If you want the best air fryer under £100 in the UK, start with the job it needs to do. A compact single-drawer model is usually better for one or two people, while families get more from a dual-zone fryer that can cook chips and chicken at the same time. Prices move constantly, so the strongest buy is not always the most famous brand on the day you shop.
For a strict under-£100 budget, the Cosori Pro LE 4.7L is the strongest all-round pick when it sits around £70-£90. The Ninja AF160UK is better for crisping if you catch it below £100, but it often floats above that line. If you just want the cheapest decent air fryer, a current Tower Vortx 4L model is the sensible value option.
In This Article
- Quick Picks
- Comparison Table
- Why Under £100 Is the Sweet Spot
- Our Top Pick: Cosori Pro LE 4.7L
- Best Air Fryers Under £100
- Single Drawer vs Dual Zone
- Capacity Guide: What Size Do You Need?
- Features That Matter
- Features You Can Ignore
- Air Fryer vs Oven: When to Use Which
- Running Costs Compared
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Picks: Best Air Fryers Under £100
The best budget air fryer depends on whether you want the crispest results, the lowest price, or enough drawer space for family meals. These are the models I would check first before comparing dozens of near-identical listings.
- Best overall under £100: Cosori Pro LE 4.7L, because it balances capacity, controls, cleaning and worktop size better than most budget models.
- Best cheap air fryer: Tower Vortx 4L Digital T17174, because it is often around £40-£55 and is enough for one or two people.
- Best dual-zone under £100: Salter EK4750 7.4L Dual Air Fryer, because two baskets are rare below £100 without jumping to a huge unit.
- Best compact air fryer: Tefal Easy Fry Classic 4.2L, because it keeps the controls simple and does not dominate a small kitchen.
- Best for families: Tower Vortx 9L dual-zone models such as the T17100 or T17177, when the price drops close to £90-£100.
- Best crisping if discounted: Ninja AF160UK, but only if it is below £100 on the day. Above that, it no longer belongs in a strict budget list.
Air Fryer Under £100 Comparison Table
| Model | Capacity | Best for | Usual price band | Key compromise | Who should skip it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosori Pro LE 4.7L | 4.7L single drawer | Best overall strict-budget buy | £70-£90 | No dual-zone cooking | Families who need two separate baskets |
| Tower Vortx 4L Digital T17174 | 4L single drawer | Cheapest decent air fryer | £40-£55 | Basic build and smaller basket | Anyone cooking regularly for 3-4 people |
| Salter EK4750 Dual | 7.4L total, 2 x 3.7L | Budget dual-zone cooking | £75-£95 | Each drawer is smaller than big 9L models | People who want large family portions in each basket |
| Tefal Easy Fry Classic EY201840 | 4.2L single drawer | Simple compact cooking | £55-£75 | Manual controls feel basic | Anyone who wants presets and digital timing |
| Tower Vortx 9L Dual T17100/T17177 | 9L total, 2 x 4.5L | Families on a sale budget | £85-£100 on offer | Large footprint | Small kitchens and one-person households |
| Ninja AF160UK | 5.2L single drawer | Crispier chips and frozen food | £90-£130 | Often above the article budget | Strict under-£100 buyers unless it is discounted |
Why Under £100 Is the Sweet Spot
Air fryers range from about £30 to £300. The under-£100 bracket is where value gets interesting: you can still find recognisable brands, useful controls and enough capacity for everyday cooking without paying for app features or oversized baskets you may never use.
Below £50, you are usually accepting smaller baskets, simpler dials and less familiar brands with weaker support. Above £150, much of the extra money goes into larger capacity, smart features or brand premium rather than better chips on a Tuesday night.
The sweet spot for most UK households is £60-£100 for a single-zone fryer and £80-£100 for a dual-zone. That is where the choice is strongest, especially if you are happy to wait for a sale.
