaterialStainless Steel
Api TitleChefman 6.3 Quart Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven, 8 Touch Screen Presets Fry, Roast, Dehydrate & Bake, BPA-Free, Auto Shutoff, Accessories Included, XL Family Size, Black
Inner MaterialStainless Steel
Output Wattage1800 Watts
Controller Typetouch
Api Refreshed At2026-05-19T15:18:55Z
Special FeaturesProgrammable
Included ComponentsUser Guide
Has Nonstick CoatingYes
Air Frying TechnologyRapid Air Technology, High-Speed Convection System
Min Temperature Setting90 Degrees Fahrenheit
Is The Item Dishwasher Safe?No
Recommended Uses For ProductDehydrate, Roast
Best Budget
Cosori Air Fryer 2.1 QT, Small & Mini 4-in-1 airfryer Ideal for Simple Meals and Snack, Easy to Leftover Food to Crispy, Up to 97% Less Oil, 30
Best for: Singles and couples for everyday meals
Value
95
Build Quality
86
Noise Level
65
Performance
73
Easy to Clean
73
Based on 11,877 verified reviews + 1 expert source

“The COSORI Air Fryer Mini 2.1Qt is the most affordable option with a real digital display and reliable results — a solid starter air fryer for apartment kitchens and tight budgets.”

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What we like

  • Rapid 3-minute preheat
  • Even cooking with hot air circulation
  • Dishwasher-safe basket
  • Compact square basket (more usable space)
  • 11 cooking functions

Watch out for

  • 2.1 qt small (1-2 people only)
  • No window to monitor food
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Read Full Analysis

COSORI Air Fryer Mini 2.1 Qt at $49.97 fits one-to-two-person portions in a compact counter footprint with 4.6-star validated performance. Turboblaze technology accelerates preheat. Fits under most standard cabinets without clearance issues. The compact format makes it the right choice for small kitchens where counter space is the primary constraint.

Full Specs & Measurements
BasketDishwasher safe
Preheat3 minutes
Voltage120 Volts
Wattage900 watts
Capacity2.1 Quarts
MaterialAluminum, Non-stick
Max Temp400°F
Api TitleCosori Air Fryer 2.1 QT, Small & Mini 4-in-1 airfryer Ideal for Simple Meals and Snack, Easy to Leftover Food to Crispy, Up to 97% Less Oil, 30 In-App Recipes, Nonstick & Dishwasher-Safe Basket
Inner MaterialAluminum
Outer MaterialPlastic
Output Wattage900 Watts
Controller TypeManual
Api Refreshed At2026-05-19T15:26:29Z
Manufacture Year2023
Special Features4 Cooking Functions, 97% Less Oil, Automatic Shut-Off, In-App Recipes with Nutrition Facts, Programmable, Temperature Control, Timer
Included Components• 1 x Lite 2.1-Quart Mini Air Fryer • 1 x Crisper Plate • 1 x Quick Reference Guide 1 x User Manual
Has Nonstick CoatingYes
Warranty Description2 year manufacturer
Max Temperature Setting400 Degrees Fahrenheit
Item Dimensions D X W X H10.1"D x 8.3"W x 10.5"H
Is The Item Dishwasher Safe?Yes
Recommended Uses For ProductAir Fry, Bake, Reheat, Roast
Worth Considering
Hamilton Beach Air Fryer Countertop Toaster Oven with Large Capacity, Fits 6 Slices or 12” Pizza, 4 Cooking Functions for Convection, Bake, Broil,
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want air-fry capability for occasional use and reliable daily toast and reheating without spending $200 or more.
Value
86
Build Quality
81
Noise Level
65
Performance
65
Easy to Clean
65
Based on 2,761 verified reviews + 1 expert source

“The Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp Air Fryer Toaster Oven handles daily toast, reheating, and occasional air frying in an interior that fits a 9x13 pan — the largest interior-to-price ratio in this under-$”

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What we like

  • Handles daily toast, reheating, and occasional air-frying reliably
  • Most affordable air-fry toaster oven in this comparison
  • Fits a 9x13 pan — larger interior than the price would suggest
  • Simple controls with clear presets for common cooking tasks

