By Bryan Wall
Product Test Journalist | Kaipūrongo Whakamātautau Hautaonga
With prices ranging from under $70 to well over $700, choosing an air fryer isn't as simple as grabbing the first one you see on sale. The best models cook evenly, are easy to clean and deliver great results time after time.
Our expert testing can help you find the right one. We test air fryers on how well they cook popular foods, how easy they are to use and maintain, and how much they'll cost to run. We also factor in reliability and owner satisfaction data to identify the models most likely to provide long-term value.
Our buying guide can help you work out what size and type of air fryer best suits your needs. We've also looked at whether air fryers really save money compared with ovens and rounded up our best tips for getting crispier, tastier results.
Stay on this page for our top air fryer picks, including the best overall model, the best-value option and the standouts for larger households.
Deals of the week
Sales season has started, but not every deal is a bargain. In the lead up to Labour Weekend and Black Friday, we’re tracking the sales on products we test to help you spot the bona fide bargains, based on both price and performance.
Deals are based on the lowest current advertised price of our tested products. Sale prices are subject to change and to retailers’ terms and conditions.
Best Consumer Recommended deal of the week
It’s a good time to buy this unique (and virally popular) air fryer from our People’s Choice brand.
Biggest price drop of the week
Need an extra-large air fryer? This one is half price until Wednesday.
Budget buy of the week
Our favourite medium-sized air fryer has been at an excellent price for the entirety of October so far. Don’t miss out.
Best air fryers in New Zealand
Top-performing air fryer
Best cheap air fryer
Best extra-large air fryer
Best smart air fryer
Air fryer or microwave? Why not have both?
Which air fryer brands are best?
We asked thousands of Consumer members about their experience with products they've used to find out which brands are most reliable and satisfying to own. The results are available to members and Digital Pass holders.
How Consumer NZ tests air fryers
We combine independent lab testing with reliability and satisfaction data to identify the models that perform well, are easy to live with and are more likely to last.
In our lab, we test how well air fryers cook foods such as frozen chips and crumbed chicken, and assess how easy they are to assemble, use, clean and store. For models that can also function as benchtop ovens, we carry out additional tests including roasting a whole chicken, cooking a pizza and grilling toast.
We also calculate estimated running costs and factor in survey-based predicted reliability and brand satisfaction scores. These ratings are based on feedback from thousands of air fryer owners about faults, reliability and overall satisfaction with their appliance.