Our Top Pick Under £100: Cosori Pro LE 4.7L
Usually around £70-£90 from Amazon, Currys and other UK retailers.
The Cosori Pro LE 4.7L is the best overall budget air fryer here because it gets the basics right: a sensible square basket, clear digital controls, a shake reminder, dishwasher-safe removable parts and enough space for two to four portions. It is not the biggest air fryer in the list, but it makes fewer compromises than most models that consistently sit below £100.
Why It Wins
- 4.7L square basket — more useful than many round baskets because chips, chicken pieces and vegetables spread out more evenly.
- Digital controls without gimmicks — presets and a shake reminder are useful; app control is not needed at this price.
- Good worktop size — big enough for everyday cooking, but not as awkward as a 9L dual-zone unit.
- Better strict-budget value than Ninja — the Ninja AF160UK is a strong buy when discounted, but the Cosori is more consistently inside the under-£100 bracket.
Limitations
- Single drawer only, so you cannot cook two foods at different temperatures at the same time.
- The 4.7L basket is fine for everyday family sides, but not ideal for big batch cooking.
- If your main goal is the crispiest frozen chips, a discounted Ninja AF160UK still has the edge.
If you find the Ninja AF160UK below £100, it becomes the stronger crisping pick. If it is £110-£130, the Cosori or a dual-zone Salter/Tower model is usually the better fit for this budget.
Best Air Fryers Under £100
Best Cheap Air Fryer: Tower Vortx 4L Digital T17174 (about £40-55)
The entry point for a decent air fryer is a current Tower Vortx 4L model such as the T17174. The 4L capacity is right for 1-2 people, the footprint suits a small kitchen, and the price often sits well below the bigger brands. It will not feel as polished as the Cosori or Ninja, but for frozen chips, chicken portions, vegetables and reheating, it is a sensible cheap starting point.
- Capacity: 4 litres
- Temperature range: 80-200°C
- Controls: Digital controls on the T17174; older Tower 4L versions may use manual dials
- Safety note: if buying older Tower stock or second-hand, check the model number against Tower’s recall page before using it
Best Dual Zone Under £100: Salter EK4750 Dual Air Fryer (about £75-95)
If you want dual-zone cooking for under £100, the Salter EK4750 is usually the easiest route. It gives you two 3.7L drawers, separate controls and sync/match functions, so you can cook chips in one side and chicken or vegetables in the other. The compromise is basket size: it is more flexible than a single drawer, but not as roomy as a full 9L family model.
- Capacity: 2 x 3.7L baskets (7.4L total)
- Temperature range: typically 80-200°C
- Controls: digital touchscreen
- Sync and match functions: yes, for coordinated dual-basket cooking
- Best reason to buy: proper dual-zone cooking without crossing the £100 line
Best Crisping If Discounted: Ninja AF160UK (about £90-130)
The Ninja AF160UK is still the one to watch if crisping performance matters most. Its 5.2L drawer and higher-temperature Max Crisp mode suit chips, frozen food and chicken skin. The catch is price: under £100 it is a very strong buy; above £100, it stops being the right answer for this article.
- Capacity: 5.2 litres
- Temperature range: up to 240°C on Max Crisp
- Controls: digital controls with six cooking functions
- Dishwasher safe: basket and crisper plate
- Buy it if: it is discounted below £100 and you prefer crisping power over dual-zone flexibility
Best for Families: Tower T17100 Vortx Dual 9L (about £85-95)
If you need to cook for four or more people and want dual-zone capacity, the Tower T17100/T17177 style 9L models are the ones to watch when they fall under £100. They give you two 4.5L drawers, which is more useful for families than a small dual-zone model. The trade-off is size: this is not a subtle appliance on a narrow UK worktop.