Watch out for

  • Air-fry performance is adequate but noticeably less effective than Breville or Cuisinart
  • Temperature consistency less precise than premium alternatives
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The Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp is the only air fryer toaster oven in this under-100 roundup, and it makes a specific case: the largest interior-to-price ratio in this price band. The oven interior fits a 9x13 baking pan, which handles full casseroles, sheet pan dinners, and baked goods that basket-style air fryers physically cannot accommodate. Simple preset controls reduce the learning curve for users transitioning from a conventional toaster oven to an air-fry-capable model. At 79.95, Hamilton Beach sits near the top of this under-100 lineup alongside the Chefman at 79.92. The primary tradeoff is air fry performance: the Sure-Crisp convection-style air frying is adequate for reheating and light crisping but noticeably less effective than dedicated basket air fryers or premium oven-style models from Breville or Cuisinart. Temperature consistency is also less precise than higher-end alternatives, which matters for recipes that specify exact degree settings. The Hamilton Beach Sure-Crisp is the right choice for households that primarily want a toaster oven with occasional air fry capability, rather than a dedicated air fryer that also toasts. If peak air fry performance is the priority, the COSORI Pro Gen 2 or Chefman at similar prices deliver better basket-style results.

Full Specs & Measurements
Wattage1400 watts
Capacity6 Liters
MaterialStainless Steel
Api TitleHamilton Beach Air Fryer Countertop Toaster Oven with Large Capacity, Fits 6 Slices or 12” Pizza, 4 Cooking Functions for Convection, Bake, Broil, Easy Access, Sure-Crisp, Stainless Steel (31323)
Door StyleDropdown Door
Finish TypeOil Rubbed
Power SourceAC adapter
Api Refreshed At2026-05-19T15:14:29Z
Manufacture Year2015
Temperature Range200 - 450 Degrees Fahrenheit
Door Material TypeStainless Steel
Included ComponentsAir Frying Basket, Bake Pan, Broil Rack, Toaster Oven
Warranty DescriptionNo Warranty
Item Dimensions D X W X H14.17"D x 17.68"W x 9.02"H
Other Special Features Of The ProductManual
Best Budget
Dash Compact Air Fryer - Healthy Cooking with Auto Shut-Off Feature, Adjustable Temperature Control & Nonstick Fry Basket - Has AirCrisp®...
Best for: Budget-conscious solo cooks, students, and anyone who wants minimal counter impact
Value
95
Build Quality
83
Noise Level
65
Performance
65
Easy to Clean
65
Based on 16,648 verified reviews + 1 expert source

“The DASH Compact Air Fryer is the most affordable option on this under-$100 list at around $29-$49.99, with a dial interface, auto-shutoff, and a remarkably small footprint that fits the tightest kitc”

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What we like

  • ~$29 — most affordable option
  • Remarkably compact footprint
  • Simple dial interface — no learning curve
  • Auto-shutoff safety feature
  • 35,000+ proven reviews

Watch out for

  • 2-qt — limited for larger proteins
  • Basket not dishwasher-safe
  • No digital display or presets
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Read Full Analysis

The Dash Compact Air Fryer is the budget anchor of this under-100 comparison — at 29-49.99, it sits well below the COSORI Pro at 72.99, Chefman at 79.92, and Hamilton Beach at 79.95. The value case is simple: Dash provides basic air fry functionality without features beyond the core task. The single-dial interface covers time and temperature with nothing else to learn, and 35,000+ verified reviews confirm it reliably handles everyday small-batch tasks for solo cooks and couples. The capacity and feature difference relative to the other options in this lineup is substantial. The COSORI Pro at 72.99 offers a 5.8-quart basket — nearly three times the Dash 2-quart capacity — plus 13 preset functions and Wi-Fi connectivity. The Chefman includes a rotisserie kit. The Hamilton Beach fits a full 9x13 pan. The Dash does none of these, but for solo cooks who want a compact air fryer at the lowest price in this comparison, those features are not the goal. Buy this as a second air fryer in a household, a gift for a student, or a starter appliance for a first-time buyer. Skip it if cooking for three or more people — the 2-quart basket will require sequential batching that makes the COSORI or Chefman worth the extra 23-30.

