Looking for a faster and healthier way to prepare meals? Check out the best air fryers in New Zealand and find one that suits your needs, budget and tastebuds.
Gone are the days of battling greasy deep-fryers or wrestling with unevenly cooked food in your oven. Air fryers have become a beloved kitchen staple in New Zealand, offering a healthier and more convenient way to prepare delicious meals. They’ve evolved far beyond simply crisping up frozen fries. Now, these countertop heroes can tackle everything from juicy roast chicken to perfectly golden calamari rings.
However, with a plethora of air fryers available in New Zealand, from budget-conscious models to feature-rich premium options, the decision can feel like navigating a bustling farmers market. But fear not, fellow foodies! This guide is here to demystify the air fryer landscape and help you find the perfect appliance for your culinary adventures. Whether you’re a student seeking a wallet-friendly way to enjoy crispy fries or a seasoned home cook looking to expand your repertoire with apremium model, we’ve got you covered.
We’ll delve into the best air fryers for every budget, highlighting the key features to consider for each price point, as well as any information you ought to know, and we have a handful of air fryer accessory suggestions to level up your game.
Get ready to discover the air fryer that will become your new kitchen confidante. Now’s a great time to invest with so many models offering 50% off for a limited time only!
Sometimes, you need to cook multiple meals at once, especially if you have fussy eaters in your household. This is no trouble for the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer. You can prepare the same dish differently or place separate food items inside the 3.8-litre baskets. It can even make sure they finish at the same time so everyone gets to eat together.
Connor (Skimlinks SEO Editor), with the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer
We tested this product out for ourselves and here’s what we thought:
“This past Christmas, my parents surprised me with the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer, knowing I was trying to eat healthier. Let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer for my weeknight meals! I can now whip up clean dishes with minimal oil (which means lower calories!), which is a huge win. The size is perfect - I can cook two different things at once! I’ve even roasted a whole chicken in there when I had friends come over, and it came out incredibly tender and juicy, all in way less time than my regular oven.”
-Connor, Skimlinks SEO Editor (gifted at Christmas by his family)
Pros
Both baskets have non-stick surfaces and are easy to wash up.
You can prepare large batches in both draws and match the cooking program.
This high-tech air fryer manages to perfectly mimic what oil does to different types of food during the frying process. Whether it’s chips or steaks, the Healthy Choice 8L Digital Air Fryer serves up delicious and healthy meals with a simple press of the button. The user-friendly touchscreen is simple enough that anyone can be a master chef in the kitchen.
Sleek and powerful are the only words to describe the Sunbeam Alinea Max 7.5L DiamondForce Air Fryer. There’s ten preset options, from - Fries, Wings, Whole Chicken, Steak, Fish, Veggies, Bake, Dessert, Dehydrate, Reheat. And, it comes with a bunch of recipes, perfect for those who may not be fully up to speed with cooking but want to invest in a feature-rich air fryer that’ll provide them with plenty of options.
Pros
Large viewing window and internal light for seeing when your food is ready without disturbing the cooking process.
Non-stick DiamondForce coated tray.
Cons
Quality of the device is similar to those found at a slightly cheaper price.
Entertainers, large families and meal preppers love the Ninja XXXL FlexDrawer Air Fryer. It can prepare a feast for the ages or two separate meals for the household. When the divider is in place, you can sync the temperature settings or the timers so all components of your dish are ready at once. Alternatively, you can easily slide it out to maximise the 10.4-litre capacity for roasts, baked goods and more.
Pros
The handles reach all around the basket, so you can grip it with two hands.
It can also bake, proof and dehydrate your favourite foods.
Cons
You’ll need to make some room on your kitchen counter to make it fit.
Have you ever seen a French-door air fryer? This elegant appliance seamlessly blends with your kitchen decor and is capable of air frying, baking, broiling, and roasting. The Kitchen Couture French Door Air Fryer also comes with 22 preset cooking functions that prepare mouth-watering meals with precise accuracy.
Reheating, baking, and roasting—the Ninja Air Fryer Max can do it all with the touch of a button. It might look like a smaller appliance. However, it packs a lot of power and can cook meals up to 50% faster than traditional fan-forced ovens. It also makes them healthier by reducing fat by up to 75%.
