Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in the UK, helping households prepare healthier meals while reducing cooking times and energy consumption. The good news is that you don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds to enjoy the benefits. Many budget-friendly models now offer excellent cooking performance, useful features, and impressive capacity for under £100.
If you’re searching for the Best Air Fryer without stretching your budget, this guide highlights the top affordable options available today. Many UK shoppers use resources like bestairfryer.co.uk to compare models, discover recipes, and find expert buying advice before making a purchase.
Quick Comparison Table
| Air Fryer | Capacity | Power | Smart Features | Dishwasher Safe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Air Fryer AF100UK | 3.8L | 1550W | Presets | Yes | Small Households |
| Tower T17021 | 4.3L | 1500W | Digital Controls | Yes | Everyday Use |
| Instant Vortex Mini | 2L | 1300W | Smart Programmes | Yes | Singles |
| Russell Hobbs SatisFry | 4L | 1500W | Touch Controls | Yes | Couples |
| Salter EK2817 | 3.2L | 1300W | Manual Controls | Yes | Budget Buyers |
| Swan Retro Air Fryer | 6L | 1700W | Digital Display | Yes | Families |
| Daewoo SDA2604 | 4L | 1500W | Preset Cooking | Yes | Value for Money |
| Cookworks Digital Air Fryer | 5L | 1700W | LED Controls | Yes | Family Meals |
| Duronic AF24 | 4.5L | 1500W | Timer Function | Yes | Beginners |
| Quest Compact Air Fryer | 3.5L | 1400W | Basic Controls | Yes | Small Kitchens |
Top 10 Best Air Fryers Under £100
1. Ninja Air Fryer AF100UK
The Ninja AF100UK consistently ranks among the most popular budget air fryers in the UK. Despite its affordable price, it delivers reliable cooking results and excellent build quality.
Pros
- Fast cooking performance
- Easy-to-clean basket
- Multiple cooking modes
Cons
- Smaller capacity for larger families
2. Tower T17021 Family Air Fryer
Tower offers excellent value for money with this versatile 4.3-litre model.
Pros
- Digital controls
- Good capacity
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Limited advanced features
3. Instant Vortex Mini
Perfect for singles, students, and small households.
Pros
- Compact design
- Energy efficient
- Consistent results
Cons
- Small cooking basket
4. Russell Hobbs SatisFry
A stylish and practical option for couples.
Pros
- User-friendly controls
- Easy cleaning
- Reliable cooking performance
Cons
- No app connectivity
5. Salter EK2817
One of the most affordable options on the market.
Pros
- Excellent budget choice
- Lightweight design
- Simple operation
Cons
- Basic controls
6. Swan Retro Air Fryer
Combining retro styling with modern cooking performance.
Pros
- Large 6-litre capacity
- Attractive design
- Good family option
Cons
- Takes up more counter space
7. Daewoo SDA2604
An excellent all-rounder for everyday cooking.
Pros
- Good value
- Multiple presets
- Easy maintenance
Cons
- Average cooking speed
8. Cookworks Digital Air Fryer
A practical family-friendly appliance with generous capacity.
Pros
- 5L basket
- Digital controls
- Affordable
Cons
- Limited cooking programmes
9. Duronic AF24
Ideal for first-time air fryer users.
Pros
- Easy setup
- Good cooking consistency
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Fewer advanced settings
10. Quest Compact Air Fryer
Designed for kitchens with limited space.
Pros
- Compact footprint
- Affordable
- Simple controls
Cons
- Smaller capacity
Capacity and Cooking Performance
When choosing the Best Air Fryer, capacity is one of the most important considerations.
2–3 Litres
Ideal for:
- Singles
- Students
- Small apartments
4–5 Litres
Ideal for:
- Couples
- Small families
6 Litres+
Ideal for:
- Families of four or more
- Batch cooking
- Entertaining guests
Most air fryers under £100 can comfortably handle everyday meals, including chips, chicken, vegetables, and frozen foods.
Energy Efficiency
One of the biggest reasons people switch to air fryers is energy savings.
Compared to conventional ovens, air fryers typically:
- Heat up faster
- Cook more efficiently
- Use less electricity
- Reduce overall cooking time
Many of the models featured here can help households lower energy costs while still producing excellent cooking results.
Smart Cooking Features
Although premium air fryers often include Wi-Fi and app control, many affordable models still offer useful smart features:
- One-touch presets
- Digital displays
- Automatic shut-off
- Adjustable temperature settings
- Cooking timers
These features make everyday cooking simpler and more consistent.
Ease of Cleaning
Easy maintenance is another key factor when selecting the Best Air Fryer.
Look for:
- Non-stick baskets
- Dishwasher-safe components
- Removable cooking trays
- Grease collection systems
Most of the models listed above offer hassle-free cleaning.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Air Fryer
Consider Household Size
Choose a capacity that matches your cooking needs.
Check Power Output
Higher wattage often means faster cooking.
Evaluate Features
Digital controls and preset programmes improve convenience.
Think About Storage
Measure available counter space before buying.
Compare Reviews
Many shoppers visit Best Air Fryer resources to compare products, read expert reviews, and find the latest UK deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a good air fryer for under £100?
Yes. Many affordable models deliver excellent cooking performance and reliability.
Which air fryer is best for families?
The Swan Retro Air Fryer and Cookworks Digital Air Fryer offer larger capacities suitable for family cooking.
Are cheap air fryers energy efficient?
Most air fryers, regardless of price, use less energy than conventional ovens.
Do budget air fryers have digital controls?
Many models under £100 include touch controls, digital displays, and cooking presets.
Is Ninja worth buying under £100?
The Ninja AF100UK remains one of the strongest options in this price range.
Final Recommendations
Best Overall
Ninja Air Fryer AF100UK
Best Budget Choice
Salter EK2817
Best for Families
Swan Retro Air Fryer
Best for Couples
Russell Hobbs SatisFry
Best for Small Kitchens
Quest Compact Air Fryer
Best Value for Money
Tower T17021
Conclusion
Finding a quality air fryer doesn’t require a huge budget. Many of today’s affordable models provide excellent cooking performance, energy efficiency, and convenient features for under £100.
Whether you’re a student, couple, or growing family, there’s a model on this list that can meet your cooking needs without overspending. The Ninja AF100UK remains the standout all-round performer, while options from Tower, Swan, and Russell Hobbs also offer exceptional value.
For more expert reviews, recipes, comparisons, and the latest deals on the Best Air Fryer models available in the UK. You’ll find helpful buying guides and recommendations to help you choose the perfect air fryer for your home.
