Finding the motivation to cook every day is hard. But if you want to avoid unhealthy and junk food, an air fryer can help. They use very little oil and can cook food that feels like it's been deep-fried.
In this guide, we evaluated the air fryers available in Australia to help you find the one that suits your and your family's needs. We also included other helpful content to get the best out of your air fryer. Let's get to it.
Our Top Picks
If you're pressed for time or want a quick recommendation, here are our top 3 picks in Australia:
Philips HD9285/90 Airfryer
Best overall air fryer with 16 preset programs, user-friendly controls, dishwasher-safe parts, and fat removal and rapid airflow technology.
Sunbeam Multifunction Air Fryer
Best air fryer oven with 12 cooking and baking functions, 3 rack positions, intuitive digital controls, and a 360° hot air flow.
Ninja Foodi Dual Zone
Best air-fryer with dual-zone technology. It has 6 cooking programs, a match cook button, and independent temperature control for each basket.
Whether you're a health-conscious individual looking to enjoy guilt-free fried foods or seeking a convenient and versatile cooking appliance, air fryers offer exceptional value and performance.
Top 10 Air Fryers for Australians — In-Depth Analysis
In our evaluation of the best air fryers in Australia, we considered their cost, how big they are, and how they fry food. Then, we analysed their design, functionalities (including preset menus), and unique technologies.
1. Phillips 5000 Series XXL — HD9285/90
Best Overall Air Fryer in Australia
The Phillips 5000 Series XXL caters to the needs of larger households. It has a 7.2 L capacity, capable of holding up to 1.4 kg of food, so you can cook for up to six people in one go. The appliance also has a heating element with a power output of 2000 watts, which allows it to heat up quickly and cook food efficiently. The temperature can be adjusted from 40°C to 200°C to cook different types of food at various temperatures.
Phillips' XXL air fryer uses RapidAir Technology to ensure excellent heat circulation for evenly cooked results. You also get 16 preset cooking programs for extra convenience. These include options for dehydrating, toasting, defrosting, reheating, and even fermenting, making it a multifunctional appliance. Additional features include a keep-warm function, a digital timer for up to 60 minutes, and dishwasher-safe parts.
The air fryer has an intuitive and user-friendly digital touchscreen interface for ease of use. You can pair the appliance with the HomeID app for remote control and monitoring. The app gives you access to a wide range of recipes, enhancing your cooking experience.
Pros
- 1.4 kg capacity for families
- App and Alexa connectivity for remote control
- 16 preset cooking programs
- Dishwasher-safe parts
Cons
- Bulky design takes up counter space
- Higher price point compared to other models
2. Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook
Best Air Fryer for Fast Cooking
The Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook Air Fryer has six cooking functions: air frying, roasting, broiling, baking, reheating, and dehydrating, and a 5.7 L capacity, which can handle 1.8 kg of chicken or 1 kg of chips. You also get Instant Brand's ClearCook window and an internal light to monitor your food without opening the basket. The see-through window, combined with its user-friendly touchscreen, improves your cooking experience.
Like the Phillips 5000 Series XXL, Instant Vortex Plus has a dedicated airflow technology, EvenCrisp, which delivers excellent results. The adjustable cooking temperature ranges from 35°C to 205°C, allowing you to cook various dishes with precision. The air fryer also boasts a fast preheating time, taking your food from frozen to golden in minutes. You also get built-in air filters that remove cooking odours to keep your kitchen fresh.
In terms of design, the air fryer features stainless-steel accents with built-in safety features such as Overheat Protection and auto-off. The non-stick cooking trays are dishwasher-safe. And despite its powerful 1700-watt performance, the air fryer operates with minimal noise.
