Proxy Tutorial for OpenRouter / Api.Airforce / unorouter (Free Models Only)

This tutorial shows you how to set up OpenRouter / ApiAirforce / Unorouter as a proxy in your chat app using free models only — no credit card or spend required.

Why These ?

- One API key for hundreds of models, including many completely free ones

- Good for agentic workflows, long context, and general chat

- Easy setup and reliable routing

Free models on OpenRouter and ApiAirforce change often as providers rotate capacity, so always double-check https://openrouter.ai/collections/free-models / https://api.airforce/models/?plans=free&type=chat&sort=price / https://unorouter.com/en/models?q=free before committing to one.

Note: Free models have rate limits and lower priority during peak times, and providers may use your inputs/outputs for training on their free tier (check individual model pages for specifics, e.g. Poolside's models note this explicitly).

Api.Airfroce has 50+ models however they have a 1min/req and 1000/day limit. but you got way more options to choose from.

Unorouter is amazing it has over 250+ models, keep in mind each models has own limits.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Open Your Chat App

Open your latest chat (or start a new one). Tap the menu icon (≣) in the top right → API Settings.

2. Go to the Proxy Tab

Switch to the Proxy tab → Proxy Configurations → Tap + NEW.

3. Fill in the Configuration

- Configuration Name: anything you like, e.g. "OpenRouter Free"

- Model Name: Click one of the model links below, e.g. minimax/minimax-m3:free

• OpenRoutor =15+ Free Models

• ApiAirforce = 50+ Free Models

• Unorouter = 250+ Free Models

- Proxy URL:

• OpenRouter = https://openrouter.ai/api/v1/chat/completions

• ApiAirforce = https://api.airforce/v1/chat/completions

• Unorouter = https://api.unorouter.com/v1/chat/completions

- API Key: see below

How to Get Your OpenRouter API Key

• 1. Go to https://openrouter.ai

• 2. Sign up or log in (Google, GitHub, or email)

• 3. Click your profile picture (top right) → Settings

• 4. Select API Keys

• 5. Click Create Key

• 6. Give it a name

• 7. (Optional) Set a $0 credit limit to guarantee you can never be charged

• 8. Click Create, then immediately copy the key (starts with sk-or-v1-...) — you won't be able to see it again

How to Get Your Api.Airforce API Key

• 1. Go to https://api.airforce

• 2. Sign up or log in (Google, GitHub, or email)

• 3. Select API Keys on your left tab

• 4. Click New Key

• 5. Give it a name

• 6. Click Create new key, then immediately copy the key (starts with sk-or-v1-...) — you won't be able to see it again

How to Get Your Unoroutor API Key

• 1. Go to https://unoroutor.com

• 2. Sign up or log in (Discord, GitHub, or email)

• 3. Select API Keys on your left tab

• 4. Click Create Key

• 5. Give it a name

• 6. Click Create, Unlike the other backends your api key will be shown below you'll see your newly created API key then under the key tab (starts with sk-or-v1-...) click the copy icon,note you can also view it here so no to save it
  
  Paste the key into the API Key field in your app.

4. Tap Save Changes

5. Test the Configuration

Tap Test. You should see a "Valid API Key. Configuration works!" message.

6. Refresh the page (or restart the chat) and start using it.

FAQ / Troubleshooting

Error: "A network error occurred... Failed to fetch" or rate limit message.

- Double-check the API Key, Model Name, and Proxy URL for typos

- Confirm your API key hasn't been revoked

- Try refreshing the app or clearing cache

- Free models get rate-limited during peak times — wait a few minutes and retry, or switch to another free model from the table above

Model ID not found:

Free model IDs sometimes change or get deprecated as providers rotate capacity. Check https://openrouter.ai/collections/free-models / https://api.airforce/models/?plans=free&type=chat&sort=price / https://unorouter.com/en/models?q=free for the current list before assuming your config is broken.