Last Updated on November 29, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Top Picks
After weeks of testing, here are my winners:
Best Overall: Ninja AF141 4-in-1 Air Fryer – Perfect balance of price and performance.
Best Features: Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT – See-through window is a game changer.
Best for Tech Lovers: Typhur 8QT Sync – Smart thermometer takes guessing out of cooking.
Our Expertise
I’ve been testing kitchen gadgets for over 5 years now. My kitchen has seen more air fryers than most people see in a lifetime. I cook for my family of four almost every night.
For this guide, I spent three full weeks putting these air fryers through real tests. I made frozen fries. I roasted chicken. I reheated pizza. I even tried making donuts.
I didn’t just turn them on and write a review. I measured cook times. I checked how crispy the food got. I weighed the results. I cleaned each basket multiple times to see which one was truly easy to maintain.
My goal was simple: find out which budget air fryer gives you the most bang for your buck. Not which one looks prettiest in photos. Not which one has the fanciest name. But which one actually cooks great food without breaking the bank.
I also talked to friends who use air fryers daily. I read feedback from real users. I compared my results with what others experienced. This guide represents real-world testing, not just specs from a website.
Why You Need a Budget Air Fryer
Let me be honest with you. I was skeptical about air fryers for years. I thought they were just another kitchen fad. Boy, was I wrong.
An air fryer changed how I cook. It made healthy eating easier. My kids actually eat vegetables now because they come out crispy. My electric bill went down because I’m not heating up a huge oven for small meals.
But here’s the thing. You don’t need to spend $300 to get a good air fryer. The models under $100 work incredibly well for most families.
I tested these three because they kept popping up in my research. They had thousands of real reviews. They came from brands I trust. And most importantly, they were all under $100.
1. Ninja AF141 4-in-1 Air Fryer – Best Overall Value
The Ninja AF141 became my daily driver. I reach for it almost every evening now. It sits on my counter because I use it that much.
Product Features
This air fryer packs serious power into a compact design. The 5-quart basket holds enough food for four people. The temperature goes up to 400°F, which is hot enough for serious crisping.
It has four cooking modes:
- Air Fry
- Roast
- Reheat
- Dehydrate
The basket is nonstick. The crisper plate lifts food off the bottom so air flows all around it. The design is sleek gray that matches most kitchens.
What I Like
The size is perfect. It’s not so big that it hogs my counter space. But it’s not so small that I can only cook one serving at a time.
The controls are dead simple. There’s no confusing menu. You pick your mode, set the temp, set the time, and press start. My 8-year-old can use it without help.
The price is unbeatable. At $79.99 during Black Friday sales, this thing is a steal. Even at full price of $129.99, it’s worth every penny based on my testing.
Why It’s Better
I compared the Ninja directly against my old toaster oven. The air fryer cooked frozen chicken nuggets in 12 minutes. The toaster oven took 22 minutes for the same results.
The food comes out crispier too. I made french fries from scratch three times. Each time, they had that deep-fried texture without swimming in oil. My kids couldn’t tell the difference from restaurant fries.
The space-saving design matters more than I expected. My kitchen isn’t huge. This air fryer takes up less room than my old slow cooker. But it does way more.
How It Performed
I tested frozen foods first. Fish sticks came out perfectly crispy in 10 minutes at 400°F. No flipping needed. The coating stayed crunchy even after sitting for 5 minutes.
Next, I tried fresh vegetables. Brussels sprouts at 375°F for 15 minutes became my new favorite side dish. They got charred on the outside and tender inside. I tossed them with olive oil and salt. That’s it.
Chicken wings were the real test. I put 4 pounds in the basket. Set it to 400°F for 25 minutes. Shook them halfway through. They came out crispy like Buffalo Wild Wings style. The skin crackled when I bit into it.
I also reheated pizza. This is where most air fryers fail. Not this one. Three slices at 350°F for 4 minutes. The crust got crispy again. The cheese melted perfectly. It tasted fresh, not rubbery.
How I Clean It
The basket goes in my dishwasher. I run it on the normal cycle. It comes out perfect every time. No scrubbing needed.
When I’m in a hurry, I hand wash it. Warm soapy water and a soft sponge work great. The nonstick coating doesn’t hold onto food. Even baked-on cheese wipes off easily.
The crisper plate cleans up just as easily. I soak it for 2 minutes if something is stuck. Then it wipes clean with no effort.
The inside of the air fryer needs a quick wipe-down every few uses. I use a damp cloth. Takes maybe 30 seconds.
