If you’ve ever dreamed of enjoying your favourite crispy treats without the guilt, air fryers might just be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best air fryers in New Zealand, so you can whip up healthy, delicious meals without the extra oil.
We all have those dishes we crave – whether it’s crispy French fries, calamari, or even a hearty lamb souvlaki. But if you’re looking to live a healthier lifestyle, cutting down on deep-fried foods is key, especially if you’re managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or allergies. Instead of frying in oil, methods like sautéing, grilling, and boiling are healthier alternatives.
But what if there was a way to enjoy those deep-fried flavours and textures without all the oil? Enter the air fryer! These nifty devices cook your food with little to no oil, using heated air that circulates around the food, giving it a crispy, indulgent texture without the greasy aftermath.
And it’s not just about fries and fried chicken. Air fryers are versatile enough to cook a wide range of meals – from pizzas and seafood to vegetables and even soups. As long as you pick a model with the right features, you can prepare most meals in an air fryer.
Before we jump into our list of the best air fryers in NZ, let’s take a closer look at why you should consider using one.
Why Use Air Fryers?
When it comes to your diet and overall health, every little change adds up in the long run. Air fryers can help you stick to your healthy eating goals by using Rapid Air Technology. This technology circulates hot air around your food at high speed, cooking it quickly with little or no oil. The result? Fewer calories, less cholesterol, and a healthier alternative to traditional fried foods. Plus, since air fryers use far less oil than deep frying, you’ll save money on oil as well.
Since their introduction in 2017, air fryers have become a must-have kitchen appliance for health-conscious foodies everywhere.
What to Look for When Searching for the Best Air Fryer in NZ
When you start your search for the perfect air fryer, you might feel overwhelmed by the variety of options available. To make your decision easier, here are the key things to keep in mind:
- Oil-Free Cooking: The core feature of air fryers is their ability to cook food with little or no oil. Instead of deep-frying, they use convection heating to circulate hot air around the food, cooking it perfectly while you focus on other tasks.
- Capacity: The size of the basket determines how much food you can cook at once. If you’re cooking for a family or preparing larger meals (like a whole chicken or turkey), opt for an air fryer with a larger capacity (around 10L or more).
- Safety Features: Look for air fryers with a safety lock mechanism. This ensures the fryer won’t continue cooking if the lid isn’t secured, keeping you and your kitchen safe.
- Cooking Time: A good air fryer should heat up quickly and cook your food evenly. Check reviews to see if there are any concerns about inconsistent heating or longer cooking times. Rapid air technology is designed to cook food fast, so choose a reputable brand that delivers on this promise.
- Versatile Features: Some air fryers come with extra features like preheating, baking, roasting, and broiling. Depending on your cooking needs, these can be really handy.
- Warranty: Air fryers are an investment, so it’s worth checking if the model you’re considering offers a good warranty. If anything goes wrong after purchase, you’ll appreciate knowing you’re covered.
The Best Air Fryers in NZ Reviewed
Now that you know what to look for in an air fryer, let’s dive into our top picks for the best air fryers available in New Zealand.
Best for Budget: [Insert Model Name Here]
If you’re looking for an affordable option that doesn’t compromise on quality, this air fryer is the perfect choice. It offers all the essentials – oil-free cooking, a decent-sized basket, and a quick cooking time – without breaking the bank. Ideal for those new to air frying or anyone on a budget, this model proves that you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy healthy meals.
This version takes the original content and refines it for a more conversational, approachable tone. It highlights key features of air fryers while addressing the reader’s potential concerns about health, convenience, and cost. Let me know if you need more adjustments!
GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart 8-in-1 Electric Air Fryer
If you’re after a budget-friendly option that still gets the job done, the GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart 8-in-1 Electric Air Fryer could be just what you need. It’s compact, sleek, and super easy to use, making it a solid choice for those new to air frying or anyone with limited kitchen space.
Features:
- Sleek Touch Screen with LED Display: The intuitive interface makes it simple to control your cooking, with easy-to-read settings for all your needs.
- 8 Preset Cooking Modes: Whether you’re in the mood for fries, chicken, steak, shrimp, or even pizza, it has preset options that simplify your cooking experience.
- FDA Certified: Trust that this air fryer meets health and safety standards for your peace of mind.
