Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in Australian homes, and for good reason. They cook food faster than a conventional oven, use less energy, and produce results that are genuinely crispy without deep frying. But with dozens of models available from $49 to $500, choosing the right one requires some thought.

I’ve tested over fifteen air fryers in the past year and have helped friends and family pick the right model for their needs. Here’s what I’ve learned about what actually matters when buying one.

Capacity: Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Air fryers are measured in litres, and the range is enormous. Small basket models start at around 3.5 litres, while large dual-zone and oven-style models go up to 12 litres or more.

For a single person or couple, a 4-5 litre basket model is usually plenty. For a family of four, you’ll want at least 6 litres, and an 8-litre dual-zone model will save you time by cooking two things at once. The dual-zone models from Ninja have been particularly popular, and after testing them, I understand why.

Don’t buy the biggest model you can find unless you have the bench space. These things are not small, and an oversized air fryer collecting dust on top of the fridge isn’t helping anyone.

Basket vs Oven Style

Basket-style air fryers are the most common and generally the most user-friendly. You pull out the basket, add food, slide it back in, and press start. They heat up quickly and are easy to clean.

Oven-style air fryers look like small convection ovens with racks and trays. They offer more versatility, including the ability to toast, dehydrate, and rotisserie. However, they take longer to heat up, use more bench space, and the racks can be fiddly to clean.

For most people, I recommend a basket-style model. If you’re replacing a toaster oven and want a multi-function appliance, the oven style makes more sense.

Brands Available in Australia

The major players in the Australian market are Ninja, Philips, Tefal, Cosori, and several house brands from retailers like Kmart and Anko. At the premium end, Philips offers excellent build quality and reliability. Ninja dominates the mid-range with strong performance and good features. Cosori offers great value with well-designed products.

The Kmart Anko air fryers deserve a mention. Starting at $49 for a basic model, they’re the cheapest option and they actually work. Build quality won’t match a Ninja or Philips, and they lack smart features, but for a first air fryer or a tight budget, they’re hard to argue against.

Features Worth Paying For

A digital display with preset cooking modes is convenient but not essential. What I would pay extra for is a dishwasher-safe basket (hand-washing a greasy basket gets old fast), a shake reminder that alerts you to toss your food halfway through, and a clear window that lets you check food without opening the basket and losing heat.

Wi-Fi connectivity and app control are available on some models, but I’ve found them to be gimmicky. You’re standing in the kitchen anyway. Pressing a button on the appliance is just as easy as opening an app.

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers use significantly less electricity than a conventional oven. A typical air fryer draws between 1,400 and 1,800 watts and cooks food in about half the time. With electricity costs continuing to rise across Australia, this can translate to meaningful savings if you’re using it regularly instead of your oven.

My Top Picks

For most families, the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone (around $249) is my top recommendation. For singles or couples, the Cosori Pro LE (around $129) is excellent value. And for budget buyers, the Kmart Anko 5.3L (around $69) does the job.

Where to Buy

JB Hi-Fi, The Good Guys, Harvey Norman, and Kmart are the main retailers. Prices fluctuate significantly, especially around sales events. I’ve seen the Ninja Dual Zone drop to $179 during major sales, so patience can save you money. Amazon AU also stocks most brands and occasionally beats retail pricing.

Final Thoughts

The best air fryer is one that fits your bench, matches your household size, and gets used regularly. Don’t overthink it. Even a basic model will change how you cook chips, chicken, and vegetables. Start with something in your budget and upgrade later if you find yourself wanting more capacity or features.