- Capacity: 2 x 4.5L baskets
- Temperature range: 80-200°C
- Controls: Digital LED
- Sync and match functions: Yes
Best Compact: Tefal Easy Fry Classic EY201840 (about £55-65)
Tefal’s entry-level air fryer is compact enough for small kitchens while still offering 4.2L capacity. The build feels reassuring for the price, and the simple mechanical timer and temperature dial will suit anyone who does not want touchscreen controls. It is widely available from UK retailers, including supermarkets, Argos and Amazon.
- Capacity: 4.2 litres
- Temperature range: 80-200°C
- Controls: Manual dial
- Dishwasher safe: Basket only
Single Drawer vs Dual Zone
Single Drawer
One cooking basket, one temperature, one timer. Simpler, cheaper, takes less counter space. The limitation: if you are cooking chips and chicken nuggets, they go in together even though they cook best at different temperatures.
Dual Zone
Two independent baskets, each with its own temperature and timer control. Cook different foods at different temperatures and use the sync function to have everything ready at the same time. The trade-off: larger footprint, higher price, and many people find they use both zones less often than they expected.
Which Should You Choose?
If you are cooking for 1-2 people: single drawer. The capacity is sufficient, the smaller unit is easier to store, and you avoid paying for a second basket you may not use.
If you are cooking for 3-4 people or regularly make multi-component meals: dual zone is worth it. The ability to cook chips at 200°C and fish at 180°C simultaneously, finishing at the same time, is a genuine convenience.
If you cook full meals in the air fryer rather than just sides, dual-zone becomes more useful quickly. If you mostly make chips, nuggets, vegetables or lunches, a better single drawer is usually the smarter under-£100 buy. Our cooking times guide has temperatures and times for common foods in both formats.
Capacity Guide: What Size Do You Need?
2-4 Litres
Enough for 1-2 people. A portion of chips, two chicken breasts, or a small batch of vegetables. Not enough for a whole chicken or a large family’s worth of food. Best for couples, students, or kitchen-space-limited households.
4-6 Litres
The sweet spot for 2-4 people. Handles a standard portion of chips for four, a medium chicken (up to about 1.8kg), most vegetables, and a good range of meals. This is the capacity most UK households need. Our air fryer buying guide has more detail on matching capacity to cooking habits.
6-10 Litres (Dual Zone or XL)
Family-sized cooking for 4-6 people. Dual-zone fryers typically offer 8-10 litres total across two baskets. Single-basket XL models at this size are available but enormous — check your counter space before buying.
The Counter Space Question
Measure your kitchen counter before buying. Air fryers need about 30cm x 30cm of counter space for a compact model and 40cm x 35cm for a dual-zone unit. They also need clearance above for the lid or basket to open. Many UK kitchens have limited workspace, so a larger air fryer might displace your toaster or kettle. Our small kitchen organisation guide has tips for fitting more appliances into tight spaces.
Features That Matter
Temperature Range
The wider the better. Most air fryers go from 80°C to 200°C. A few (like the Ninja AF160UK) reach 240°C, which makes a noticeable difference to crispiness. The lower end (80°C) is useful for gentle dehydrating or warming.
Digital vs Manual Controls
Digital controls with presets are more precise and convenient. Manual dials are simpler and have fewer electronics to go wrong. Both can produce the same food. If you want set-and-forget convenience, go digital. If you prefer simple controls, manual is fine.
Non-Stick Coating Quality
The basket coating affects how easy the fryer is to clean and how well it ages. Ceramic non-stick baskets on brands such as Ninja and Cosori tend to feel more robust than the thinner coatings on many budget models. If food starts sticking regularly, the appliance becomes annoying fast.
Dishwasher-Safe Parts
Check that the basket, crisper plate and any other removable parts are dishwasher safe. Hand-washing a greasy air fryer basket gets old quickly.
Features You Can Ignore
Smart App Connectivity
Some air fryers connect to your phone via Wi-Fi. You can monitor progress and access recipes, but you still have to put the food in manually. At this budget, spend the money on basket quality and capacity before app features.
