What is the Best Air Fryer in Australia? Brands and Buying Tips

Air fryers have completely revolutionised Australian kitchens, offering a healthier, faster, and more efficient way to cook everything from crispy chips and roasted vegetables to full family dinners. If you are looking to upgrade your cooking game and finally discover the best air fryer in Australia for your specific needs, you are in the right place. Choosing the right appliance involves comparing capacities, understanding key features, and selecting a reliable brand that fits your budget and lifestyle.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the leading air fryer brands on the Australian market and provides the essential buying tips you need to make an informed decision.

Top Air Fryer Brands Dominating the Australian Market

In the highly competitive Australian small appliance space, several brands stand out for their innovation, reliability, and range of models. The “best” choice often comes down to which brand’s design philosophy best matches your cooking habits.

1. Ninja

Ninja is synonymous with innovation, particularly in the dual basket air fryer category.

• Key Feature: The Dual Zone technology allows you to cook two different foods, at different temperatures and times, and finish them simultaneously using the Sync function.
• Best For: Multi taskers and families who regularly cook mains and sides at the same time. Their models, such as the Ninja Dual Zone AF300 (7.6L capacity), are built for streamlining weeknight meals. Ninja also offers models known for their Max Crisp setting, optimised for frozen foods.

2. Russell Hobbs

Russell Hobbs offers a superb mix of function and style, providing stylish appliances without sacrificing essential usability.

• Key Feature: Known for producing large capacity models with powerful, preset driven cooking. The Russell Hobbs SatisFry Extra Large (8L) is a popular choice for its size and convenience, featuring 10 presets and a clear digital screen.
• Best For: Large families or batch cooks who need volume and versatility to prepare big portions efficiently. They offer both drawer basket and oven style models.

3. Sunbeam

Sunbeam air fryers are practical, straightforward, and widely trusted by Australian households looking for reliable performance at a family friendly price point.

• Key Feature: Offers a wide range of versatile options, including both the classic drawer basket style and the benchtop oven style air fryers. The Sunbeam Alinea Pro (6L) is a popular all rounder, featuring a useful viewing window and a quality non stick DiamondForce coating.
• Best For: Busy, everyday households that require an appliance capable of handling a variety of snacks, meals, and baking without complexity.

4. Tefal

Tefal air fryers are often recognised for introducing unique cooking mechanics, such as paddle and grill style fryers that automatically stir the food.

• Key Feature: Known for simplicity and ease of use. Models like the Tefal Easy Fry Classic (4.2L) offer a compact design with simple manual dials, making them perfect for beginners.
• Best For: First time buyers, couples, or anyone seeking a low effort, space saving air fryer primarily for quick snacks and smaller meals.

5. Westinghouse

A classic, trusted Australian brand, Westinghouse air fryers focus on solid performance and large capacity.

• Key Feature: Westinghouse air fryers often boast big capacities and solid heat output with no nonsense dial controls. The Westinghouse Opti Fry (7.2L) is a strong example, providing 1800W of power for rapid, effective cooking.
• Best For: Those who cook big portions and prefer traditional, robust control mechanisms over complex digital interfaces.

The Ultimate Air Fryer Buying Tips: What to Look For

Choosing the ideal air fryer goes beyond simply picking a brand. You need to consider how the appliance will integrate into your life. Pay close attention to these critical factors before you buy.

1. Capacity and Size

Capacity is arguably the most important factor and should be determined by the size of your household and your primary use for the appliance.

• 1L to 3L (Small): Ideal for singles, couples, or small kitchens where counter space is limited. Best for side dishes or single serve meals.
• 4L to 6L (Medium): The versatile all rounder. Suitable for couples or families of three to four. This size handles most everyday meals. The Sunbeam Alinea Pro (6L) fits well in this category.
• 7L and Above (Large/Extra Large): Necessary for families of four or more, or those who enjoy batch cooking or entertaining guests. Models like the Russell Hobbs SatisFry (8L) and Westinghouse Opti Fry (7.2L) fall into this category, allowing you to cook a whole chicken or multiple batches of food.

2. Air Fryer Design: Basket vs. Oven Style

Air fryers generally come in two main designs, each with pros and cons:

• Basket/Drawer Style: These are the classic, compact air fryers. They use a removable drawer and basket for holding food. They heat up quickly and are highly efficient. However, they offer less cooking visibility.
• Oven Style/Benchtop Ovens: These look like mini convection ovens and often include multiple shelves, rotisserie capabilities, and a clear viewing window. They offer more cooking space and versatility but typically take up more counter space and can take slightly longer to preheat than a basket model.

3. Essential Features and Cooking Modes

Look for specific functions that will enhance your cooking experience:

• Pre-set Programs: These take the guesswork out of cooking by setting the perfect temperature and time for common foods like chips, chicken, or frozen snacks. The Russell Hobbs SatisFry, for example, offers 10 presets.
• Dual Baskets: If you regularly prepare two different components of a meal, a dual basket air fryer (like the Ninja Dual Zone) is a game changer, offering independent control over each zone.
• Viewing Window: A viewing window lets you monitor food without pulling out the basket and disrupting the cooking process, a great feature for achieving perfectly browned results.
• Wattage and Power: A higher wattage (e.g., 1800W in the Westinghouse Opti-Fry) generally indicates quicker preheating and more powerful hot air circulation, resulting in crispier food in less time.

4. Cleaning and Maintenance

If an appliance is difficult to clean, you simply won’t use it as often.

• Dishwasher Safe Parts: Prioritise models with dishwasher safe air fryer baskets, trays, and pans. This drastically simplifies cleanup, especially after cooking greasy foods.
• Non Stick Coatings: Features like Sunbeam’s DiamondForce coating or other quality non stick surfaces ensure food doesn’t stick and makes wiping down the interior much easier.

5. Energy Efficiency

One of the major benefits of air frying is energy efficiency compared to a large traditional oven. Air fryers use less power and heat up much faster. Look for features such as automatic shut off and adjustable temperature settings, which help manage power consumption and reduce your electricity bill.

6. Durability, Warranty and Support

Invest in an air fryer with a durable build quality, often featuring stainless steel or robust, BPA free plastics. Always check the brand’s warranty and customer support. A good warranty offers peace of mind and ensures your kitchen staple will last for years to come.

Final Verdict

There is truly no single “best” air fryer for every Australian household. The ideal choice is highly individualised.

If you are a family needing to cook entire meals simultaneously, the Ninja Dual Zone is likely your champion. If you need maximum capacity for batch cooking and large portions, the Russell Hobbs SatisFry Extra Large is an excellent pick. For the beginner or space conscious cook seeking low effort simplicity, the Tefal Easy Fry Classic provides reliable results.

By assessing your cooking habits, household size, and prioritising the features outlined in this guide, you will be well equipped to select the perfect air fryer that will save you time, energy, and lead to delicious, guilt free meals for years to come.