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15 best air fryers in Australia 2024 | Top-reviewed models

Cut down on cooking time and effort with these convenient "powerhouse" air fryers home cooks "absolutely love".

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Air fryers have proven to be one of the most handy kitchen appliances on the market. Period. While they’re known for making healthier alternatives to your fried favourites, some models can also be used to roast, steam, grill and bake your food, making them a worthy investment.

And with the added convenience of being compact and typically faster than deep frying and other cooking methods, it makes sense that our resident Food Expert Kim Coverdale called the air fryer a “must-have small kitchen appliance”.

“Air fryers are quicker to cook than your standard oven which means you can have juicy pork belly with the crispiest crackling in no time. From roast chicken, pasta bakes and pies to cakes, brownies and pavlova – basically anything you can cook in an oven can be cooked in an air fryer,” she said.

RELATED: Where to find the best early EOFY deals?

Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 air fryer. Picture: TikTok/@dinners_with_ire, @instantpotsa.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 air fryer. Picture: TikTok/@dinners_with_ire, @instantpotsa.

With the end of financial year (EOFY) sales coming up on June 30, you can find plenty of air fryers already on sale like the 11-in-1 Instant Pot Duo Crisp, dropping from $389 to $272. That's a saving of $117!

Shoppers say it's "quieter", "quicker" and "leaves food juicy and succulent" compared to other models.  One reviewer also dubbed it a "powerhouse" and an "essential tool" in their kitchen.

The NutriBullet Digital XXL Air Fryer is also currently half price for $149 (down from $299). Fans say they've been loving the budget air fryer and have been using it it "on rotation".

"(We) found ourselves using the oven and other appliances less, and using the air fryer for everything we can," raved one reviewer.


OUR TOP PICKS

BEST OVERALL AIR FRYER

Ninja XXXL FlexDrawer Air Fryer, $397 (down from $599.99) at Amazon Australia

tried and tested

Ninja XXXL FlexDrawer Air Fryer

 5
Ninja XXXL FlexDrawer Air Fryer. Picture: Ninja.
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Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, Shopping Writer

Ninja has been one of my favourite brands for years. I always find their appliances give such good bang for buck, regardless of whether you're opting for a budget or premium model. The Ninja XXXL FlexDrawer (AF500) is no exception, largely thanks to its flexible drawer design.

It nails convenience and versatility with the dual basket, which you can use to whip up small snack servings as well as big meals by simply taking out the divider.

Ninja XXXL FlexDrawer Air Fryer. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito/news.com.au.
Ninja XXXL FlexDrawer Air Fryer. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito/news.com.au.
Inside the Ninja dual basket air fryer, including the slot for the divider. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito/news.com.au.
Inside the Ninja dual basket air fryer, including the slot for the divider. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito/news.com.au.

But the Smart Finish feature might be the feature that stands out. I placed frozen chips on one side and  nuggets on the other, and programmed each basket with different settings. It saved me from having to wait for one batch to complete cooking before adding in another, or risk uneven cooking after dumping a mix of items into the appliance.

Easy to use controls on the Ninja air fryer. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito/news.com.au.
Easy to use controls on the Ninja air fryer. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito/news.com.au.

And I'm pretty sure I can now ditch the oven considering how impressive my baked cake turned out. Sure, I used  boxed cake mix but it was the air fryer that left the vanilla cake fluffy and moist. I poured the batter into just one basket and had to turn it over towards the end to better bake the bottom, although you can probably avoid flipping it over by getting rid of the divider and using a cake pan.

Cooking chips and nuggets at the same time on different settings. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito/news.com.au.
Cooking chips and nuggets at the same time on different settings. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito/news.com.au.
Made my best cake with this Ninja air fryer. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito/news.com.au.
Made my best cake with this Ninja air fryer. Picture: Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito/news.com.au.

Roasting pork belly turned out similarly successful, crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Although I found a small section came out slightly undercooked which I sliced off and put back in the air fryer for an extra few minutes.