- Free Cookbook Included: With 50 step-by-step recipes, you’ll have plenty of ideas to kickstart your air frying journey.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple Interface: No complicated buttons or dials here—just a touch screen that lets you select your cooking preferences quickly. Crispy Results: Despite its budget-friendly price, it delivers crispy, delicious food that doesn’t taste like it’s been sacrificed for health. Comes with a Cookbook: The included cookbook is a great bonus, helping you explore new recipes and make the most out of your air fryer. | Hot Countertop: The surface beneath the fryer can get quite warm, so you may need to be cautious when placing it on your countertop. Steak Quality: While it’s great for most foods, it doesn’t cook steak as well as some of the higher-end brands like Breville or Ninja. |
Verdict:
If you’re looking for a no-frills, easy-to-use air fryer that gets the job done without burning a hole in your wallet, the GoWISE USA 3.7-Quart 8-in-1 Electric Air Fryer is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for smaller meals like fish fillets, chips, and baked potatoes, and the presets make cooking a breeze. Just be mindful of the hot countertop and lower steak quality if that’s a dealbreaker for you. For everything else, this air fryer performs excellently, making it one of the best options for a healthier, quicker meal.
Philips XL Air Fryer (HD 9240/94)
The Philips XL Air Fryer is a standout option for anyone looking to cook for a family or large group, offering 50% more capacity than the regular model. It’s perfect for those who regularly cook big meals and want a convenient, healthier way to fry, bake, roast, or grill.
Features:
- 50% More Capacity: This model has a larger basket, allowing you to cook more food at once, making it ideal for families or entertaining guests.
- Even Cooking: With 2100W of power, it heats food thoroughly and evenly on all levels, ensuring your meals come out perfectly every time.
- Washable Drawer & Non-Stick Basket: Easy to clean and maintain, just pop the basket in the dishwasher after cooking.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Fry, roast, bake, or grill with ease, making it a multi-functional kitchen appliance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More Cooking Space: The extra capacity means you can cook meals for 4-5 people without overcrowding the basket, which is ideal for larger portions or family meals. Even Cooking: Thanks to the powerful 2100W, it ensures consistent heat distribution, cooking food perfectly without the need for excessive oil. Easy to Clean: The dishwasher-safe, non-stick basket makes cleanup a breeze. Large Cooking Time: It allows up to 60 minutes of cooking time, perfect for a variety of meals. | Higher Price: The Philips Airfryer XL is on the pricier side, which might be a deterrent for some. Higher Power Consumption: At 2100W, this air fryer might increase your electricity bill, particularly if you use it frequently. |
Verdict:
The Philips XL Air Fryer (HD 9240/94) is a top choice for those who need more space and power for cooking large meals. With its large capacity, even cooking, and ease of cleaning, it delivers a fantastic air frying experience. However, the higher price point and potential for higher energy bills may not suit everyone. But for frequent cooks and larger families, it’s a worthwhile investment for healthier, tastier meals with minimal effort.
Ninja Foodi (OP302W)
The Ninja Foodi (OP302W) stands out as a multi-functional kitchen appliance, combining the capabilities of a pressure cooker and an air fryer. It’s perfect for families or anyone who loves experimenting with a variety of cooking methods in one convenient device.
Features:
- TenderCrisp Technology: Achieves a beautifully cooked, crispy finish on meats and veggies.
- 2-in-1 Appliance: Functions as both a pressure cooker and an air fryer, saving you the need for multiple appliances.
- Family-Sized Capacity: Includes a 4-quart cook-and-crisp basket and a 6.5-quart cooking pot, upgradeable to 5- and 8-quarts.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Can air crisp, bake, broil, roast, steam, slow cook, defrost, and pressure cook.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Golden-Brown Perfection: The TenderCrisp technology delivers the perfect balance of crispiness and flavor. Limitless Cooking Possibilities: Allows you to prepare a wide variety of meals, from healthy veggies to indulgent fried treats, with little to no oil. Large Capacity: Ideal for family-sized meals or gatherings. Time-Saving: Reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods. | Bulky Design: Takes up more counter space than other air fryers, making it less ideal for smaller kitchens. Heavy to Relocate: Its weight can make it inconvenient to move around frequently. |
Verdict:
The Ninja Foodi (OP302W) is an excellent choice for those who want a versatile and high-performing kitchen appliance. Its dual functionality as a pressure cooker and air fryer, along with its TenderCrisp technology, makes it perfect for creating delicious, crispy, and healthy meals.
However, its bulky size might be a downside for those with limited counter space. Still, if you’re looking for an all-in-one appliance that can handle everything from quick weeknight dinners to indulgent weekend treats, this Ninja air fryer in NZ is a fantastic pick.
