Which budget air fryer is actually worth your money?
Looking for an air fryer under $100 doesn't mean you have to settle for junk. After testing three popular budget models — BLACK+DECKER Purifry 2QT, Fullwill 7.5QT with a visible window, and Beelicious 5.8QT with built-in recipes — we found that each has its own strengths and weaknesses. Here's our honest take after weeks of daily use.
1. BLACK+DECKER Purifry 2QT – Most Compact & Digital
Price: Around $65–$80
Best for: Singles, couples, small kitchens, dorms, RVs
Our Experience & Tips
The BLACK+DECKER Purifry is tiny — only 2 quarts. That's enough for a handful of fries, 4-5 chicken wings, or a small batch of roasted veggies. We tested it with frozen fries, and they came out crispy after about 14 minutes at 400°F. The digital touchscreen is surprisingly responsive for a budget model, and the auto shut-off feature is a nice safety touch. However, don't expect to cook for more than two people. We tried making a full meal (chicken + veggies) and had to do two separate batches.
Tip: Because the basket is small, shaking halfway is extra important. Food tends to stack up, so give it a good shake every 5-6 minutes. Also, preheat for 3 minutes before adding food — it makes a noticeable difference in crispiness. The dehydrate function works well for apple chips, but it takes about 4 hours at 135°F. Overall, this is perfect for a college student or anyone with extremely limited counter space. Just be realistic about portion sizes.
What to Consider Before Buying
The 2QT capacity is the biggest limitation. If you ever cook for three or more people, you'll be frustrated. Also, the nonstick coating is traditional PTFE — not ceramic. It's PFOA-free, but if you prefer PFAS-free materials, this isn't it. The digital touchscreen can be finicky if your fingers are wet or oily. Finally, the unit runs slightly louder than larger air fryers — about 65dB, similar to a loud conversation. For singles or couples in small apartments, it's a solid buy. For families, skip it.
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2. Fullwill 7.5QT Air Fryer with Visible Window – Best for Families
Price: Around $80–$95
Best for: Families, parties, anyone who wants to watch food cook without opening the basket
Our Experience & Tips
The Fullwill is massive — 7.5 quarts. We fit a whole 5-pound chicken, a 12-inch pizza, and up to 3 pounds of fries. The visible window is a game-changer; you can see your food browning without opening the basket and losing heat. The 12-in-1 functions include air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, and more. We tested the fries preset: 15 minutes at 400°F, and they came out golden and crispy. The 1700-watt heating element is powerful, and the creamy white finish looks surprisingly premium for the price.
Tip: Even with the window, we still recommend shaking the basket halfway through for the crispiest results. The window tends to fog up during the first few minutes, but it clears as the food cooks. Cleanup is easy — the basket is nonstick and dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing preserves the coating longer. We used the dehydrate function for beef jerky (135°F for 5 hours), and it worked perfectly. The only downside: the unit is huge (about 14 inches deep), so measure your counter before buying.
What to Consider Before Buying
The size is a double-edged sword. It's great for families but terrible for small kitchens. Also, the visible window is plastic, not glass — it scratches easily if you scrub too hard. Use a soft sponge only. The presets are accurate, but the control panel uses touch-sensitive icons that can be unresponsive if your hands are wet. Compared to the BLACK+DECKER, this one is noticeably louder — about 68dB. If you have counter space and cook for 4-6 people regularly, this is the best value under $100. For singles, it's overkill.
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3. Beelicious Large Air Fryer 5.8QT – Best Balance of Size & Features
Price: Around $70–$90
Best for: Couples or small families (2-4 people) who want a window, shake reminder, and recipe book
Our Experience & Tips
The Beelicious sits right in the middle — 5.8 quarts, enough for 2-4 people. It has a visible window (similar to the Fullwill), a digital touchscreen, and a shake reminder that actually beeps at the right time. The included 40+ recipe book is surprisingly useful; we tried the honey garlic wings, and they were a hit. The "flavor-lock tech" seems legit — the window lets you monitor without opening, so moisture and heat stay inside. We cooked a batch of frozen fries in 14 minutes at 400°F, and they were evenly crispy without needing to shake more than once.
Tip: The shake reminder is set for halfway, but we found that shaking a little earlier (around 40% of the time) gives better results for thicker foods like chicken thighs. The nonstick basket is dishwasher-safe, but the window frame can trap grease if you're not careful. After each use, wipe the window with a damp cloth. The unit is quieter than the Fullwill but slightly louder than the BLACK+DECKER — about 60dB. The compact size (11 inches deep) makes it a good fit for most counters.
What to Consider Before Buying
The Beelicious is a lesser-known brand, so long-term reliability is unknown. However, after three weeks of daily use, we haven't had any issues. The window is plastic, like the Fullwill, so treat it gently. The 5.8QT capacity is ideal for 2-3 people, but if you cook for 4-5 regularly, you might need two batches. Compared to the BLACK+DECKER, this has way more capacity; compared to the Fullwill, it's more compact. The digital presets are accurate, but the touchscreen can be slow to respond when your hands are greasy. For most people, this is the best "Goldilocks" option — not too big, not too small, and packed with features like the window and shake reminder at a fair price.
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Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
After weeks of testing, here's our honest recommendation:
- Get the BLACK+DECKER Purifry if you live alone, have zero counter space, or need an air fryer for a dorm or RV. It's tiny, reliable, and does the job — just don't expect to feed a crowd.
- Get the Fullwill 7.5QT if you have a big family (4-6 people), love to host parties, or want the largest capacity possible under $100. The visible window is a bonus, but be prepared to give up significant counter space.
- Get the Beelicious 5.8QT if you're like most people — cooking for 2-4 people, want a good balance of size and features, and appreciate the shake reminder and recipe book. It's the best all-rounder in this price range.
No matter which one you choose, any of these air fryers will help you cook healthier, crispier meals without breaking the bank. Just remember: even budget air fryers need a little love — preheat, shake halfway, and clean after each use. Happy crispy cooking!
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