Pros
- Fast cooking times
- See-through window for easy monitoring
- Dishwasher-safe parts for easy maintenance
- App connectivity for remote control
- Six cooking functions
Cons
- Limited capacity
3. Tefal Easy Fry Grill & Steam
Best Value Air Fryer
The Tefal Easy Fry Grill & Steam XXL Air Fryer FW2018 is a 3-in-1 kitchen appliance that combines air frying, grilling, and steaming. The air fryer has a 1.1 L water tank that lets you steam food for up to 85 minutes. You can cook a range of dishes like fish and vegetables while keeping their vitamins and nutrients intact. Tefal's air fryer features a dedicated Extra Crisp technology for a perfect balance of temperature control and hot air flow.
You get seven automatic programs, including classic options like fries, nuggets, chicken, vegetables, and dessert, and smart programs for fish and roasted meat. The air fryer's grill function features a die-cast aluminium grid for even heat distribution and offers an adjustable temperature range from 80°C to 200°C, allowing precise control for various cooking methods.
Like many other air fryers on our list, the Tefal Easy Fry Grill & Steam has dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleaning. You also get a user-friendly interface with a digital touch screen that provides step-by-step instructions and displays each stage of the cooking process.
Pros
- Large capacity
- Seven cooking presets
- Multiple cooking functions
- 3-in-1 functionality
- Affordable price
Cons
- Steam function has a learning curve
4. Breville the Smart Oven Air Fryer
Best Premium Air Fryer
The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer has a one cubic foot (0.028m3) interior that accommodates up to 9 slices of bread or a 13-inch pizza. It offers 13 cooking functions powered by an 1800-watt heating element and a super convection setting that speeds up the cooking time, provides crispness, and ensures even cooking results. The appliance has a user-friendly LCD screen to access all built-in smart functionalities and cooking functions.
Our favourite feature of the Smart Oven Air Fryer is the Element IQ system, which uses smart algorithms to direct power where and when needed. The technology ensures precise temperature control, spanning from 27°C to 250°C. It also packs safety features, including Overheat Protection and auto-off for safe operation. We also found its non-stick interior and removable parts are dishwasher safe, making cleanup easy.
Regarding design, Breville's air fryer features a brushed stainless steel finish, several accessories, and an integrated oven light that automatically turns on at the end of the cooking cycle but can be switched manually. Compared to the air fryer oven below, Sunbeam's COM7000SS has 12 cooking functions and a slightly lower cooking capacity. However, its digital controls are easier to use than those of Breville. If price is not an issue for you, we recommend Breville due to its excellent build quality and performance consistency.
Pros
- Sleek and modern design
- Smart algorithms for precise cooking
- High-quality build and materials
Cons
- Relatively pricey
- Learning curve for advanced features
5. Tefal Easy Fry & Grill Classic
Best Compact Air Fryer Australia
We recommend Tefal's Easy Fry & Grill Classic as the best small air fryer in Australia. With a 1.2 kg cooking capacity, it can roast, grill, bake, and fry. Tefal's air pulse technology delivers meals with a distinctly crisp exterior, which is quite impressive. The air fryer offers a healthier twist on classic fried favourites and can grill and air fry with minimal oil.
Tefal's air fryer includes a two-sided plate made from die-cast aluminium that’s non-stick and maintains heat brilliantly. A flat side for air-frying your favourite fries, pastries, and sticky BBQ wings and a ridged side for searing proteins and producing those rich flavours.
Besides air frying, the Easy Fry & Grill Classic can caramelise your proteins: steak, chicken, fish, or pork. To use the grill plate, simply preheat the machine for about 15 minutes at 200 °C. It's one of the easiest air fryers to operate.
Pros
- Easy to operate and clean
- Can grill and sear protein
- Easy to adjust the cooking temperature
- Basket has an ergonomic handle
Cons
- Preheating necessary for grilling
- Stainless-steel finish requires regular cleaning
6. Nutri Ninja Airfryer Deluxe AF160
Best Air Fryer for Health-Conscious Cooks
The Nutri Ninja air fryer has customisable settings for cooking food slowly or quickly. You can dehydrate meals over a period or swiftly crisp up your cuisines with convection heat, thanks to its wide temperature range that reaches up to 240 °C. The air fryer boasts 6 Auto IQ modes, a digital timer, and dishwasher-safe parts.