Built-In Recipe Libraries
The presets on the fryer itself (chips, chicken, fish, etc.) can be useful. A 200-recipe book in the companion app is less important than capacity, cleaning and temperature control.
Viewing Windows
A window in the basket door lets you see the food without opening it. Nice in theory, but in practice the window steams up within minutes and you cannot see anything. You will still open the drawer to check. Window models can still be useful, but do not pay a big premium for one unless the rest of the appliance also fits your capacity and cleaning needs.
Rotisserie Functions
Some larger air fryers include a rotisserie spit. Unless you plan to spit-roast whole chickens regularly (and your fryer is large enough to accommodate one), this goes unused.
Air Fryer vs Oven: When to Use Which
Air Fryer Wins
- Chips and fries — crispier, faster, less oil
- Chicken wings and thighs — skin gets crispier than in an oven
- Reheating leftovers — faster and better results than a microwave
- Small batches — no need to heat an entire oven for one portion
- Vegetables — roasted veg in 15-20 minutes instead of 35-40
Oven Wins
- Large roasts — a full Sunday roast with chicken, potatoes, and yorkshires needs oven space
- Baking — cakes, bread, and pastries need even heat distribution from all sides
- Batch cooking — when making food for 6+ people, the oven’s capacity wins
- Anything that needs broiling/grilling from above — air fryers circulate heat from above but cannot achieve the direct radiant heat of a grill element
How Most People Use Both
Most households end up using both. The air fryer is better for small meals, reheating, snacks and quick dinners; the oven still makes sense for baking, batch cooking and bigger weekend meals. The Energy Saving Trust notes that air fryers can use less energy than conventional ovens for suitable smaller tasks.
Running Costs Compared
Air fryers are usually cheaper to run than conventional ovens for small meals because they heat a smaller space, heat faster, and cook faster.
Typical Running Costs (at 24p per kWh)
- Air fryer (1,500W): about 36p per hour, but most meals cook in 15-25 minutes. A typical cook costs 10-15p
- Electric oven (2,000-2,500W): about 50-60p per hour, plus preheating time. A typical cook costs 25-40p
- Gas oven: cheaper per unit of energy, but slower and less efficient for small meals
Annual Savings
If you replace three small oven-cooked meals per week with air fryer meals, the saving might be roughly £40-£60 per year, depending on your tariff and cooking habits. The bigger day-to-day benefit is often time: less preheating, faster cooking and easier cleanup.
Keep reading on KitchenGearUK: Is an Air Fryer Healthy? What the Evidence Says, Air Fryer Accessories Worth Buying (And Ones to Skip), Ninja vs Philips vs Cosori Air Fryers: Which Is Best?, How to Clean an Air Fryer Properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are air fryers healthier than deep frying? Yes. Deep frying submerges food in oil (typically 500ml-2 litres). Air frying uses a tablespoon or less. The food still gets crispy because hot circulating air creates the Maillard reaction (browning) on the surface. The result tastes similar to deep-fried food with a fraction of the fat.
Can you cook frozen food in an air fryer? Yes — frozen chips, nuggets, fish fingers, spring rolls and most other frozen convenience foods work well in an air fryer. They often come out crisper than oven-cooked versions because the circulating air reaches the coating more evenly. No preheating is needed for many frozen foods.
Do air fryers smell? During cooking, yes — the same way an oven does. There is no lingering deep-fry oil smell because you are not using significant amounts of oil. Some models produce a slight plastic smell when brand new (run it empty at max temperature for 15 minutes before first use to burn this off).
How long do air fryers last? With normal use, many air fryers should last several years, but the basket coating usually wears before the heating element. Cheaper models with thinner coatings may need more careful cleaning or earlier basket replacement.
Is it worth getting a dual-zone air fryer? If you regularly cook for more than two people or want to cook different foods at different temperatures at the same time, yes. If you cook for one or two people and mainly make simple meals or sides, a single drawer is usually cheaper and easier to store.