Avalon Bay Digital Air Fryer (AB-AIRFRYER220SS)
The Avalon Bay Digital Air Fryer is a standout option for those prioritising a healthier cooking method. By extracting oils and fats into a separate drip basket, it’s designed for health-conscious individuals who still want to enjoy crispy, flavourful meals.
Features:
- Oil-Reducing Fans: Extracts oils and fats from food into a drip basket for healthier meals.
- Non-Stick Mesh Basket: Ensures easy cleaning and prevents food from sticking.
- Safety Features: Includes automatic turn-off functionality for added peace of mind.
- 8 Preset Modes: Offers convenient one-touch options for French fries, pizza, chicken, steak, shrimp, meat, fish, and cake.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Healthier Cooking: Removes excess oil and fat, making it perfect for those on a diet. Convenient Operation: The touch screen interface allows easy switching between grilling, roasting, baking, and air frying. Enhanced Safety: Features non-slip feet and automatic shut-off for safe operation. | Learning Curve: Requires trial and error to achieve the perfect cooking temperature and timing for some dishes. Not Ideal for Raw Meats: Struggles to sear raw meat completely.Supplemental Appliance: Better for reheating or finishing meals than cooking raw dishes from scratch. |
Verdict:
The Avalon Bay Digital Air Fryer is a great choice if health is your top priority. Its oil-removing fan system ensures that your meals are as low in fat as possible while still delivering crispy, flavourful results.
However, it’s best suited as a supplemental appliance for heating or finishing foods rather than your primary cooking tool. With a little patience and experimentation, it’s a reliable companion for guilt-free indulgence. If you’re looking to strike a balance between convenience, health, and taste, this air fryer might just be the right fit for your NZ kitchen.
Instant Vortex Plus 10 Quart
The Instant Vortex Plus 10 Quart is a versatile and spacious air fryer that packs a punch with its 7-in-1 functionality. Designed for families and food enthusiasts, this air fryer offers an incredible range of cooking options, from air frying to rotisserie, making it a fantastic addition to your kitchen.
Features:
- 7-in-1 Appliance: Functions include bake, broil, roast, air fry, reheat, dehydrate, and rotisserie.
- 10-Quart Capacity: Ample room to cook meals for gatherings or special occasions.
- Removable Tempered Glass Door: Dishwasher-safe along with trays for easy cleanup.
- Cool Dark Touchscreen Panel: Modern design with intuitive controls.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Versatile Cooking Options: From crispy falafels to juicy rotisserie chicken, this appliance does it all. Generous Capacity: Perfect for large families or hosting parties. Easy to Clean: Non-stick accessories and dishwasher-safe components make maintenance hassle-free. Sleek Design: A stainless steel body with a stylish LED touchscreen adds a modern touch to your kitchen. | Learning Curve: Requires some time to master the settings and options for precise cooking results. |
Verdict:
The Instant Vortex Plus 10 Quart air fryer stands out as a powerhouse appliance that can handle all kinds of cooking tasks effortlessly. Whether you’re air frying your favourite snacks, roasting vegetables, or preparing a rotisserie chicken for a family feast, its performance won’t disappoint.
The spacious design, paired with a sleek and user-friendly interface, makes this air fryer an excellent choice for busy households or those who love to entertain. While there may be a slight learning curve, the results are well worth it. Combine its functionality, ease of cleaning, and reasonable price point, and it’s clear why the Instant Vortex Plus is among the best air fryers in NZ.
T-Fal Actifry
The T-Fal Actifry is an innovative and user-friendly air fryer with a unique round disc shape, designed for hassle-free cooking. It stands out with its stirring paddle that eliminates the need for manual shaking or stirring, making it an excellent choice for effortless meal preparation.
Features:
- Stirring Paddle: Automatically stirs food for even cooking without manual intervention.
- Unique Disc Shape: Compact and modern design stands out from traditional air fryer shapes.
- 2.2 lbs Basket Capacity: Suitable for cooking meals for up to four people.
- Lightweight and Ergonomic: Weighs only 10.9 pounds, making it easy to transport and store.