Nutri Ninja's air fryer weighs 5.2 kg and can hold up to 1.4 kg of food in its basket. The basket and crisper plate are ceramic-coated to provide a non-stick and safe air frying experience, making cleaning easy. It features non-slip feet for stability and comes with a one-year warranty. To use the machine, you only press the air fry button and use the temperature and time up and down arrows to adjust cooking settings—simple as that.
Compared to the Tefal Airfryer, the Nutri Ninja model is more robust, less costly, and more accommodating for larger meals. However, it carries a heftier price tag and requires additional accessories to unlock its full potential.
Pros
- High capacity of 5.2 litres
- Removes up to 75% of food fat
- Multi-functional and versatile
- Non-stick ceramic-coated parts
- Delivers high cooking temperatures
Cons
- No reminder to shake or rotate the food
- Higher-end price point
- No preheat option
7. Russell Hobbs RHAF5COP Brooklyn Air Fryer
Best Air Fryer for Baking
For baking enthusiasts, we recommend the Russell Hobbs RHAF5COP Brooklyn Air Fryer. Thanks to its built-in technology, you can use it without worrying about overcooked or undercooked meals. It has a 5.7 L capacity and seven built-in cooking functions for your unique cooking needs.
Russell Hobbs has a removable cooking basket for easy access and cleaning after cooking. It has a handy carry handle for easy storage and a digital touchscreen. The intuitive touchscreen makes it easy to select preset functions and monitor the cooking progress. Like most others on this list, it includes a variable temperature selection up to 200 °C.
You can also set the air fryer to cook dishes at your preferred time and duration with its built-in 60-minute timer and auto switch-off function. On purchase, you get a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- Adjustable temperature settings
- Dishwasher-safe
- Easily detachable basket
- Non-stick coating materials
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Tray can be difficult to slot back
8. Ninja Foodi Dual Zone
Best Dual Zone Air Fryer
The Ninja Foodi Dual Zone has two separate that hold up to 0.7 kg of food each and can cook two meals simultaneously. To enhance this, the air fryer has a 'smart finish' feature, which ensures that both meals are ready at the same time. If you, however, need to cook a lot of food at once, the air fryer's 'match cook' feature lets you sync the two baskets to cook together.
Ninja's Foodi air fryer offers six customisable cooking functions: air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, dehydrating, and reheating. It's easy to clean, thanks to the nonstick coating on the two baskets and the convenience of dishwasher-safe crisper plates. The thoughtful design ensures that maintaining the Ninja Foodi is as effortless as cooking.
Pros
- Cooks large batches of food at once
- Different cooking functions
- Smart finish technology
- Cooking zones have independent temperature control
- Non-stick interiors allow for easy cleaning
Cons
- Sharp learning curve
9. Sunbeam Multifunction Air Fryer
Best Air Fryer Oven Australia
The Sunbeam COM7000SS has 12 functions to cook and bake. It has nine different cooking settings (air fry, convection, pizza, bake, toast, grill, dehydrate, defrost, keep warm) and three presets for the air fryer (fries, wings, veggies). It cooks faster than the traditional oven, making it a perfect addition to your family's busy kitchen.
Operating the Sunbeam COM7000SS requires minimal effort despite being multifunctional. With intuitive digital controls, mode selection is easy. Just turn the quick control dial clockwise to move to the following function on the menu or anticlockwise to revert to the previous mode. Likewise, adjusting the temperature and time settings with the plus and minus touch buttons is easy.
We recommend the Sunbeam COM7000SS air fryer as Australia's best air fryer oven for its adjustable rack settings that provide cooking flexibility. You can bake a 12-inch pizza, roast a whole chicken, or dehydrate apples for nourishing snacks. On purchase, the package includes accessories like a mesh air fry basket, a wire rack, a baking pan, and a crumb tray.
