Best Air Fryers 2022: A Guide to Buying Air Fryers in New Zealand
Find the best air fryers with our definitive guide, including five of the best models
Updated 8 February 2022
Today, health is an issue that New Zealanders take very seriously. In this respect, air fryers offer one of the healthiest cooking methods you can imagine. Since there is no need to use oil in many cases, these appliances have the potential to lower your cholesterol level significantly. To help you decide what's right for you, our buying guide covers:
Your Guide to What to Look for in an Air Fryer, thanks to TheMarket NZ:
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Types of Air Fryers
When it comes to air fryers, you basically have three alternatives:
- Traditional air fryer with a predominantly vertical design and removable drawer.
- Hybrid air fryer, also known as a windowed air fryer
- Air oven, very similar to the conventional electric oven but with the same technology as the air fryers.
Conventional Air FryersYou can think of this type of air fryer as the evolution of the oil fryers so popular in fast food establishments. Their functional design gives them the advantage of preparing any type of food quickly and healthily. In almost all cases, they are designed so that the inner tray can be easily washed in the dishwasher. All in all, this is possibly the most practical type of electric fryer.
Conventional Air Fryers, What We Like
Conventional Air Fryers, What We Dislike
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Hybrid (Windowed) Air FryersHave you ever thought what would be the result of combining an air fryer with an electric oven? Well, a hybrid fryer. This type of air fryer retains the dimensions of the conventional type but replaces the removable drawer with a door similar to that of an oven. This hatch gives you the convenience of watching the food as it cooks, making it easier to prevent overcooking.
Hybrid (Windowed) Air Fryers, What We Like
Hybrid (Windowed) Air Fryers, What We Dislike
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Oven Air FryersTechnically speaking, these appliances are not fryers; they are electric ovens that use air instead of direct heating elements. Nevertheless, the marketing magic of most brands makes us include them as air fryers. This type of fryer usually has a large capacity, a huge window, and a large number of functions, which makes it the most suitable type of fryer for gourmet cooking enthusiasts.
Conventional Air Fryers, What We Like
Conventional Air Fryers, What We Dislike
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Key Factors to Consider When Buying an Air Fryer in New Zealand
When you go shopping for air fryers is a good idea to take into account the following aspects:
- Size. How much space do you have in your kitchen? Air fryers are not particularly bulky, but they are a nuisance if you have to put them away after each use. Please bear this in mind, as the air fryer should ideally occupy a fixed space in your kitchen.
- Capacity. Do you live with your partner, or are you part of a large family? The capacity of the air fryer is one of the main aspects to consider. The general rule of thumb is that any air fryer with less than 3 litres capacity is not recommended for continuous use or large families.
- Controls/Functions. Manual or digital controls? Each has its pros and cons. However, if you are one of those people who value the convenience of having presets for each type of food, then digital controls are a must.
- Power consumption. This is a point that does not require much explanation. Air fryers consume a large amount of energy to heat the air. For this reason, we suggest that you seriously consider the type of use you are going to make of it.
Your Guide to What to Look for in an Air Fryer, thanks to TheMarket NZ:
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Five of the Best Air Fryers Available in New Zealand Right Now
Choosing the best Air Fryer currently available in New Zealand is not an easy task. We have compiled our list (in no particular order) based on average consumer reviews collected from consumer.org.nz as well as other sources both in New Zealand and overseas.
1. Best Budget Air Fryer: Kogan 6.2L Digital Low Fat 1800W Air Fryer
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If you are looking for the best value air fryer, then the Kogan 6.2L Digital is for you. With a medium to large size, this air fryer gives you the convenience of a digital panel, 7 one-touch preset cooking functions and 1800W of power, ensuring your food can be ready in 20 minutes or less. However, you should be aware that the incredible price of this air fryer comes with some compromises. Specifically, its PTFE construction makes it less robust than other options on our list, so we suggest being gentle with the handle when cooking with it.
Kogan 6.2L Digital Low Fat 1800W Air Fryer Key Features
Kogan 6.2L Digital Low Fat 1800W Air Fryer Key Features
- Recommended for: Couples or families who plan to use the air fryer occasionally.
- Construction: PTFE
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 38 x 37 x 31cm
- Power consumption: 1800W
- Capacity: 6.2L
- Controls: Digital
Runner-up: Kitchen Couture 3.4L Low Fat Air Fryer- From $82
If you prefer fully manual controls, then this is your best low-cost option. However, please note that it is slightly more expensive and has a lower capacity.
- More details: Kitchen Couture 3.4L Low Fat Air Fryer
2. Best Medium Capacity Air Fryer: Sunbeam Copper-Infused DuraCeramic Air Fryer White
More details: Sunbeam Copper-Infused DuraCeramic Air Fryer White
Pricing: From $147
Pricing: From $147
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Sunbeam has always been known for offering products in line with New Zealanders' expectations. And this air fryer is no exception. While its controls are manual, the Sumbean fryer has a nice, clean design that makes it go unnoticed. Better yet, it is available in white, which is a plus for many who are tired of the monotony of black appliances. One of the aspects we liked most about the Sunbeam air fryer is its 3-litre capacity, not too big nor too small, ideal for quick meals. Moreover, its compact size allows you to cook food quickly using less energy than other similar air fryers. Add Sunbeam’s exclusive copper-infused DuraCeramic coating, and you have one of the best air fryers in its class.