I also really like how simple the user interface is. Unlike the Philips air fryer, this model keeps it simple by using clear, easy to read setting names rather than icons. Each setting also lights up brightly whenever you turn the dial to choose an option, which can definitely be handy for anyone who sometimes struggle with a digital display.

*Product has been provided by Ninja for a 100 per cent independent, honest review.


Philips 5000 Series XXL Connected Air Fryer, $299 (down from $449) at The Good Guys

tried and tested

Philips 5000 Series XXL Connected

 5
Philips 5000 Series XXL Connected. Picture: news.com.au/Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito.
Other ways to buy:

Tried and Tested by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito, Shopping Writer

After having tried (and totally loved) its older sibling, the Philips Essential XL Connected smart air fryer (HD9285/90), I was excited to check out what this newer version had to offer (spoiler: it did not disappoint). For me, the biggest improvement is the controls. They’re much more responsive and you can press each icon directly (rather than hit the menu button multiple times until you get to the chosen preset), making it equally simple to manually program the settings via the physical unit and app. The buttons also stand out much more, thanks to the bright clear white outline.

Performance wise, this air fryer is quick and quiet. Frozen foods are noticeably crispier compared to the XL and the filling is never dry. It definitely does a great job heating food evenly, requiring minimal tossing and flipping.

Plus, the outside doesn’t get overly hot to touch and clean-up is a dream. I absolutely love this Philips air fryer and highly recommend checking it out. It’s basically replaced every other appliance in the kitchen. I find myself using the air fryer most days to make lunch and dinner, and have ditched the oven when making treats like cookies, shortbread and even cake.

It boasts 16 versatile cooking functions, including uncommon features such as ferment, stew, confit and one-pot cooking.

The appliance offers a fairly large capacity of 7.2L, and uses the brand’s Rapid Air Technology that moves heat in a starfish shape to ensure even cooking.

You can also use the Philips Nutri U App to control the air fryer remotely straight from your smartphone, or even ask Amazon Alexa to get things cooking.

*Product has been provided by Philips for a 100 per cent independent, honest review.


BEST BUDGET AIR FRYER

Russell Hobbs SatisFry Air Fryer and Grill Multi Cooker, $280.79 (down from $299.95) at Amazon Australia

on sale

Russell Hobbs SatisFry Air Fry and Grill Multi Cooker

Russell Hobbs SatisFry Air Fry and Grill Multi Cooker. Picture: Amazon Australia.
Other ways to buy:

What You Need To Know

One versatile air fryer (and a top pick for best budget friendly air fryer) is this model from Russell Hobbs (RHMCAF40). It’s also a great option if you want one appliance that can cater to different temperatures to suit various cooking methods, which can be set via the user friendly controls and digital touch screen.

What makes the model stand out is how it circulates air from the top and bottom, rather than using just the heat from above, for even cooking and all-round searing. The Russell Hobbs air fryer additionally has seven presets plus the air fry setting, along with a small capacity that makes it a good option for singles, couples and small households. 

“I'm obsessed with this air fryer. In the few weeks I've owned it I think I've prepared every cooked meal using it. Everything is faster and easier!” raved a shopper about the “generously sized” and “easy to operate” model.

“I really want to highlight the reduced cooking smells/gases because when I used to fry food on the stove, I would have the extractor fan on max, even though it's uncomfortably loud, because I hate breathing in frying oils… However, since I've been using the air fryer I completely avoid these problems! It's fantastic! 

“The tray's surface is nice and slippery, which makes it easy to clean even when things like sauces get burnt at the edges… It's so much easier to cook for myself and that makes me more motivated to cook quality fresh food. Can't recommend enough!”.


Sunbeam Copper Infused DuraCeramic Air Fryer, $99 (down from $179) at Myer

on sale

Sunbeam Copper Infused DuraCeramic Air Fryer

45% OFF
Sunbeam Copper Infused DuraCeramic Air Fryer. Picture: Sunbeam.