Pros
- Suitable for large-batch cooking
- No need to preheat when cooking proteins
- Intuitive digital controls are easy to use
- Interior components are dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Has a large footprint
10. Healthy Choice 8L Digital
Best Budget Air Fryer
Healthy cuisines, value for money, and a more customised cooking experience are the three reasons why Healthy Choice 8L Digital made our list. It provides up to 200 °C of superheated air to cook your dishes consistently and eight preset programs for convenient cooking.
You can cook chips, ribs, fish, steak, cake, prawns, and chicken with customisable cooking settings that let you adjust the timer and temperature. What’s more? The 1.5 kg basket holds enough food to serve three to five people, ideal for a small family dinner.
Not sure about what to cook next? With the Healthy Choice 8L Digital, there's a lot of cooking inspiration, thanks to the included recipe cookbook—a considerable bonus to look forward to, considering the air fryer's price.
Pros
- Affordable air fryer
- Multiple preset menus
- Easy to customise temperature and timer
- Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean by hand
Cons
- Non-stick coating wears off easily
How Do Air Fryers Work?
Air fryers are efficient countertop cooking appliances that use convection to cook food evenly. They often include a basket or tray inside a larger chamber equipped with a heating element and a fan, which circulates the hot air around the food. Air fryers can cook various foods, from chicken and fish to vegetables and french fries. They are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, using less oil and producing fewer harmful chemicals.
Air fryers are much more energy efficient than a full-size oven on fan mode. They use about 50% less total energy even before factoring in the reduced total cooking time needed for most food when cooked in an air fryer compared to a conventional oven.
Most air fryers come with a manual that provides detailed instructions on proper operation and maintenance. It is essential to read these manuals carefully before using an air fryer, as they can be dangerous if misused. When buying an air fryer, it is necessary to consider what size and type of appliance you need, as there are many different models on the market.
What Can You Prepare With an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can prepare a wide range of delicious dishes. Here are some of the popular foods you can easily prepare with an air fryer:
- Crispy french fries: Air fryers can cook french fries to perfection with a crispy exterior and tender interior. Simply cut the potatoes into strips, toss them with a little oil and seasoning, and air fry until golden and crispy.
- Chicken wings: Air fryers can make crispy and juicy chicken wings. Whether you prefer them plain, marinated, or coated in your favorite sauce, the air fryer can achieve that perfect crispy texture without the need for deep frying.
- Vegetable medley: You can also use your air fryer for roasting vegetables, bringing out their natural sweetness and creating a crispy texture. You can air fry a mix of vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and bell peppers for a healthy and flavorful side dish.
- Fish and seafood: From breaded fish fillets to crispy shrimp, an air fryer can cook seafood with a satisfying crunch. The hot air circulation ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior while keeping the seafood moist and tender.
- Baked goods: Air fryers can also bake a variety of treats like muffins, cupcakes, and even small cakes. The circulating hot air cooks the batter evenly, resulting in moist and fluffy baked goods.
- Grilled meats: If you're craving the smoky flavors of grilled meats and vegetables but don't have access to an outdoor grill, an air fryer can be a great alternative. It can grill meats like steak, chicken breasts, or kebabs, as well as vegetables like corn on the cob or asparagus, giving them a delicious charred taste.
- Snacks and appetizers: You can prepare a wide range of snacks and appetizers with an air fryer, including crispy chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and even homemade potato chips. These snacks can be enjoyed guilt-free as they require less oil compared to traditional frying methods.
Remember to follow the recipes and cooking times specific to your air fryer model for the best results. Similarly, be sure to preheat the appliance before adding your food and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This helps you achieve better cooking results and enjoy deliciously crispy and evenly cooked food every time.
Is Cooking With an Air Fryer Healthy?
Air fryers have become a popular kitchen gadget, often touted as healthier than traditional frying methods. However, is cooking with an air fryer genuinely healthy?
There are some potential benefits to using an air fryer. First, air fryers require less oil than traditional fryers, reducing the fat in your food. Additionally, they cook food more evenly, which can help to reduce harmful compounds from uncooked meals.
That said, there are also some potential risks to consider. Some studies have found that cooking with an air fryer can release more harmful compounds into the food than other methods (such as baking or grilling). It's essential to ensure you don't overcook your food in an air fryer, as this can also form those harmful compounds.