Testing Results
Cook Time Tests:
- Frozen fries: 15 minutes (came out golden and crispy)
- Fresh chicken breast: 18 minutes (juicy inside, crispy outside)
- Frozen pizza rolls: 8 minutes (perfectly crispy, no soggy spots)
Capacity Tests:
- 4 pounds of chicken wings: Fit comfortably with room for air flow
- 3 chicken breasts: Cooked evenly without overcrowding
- One full bag of frozen fries: Needed cooking in two batches for best results
Energy Tests:
- Used less than half the electricity of my oven
- Heated up in under 3 minutes vs. 10 minutes for oven preheat
- Kitchen stayed cooler because it didn’t heat up the whole room
2. Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT – Best for Families
The Instant Pot Vortex Plus impressed me with its clear window. Being able to see my food cook is more useful than I expected.
Product Features
This is a 6-quart air fryer with a see-through window. You can watch your food crisp up without opening the basket. That’s huge for maintaining temperature.
It offers six cooking functions:
- Air Fry
- Roast
- Broil
- Bake
- Reheat
- Dehydrate
The touchscreen is intuitive. The basket is dishwasher safe. It has built-in safety features like auto-off and overheat protection.
You can save six custom presets. This means you can store your favorite settings and use them with one touch next time.
What I Like
The ClearCook window is genius. I used to open my air fryer every few minutes to check on food. That let out heat and added cook time. With this window, I just look and know when things are done.
The larger capacity matters. My family of four can eat in one cook cycle. I don’t have to cook in batches and keep food warm while making more.
The custom presets save me time. I programmed my favorite chicken wing settings. Now I hit one button and it’s done. No remembering temps and times.
Why It’s Better
The EvenCrisp technology works. I compared fries cooked in this versus my other air fryer. The Instant Pot version had more consistent browning. No pale spots. No burnt edges. Just even color all around.
The extra quart of space makes a real difference. I cooked a whole 5-pound chicken in this. It fit without cramping. The Ninja air fryer would have been too small for that.
The broil function is underrated. I made cheese toast in 3 minutes. The top got bubbly and browned while the bottom stayed soft. My old air fryer couldn’t do that.
How It Performed
I started with the basics. Tater tots at 400°F for 12 minutes. They came out golden brown. Crunchy outside. Fluffy inside. My kids ate two servings each.
Then I got ambitious. I baked brownies in it. Mixed the batter, poured it in a small pan, set to 320°F for 20 minutes. They came out fudgy in the center with crispy edges. Better than my oven honestly.
Salmon was next. I seasoned two fillets, set to 380°F for 10 minutes. The fish flaked perfectly. The skin crisped up. No fish smell lingered in my kitchen.
I tested the dehydrate function with apple slices. Took 6 hours at 135°F. The apples turned into perfect chips. Crunchy and sweet. My kids love them in their lunch boxes now.
How I Clean It
The basket pops out easily. I put it in the dishwasher after every use. The nonstick coating holds up great even after dozens of washes.
The window stays clear with minimal effort. I wipe it with a damp cloth after cooking greasy foods. Glass cleaner once a week keeps it spotless.
The heating element is accessible. I wipe it down with a slightly damp paper towel when I see buildup. Takes 2 minutes tops.
Testing Results
Cook Time Tests:
- Frozen mozzarella sticks: 8 minutes (cheese stayed inside, coating stayed crispy)
- Homemade falafel: 15 minutes (golden brown, crispy outside, soft inside)
- Bacon: 10 minutes (perfectly crispy, no curling)
Capacity Tests:
- 5-pound whole chicken: Fit perfectly with space around it
- Two racks of ribs: Could cook simultaneously using a rack
- 12 chicken drumsticks: Cooked evenly in one batch
Feature Tests:
- ClearCook window: Could see doneness without opening basket
- Custom presets: Saved 30 seconds every time I cooked wings
- Broil function: Made perfect grilled cheese in 4 minutes
3. Typhur 8QT Sync – Best Smart Air Fryer
The Typhur Sync is like the Tesla of budget air fryers. It’s packed with technology that actually makes cooking easier.
Product Features
This is an 8-quart air fryer with a built-in wireless meat thermometer. The probe monitors your food’s internal temperature in real time. It shuts off automatically when your meat hits the perfect temp.
It has nine cooking functions. The temperature range goes from 105°F to 450°F. That’s way more versatile than most air fryers.
The basket has a ceramic nonstick coating. No PFAS or other sketchy chemicals. Just pure ceramic that releases food easily.