What You Need To Know

On the search for an affordable air fryer to cook tasty fries? This compact 1500W Sunbeam air fryer (AFP4000BK) is perfect for small kitchens or anyone who just wants a small model that doesn’t take up much bench space. 

The design also stands out thanks to its Copper and Infused DuraCeramic Coating, claimed to be good for conducting heat and durability. This attempts to minimise a common issue with some cheap air fryers, in which the coating may start to peel or flake within a year of use. 

Shoppers agree this Sunbeam air fryer is not only “great value”, but also “easy to use” and “extremely easy to clean”. 

“Fantastic. So worth it. So glad I bought this! Food comes out delish and crispy,” an impressed customer posted, rating it five stars.

Other features include dishwasher safe parts, a 30-minute timer and manual controls. 


Philips Essential Digital XL Air Fryer, $189 (down from $299) at Myer

on sale

Philips Essential Digital XL Air Fryer

$110 OFF
Philips Essential Digital XL Air Fryer. Picture: Myer.

What You Need To Know

Another model with an affordable price and ideal for those with limited kitchen space is the Philips Essential Digital XL Air Fryer (HD9270/21). It’s also great for anyone hoping for no-fuss cleaning, thanks to the QuickClean basket and removable non-stick mesh insert. 

But when it comes to value, the multiple functions is where this model shines. It comes with 14 programs, which is more than most models in this price range. Some presets include One-Pot Cooking, Saute, Stir Fry, Stew and, of course, Fry.

For more bang for buck, this appliance comes with accessories not commonly with other air fryer models, including nine muffin cups and a family-sized baking dish. 

The manual was straightforward and there is a link to (the NutriU app) with more ideas and recipes. The first food we made in the air fryer was chips (a)nd it took no time at all and actually tasted quite nice. (T)he thought of eating it with less oil is a bonus, too,” a reviewer wrote. 

“The basket was easy enough to pull out and clean, and the oil left in the tray was easily absorbed with some kitchen towels.”


BEST AIR FRYERS WITH EASY TO USE CONTROLS

Ninja Air Fryer Max, $229 (down from $349) at Myer

on sale

Ninja Air Fryer Max

Ninja Air Fryer Max. Picture: Myer.
Other ways to buy:

What You Need To Know

Featuring six Auto IQ functions, a digital timer, and dishwasher-safe parts to make cleaning a breeze, the 5.2L Ninja Air Fryer Max (AF160) makes cooking fast and easy. It has non-slip feet to keep it upright on your benchtop, and the ability to cook at temperatures up to 240C for a super crispy, golden brown finish. You can choose from six preset programs (Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, or Dehydrate) and adjust the temperature and time as needed.

If you want your fries super crunchy without having to add much (or any) oil, hit the Max Crisp setting for extra crispiness. 

“Game changer. Really easy (to cook) meals and great quality. Super easy to operate and clean. Would be good to get the extra basket rack to increase the amount of items you can add,” a happy reviewer posted.

“Wow, what a game changer! Our meals are so much more exciting now you can try up some green beans or broccolini in mere minutes to accompany a dish. Baked potatoes in 15 mins,” agreed another.


Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven, $279.20 (down from $349) at Myer

Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven

Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven. Picture: Instant Pot.
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What You Need To Know

This 10L Instant Pot Vortex air fryer oven is “handy little helper” perfect for feeding a whole family and has seven one-touch programmable cooking functions to satisfy everyone’s bellies, whether that means roasting, grilling, air frying, dehydrating or spit-roasting. The appliance also lets you fit two cooking trays at once, so you don’t need to worry about your chips getting cold when you’re air frying the main dish. There’s even a function that remembers your settings to make cooking extra quick and easy.

“Last night we used it to heat salmon up and it was amazing. My favourite thing so far has been hash brown mini bites.  It looks great on the bench and the stainless finish matches well with our other appliances. It feels robust and well made. The controls are also very simple to use. Unlike many kitchen appliances, this one gets plenty of use. 10/10,” a reviewer posted.