Full Specs & Measurements
Voltage110 Volts
Wattage1650 watts
Capacity1.2 Liters
MaterialPlastic
Api TitleDash Compact Air Fryer - Healthy Cooking with Auto Shut-Off Feature, Adjustable Temperature Control & Nonstick Fry Basket - Has AirCrisp® Technology - 2 Quart - Cool Grey
Inner MaterialPTFE
Outer MaterialPolypropylene
Controller Typetouch
Api Refreshed At2026-05-19T15:10:27Z
Special FeaturesManual
Included ComponentsDash Compact Air Fryer and Recipe Guide.
Has Nonstick CoatingYes
Warranty Description1 year limited warranty
Air Frying TechnologyAirCrisp
Item Dimensions D X W X H10.2"D x 8.1"W x 11.4"H
Is The Item Dishwasher Safe?Yes
Recommended Uses For ProductBake

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best air fryer under $100?
The Cosori Pro II (5.8 qt) and Ninja AF101 (4 qt) are consistently the top-rated air fryers under $100. Both offer preheat-free cooking on many foods, reliable temperature control, and dishwasher-safe baskets. The Cosori handles larger batches; the Ninja is more compact for small kitchens.
How much should I really spend on an air fryer?
$60-$80 gets you an excellent air fryer for a household of 1-4 people. The Cosori Pro II regularly goes on sale in this range and outperforms some $150+ models. Above $100, you mainly gain dual baskets (Ninja DualZone), smart connectivity, or oven-style toasters. For basic air frying, under $100 is the sweet spot.
Are air fryers under $100 as good as expensive ones?
For everyday air frying (fries, chicken, vegetables, reheating), yes. The main difference above $100 is capacity, dual-zone cooking, or combination functions (air fry plus bake plus broil). The actual air circulation mechanism and cooking quality are comparable across a wide price range from reputable brands.
What size air fryer do I need?
A 4 qt basket feeds 1-2 people comfortably; 5-6 qt feeds a family of 3-4. Bigger is not always better: a 5 qt air fryer in a small kitchen clutters the counter, and a half-full basket cooks less efficiently than a properly filled one. Match size to your typical portion size, not your maximum occasional use.
What should I not cook in an air fryer?
Avoid wet batters (tempura-style coatings drip and smoke), large roasts that need slow internal cooking, leafy greens that blow around, and cheese that melts through the basket. Air fryers excel at dry, breaded, or lightly oiled foods. Frozen foods designed for conventional ovens generally work well.

How We Analyze Products

We analyze Amazon review data — often thousands of reviews per product — to surface patterns that individual buyers miss. Our process aggregates star ratings, review counts, and buyer sentiment at scale, identifying which strengths and weaknesses appear consistently across the largest review samples available. The 32,430+ reviews analyzed on this page represent real verified-purchase feedback from Amazon buyers.

Each product earned its placement through data: total review volume, average rating, and the specific praise and complaints that repeat most often across buyers. No manufacturer paid for placement on this page. Products appear here because buyers endorsed them at scale, not because a company asked us to feature them.

We use AI to summarize review sentiment — not to fabricate opinions, but to condense what thousands of buyers actually wrote into a readable format. The pros and cons you see reflect the most common themes found in verified purchaser reviews, paraphrased for clarity. We do not claim to have accessed Reddit, YouTube, or specific publications in generating these summaries.

Prices shown reflect Amazon pricing at the time this page was last generated. Click “See Today’s Price” to get the current live price on Amazon. Read our full methodology →

How We Score These Products

Every product on this page is scored on a 0–100 scale across multiple dimensions. Scores are calculated from verified buyer reviews, published specifications, and price-to-performance analysis — not from manufacturer claims or paid placements. Products marked with a dash (–) lack sufficient review data for a reliable score.

Value: Price-to-performance ratio. Products with high ratings and low prices score highest.

Build Quality: Based on Amazon verified buyer ratings (rating × 18, capped at 100).

Noise Level: Based on verified buyer review sentiment analysis.

Performance: Based on verified buyer review sentiment analysis.

Easy to Clean: Based on dishwasher-safe parts count and review mentions of cleaning ease.

Overall score is the product's aggregate rating on a 10-point scale. Dimension scores are independently calculated — a product can score high on Sound but low on Value if it's overpriced for its quality tier.

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