Air fryer buying guide for Australian kitchens
Air fryers have become one of the most popular small appliances in Australian homes, and for good reason. They crisp up chips, roast vegetables, reheat leftovers without turning them soggy and cook a piece of salmon in about the time it takes to toss a salad. But with dozens of shapes and sizes available, it is easy to buy one that is too small, too big or awkward for your kitchen. This guide walks through the decisions that matter.
How an air fryer works
An air fryer is essentially a compact fan-forced oven. A heating element sits above the food and a powerful fan circulates hot air around it. Because the cooking chamber is small, it heats up in a few minutes and the moving air crisps the outside of food quickly. Most recipes need only a light coating of oil, or none at all for foods that already contain some fat, such as chicken wings or frozen chips.
Choose a style
Single basket
The classic design: one drawer that slides out, holding a crisper plate you can lift free for washing. Baskets are easy to shake halfway through cooking, which is what gives chips and roast potatoes an even crunch. They suit most households and take up the least space.
Dual basket
Two independent drawers, each with its own controls. You can cook chicken in one and vegetables in the other at different temperatures, and many models can sync the two so everything is ready together. They are wider, so measure your benchtop carefully.
Oven style
These look like a small benchtop oven with a door and several shelves or racks. They are good for cooking in layers, for dehydrating, and sometimes for rotisserie cooking. Food on the lower shelf may need swapping halfway, and shelves are fiddlier to clean than a basket.
How many litres do you need?
Capacity is listed in litres, but the usable space is the area of the basket floor, because most food cooks well in a single layer.
| Household | Suggested capacity |
|---|---|
| 1–2 people, sides and snacks | 3–4 litres |
| 2–4 people, main meals | 5–6 litres |
| 4 or more, or batch cooking | 7 litres and above, or a dual basket |
If you want to cook a whole chicken, check that the basket can fit one; product pages often list the size of chicken a model takes. Bigger is not always better, though: a large basket with a small amount of food takes longer to heat and uses more bench space every day.
Measure your benchtop
Air fryers push hot air out of a vent, usually at the back. Manufacturers typically ask for clearance around and above the appliance, so check the manual and measure the space you have in mind, including the height under your overhead cupboards. Place the air fryer on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from the wall, and pull it out from under cupboards while it runs. If your kitchen is compact, a tall, narrow model may fit better than a wide one.
Features worth paying for
- Simple, readable controls. A temperature range up to around 200°C and a timer are all you strictly need. Presets are handy starting points but you will soon adjust them.
- A viewing window. Some baskets have a window and light so you can check browning without pulling the drawer.
- A shake reminder. A beep halfway through tells you when to toss chips and vegetables.
- Dishwasher-safe basket and plate. This decides how often you will actually use it. Check the product page for which parts can go in the dishwasher.
- A quiet fan. All air fryers make some noise, and reviews are often the most useful guide here.
- Extra functions. Roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate and keep-warm functions mainly adjust temperature and fan speed. Useful, but not essential.
What air fryers do well, and less well
Great results: chips and wedges, roast vegetables, chicken wings and drumsticks, crumbed schnitzels, salmon and white fish, halloumi, reheated pizza, toasted nuts and small batches of biscuits or muffins in silicone cups.
Not ideal: wet batters, which drip before they set; very light foods such as leafy greens, which the fan blows around; and large roasts that sit too close to the element. Cheese on top of dishes can brown very quickly, so check early.
Tips for better results
- Preheat for three to five minutes if your model recommends it.
- Do not overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches for crisp results.
- Shake or turn food halfway through.
- Use a pump oil mister or a brush rather than aerosol cooking sprays, which can leave a sticky film on non-stick baskets.
- If you use a paper liner, choose a perforated one that sits under the food, and never preheat with a liner in the basket, as it can lift into the element.
- Convert oven recipes by lowering the temperature by around 20°C and checking well before the original cooking time.
Cleaning and care
Unplug the air fryer and let it cool. Empty any oil from the drawer after every use, wash the basket and crisper plate in warm soapy water or the dishwasher if permitted, and wipe the inside of the cavity with a damp cloth. Once a week, check the element above the basket for splatters and wipe it gently when cold. Avoid metal scourers on non-stick surfaces. Our Care guide covers small appliances and non-stick coatings in more detail.
Quick answers
Can I put foil or baking paper in an air fryer?
Many manuals allow it, as long as food weighs it down and air can still circulate. Check your model's instructions first.
Do I need to preheat?
It depends on the model. Preheating helps with crumbed foods and chips; many dishes cook well from a cold start with a couple of extra minutes.
Is a dual basket worth it?
If you regularly cook a main and a side together for three or more people, yes. For smaller households, a good single basket is simpler.
Can I cook a frozen meal in it?
Many frozen foods cook well. Lower the temperature slightly from the packet's oven instructions, cook in a single layer and check early.
Shop the range
Compare air fryers, kettles, toasters and blenders in Small Appliances, or explore every department via Shop by department. Orders ship free anywhere in Australia, and returns are free for 30 days from delivery if something does not suit your benchtop.