The air fryer comes with several dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning, including a drip pan, two cooking trays and a rotisserie basket, spit and forks.


NutriBullet Digital XXL Air Fryer, $149 (down from $299) at Myer

on sale

NutriBullet Digital XXL Air Fryer

NutriBullet Digital XXL Air Fryer. Picture: Nutribullet.
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What You Need To Know

This NutriBullet air fryer (NBA07100) packs a lot in for a fairly affordable price, offering a large capacity for a competitive price. You can choose between eight pre-programmed settings, or manually program the time and temperature settings to your liking.

Most reviewers agree the air fryer is a “must-have” kitchen gadget that provides great ease of use and easy clean-up.

“We love this air fryer! We haven’t used one before, and have found ourselves using the oven and other appliances less, and using the air fryer for everything we can,” a home tested reviewer posted on The Good Guys website.

“Love the dehydrated fruit setting for snacks for the kids, and fries setting too. Chicken wings and toasted sandwiches have also been on rotation. So easy to use, fast to warm up, huge volume, and cooks food beautifully. Highly recommend!”


BEST EASY TO CLEAN AIR FRYERS

Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer, $272 (down from $389) at Amazon Australia

on sale

Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer

42% OFF
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer. Picture: Amazon Australia.

What You Need To Know

This multi-player packs everything you need from a  slow cooker, pressure cooker, sauté pan, steamer, sous vide cooker, roaster, broiler, dehydrator, warmer and air fryer all into one handy benchtop appliance. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp. It includes a broil/dehydrate tray, steam rack with handles and a protective pad and storage cover.

"I keep it on my kitchen table and use it almost daily for eight-minute bake at home rolls and baguettes, as well as eight-minute pressure cooked rice, or set and forget hard boiled eggs, in addition to one-pot spaghetti bolognese and other favourites like chicken cacciatore in 15 minutes from frozen meat," praised a shopper.

"In terms of build quality, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp is solid and durable... The non-stick cooking pot and accessories are a breeze to clean, making post-cooking cleanup a hassle-free task," another agreed.

"This powerhouse of a kitchen appliance has quickly become an essential tool in my culinary arsenal, and I cannot recommend it enough... Its versatility, impeccable performance, and user-friendly design make it an absolute game-changer in the kitchen."

"It is much quieter, cooks quicker and leaves food juicy and succulent compared to the cheap brands that take longer and make your food really dry," a third reviewer posted.


BEST COMPACT AIR FRYER

Tefal Easy Fry Grill Deluxe Air Fryer, $199 (down from $269.95) at The Good Guys

Tefal Easy Fry Grill Deluxe Air Fryer

Tefal Easy Fry Grill Deluxe Air Fryer. Picture: House.

What You Need To Know

This two-in-one air fryer and grill offers a healthier alternative to regular grilling, thanks to Tefal’s dual technology which uses a diecast aluminium grilling plate to cook your steaks to seared perfection. It also has a 4.2L capacity and the usual features you would expect from a traditional air fryer, including a digital control panel, timer function and eight automatic cooking programs such as Fries, Nuggets, Roasted, Chicken, Pizza, Meat, Fish, Vegetables and Dehydrate. 

Five-star reviews of the two-in-one air fryer say it leaves food “crisp on the outside and tender and moist on the inside”.

“My life will never be the same again,” a happy shopper posted.

“This is brilliant. (I’m) enjoying the convenience of easy cooking and food tastes so good!!” another wrote.


BEST LARGE CAPACITY AIR FRYER

Kitchen Couture Air Fryer 30L Oven, $199 (down from $519) at Amazon Australia

on sale

Kitchen Couture 5-in-1 30L Air Fryer Oven

Kitchen Couture 5-in-1 30L Air Fryer Oven. Picture: Amazon Australia.
Other ways to buy:

What You Need To Know

Talk about family size – this large capacity Kitchen Couture air fryer oven packs 30L worth of space and a menu with 18 preset modes, plus a 60-minute digital timer.