How to Choose the Best Air Fryer
Here are the key factors to consider when buying an air fryer tailored explicitly to the Australian market to ensure you make an informed decision.
#1. Cooking capacity and size
When selecting an air fryer, it's essential to consider your cooking needs and household size. Assess how much food you typically cook and choose an air fryer with an appropriate capacity. Additionally, consider the available space in your kitchen and opt for a size that fits your requirements. Whether you need a compact air fryer for small kitchens or a larger model for versatile cooking, finding the right size will ensure optimal convenience.
#2. Cooking functions and features
Air fryers offer various cooking functions beyond just frying. Consider the additional features that different models provide, such as baking, grilling, and roasting. Similarly, look for air fryers with presets, temperature control, and adjustable timers to simplify your cooking process. User-friendly controls and intuitive interfaces are also worth considering to ensure ease of use.
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#3. Power and energy efficiency
Check the wattage of the air fryer and consider its energy consumption. Look for air fryers with lower energy consumption while maintaining powerful heating capabilities for efficient and consistent cooking results.
#4. Safety features and maintenance
Prioritize safety when choosing an air fryer. Features such as automatic shut-off, cool-touch handles, and non-slip feet ensure safe operation. Additionally, consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance. Look for models with dishwasher-safe components and detachable parts for hassle-free cleaning. Checking the warranty and customer support provided by the manufacturer is also essential.
#5. Budget and price range
Set a budget based on your specific requirements and kitchen needs. Compare prices and features to find the best value for your investment. While opting for the cheapest option can be tempting, consider long-term savings and durability when making price comparisons. A slightly higher investment in a reliable and durable air fryer will likely pay off in the long run.
What Air Fryer Size is Best for Family?
The size of the air fryer you need for a family depends on several factors, such as the size of your family, the size of the kitchen space available to use the fryer, and most importantly, the amount of money available.
For a family of 5, consider medium-sized air fryers with a minimum 7-litre capacity. These are well suited to serve between 2 to 5 people but can push to 6, depending on the model you're getting.
However, if you're cooking for 2 or 3, an air fryer with a large enough basket (at least 5.68-litres) lets you get dinner (and dessert) on the table in record time.
The size of an air fryer refers to how much food you can cook at once in the air fryer basket. They usually measure this in quarts, pounds, or litres. This variation depends on the manufacturer or where the product is supposed to be used.
Tips for Effective Air Frying and Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some practical tips to enhance your air frying experience and common errors to steer clear of:
Tips for Air Frying:
- Provide adequate space: Ensure your air fryer has room to breathe. Leave at least 5 inches of space on all sides to allow for proper airflow, preventing overheating.
- Preheat before cooking: Kickstart the cooking process by preheating your air fryer. This ensures that your food begins cooking immediately.
- Spritz with cooking spray: Get that coveted golden crispiness without drowning your food in oil by giving it a quick mist of cooking spray.
- Avoid overcrowding: For optimal results, arrange your food in a single layer within the basket.
- Shake, flip, or rotate: Promote even cooking and crispiness by periodically shaking, flipping, or rotating the contents in the air-fryer basket.
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Skipping oil altogether: While air frying reduces the need for excessive oil, some amount is still necessary for cooking. Ensure your food gets the essential fats it needs.
- Overcrowding the basket: Steer clear of stacking food in the basket, as it leads to steam from the released moisture during cooking.
- Inadequate cleaning: Neglecting proper and regular cleaning may result in lingering odors and could potentially shorten your air fryer's lifespan.
Remember, each air fryer model is unique, so remember to check the specific instruction manual for the best outcomes.
Air Fryer Maintenance and Cleaning Tips
Proper care and maintenance are a sure-fire way to ensure your appliances last longer. Here are some tips for maintaining and cleaning your air fryer:
Frequency of Cleaning
We recommend cleaning the basket of your air fryer after every use to prevent dirt and grime from becoming baked on. Small crumbs can burn if not cleaned out and taint the flavour of whatever you're air-frying. For deeper cleaning (inside the unit and the coil), do this after every few uses.
