The best air fryer under £100 depends on what you cook and how many people you feed. A good single drawer gives the best combination of basket space and worktop footprint, while a dual-zone model is more useful when two foods need different times or temperatures.
We compared six exact UK models by usable capacity, controls, temperature range, cleaning, footprint and current purchase route. Prices change frequently, so the ranges below are broad UK-market expectations rather than live Amazon prices.
Quick answer: the best air fryer under £100
The Cosori Pro LE 4.7L is our best overall pick for its practical square basket, clear digital controls and manageable footprint. The Tower T17174 is the lower-cost choice, the Salter EK4750 is best when you need two independent drawers, and the Tefal Easy Fry Max 5L offers useful family capacity without the width of a dual-zone machine.
- Best overall: Cosori Pro LE 4.7L
- Best lower-cost choice: Tower Vortx T17174 4L
- Best compact dual-zone: Salter EK4750 7.4L
- Best crisping when below £100: Ninja AF160UK
- Best large dual-zone: Tower T17088 9L
- Best family single drawer: Tefal Easy Fry Max 5L EY245840
In this guide
How we chose
We checked manufacturer documentation where available and used the exact linked listing for model identity. We prioritised products that normally compete around the £100 ceiling, but a promotion can end at any time. We have not physically tested these six units, so comparative judgements are based on documented capacity, controls, temperature range, cleaning requirements, footprint and purchase route rather than claimed hands-on performance. For a wider market view, see our best air fryers guide and our separate comparison of Ninja, Philips and Cosori air fryers.
Comparison at a glance
| Model | Format | Capacity | Best for | Typical UK band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosori Pro LE | Single | 4.7L | Most households | £70–£100 |
| Tower T17174 | Single | 4L | Lower budgets | £40–£60 |
| Salter EK4750 | Dual | 7.4L | Two foods at once | £70–£100 |
| Ninja AF160UK | Single | 5.2L | High-temperature crisping | £90–£130 |
| Tower T17088 | Dual | 9L | Larger families | £80–£110 |
| Tefal EY245840 | Single | 5L | Family capacity in less width | £50–£80 |
For this under-£100 guide, only choose the Ninja or Tower T17088 when the current offer falls within your budget.
The six best air fryers under £100
1. Cosori Pro LE 4.7L — Best Overall
Typical UK price: £70–£100. The Cosori’s 4.7L square basket is a practical size for one to three people and can also handle sides for a small family. The linked model lists nine cooking functions, a shake reminder, a tempered-glass control panel and dishwasher-safe removable parts.
It wins on balance rather than one headline feature. It is easier to accommodate than a large dual-zone fryer but more useful for everyday meals than many compact 3–4L models. Choose something larger if you routinely cook complete meals for four.
- Pros: square 4.7L basket; clear digital controls; dishwasher-safe removable parts
- Cons: one cooking zone; no 240°C mode; capacity can be tight for family batch cooking
2. Tower Vortx T17174 4L — Best Lower-Cost Choice
Typical UK price: £40–£60. This digital 4L Tower suits one or two people who want an uncomplicated appliance for chips, vegetables, chicken portions and reheating. Its smaller footprint is useful in a compact kitchen.
It is a value pick rather than a performance claim: the smaller drawer limits batch size, and build and controls are more basic than the Cosori or Ninja. Confirm the exact model number and check Tower’s safety notices if buying old or second-hand stock.
- Pros: affordable; compact; digital presets and reminder
- Cons: limited capacity; basic finish; unsuitable for larger family batches
3. Salter EK4750 7.4L — Best Compact Dual-Zone
Typical UK price: £70–£100. The EK4750 divides 7.4L between two 3.7L drawers, allowing different foods to run independently and finish together using the sync control. That is useful for meals such as chicken and chips without mixing cooking times.
Two smaller drawers are flexible but neither has the uninterrupted space of a 5L single basket. Salter’s documentation confirms the model and 2200–2400W input; allow suitable clearance and avoid overloading a shared socket.
- Pros: independent drawers; sync function; useful total capacity
- Cons: each basket is only 3.7L; wider than a single drawer; high combined wattage
4. Ninja AF160UK — Best Crisping When Discounted
Typical UK price: £90–£130. Ninja’s official AF160UK instructions confirm a 5.2L single drawer, six cooking functions and a temperature range from 40°C to 240°C. Its fixed 240°C Max Crisp mode is intended for pre-cooked frozen foods.
This is only an under-£100 recommendation when discounted. Above that threshold, the Cosori offers better budget discipline and dual-zone alternatives offer more flexibility. Ninja specifies an aluminium pan and crisper plate with nano-ceramic coating; that should not be generalised to other brands.
- Pros: 240°C Max Crisp; six functions; 5.2L drawer; documented coating
- Cons: often exceeds £100; single zone; Max Crisp needs closer checking to avoid overcooking
5. Tower T17088 9L — Best Large Dual-Zone
Typical UK price: £80–£110. With two 4.5L drawers, the T17088 is the most useful format here for larger households that regularly cook two components together. Sync and match controls reduce the juggling involved in serving both at once.
The drawback is physical size. Measure the worktop and rear clearance before buying, and check that the live price remains below £100 if that is a firm ceiling.