Positive reviews show shoppers “love” the Kitchen Couture air fryer, saying the unit works just as “fast and efficient” as a traditional oven but cuts preheating time down and offers more versatility.

“I am so happy with my air fryer as it’s so easy to use and gives me many more options to create delicious food and be creative. A regular oven doesn’t give those options!” praised a reviewer.

“Have been using (the air fryer) for two months to bake cakes, roast veggies or air fry snacks. Absolutely love it, another posted online.


PowerXL Air Fryer Oven, $279.95 at Global Shop Direct

PowerXL Air Fryer Oven

PowerXL Air Fryer Oven. Picture: Global Shop Direct.

What You Need To Know

Unlike some air fryers, the PowerXL Fryer Oven offers precise temperature control so you don’t need to round up or down and guess the best settings. It also has a viewing window, allowing you to see what’s happening inside without disrupting the cooking process. 

This 1800W air fryer additionally has a generous 10L capacity to suit a large family. Accessories include a stainless steel rotating mesh basket, stainless steel rotisserie set, stainless steel skewer set and three recipe books designed specifically for the PowerXL Air Fryer Oven.


BEST DUAL ZONE AIR FRYERS

Ninja Foodi Max XXXL Dual Zone 9.5L Air Fryer, $299 (down from $449.99) at The Good Guys

on sale

Ninja Foodi Max XXXL Dual Zone 9.5L Air Fryer

$150 OFF
Ninja Foodi Max XXXL Dual Zone 9.5L Air Fryer. Picture: Bing Lee.

What You Need To Know

This Ninja air fryer is a great option for anyone who likes to multitask when cooking or simply prefers an appliance offering the flexibility of both a single basket and dual zone air fryer. Enjoy a larger capacity when using the two drawers, each of which can be set to finish at the same time so you’re not left with one hot meal and a dish that has gone cold.

In addition to six programmable cooking functions, there’s also an Auto Adjust Fan which automatically changes settings depending on the preset.

“Fantastic air fryer. The Dual Zone is a really versatile air fryer. I don’t think there is anything that can’t be cooked, from roast chicken to egg on toast and everything in between,” a happy shopper wrote.

"Love my Ninja air fryer. Makes life a lot easier with the family as there are two drawers. Easy to clean and definitely is less noisier than my last air fryer," agreed another.

"I love my Ninja. So far I've cooked homemade sausage rolls, muffins, chicken tenders, chicken parmas, potato gems and bacon in it. I cannot fault it. I bought thick muffin silicone moulds for the muffins so they can free stand in the drawers. Pretty much anything you want to cook in your oven you can do in this, and in less time," a third posted.


BEST AIR FRYER TOASTER

Breville The Smart Oven Air Fryer, $499 (down from $579) at The Good Guys

Breville The Smart Oven Air Fryer

Breville The Smart Oven Air Fryer. Picture: Breville.

What You Need To Know

While it’s not the cheapest air fryer on the list, Breville’s Smart Oven (BOV860BTR) could be a great alternative to a pricier built-in oven. Even if you’re not the most confident person in the kitchen, the air fryer toaster oven uses a smart ‘Element IQ System’ to eliminate oven cold spots and maintain an even temperature throughout the entire oven. 

This oven style air fryer also has a Super Convection setting to provide max air flow, using convection heating to lift hot air up inside the air fryer and push down colder and less dense air to help food cook quickly.

Other features include LCD display, an interior oven light and 10 programmable cooking functions such as Slow Cook, Pizza, Bake, Crumpet as well as Air Fry.

One five star reviewer said: “I love using my smaller oven and love how fast it bakes. The smaller area takes so much less time to produce the desired results. I’m often eating the results in the same time it would have taken my wall oven to heat up.”


Sunbeam Multi Function Oven + Air Fryer, $229 (down from $299) at The Good Guys

Sunbeam Multi Function Oven + Air Fryer

Sunbeam Multi Function Oven + Air Fryer. Picture: Sunbeam.
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What You Need To Know

Don’t need a full-size oven but still want to bake? Reviewers say oven style air fryers like this Sunbeam oven style air fryer (BT7200) oven is the perfect go-between, offering the same functionality as a convection oven as well as an air fryer, toaster and grill. The toaster oven additionally features manual control dials and a timer that can be adjusted up to 60 minutes.

