The Best Small Digital Air Fryers Under $100 (2025)
How We Conducted Our Tests
Methodology: We acquired and tested 10 of the most popular and highly-rated small air fryers under $100. Our team focused on what matters most for compact kitchens: real-world capacity, cooking evenness for single portions, speed, noise, and ease of cleaning. We cooked over 50 test batches, including single chicken breasts, small portions of fries, and salmon fillets, to find the true champions of small-space cooking.
Big things often come in small packages, and nowhere is that truer than with the modern small air fryer. Perfect for apartment dwellers, college students, RV enthusiasts, couples, or anyone with limited counter space, these compact powerhouses deliver the same crispy, delicious results as their larger counterparts without the bulky footprint. They are the ultimate solution for quick, healthy, single-portion meals.
But the under-$100 market is a minefield of options, with countless brands all claiming to be the best. How do you find a reliable, high-performing model that won’t break the bank or clutter your kitchen? We did the hard work for you. We’ve sifted through the noise, put the top contenders through a rigorous testing process, and emerged with the definitive list of the best small digital air fryers that give you the most crunch for your cash. This is your ultimate guide to finding the perfect compact kitchen companion.
Our Top Picks for 2025
1. COSORI Pro LE Air Fryer-Lite 4-Quart
The COSORI Pro LE is our decisive winner for the “Best Overall” small air fryer. While at the upper end of our “small” and “under $100” criteria, it delivers a near-perfect balance of size, performance, and features that justifies its position. The 4-quart capacity is the ideal sweet spot—compact enough for small counters, yet spacious enough to comfortably cook for two people. Its square basket provides significantly more usable cooking space than round 4-quart models.
In our performance tests, the Pro LE was a standout. Its powerful 1500-watt element and efficient airflow produced exceptionally crispy fries and evenly cooked salmon fillets. The tempered glass digital display on top is sleek, modern, and incredibly easy to use, with 7 useful presets and a helpful shake reminder. It’s also remarkably quiet for its power. If you have the space for a 4-quart model, the COSORI Pro LE offers the best performance and user experience you can get in this category.
Pros
- Excellent cooking performance, very crispy results.
- Spacious and efficient 4-quart square basket.
- Sleek, user-friendly digital interface.
- Very quiet operation.
- Great value for the features offered.
Cons
- Largest footprint among our top picks.
- Often hovers right around the $100 price point.
2. Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Mini Air Fryer 2-Quart
For the solo cook, dorm resident, or anyone with a truly tiny kitchen, the Instant Vortex Mini is a masterpiece of compact design. From the trusted makers of the Instant Pot, this 2-quart air fryer packs impressive performance into a minuscule footprint. It’s incredibly simple to use, with four smart programs (Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Reheat) and easy digital time/temperature controls.
During testing, we were amazed at how evenly this little machine cooked. It was perfect for a single chicken breast, a generous portion of fries, or reheating a slice of pizza to crispy perfection. The build quality is excellent, and it preheats very quickly thanks to its small size. While the 2-quart basket is limiting—you must cook in a single layer—it’s the perfect size for one person. If space is your absolute number one priority, the Instant Vortex Mini is the best choice, no question.
Pros
- Extremely compact, perfect for tiny spaces.
- Simple, intuitive digital controls.
- Cooks very evenly for its size.
- Trusted brand with great build quality.
- Comes in multiple stylish colors.
Cons
- Very limited capacity, strictly for one person.
- Basket can be too small for awkwardly shaped items.
3. Chefman Compact Digital Air Fryer 3.6-Quart
Chefman has a reputation for delivering reliable, no-frills appliances at a fantastic price, and this 3.6-quart digital air fryer is a perfect example. It consistently offers solid performance and a generous capacity for a price that often dips well below its competitors. The digital interface is straightforward, with 4 presets and a wide temperature range up to 450°F—a feature usually found on more expensive models, which is great for getting an extra-crispy finish.
The flat basket design is space-efficient and easy to clean. While its cooking wasn’t quite as perfectly even as the COSORI in our side-by-side tests, it was still very good, producing crispy and delicious results. For a deeper dive into how Chefman stacks up against other value brands, check out our Chefman vs. Best Choice comparison. For shoppers looking to get the most capacity and performance for the lowest possible price, the Chefman 3.6-Quart is the undisputed value king.
Pros
- Incredible value for its size and features.
- High max temperature of 450°F.
- Simple, easy-to-use digital controls.
- Dishwasher-safe, flat basket.
Cons
- Can be louder than other models.
- Build materials feel less premium.
4. Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer 2.6-Quart
Dash has built a brand around fun, stylish, and compact kitchen appliances, and the Tasti-Crisp Digital is a perfect fit. Available in a variety of vibrant colors, it’s designed to look great on your counter. But it’s not just about looks; the 2.6-quart capacity and ultra-compact, lightweight design make it incredibly practical for small spaces. It’s slightly larger than the Instant Vortex Mini, giving you a bit more breathing room for your food.
The digital interface is dead simple, with 3 presets and easy time/temp adjustments. Its “AirCrisp” technology circulates air effectively, and in our tests, it made wonderfully crispy vegetables and fries. It’s the ideal choice for someone who wants a simple, effective, and stylish appliance for single-person meals or side dishes. It proves that you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for performance, even on a tight budget.
Pros
- Stylish design and multiple color options.
- Very compact and lightweight.
- Simple and intuitive digital controls.
- Auto-shutoff feature for safety.
Cons
- Lower wattage can mean slightly longer cook times.
- The round basket is less space-efficient.
The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide for Small, Budget Air Fryers
Choosing the right small air fryer involves understanding a few key trade-offs. Here’s what you need to know before you buy.
Defining “Small”: What Do Quart Sizes Really Mean?
Capacity can be confusing. Here’s a simple real-world breakdown for small air fryers:
- 2-Quart: The “ultra-compact” size. Perfect for one person. It can typically fit one large chicken breast, a single salmon fillet, or a generous side of fries for one. This is true dorm or studio apartment territory.
- 2.5 to 3.5-Quart: The “compact” sweet spot. It offers more flexibility, comfortably fitting two chicken thighs or a meal for one with a bit of extra room. Ideal for individuals who want slightly more versatility or couples in a small apartment.
- 4-Quart: The “large-small” size. This is the best choice for couples or for individuals who like to cook slightly larger items. It can often fit up to four chicken thighs or enough fries for two people to share.
Wattage vs. Performance
At the under-$100 price point, wattage can range from around 1000W to 1500W. Higher wattage generally means the air fryer can get hotter faster and maintain its temperature better when you add food. This translates to quicker cooking and often crispier results. While a 1000W model is perfectly capable, a 1500W model like the COSORI will typically outperform it in speed tests.
Basket Shape: Round vs. Square
This is more important than you might think! A square basket offers more usable surface area than a round basket of the same quart capacity. For example, a 4-quart square basket can fit more food in a single layer than a 4-quart round basket. Since cooking in a single layer is key to getting crispy results, we almost always recommend a square basket if you have the choice.
A Note on Safety
Even small air fryer baskets get incredibly hot. To safely shake the basket mid-cook or remove your food, a pair of fryer gloves provides a much more secure and safe grip than a clumsy oven mitt, especially in a cramped kitchen space.
Mastering Your Small Air Fryer: Tips & Mini-Recipes
Cooking in a small air fryer is an art. Here are our top tips and some quick recipes to get you started.
Top 3 Tips for Small Air Fryer Success
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: This is the golden rule. Food needs space for the hot air to circulate. Cook in batches if you have to. A crowded basket steams food; a spacious basket crisps it.
- Shake, Shake, Shake: Small baskets have less room, so shaking them every 5-7 minutes (for things like fries or vegetables) is crucial for ensuring everything gets evenly browned and crispy.
- Preheat for 3 Minutes: Even though most models don’t require it, preheating for just 3 minutes gives your food a head start and helps create a better sear and a crispier texture from the moment it goes in.
Quick & Easy Mini-Recipes
Perfect Single Salmon Fillet
Pat a 6-oz salmon fillet dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Place skin-side-down in the preheated air fryer. Cook at 400°F for 7-9 minutes, until cooked through and slightly browned on top. No flipping needed!
Crispy Chickpeas Snack
Rinse and thoroughly dry a can of chickpeas. Toss with 1 tsp olive oil and your favorite spices (smoked paprika and garlic powder are great). Air fry at 390°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking twice, until crispy and golden. Use a fryer strainer to easily lift them out.
Conclusion: Big Flavor, Small Price
A small digital air fryer is a fantastic investment for anyone looking to cook healthier, faster meals without sacrificing precious counter space or their budget. After extensive testing, we can confidently recommend the **COSORI Pro LE 4-Quart** as the best overall choice, offering a perfect blend of performance, size, and features.
However, every model on this list is a winner. The **Instant Vortex Mini** is the undisputed king of tiny kitchens, the **Chefman 3.6-Quart** delivers unbeatable value, and the **Dash Tasti-Crisp** brings a welcome dose of style. Ultimately, the best small air fryer is the one that fits your space, your needs, and your budget. We’re confident this guide has given you all the information you need to make the perfect choice.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. This review is based on our own independent testing and experience. Prices are subject to change but all models were selected for consistently being available under $100.