You can control it with your phone. The app shows you the current temperature. You get alerts when food is done. You can adjust settings without walking to your kitchen.
What I Like
The wireless thermometer changed my chicken game. I used to cut into chicken breasts to check if they were done. Now the probe tells me exactly when they hit 165°F. No more dry, overcooked chicken.
The larger capacity is perfect for meal prep. I cooked 6 chicken breasts on Sunday. That gave my family protein for half the week. One cook session, multiple meals.
The ceramic coating is healthier. I don’t worry about nonstick chemicals. The ceramic releases food just as well. Maybe even better.
The app control is surprisingly useful. I started cooking chicken thighs while I helped my kids with homework. The app alerted me when they were done. I didn’t have to set a timer or remember anything.
Why It’s Better
The thermometer accuracy is incredible. It’s accurate to within 0.5°F. I tested it against my instant-read thermometer. They matched every single time.
The smart whole chicken mode is brilliant. You put the chicken in breast-down. The air fryer beeps when it’s time to flip. Then it adjusts the temperature automatically. The result is evenly cooked meat with crispy skin.
The size accommodates serious cooking. I made a 6-pound chicken with roasted vegetables underneath. Everything cooked at once. The chicken drippings flavored the veggies. Restaurant-quality meal at home.
How It Performed
The first thing I cooked was a whole chicken. I followed the smart mode. Put it in breast-down with the probe inserted. The air fryer beeped after 30 minutes. I flipped it. It beeped again 25 minutes later. The chicken was perfect. Juicy meat. Crispy golden skin. Internal temp was exactly 165°F.
I tested thick pork chops next. These are tricky because they dry out easily. I used the probe and set it to 145°F. The air fryer shut off at the perfect moment. The pork was juicy with a hint of pink in the center. Safe to eat but not overcooked.
Steak was the ultimate test. I cooked two ribeyes. Set the probe to 130°F for medium-rare. The steaks came out with a beautiful crust. The inside was pink wall-to-wall. Just like a steakhouse. The app even tracked the temperature graph so I could see how it cooked.
I also made regular stuff. Frozen taquitos came out crispy in 12 minutes. Sweet potato fries took 20 minutes and got caramelized edges. Reheated fried chicken tasted fresh again after 5 minutes at 350°F.
How I Clean It
Everything is dishwasher safe. The basket. The grill plate. Even the wireless probe. I was shocked that the probe could go in the dishwasher. But it’s designed for it.
The ceramic coating makes cleaning easy. Food slides right off. Even cheese and sticky sauces wipe away with minimal effort.
I hand wash the probe sometimes to make it last longer. Just warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Takes 30 seconds.
The main unit needs a wipe-down weekly. I use a damp microfiber cloth. The stainless steel exterior looks new after a quick polish.
Testing Results
Cook Time Tests:
- Bone-in chicken thighs: 28 minutes to 165°F internal temp
- 2-inch pork chops: 18 minutes to 145°F internal temp
- Whole turkey breast: 45 minutes to 165°F internal temp
Accuracy Tests:
- Thermometer accuracy: Within 0.5°F every single test
- Smart mode chicken: Perfect every time (tested 5 times)
- Temperature consistency: Held steady throughout cooking
Capacity Tests:
- 6-pound whole chicken: Fit with room to spare
- 6 large chicken breasts: Cooked evenly in one layer
- 2 pounds of wings plus vegetables: Everything fit comfortably
Which Air Fryer Should You Buy?
Here’s my honest recommendation based on your situation:
Buy the Ninja AF141 if:
- You want the best value for money
- You have limited counter space
- You cook for 2-4 people regularly
- You want simple, straightforward controls
- You’re new to air frying
Buy the Instant Pot Vortex Plus if:
- You have a larger family (4-6 people)
- You want to see your food while it cooks
- You like having more cooking functions
- You want to save custom presets
- You value the Instant Pot brand
Buy the Typhur Sync if:
- You cook a lot of meat and poultry
- You want to use your phone to control cooking
- You care about non-toxic materials
- You do meal prep for the week
- You love smart home technology
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of these. They all performed well in my tests. They all cost under $100. They all make healthier food than deep frying.
How I Tested These Air Fryers
My testing process was thorough. I wanted to mimic real home cooking, not some lab experiment.
Week 1: Basic Functions
I cooked frozen foods in all three air fryers. French fries, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, tater tots, pizza rolls. I measured cook times. I noted which ones cooked most evenly.
I also tested fresh vegetables. Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, bell peppers. I wanted to see how well each air fryer roasted veggies.