“We use this oven for air frying, toasted sandwiches, pizzas, and making bread. Pretty much anytime we don’t need a full size oven,” one reviewer posted on the Sunbeam website.

“It works really well and takes no time to heat up.”


Our food expert lists her top tips on how to choose the best air fryer. Instant Pot.
Our food expert lists her top tips on how to choose the best air fryer. Instant Pot.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING AN AIR FRYER

Ready to buy an air fryer? Here are a few factors we took into account when evaluating a variety of top-rated air fryers.

Type of air fryer: There are two types of air fryers – a deep fryer basket-style air fryer and a benchtop oven-style air fryer. “If you need something with a large cooking space, I’d suggest going with the air fryer oven,” Kim suggests.

Basket size: Most air fryers are designed to fit between 3L and 10L, depending on the model. Smaller units are generally ideal for snacks and single households, while families wanting to cook meals should opt for the larger air fryers. 

Kim points out that sometimes a bigger capacity means a deeper basket, making it only useful for “foods that need the depth such as a whole chicken or items that can be stacked for cooking and not kept in a single layer.”

Digital or manual controls: You can control how an air fryer cooks via digital settings or physical dials and buttons, although many smart models typically offer both manual and pre-programmed settings. Many digital air fryers now also come with an accompanying app so you can manage your appliance remotely.

“I like precision when I’m cooking, so I find that the digital air fryers are much more reliable than those with a manual temperature gauge and timer. If you’re planning on using your air fryer for baking, keep this in mind when purchasing. If you’re only wanting to use it to cook crumbed chicken, then either option is the perfect choice,” Kim, our resident food expert, suggested.

Physical ease of use: Air fryers are designed to “made to make life easier, not frustrating”, so check if the appliance itself and its accessories are just as simple to use as the settings.

“Is it easy to pop the cooking basket into the drawer? Does the drawer slide in and out of the appliance easily for cooking? Or is it a little crooked, does it stick or do you find yourself shaking it to try and get it into the right position? These appliances are made to make life easier, not frustrating,” Kim recommended.

If you have an air fryer oven, it’s also important to check whether the racks and feet are stable.

Convenience: Air fryers are great for bringing all the functionality of several kitchen appliances into one benchtop unit. If you're only looking for a cheap and basic  model, this will likely just have dial controls and a timer (i.e. the essentials). For those who prefer something with more versatility, most air fryers now come with several functions such as bake, grill and dehydrate.

“Check for preset cooking functions like roast, bake and grill or find yourself an air fryer that has its own app for downloading recipes to really take the guesswork out of cooking,” Kim said.

“Some air fryers also come with a keep warm setting, which is perfect for families that might have someone who eats a little later than everyone else or perfect for parties when you’re trying to time all of the food to be ready together.”

Easy to clean: There's no point in buying an air fryer for convenience if it's hard to clean. 

“Don’t forget to check to see if the basket can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Most baskets are non-stick making for less baked-on mess, however there are some baskets on the market that are a wire mesh-like base, making them a little harder to clean,” Kim suggested.

Expert says air fryers' quick and easy features make them a 'must-have' kitchen gadget. Image: Philips.
Expert says air fryers' quick and easy features make them a 'must-have' kitchen gadget. Image: Philips.

HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS

To help you find the best air fryer for your needs and budget, we asked former Food Director at Taste.com.au and news.com.au checkout Food Expert Kim Coverdale for her expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying an air fryer.

In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best air fryer from premium to budget to help you find the right one.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW DOES AN AIR FRYER WORK? IS AIR FRIED FOOD HEALTHIER?

Similar to a mini convection oven, air fryers work by using hot air that’s rapidly circulated around your food to cook the ingredients. Thanks to their size, however, they’re a lot more user friendly and easier to clean than an actual gas or electric oven. Air fryers are also often seen great for cooking healthier alternatives since they typically require less oil or no oil at all.