The Masterpro 5L Ultimate Electric All-in-One Air Fryer is perfect if you are constantly searching for kitchen counter space. It’s not just an air fryer. It can steam vegetables, cook rice and even make rich, creamy yoghurt. All you need to do is throw in the ingredients, push a button and wait for your five-star meal.
Pros
There’s a delayed start option if you want dishes ready by a specific time.
Each cooking function has its own timing programs.
There are plenty of mid-range air fryers with larger capacities. But we like the Healthy Choice 23L Digital Air Fryer Convection Oven because it can cook rotisserie meals, fit baking trays inside and prepare dishes faster than traditional ovens. It reaches temperatures as high as 230 degrees Celsius and features a viewable window so you can keep an eye on your food at all times.
Pros
It comes with 14 pre-set cooking programs ranging from toast to chicken wings.
If you love watching your food cook, you’ll adore the Healthy Choice 6.5L Glass Digital Air Fryer Oven. This model is large enough to prepare meals for families of up to four people and includes eight pre-set programs to make it even easier to assemble your favourite fish, chicken or vegetable dishes.
Pros
The glass tray is easier to clean than the traditional metal ones.
The temperate controls range from 40 to 200 degrees Celcius.
Cons
You need to be extra careful handling the glass display when your meal is ready.
If you’re looking for simplicity for your studio apartment and having a small kitchen, bench space is something you probably don’t want to waste. That’s where this Essential Air Fryer comes in. While it’s most likely only suitable for one medium-sized portion, it’s the perfect tool to heat up snacks and frozen food.
Pros
Perfect for snacks and frozen food.
Takes up very little counter space.
Cons
Probably only suitable for medium-sized portions for one person.
The Healthy Choice 8 Litre Digital Air Fryer is an excellent budget option for tiny kitchens. The tray capacity is ideal if you’re cooking for yourself or need some sides for you and your partner. While it might not be large enough for roast dinners, it can still serve up plenty of healthy fried treats.
For first-time air fryers, we recommend the AUSPURE Air Fryer. It includes all the core features, including eight preset cooking modes operable from a user-friendly touch screen and a dishwasher-safe basket, so you won’t have to dread cleaning up after a meal. It’s listed as premium, which it definitely is, but it comes with a more budget friendly price tag.
Things to consider when buying an air fryer in New Zealand
While you might be excited to get an air fryer, there are some features you should keep an eye out for before you finalise your purchase. These are the specifications we recommend reviewing.
Size and capacity: A three to four-litre air fryer can feed up to four people. It can also handle larger food items. We recommend capacities above five litres or convection oven air fryers for larger families.
Wattage and power consumption: The average air fryer runs at 1500 to 2000 watts, which equates to approximately 12 cents per load. If the wattage exceeds this, you may need to consider your usage and energy costs.
Features: Smart air fryers make cooking less of a chore. Review the number of pre-sets and timers to ensure they align with your preferred dishes. Don’t underestimate other functionalities, such as keeping dishes warm, in case you’re not hungry when the program has been completed.
Ease of use and cleaning: No one likes washing up after cooking a delicious meal. Check that removable parts are dishwasher safe and that other components need no more than a wipe-down.
Brand and warranty: Some of the top air fryer brands we recommend include Ninja, Healthy Choice and Devanti. They have a range of models suitable for every type of household. If you plan on using these appliances regularly, we suggest checking the warranty and choosing an option with a minimum of two years.
Different types of air fryers
These countertop wizards are taking kitchens by storm, and for good reason. They’re not fancy culinary tools from a bygone era, but innovative little machines that can seriously up your home cooking game.
Now, before you pick one off the shelf, let’s explore the two main types:
Basket Powerhouses: These are the OG air fryers, the champions of crispy perfection. Picture a sleek countertop unit with a pull-out drawer or basket – perfect for whipping up golden fries, wings, or even veggies for one or two people. They come in all sizes, from little champions that excel at single-serving snacks to countertop titans that can roast a whole chicken.
