Best Air Fryers 2024: A Guide to Buying Air Fryers in New Zealand

Our guide to the best air fryers for home use explores the different types of air fryers, their pros and cons, and what we think are the best options currently available online and in-store throughout New Zealand

Updated 2 January 2024

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:

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.

Each air fryer has its pros and cons, which we will discuss in detail below.

Conventional Air Fryers

You 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

Compact design. Generally, this type of air fryer takes up less space in the kitchen, which is always an advantage.
Straightforward usage. In most cases, you simply pull out the drawer, put the food in, close the drawer again and choose a cooking programme. Even in manual air fryers, just set the time and temperature, and you are ready to cook.
Energy-efficient. Since these air fryers are usually medium to small in size, they use more compact motors, which results in lower energy consumption. This is a great advantage, considering that heating the air is not economical at all.

Conventional Air Fryers, What We Dislike

Little capacity. One of the major advantages of conventional air fryers is their compact size. However, this is also one of their major drawbacks. The smaller the fryer is, the less capacity it has available, which can be a big problem for large families.
Limited visibility. Unlike oil fryers, this type of air fryer does not allow you to observe the cooking process. In many cases, this leads to your food being undercooked or overcooked, especially if you do not have much experience with these appliances.

Hybrid (Windowed) Air Fryers

Have 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

Compact design. As this type of fryer retains the vertical design, it is only slightly larger than conventional models.
More control over the cooking process. A window to monitor the cooking status is a killer feature of this type of air fryer. This is because it is easier to achieve the desired doneness of each meal thanks to this window.
Better capacity. Generally speaking, it is easy to find hybrid fryers with capacities double or triple those of conventional models. This makes them ideal for larger families or more frequent use.

Hybrid (Windowed) Air Fryers, What We Dislike

Somewhat expensive. Inevitably, the higher capacity and more expensive materials are reflected in the price. Depending on the model, these fryers may be much more expensive than conventional fryers.
Consumes more power. Another negative aspect of this type of air fryer is its higher energy consumption. The use of a glass window and higher capacity directly contribute to making these hybrid fryers less efficient.

Oven Air Fryers

Technically 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

Fast cooking. Its rectangular design and multiple air outlets allow for optimal airflow, which is more difficult to achieve in other types of air fryers. This results in more homogeneous and faster cooking.
Utmost flexibility. Air ovens offer the unique advantage of allowing you to use them for grilling, broiling, roasting, toasting, and more. In addition, they often have programs that vary the temperature during cooking for best results.
Extra-large capacity. This type of air fryer comes in multiple capacities up to 22 litres, allowing them to bake pizzas and more complex dishes than conventional fryers.

Conventional Air Fryers, What We Dislike

Expensive. Since most of these ovens are made of stainless steel, tempered glass, and other high-quality materials, their price is usually higher.
Reclaims a lot of kitchen space. Usually, medium to large air ovens takes up twice as much space in your kitchen as a conventional medium-sized fryer. This can be a drawback, as these ovens are meant to stay in one place and not be constantly moved around.

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.

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 8.2L Digital Low Fat 1800W Air Fryer

More details: Kogan 8.2L Digital Low Fat 1800W Air Fryer
Pricing: From $123.99

What We Like	What We Dislike
Digital controls Unbeatable price Large capacity 7 one-touch preset cooking functions	PTFE construction Doubtful durability of the handle

If you are looking for the best value air fryer, then the Kogan 8.2L 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 8.2L 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: 8.2L
Controls: Digital

2. Best Medium Capacity Air Fryer: Sunbeam Copper-Infused DuraCeramic Air Fryer White

More details: Sunbeam Copper-Infused DuraCeramic Air Fryer White
Pricing: From $139

What We Like	What We Dislike
Beautiful design Relatively compact dimensions Exclusive copper-infused DuraCeramic coating Available in white and black	12-month warranty Manual controls

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

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 $172

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

What We Like	What We Dislike
Handy dual-zone design Huge capacity Unsurpassed flexibility (single/dual) Easy-to-use programmable control panel	1-year warranty Its design may not appeal to everyone

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

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 $629

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 Extra-Large Capacity (Oven Type) Air Fryer: Cuisinart Express Oven Air Fryer

More details: Cuisinart Express Oven Air Fryer
Pricing: From $499

What We Like	What We Dislike
Durable construction Striking design Massive 17L / 1.4 Kg capacity No guesswork due to included presets	Somewhat expensive Requires a lot of space

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

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 $680

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What features should I look for in an air fryer?

Some features to consider when purchasing an air fryer include the unit's size, the basket's capacity, the temperature range, and the available cooking programs and settings. As a background, some of the most useful functions of an air fryer include:

Frying: An air fryer is great for frying foods like chicken, fish, and vegetables. It can produce crispy, crunchy results without needing large amounts of oil.
Roasting: An air fryer can roast vegetables, meat, and poultry. It can help to brown and crisp the outside of the food while keeping the inside moist and tender.
Baking: An air fryer can bake small items like cookies and muffins. It can also be used to make mini pizzas or toaster pastries.
Grilling: An air fryer can grill foods like steak, chicken, and vegetables.
Dehydrating: An air fryer can be used to dehydrate fruits and vegetables and to make dried snacks.
Reheating: An air fryer can reheat leftover foods faster than an oven and better than a microwave, such as fried chicken or French fries, to help restore their crispy texture.
Quick cooking: An air fryer can quickly cook small items like frozen appetizers or veggies. It can cook food faster than a traditional oven, making it a convenient option for busy households

How do I choose the right size air fryer for my needs?

Choosing an air fryer that is the appropriate size for your needs is important. Consider the size of your family and the types of foods you plan to cook in the air fryer. A larger unit may be necessary for a larger family or for cooking larger items, such as a whole chicken.

How do I maintain an air fryer?

To maintain an air fryer, it is important to regularly clean the basket and other removable parts and check for any visible signs of damage or wear and tear. It is also a good idea to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for regular maintenance, such as cleaning the machine's exterior and checking the heating element.

Can an air fryer save me money on my energy bills?

An air fryer uses less energy than a wall oven, which can help save money on energy bills. However, it is worth noting that an air fryer is still an appliance and will use some energy.

Can an air fryer be noisy?

Air fryers can vary in terms of noise level, with some models being quieter than others. If noise is a concern, you may want to consider an air fryer with a quieter motor or a model with a built-in fan or music player to help mask any noise.

Is it healthy to cook food in an air fryer?

Cooking with an air fryer can be a healthier option than deep frying in oil. Air frying uses less oil and can still produce crispy, crunchy results. However, it is important to note that the healthiness of the final dish will depend on the ingredients and cooking methods used. For example, using lean proteins and vegetables as the main components of the dish and limiting the use of high-fat sauces and seasonings can help to make the dish healthier. It is also a good idea to portion out appropriate serving sizes to help control calorie intake.