IS IT WORTH BUYING AN AIR FRYER?

The versatile features and wide selection of options on the market make air fryers worth purchasing.

“Not just for chicken nuggets and potato chips, air fryers have come a long way in such a short period of time becoming the latest must-have small kitchen appliance,” Kim said.

“Quick to heat up (we’re talking only a couple of minutes here!), small and compact, I can see why people are choosing air fryers over their ovens when it comes to cooking dinner.”

news.com.au checkout's Food Expert recommends Philips air fryers as a top brand to check out.

“I like how easy they are to use and they look really good, too. They have several affordable air fryers on the market with variable sizes to cater for all needs. You can also purchase extras like baking tins, grill racks and pizza trays for a variety of cooking methods,” Kim said.

“For cheap and cheerful air fryers, look no further than the generic Aldi or Kmart ones. They’re very popular and simple to use.”

HOW MUCH DO AIR FRYERS COST?

The price of an air fryer is usually between $90 and $600, although you can find models that cost cheaper if you’re on a budget. More expensive machines will offer more options, such as broiling or voice control.

HOW LONG DO YOU COOK CHICKEN IN AN AIR FRYER?

Different cuts of chicken, such as chicken breasts and drumsticks, typically need 15 to 20 minutes in the air fryers for 500 grams (usually cooked at 180 degrees Celsius). A whole cooked chook will likely require over an hour, depending on the size.

But cooking times will vary between models, so make sure to check your instruction manual for a list of cooking times. Brands often provide a handy table with recommended cooking times and temperatures for different foods, such as steak, fish, frozen snacks, bread and cake.

DOES FOOD COOK EVENLY IN AN AIR FRYER?

Yes – air fryers are designed to cook food evenly since the hot air circulates around the dish. But Tristan Lutze, recipe creator, restaurant reviewer, and food and travel writer, says you need to rotate and flip the food over as well as avoid overfilling the basket to make sure everything is cooked evenly.

“An air fryer works by circulating hot air around your food. The more densely you pack your basket, the less room the air has to circulate and the soggier your food will turn out,” he explains.

“Pull out the air fryer basket at least once during the cooking time to rotate or shake up what’s inside. This will help ensure every edge gets the crunchifying heat it deserves.”

More Best Air Fryer Coverage

Best smart air fryers

Top larger capacity air fryers to feed the entire family

Cheap air fryers to buy in Australia

Kim Coverdale, Food Expert

With more than 25 years of experience in the food publishing industry, Kim certainly knows her gadgets. Aside from taste.com.au, she’s also written content and developed drool-worthy recipes for major foodie titles including Delicious, Best Recipes and Better Homes and Garden.


For more kitchen upgrades, check out our round up of the best cast iron pans and Dutch ovens, as well as the rice cookers worth adding to your kitchen bench.

Hungry for some discounts? Visit our news.com.au Coupons page to score deals on these air fryers and other cooking essentials from retailers like Myer, The Good Guys, Amazon Australia, Bing Lee and more.

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Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito
Tahnee-Jae Lopez-VitoShopping Writer

Tahnee-Jae has years of reviewing experience, specialising in all the appliances and products that can help improve your home and life. From finding the best budget sheets to the mattresses that can help you get a better night’s sleep, she does all of the research to save you time and money.She previously worked as a content producer for one of Australia’s top comparison sites Canstar Blue, where she spent her days learning what Australian shoppers really think by translating detailed national survey data into hundreds of highly respected consumer ratings – helping shed light on how well brands offer value for money and more.Armed with a Bachelor of Journalism and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the Queensland University of Technology, she knows that detail matters and is dedicated to creating in-depth shopping guides to help you find the right product.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/checkout/home-and-garden/kitchen/air-fryers/best-air-fryer-australia-how-to-pick-the-best-model-for-you/news-story/9c64205c2112fefc037744469983658e