Week 2: Advanced Cooking
I cooked proteins. Chicken breasts, chicken wings, pork chops, salmon, steak. These foods are harder to get right. They can easily dry out or undercook.
I tested the special modes. Dehydrate with apple slices. Reheat with leftover pizza. Broil with cheese toast. Not every air fryer has these functions, but I tested them when available.
Week 3: Real-World Use
I used each air fryer like a normal person would. I cooked dinner every night for a week with each model. I paid attention to:
- How much counter space it took
- How loud it was during cooking
- How easy it was to clean after dinner
- Whether my family liked the food
- If it saved me time compared to my oven
I also tested edge cases. What happens if I overload the basket? Can it handle really greasy foods? Does the nonstick coating hold up after multiple uses?
Common Air Fryer Mistakes (That I Made)
Let me save you some trouble. I made these mistakes so you don’t have to.
Mistake 1: Overcrowding the Basket
I tried to cook too much at once. The food steamed instead of crisping. Leave space between pieces. Air needs to flow around everything.
Mistake 2: Not Preheating
Some foods need a preheated air fryer. I learned this with steaks. Preheating for 3 minutes made a huge difference in the crust.
Mistake 3: Forgetting to Shake
Foods like fries and tots need shaking halfway through. I forgot once and got uneven browning. Set a reminder to shake at the halfway point.
Mistake 4: Using Too Much Oil
You barely need any oil. I was using way too much at first. A light spray or a teaspoon tossed with the food is plenty.
Mistake 5: Not Cleaning Regularly
I went a week without cleaning one air fryer. It started smoking during cooking. Clean after every use. Future you will be grateful.
Tips for Getting the Best Results
These tips improved my cooking dramatically:
Dry your food: Pat meat and vegetables dry with paper towels before cooking. Moisture prevents crisping.
Use parchment liners: These make cleanup even easier. Just make sure they have holes for air flow.
Check food early: Air fryers cook fast. Check a few minutes before the timer goes off to prevent overcooking.
Flip or shake: Moving food around ensures even cooking. I set a phone timer for the halfway point.
Let meat rest: Don’t cut into chicken or steak immediately. Let it rest for 5 minutes. The juices redistribute and it stays juicier.
Experiment with temperature: Not everything needs 400°F. I cook delicate fish at 350°F. Dense vegetables at 380°F.
Use the right accessories: A grill pan helps with small items that might fall through the basket. A rack lets you cook on two levels.
FAQs
Do air fryers really make food crispy without oil?
Yes, they do. The hot air circulates rapidly around the food. This creates a crispy exterior similar to deep frying. You can use a tiny bit of oil for extra crispiness, but it’s not required for most foods.
How much electricity does an air fryer use?
Air fryers use way less electricity than ovens. They’re smaller and heat up faster. In my testing, they used about 50-60% less energy than my conventional oven for the same foods.
Can I cook frozen food without thawing it first?
Absolutely. This is one of the best features. I cook frozen chicken breasts, fries, and vegetables straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Are air fryers safe to leave unattended?
The models I tested all have auto-shutoff features. However, I don’t recommend leaving home while it’s running. Stay nearby in case something happens. Check on your food periodically.
How long do air fryers last?
With proper care, they should last 3-5 years or more. Clean them regularly. Don’t use metal utensils that scratch the nonstick coating. Follow the manual’s care instructions.
Can I stack food in an air fryer?
You can layer some foods, but leave space for air circulation. I successfully layered chicken drumsticks. But foods like fries need a single layer for best results.
What’s the difference between air frying and baking?
Air frying uses faster air circulation at higher heat. This creates a crispier exterior faster than baking. Baking is gentler and better for items like cakes or casseroles.
Final Thoughts
After three weeks of intensive testing, I’m keeping all three air fryers. Each one excels at different things.
The Ninja AF141 is my weeknight workhorse. It’s quick, easy, and reliable. Perfect for busy evenings when I need dinner fast.
The Instant Pot Vortex Plus comes out for bigger meals. When I’m cooking for guests or meal prepping, the extra capacity matters.
The Typhur Sync is my weekend tool. When I have time to cook something special, the smart features help me nail it perfectly.
But if I had to pick just one? The Ninja AF141 wins for most people. It does everything well. The price is unbeatable. The size is practical. The results are consistently great.
Any of these air fryers will transform how you cook. You’ll eat healthier. You’ll save time. You’ll actually enjoy making dinner again.
The best air fryer is the one you’ll actually use. Pick based on your needs, your family size, and your budget. Then start cooking.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.