How to Clean Your Air-Fryer (Stepwise Guide)
To clean your air fryer, follow the simple steps we've outlined below for a safe and effective cleaning:
- Unplug the air fryer after use and allow it to cool down completely.
- Take out all the removable parts and detach the component parts.
- Clean each part with warm water and washing-up liquid solution. Use the soft side of the sponge or cloth to avoid damaging the non-stick coating.
- Work into the gaps of the basket to ensure it's thoroughly cleaned.
- Rinse the component parts and leave them to dry.
- When doing a deeper clean, be aware that the main unit of the air fryer cannot be submerged; this will need to be cleaned by hand, too.
- Use a sponge or cloth with water, a washing-up liquid solution, or an all-purpose cleaner.
- Check the heating coil on the underside of the air fryer (similar to a grill unit on an oven) for specks of grease and dirt.
- Clean this with a sponge or cloth, water, and washing-up liquid solution.
If there are any burned-on bits of food that can’t be removed by the sponge alone, make up a paste of baking soda and water and place it onto the stubborn parts. Leave this to work for 20 minutes, or gently buff this solution with an old toothbrush if you're short on time.
Nutribullet Air Fryer vs Philips
The Nutribullet and Philips air fryers share several similarities. They both have a square-shaped design that provides sufficient space for large-batch cooking. They can cook a whole chicken and have a drawer-style basket that allows easy and quick tossing of foods like fries and chicken nuggets.
However, the choice between these two brands depends on your budget and the type of features and technologies you are after. If you want a good air fryer that allows for large-batch cooking and provides many preprogrammed modes at a lower price, then the Nutribullet sounds like a great option.
But choose Philips if you are after a more advanced air fryer that can take your air frying experience to a whole new level at a higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do air fryers use less oil than traditional frying methods?
Yes, air fryers use less oil than traditional frying methods. They use a mechanism that circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior similar to that achieved by traditional deep frying. However, unlike deep frying, which can often require substantial quantities of oil, air fryers typically only need a tablespoon or less.
Can air fryers cook food more evenly than conventional ovens?
Air fryers can cook food more uniformly because the hot air circulates around the food. However, the food's size and thickness can affect the cooking process. The effectiveness of the air fryer depends on factors such as the size and thickness of the food and its placement in the fryer basket.
Do air fryers release harmful compounds?
Some research suggests that air frying may cause the release of harmful compounds if used improperly.
The high heat and fast cooking methods could potentially lead to the formation of acrylamide—a compound that can form in certain foods during high-temperature cooking processes, such as frying, roasting, or baking.
However, it’s important to note that the research further shows that air-frying foods may result in a 75 to 90 percent reduction in the production of acrylamide compounds in comparison to deep-fat frying
Is air frying a healthier cooking method?
Air frying is considered a healthier option compared to traditional deep frying since it significantly reduces the amount of oil needed for cooking, thereby lowering the overall fat content of the meal. Less oil usage leads to fewer calories being consumed, which can be beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight.
Can I cook all types of food in an air fryer?
Air fryers are highly versatile and can handle a broad spectrum of foods. From crispy fried chicken and golden chips to roasted vegetables and even pastries, air fryers can do it all. They can also be used to reheat leftovers, giving them a revitalised crispiness that's usually lost in microwaves.
Crisp to Perfection
Air fryers have remarkable capabilities, from reducing the fat content in meals and offering the delightful crispness of deep-fried food without guilt to providing versatility in cooking a wide array of dishes.
While each model we reviewed has unique standout features, one thing is constant: their ability to transform your cooking experiences. We hope this guide has been instrumental in helping you navigate the world of air fryers and air frying, allowing you to make an informed decision that will best serve your culinary needs.
Remember, the perfect air fryer for you is the one that aligns with your cooking habits, dietary preferences, and kitchen space. So, here's to healthier, crispier, and more delightful meals. Happy cooking!
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