- Pros: 9L total capacity; two useful-size drawers; sync/match controls
- Cons: large footprint; may exceed £100; unnecessary for many one-person households
6. Tefal Easy Fry Max 5L EY245840 — Best Family Single Drawer
Typical UK price: £50–£80. Tefal confirms a 5L capacity, 10 automatic programmes, digital touchscreen and dishwasher-safe non-stick basket. It is marketed for up to six portions, although real capacity depends heavily on the food and whether it needs to sit in one layer.
This is the strongest option for buyers who want more single-drawer space without giving a dual-zone appliance permanent worktop room. Tefal also states a 15-year repairability commitment, which is useful in a budget category dominated by less established brands.
- Pros: 5L basket; 10 programmes; dishwasher-safe basket; established support
- Cons: one zone; portion claim may be optimistic for bulky foods; no independent dual cooking
Single drawer or dual zone?
A single drawer normally gives more uninterrupted space for its footprint and is the better default for one or two people. A dual-zone fryer earns its extra width when you regularly cook foods requiring different settings. Total litres can mislead: two 3.7L drawers cannot necessarily hold the same item as one 7.4L basket.
Head-to-head: which air fryer should you buy?
The most useful comparison is not simply which model has the largest litre figure. It is whether you need one uninterrupted basket or two independent cooking zones. For most one- to three-person households, the Cosori Pro LE remains the strongest all-round choice: its square 4.7L basket uses space efficiently, the controls are clear and its footprint is easier to accommodate than a wide dual-drawer model.
Choose the Salter EK4750 instead when two foods regularly need different times or temperatures. Its two 3.7L drawers make chicken-and-chips meals easier to coordinate, but each drawer is narrower than the Cosori basket. Our dedicated guide to the best dual-zone air fryers explains when that flexibility justifies the extra width.
The Tefal Easy Fry Max is the better compromise for families that want a roomier 5L single basket without committing to a dual-zone footprint. The Tower T17088 offers more total capacity, but only makes sense if you have the worktop room and its live price is below £100. If crisping frozen food is the priority, the Ninja AF160UK has the clearest documented advantage through its 240°C Max Crisp mode—but it is frequently outside this guide’s budget.
- Choose Cosori: best balance for everyday cooking and limited worktop space.
- Choose Salter: best when two foods need separate settings.
- Choose Tefal: best for a larger single basket at a lower typical price.
- Choose Tower T17088: best for maximum dual-zone capacity when discounted.
- Choose Ninja: best for high-temperature crisping when the offer drops below £100.
Capacity and worktop space
- 3–4L: best for one person, couples and sides.
- 4.5–6L: the most versatile single-drawer range for two or three people and some family sides.
- 7–10L dual zone: useful for families or cooking two meal components, but check each drawer’s individual size.
Use the manufacturer’s dimensions rather than a generic allowance, then add the ventilation clearance stated in the manual. Do not position an air fryer directly beneath cupboards if hot exhaust air cannot escape safely.
Features that matter
- Temperature control: a wide range is useful, but 240°C is mainly relevant to fast crisping rather than every recipe.
- Cleaning: confirm exactly which removable parts are dishwasher safe and avoid metal utensils or abrasive pads on coated surfaces. Our air-fryer cleaning guide covers baskets, heating elements and stubborn residue.
- Sync controls: particularly useful on dual drawers; presets are mainly convenient starting points.
- Replacement parts: baskets and crisper plates from an established support channel can matter more than app features.
Air fryer running costs
An air fryer often uses less energy than a full-size electric oven for a small quantity because it heats a smaller chamber and may cook faster. It is not automatically cheaper for every meal: wattage, duration, food quantity, tariff and whether several batches are required all change the result.
To estimate one cook, multiply the appliance’s kilowatts by cooking time in hours, then by your electricity unit rate. For example, a 1.5kW fryer running for 20 minutes uses about 0.5kWh before allowing for thermostat cycling. Ofgem publishes the current electricity unit rates and standing charges; use your own tariff for the most accurate figure. Cooking time matters just as much as wattage, so check our air-fryer cooking-times guide before comparing running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Are air fryers healthier than deep frying?
They can use much less added oil than deep frying, but the nutritional result still depends on the food, portion and recipe. An air fryer is a compact convection cooker, not a guarantee that every meal is healthy.
Can you cook frozen food in an air fryer?
Yes. Many frozen chips, nuggets, fish fingers and similar foods cook well from frozen. Follow the food and appliance instructions, avoid overcrowding and shake or turn where recommended.
Is a dual-zone air fryer worth it?
It is worthwhile when you frequently cook two foods at different temperatures or times. For simple meals and smaller households, a larger single drawer is usually cheaper and takes less space.
How long should an air fryer last?
There is no dependable lifespan for the category. Usage, cleaning, coating care, electronics and access to replacement parts all matter. Follow the manual and avoid abrasives to protect the basket.
What size air fryer is best for two people?
A 4–5L single drawer is the safest starting point for two people because it provides enough room for everyday portions without taking over the worktop. Choose dual zone only if you regularly cook two components separately.
Can an air fryer under £100 feed a family?
Yes, but basket shape matters more than an optimistic portion claim. A 5L single drawer can handle many family sides and smaller meals; a 7–9L dual-zone model is more flexible for two foods. For practical meal ideas, see our beginner air-fryer recipes.
The bottom line
The Cosori Pro LE 4.7L is the best balanced air fryer under £100 for most buyers. Pick the Salter EK4750 for compact dual-zone cooking, the Tower T17088 for greater family capacity when discounted, or the Tefal Easy Fry Max for a roomy single drawer with established support. Always check the exact live model and price before buying.