The best air fryer under £100 for cooking on a budget 2023

If you want to invest in one of these super popular kitchen appliances but you're on a tight budget, we're here to help as we've searched the web for the best air fryer under £100. These great-value air fryers will not only deliver tasty meals at the push of a couple of buttons but also save you time and money, too.

Air fryers are the must-have kitchen gadget of this decade, soaring in popularity over the last few years. With the cost of living crisis forcing us to tighten our purse strings, many of us just haven't got the funds to splash out on a trend. However, using an air fryer to cook with, rather than your conventional oven, can actually save you money. Research from the Energy Saving Trust states that an air fryer can often be cheaper than using your oven for the same meal, with a typical cost per use of just 6p.

To make sure you get value for money and all your needs are met, there are a couple of features you'll want to look out for when choosing a cheap air fryer. We've covered these in detail in our FAQs section but the biggest thing to take into consideration is the cooking capacity and overall size. For example, if you're after one to cook for a large family, you may want a dual-drawer air fryer whereas a smaller one will be ideal for solo or two-person meals. You'll also want to take a look at the versatility offered and whether it has more functions than just air frying, as some of the best air fryers under £100 can be used for grilling and baking, too.

Best air fryer under £100 at a glance:

• Best overall: Instant Vortex Plus with ClearCook – View on Amazon UK
• Best budget air fryer: Salter EK2817 2L Air Fryer – View on Argos
• Best medium air fryer under £100: Tefal Easy Fry Precision 2-in-1 Digital Air Fryer and Grill – View on Amazon UK

You don't have to spend a small fortune to get a decent air fryer. You can get some great air fryers for families of four for less than £100 that will deliver top-quality results. From perfectly crispy chicken and chips to beautifully roasted potatoes and vegetables, cheap air fryers can perform just as well as top-of-the-range models without compromising on taste or texture at a fraction of the cost. Without further ado, here's our list to help you find the best air fryer under £100.

Best air fryer under £100

Best air fryer under £100 FAQs

What features should I look for in an air fryer under £100?

When looking for the best air fryer under £100, there are a couple of things you’ll want to think about to make sure you get a model that suits your cooking needs and preferences for a kitchen appliance. Here is a list of features that we think you should consider:

Cooking capacity

You’ll want to think about what you’re planning on cooking inside and who you’re cooking for as to what capacity you need. Choose one with an air fryer basket size that matches the number of people you usually cook for. A larger capacity is great for families, whereas a small air fryer will be the perfect size for individuals and couples.

Size and portability

You’ll need to think about the overall size of your chosen air fryer to make sure you’ve got somewhere suitable to put it in your kitchen. If you’re limited on space on your countertops, the last thing you’ll want to do is buy a huge model that won’t fit.

Safety features

To prevent accidents around the kitchen, look at what safety features your chosen air fryer has. Many have cool-touch exteriors to prevent you from burning yourself, some have non-slip feet to help stop it from accidentally falling off your countertops, and others have automatic shut-off when the basket is removed so it’s not still running after you’ve taken your food out.

Temperature control

Looking for the ability to customise the cooking temperature based on the type of food you’re preparing? Search for an air fryer that you can easily adjust the temperature setting to make sure you can cook food to your preference or the instructions provided.

Cooking pre-sets

To make cooking in an air fryer even easier, some come with pre-programmed settings that automatically set the temperature and time for specific foods, like chips, chicken, fish and more. If that sounds like something you’d benefit from, make choosing an air fryer with cooking pre-sets a priority.

Timer

If you’re someone that either overcooks or undercooks their food, a built-in timer will be essential for you. Some fryers are even designed to automatically switch off when the time is up.

Ease of use

Struggle with using complicated dials and buttons? You’ll want to look for an air fryer that is easy to use, with clear-to-read buttons or digital displays to make operating your air fryer a straightforward experience.

Easy-to-clean design

To simplify the cleanup when it comes to washing up, you’ll want to opt for models with removable non-stick baskets and trays so you can give them a good scrub after you’ve finished cooking. It’s an added bonus if these are dishwasher-safe!

What are the advantages of using an air fryer?

There is a reason why air fryers have grown in popularity in recent years, so here are a few advantages to using a budget air fryer to cook with:

Healthier cooking

Without a shadow of a doubt, one of the biggest reasons why people use air fryers is their ability to get deliciously crispy food using little to no oil. This is a significantly healthier way to make meals compared to traditional deep frying.

Fast results

Generally, air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens as they preheat quickly and have concentrated heat. The level of convenience they offer makes an air fryer a must-have addition to busy households.

Versatility

Compared to other countertop kitchen appliances, air fryers offer a great level of versatility as they can cook a wide range of foods, from chips and chicken to vegetables and potatoes, and even desserts. Some models offer different cooking settings and modes, such as baking and grilling to tailor your cooking experience.

Energy efficiency

We touched on it earlier, but air fryers and their quick cooking times can mean you’re using less energy compared to conventional ovens, which in turn can result in savings on your bills. As they’re smaller in size than a more traditional oven, you’re not heating up a huge appliance to only cook small meals.

Rosie Floyd is a Pets, Homes and Garden Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances, décor and furnishings, as well as all things dogs. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.