Toaster Twister: These air fryers are the ultimate multi-taskers. They look like your friendly neighbourhood toaster oven, but with a built-in air circulation system that’s like a silent flavour booster. Ideal for space-saving kitchens, they can roast, bake, and air fry with the best of them. Plus, many come with rotisserie functions and other cool features that can expand your culinary horizons.
Air fryers are like personal sous chefs for your kitchen, helping you create delicious, healthy meals with ease. They might not be cast iron skillets passed down through generations, but they’re a fantastic tool for modern cooks. Now get out there and explore the world of air-fried goodness!
Best air fryer accessories to expand your cooking options
Air frying is a fantastic way to cook healthy and delicious meals, but the possibilities don’t stop at crispy fries and wings! To unlock even more potential from your favourite appliance, consider investing in some handy accessories. Here are a few that we’ve used ourselves and love:
Air fryers are taking kitchens by storm for a few reasons:
Healthier Fried Food: They use less oil than deep fryers, which can significantly reduce the fat and calories in your favourite fried foods. You can still achieve a crispy, fried texture with minimal oil.
Faster Cooking: Air fryers preheat quickly and circulate hot air efficiently, allowing food to cook faster than in a traditional oven. This is a big perk for busy weeknight meals.
Versatility: These appliances can roast, bake, and even reheat leftovers besides frying. They offer a one-stop solution for many cooking needs.
Energy Efficiency: Air fryers are generally smaller than ovens and use less energy to cook food, which can be a money saver, especially with rising energy costs.
Convenience: They’re relatively compact and easy to clean compared to other appliances, making them ideal for smaller kitchens or people who value convenience.
Air fryer frequently asked questions
Is air frying healthier than deep frying?
Yes! Air fryers use up to 80% less oil than deep-frying methods and can even cut calories by up to 70%.
Air fryers can cook the same foods as deep fryers. They are also capable of preparing pizzas, ribs, and even roast dinners, including vegetables.
Can I use an air fryer to reheat food?
Some of the best air fryers in New Zealand feature a reheat program. It sets the temperature perfectly so that it tastes like it did when it was initially made.
Do I need to preheat an air fryer?
You don’t need to preheat an air fryer. However, warming it for three or four minutes before placing food inside the baskets can improve the cooking quality.
Most removable air fryer parts are dishwasher-safe, and sometimes, the baskets are also. We recommend reviewing the specifications to see how easy cleaning up after cooking meals will be.
Is it safe to use an air fryer with parchment paper?
It is safe to use parchment paper in air fryers. However, it shouldn’t be left inside the basket alone and should be kept clear of any heating elements.
What are the best oils to use in an air fryer?
You don’t need to use oils in airy fryers. But if you choose to, we recommend using light olive oil, canola, sunflower, peanut, sesame or avocado oils if you’re cooking meals in the air fryer under 180 degrees Celsius.
Yes, you can! There are even cooking programs for frozen meals, including vegetables, meats and fish.
How long does it take to cook food in an air fryer?
The time it takes to cook food in an air fryer will vary according to the type of meal and its size. For example, vegetables can be ready in as little as 10 minutes, and thick-cut steaks will take as long as 30 minutes.
Where can I find air fryer recipes?
Some top manufacturers, like Ninja, feature recipes on their websites. Others include them as a pamphlet in the box with the air fryer.
What are the best air fryer brands in New Zealand?
If you’re purchasing a convection air fryer, you may want to buy some accessories, such as rotisseries and baking trays, if they don’t come with the appliance. However, most air fryers in New Zealand come with everything you need to cook a delicious meal.
What is the warranty on air fryers in New Zealand?
Most air fryers come with a minimum 12-month warranty. However, some models have two or three-year warranties.
How do you choose the best air fryers in New Zealand?
As fans of fast, healthy and delicious meals, we’ve conducted extensive research on the best air fryers in New Zealand and reviewed hundreds of positive and negative customer reviews. We’ve even put on our aprons and tested these products for ourselves. This comprehensive analysis helped us narrow down the top options for Kiwi kitchens.
*This story contains carefully curated selections from The Selection team and affiliate links which may earn NZ Herald a commission.*Prices are as stated at the time of publication, these prices may vary at the discretion of the listed brands.