- Simple Controls: No temperature adjustment for a straightforward cooking process.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable: Great value for its features and performance. Hassle-Free Cooking: The stirring paddle and timer up to 99 minutes allow you to set it and forget it. Compact and Lightweight: Perfect for smaller kitchens or camping trips. Easy to Clean: Dishwasher-safe ceramic-coated basket, lid, and bowl ensure durability and low-maintenance. Recipe Book Included: Comes with a colourful cookbook featuring 38 gourmet dishes. | Limited Capacity: At 1 kg, the capacity is smaller than some other air fryers, making it less suitable for larger families. No Temperature Control: While simple to use, it lacks the ability to adjust temperature for specific recipes. |
Verdict:
The T-Fal Actifry is an excellent option for those seeking simplicity and convenience in an air fryer. Its compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for both home use and portability, while the stirring paddle ensures evenly cooked meals without the need for constant attention.
While its smaller capacity and lack of temperature control might not suit larger households or more advanced cooking needs, it’s a fantastic choice for quick and easy meal prep. With its durable ceramic-coated parts, affordable price, and included recipe book, the T-Fal Actifry earns its place among the best air fryers in NZ.
Cozyna Air Fryer
The Cozyna Air Fryer is a user-friendly appliance designed for those who want to enjoy fried foods with significantly less oil and fat. With a simple design and versatile features, it’s a practical choice for anyone pursuing healthier cooking options.
Features:
- Healthier Cooking: Removes up to 75% of oil and fat, ideal for health-conscious eaters.
- 3.2L Capacity: Offers a spacious basket for preparing larger portions.
- Adjustable Temperature: Set temperatures between 170°F and 400°F for precise cooking.
- Versatile Cooking: Enables frying, grilling, roasting, and baking.
- Light and Easy to Use: Simple design with a cool-touch handle for safe operation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 2-Year Warranty: Offers peace of mind with comprehensive coverage for manufacturing defects. User-Friendly Design: Straightforward dials and an easy-to-use basket make it a joy to operate. Efficient Heating: Consistently delivers savoury and crispy dishes. Dishwasher Safe: Removable parts are easy to clean and maintain. | Expensive: Slightly higher price compared to similar models. Accessories Sold Separately: Additional pans and holders must be purchased, adding to the overall cost. |
Verdict:
The Cozyna Air Fryer is a reliable and effective kitchen appliance for healthier cooking. Its 3.2L capacity makes it a great choice for families or those who like to cook in bulk. The adjustable temperature settings allow for customised cooking, ensuring every meal is prepared to perfection.
While it comes at a higher price and accessories are sold separately, the 2-year warranty adds value and assurance. Plus, the included recipe book and e-book are helpful for beginners and culinary enthusiasts alike.
For those prioritising health, convenience, and ease of use, the Cozyna Air Fryer is a solid investment that can become a staple in your kitchen.
Breville the Smart Oven Air (BOV900BSSUSC)
The Breville Smart Oven Air is the epitome of versatility and efficiency, combining the functionality of an air fryer, convection oven, and more into a single sleek appliance. While it carries a hefty price tag, the sheer number of features and its exceptional performance justify the investment for serious home cooks.
Features:
- Element IQ Technology: Intelligent heating with six elements ensures precise and consistent results.
- Super Convection Technology: Offers faster and even heat distribution.
- 13 Versatile Functions: Includes Air Fry, Dehydrate, Bake, Roast, Toast, Bagel, Cookies, Proof, Slow Cook, Reheat, Warm, and more.
- Generous Capacity: Accommodates a 14-pound turkey, 9 doughnuts, or 10 mid-sized muffins at once.
- Sleek Design: Stylish silver finish with a large LCD display for easy operation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pinpoint Cooking Accuracy: Element IQ and convection ensure perfectly cooked meals. Multi-Functionality: Eliminates the need for multiple appliances with 13 distinct functions. Large Capacity: Perfect for family meals or entertaining guests. Modern Aesthetic: Looks great in any kitchen with its sleek design and vibrant LCD. | Expensive: Slightly higher price compared to similar models. Accessories Sold Separately: Additional pans and holders must be purchased, adding to the overall cost. |
Verdict:
The Breville Smart Oven Air is a game-changer for those who enjoy cooking and want a versatile appliance that can handle just about anything. Its ability to air fry, bake, roast, and even dehydrate makes it a standout option.
The 14-pound capacity and 13 functions are ideal for families or those who love to host gatherings. While it’s pricier than other air fryers, its advanced features, exceptional heating precision, and sleek design make it a worthwhile investment.
If you’re short on space or only need a basic air fryer, this may not be the best option. But for NZ homes looking for a high-end, do-it-all appliance, the Breville Smart Oven Air is undoubtedly one of the best air fryers in New Zealand.