Sunbeam Copper-Infused DuraCeramic Air Fryer Key Features
Sunbeam Copper-Infused DuraCeramic Air Fryer Key Features
- Recommended for: Small/medium families who plan to use the air fryer occasionally.
- Construction: PTFE/Steel
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 325 x 352 x 325 mm
- Power consumption: 1500W
- Capacity: 3L
- Controls: Manual
Runner-up: Westinghouse Opti-Fry Air Oven WHOF02B- From $120
Although conventional in design, the Westinghouse Opti-Fry is a good alternative to the Sunbeam air fryer. It is slightly cheaper and has a capacity of 3.2L / 600 grams.
- More details: Westinghouse Opti-Fry Air Oven WHOF02B
3. Best Large Capacity Air Fryer: Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer AF300
More details: Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer AF300
Pricing: From $399.99
Pricing: From $399.99
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Ninja Foodi currently offers one of the most innovative air fryers in New Zealand, so we could not fail to include it in our list of recommendations. Thanks to its amazing dual-zone design, the Ninja Foodi air fryer acts as two fryers in one. You have the versatility of using a single 3.8L drawer or both drawers for mind-blowing 7.6 litres of capacity. But that is not all. You can cook two different meals, one in each drawer, using different temperatures. From there, you have the flexibility to use the sync mode so that both are ready at the same time or simply wait for each meal to be ready. All these functions are managed from a digital control panel with access to a wealth of options. Without a doubt, if you have a large family, the Ninja Foodi is your best alternative.
Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer AF300 Key Features
Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer AF300 Key Features
- Recommended for: Large families / frequent use.
- Construction: PTFE/Steel
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 390 x 320 x 360 mm
- Power consumption: 1670W (each draw)
- Capacity: 3.8L x 2 (7.6L total)
- Controls: Digital
Runner-up: Philips Airfryer XXL HD9861- From $599
The Phillips Airfryer XXL is the most expensive on our list; however, its 1.4 kg capacity makes it one of the best choices for frequent use or large families.
- More details: Philips Airfryer XXL HD9861
4. Best Large Capacity (Windowed) Air Fryer: Healthy Choice 12L Digital Airfryer
More details: Healthy Choice 12L Digital Airfryer
Pricing: From $212.40
Pricing: From $212.40
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Technically, the Healthy Choice 12L Digital Airfryer is more of an air oven than an air fryer. That is precisely one of its most notable aspects. Its design and dimensions are those of an air fryer, which makes it compact enough not to get in the way of your kitchen. However, its wide window allows you to view the food as if it were an oven. Together with its enormous capacity, this duality makes the Healthy Choice 12L Digital Airfryer one of the most recommended options for large families who plan to cook food in it frequently.
Healthy Choice 12L Digital Airfryer Key Features
Healthy Choice 12L Digital Airfryer Key Features
- Recommended for: Large families / frequent use.
- Construction: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 33.9cm x 33.2cm x 36.8cm
- Power consumption: 1800W
- Capacity: 12L
- Controls: Digital
Runner-up: Salter Aerocook Pro XL 11L Air Fryer- From $202
If you prefer window air fryers, one of the best alternatives is the Salter Aerocook which has specifications and a price similar to our main suggestion.
- More details: Salter Aerocook Pro XL 11L Air Fryer
5. Best Extra-Large Capacity (Oven Type) Air Fryer: Cuisinart Express Oven Air Fryer
More details: Cuisinart Express Oven Air Fryer
Pricing: From $559
Pricing: From $559
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We close our list with the beautiful Cuisinart Express Oven Air Fryer. As you would expect from Cuisinart, this oven is not only eye-catching but also functional. One of the aspects we liked the most is that it comes pre-programmed with the time and temperature required to cook many Kiwi favourites such as pizza, nuggets, wings, veggies, and more. The many options available also allow you to pre-heat, cook, roast, grill, or defrost almost any food you can imagine. The Cuisinart Express Oven Air Fryer is certainly a professional level air oven but friendly enough for anyone to safely use it to prepare any meal.
Cuisinart Express Oven Air Fryer Key Features
Cuisinart Express Oven Air Fryer Key Features
- Recommended for: Large families / frequent use.
- Construction: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 43 x 55 x 40 cm
- Power consumption: 1800W
- Capacity: 17L / 1.4 Kg
- Controls: Digital
Breville the Smart Oven Air Fryer - From $479-700
If you are looking for a beautifully designed but larger capacity air oven, then the Breville Smart Oven and its 22L capacity are what you need.
- More details: Breville the Smart Oven Air Fryer
Your Guide to What to Look for in an Air Fryer, thanks to TheMarket NZ:
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