Best Air Fryer Australia 2026: Ninja, Philips & Budget Picks Compared

Here's a prediction: within the first month of moving into your new home, you will buy an air fryer. Everyone does. The best air fryer in Australia for 2026 is the Ninja FlexDrawer AF500 at about $350, a 10.4L dual zone model; the best compact is the Philips Essential 4.1L at about $185 to $210, and the cheapest worth owning is the 3.5L Kmart Anko Digital at about $49. And honestly, you should buy one: it's one of those appliances that genuinely changes how you cook. Faster than an oven, less mess than a frying pan, and it uses a fraction of the energy. In a country where electricity prices go up every quarter, that last point matters more than you'd think.

We've researched every airfryer on the Australian market for 2026, from the $49 Kmart Anko to the $450 Philips Airfryer XXL. This guide covers the best air fryers across every category: dual zone, compact, oven-style, budget, and family. Honest reviews, real prices, no fluff.

Best Air Fryers Australia 2026: Quick Comparison

Best Dual Zone Air Fryers Australia 2026

Dual zone air fryers are the biggest trend in 2026. They have two separate baskets (or compartments) that cook at different temperatures and times simultaneously: chips in one zone at 200°C while chicken cooks in the other at 180°C, both finishing at the same time. For families and anyone who wants a complete meal from one appliance, dual zone is the way to go.

Ninja FlexDrawer AF500 (10.4L Dual Zone) at about $350 (Best Overall Air Fryer)

The Ninja FlexDrawer is the best air fryer in Australia for 2026. It's a 10.4 litre dual zone model: one drawer with a removable divider that splits it into two independently controlled zones. The Smart Finish function coordinates both zones to finish at the same time: set your chips for 20 minutes at 200°C and your salmon for 12 minutes at 180°C, and both finish together. Remove the divider and you get one mega 10.4L basket for a whole chicken or a big batch of wings.

• Pros: Dual zone with independent controls, removable divider for one big basket, 10.4L total capacity, excellent build quality, Smart Finish function, 7 cooking modes
• Cons: Large footprint: needs dedicated bench space, pricier than single-basket models
• Best for: Families, meal preppers, anyone who wants to cook a complete meal in one appliance

Check price on Amazon AU →

Ninja DoubleStack XL SL400 (9.5L) at about $300 (Best Space-Saving Dual Zone)

The DoubleStack solves the biggest complaint about dual zone air fryers: bench space. Instead of placing two baskets side by side, Ninja stacks them vertically, giving you 9.5 litres of dual-zone capacity in roughly the footprint of a single-basket model. Each drawer has independent temperature and time controls. It's a clever design that works well in the compact kitchens most Australian first homes have.

• Pros: Vertical stacking saves 40% bench space vs FlexDrawer, dual zone with independent controls, 9.5L capacity, 6 functions
• Cons: Slightly smaller capacity than FlexDrawer, no single big basket mode, newer model with fewer long term reviews
• Best for: Anyone who wants dual zone cooking but has limited bench space

Check price on Amazon AU →

Best Small Air Fryer Australia: Compact Picks for Apartments

If you're in an apartment or have a small kitchen, you don't need a 10-litre dual zone taking over your bench. The best small air fryers in Australia pack serious performance into a compact footprint, perfect for singles, couples, and first kitchen setups.

Philips Essential Air Fryer (4.1L) at about $185 to $210 (Best Small Air Fryer)

The Philips Essential is the best small air fryer in Australia. It's a 4.1 litre single basket design that does everything well without any fuss. Philips invented the air fryer, and the Rapid Air technology circulates heat more evenly than most competitors at this size. Temperature goes up to 200°C, the basket is dishwasher safe, and it sits on the bench without dominating it. No digital screen or fancy presets: just a dial for temperature and a timer. Honestly, that's all you need. One honest note: it's worth comparing this compact model with the larger 6.2L Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL above if bench space isn't tight for you.

• Pros: Reliable brand (Philips invented the air fryer), consistent results, compact footprint, dishwasher-safe basket, 2-year warranty
• Cons: No digital display, no presets, 4.1L is tight for more than 2 portions, now priced close to larger single-basket models
• Best for: Couples and apartment dwellers who specifically want the smaller footprint and don't mind paying for it

Check price on Amazon AU →

COSORI Lite (3.8L) at about $100

The COSORI Lite is a compact alternative to the Philips with a digital display and app connectivity. At 3.8 litres it handles 1 to 2 portions comfortably, and the 9 preset functions make it beginner-friendly. The square basket design gives you slightly more usable space than round designs at the same capacity. Good build quality for the price.

• Pros: Digital display, app connectivity, compact, 9 presets, square basket
• Cons: App is optional but pushy, smaller than Philips Essential
• Best for: Tech-savvy singles who want a compact air fryer with smart features

Check price on Amazon AU →

Best Air Fryer Oven Australia 2026

Air fryer ovens are larger benchtop ovens with a built-in air fry function. They're worth considering if you want one appliance that replaces your toaster, air fryer, and sometimes your conventional oven. The trade-off is size: they take up more bench space than a basket-style air fryer.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer (22L) at about $450 (Best Air Fryer Oven)

The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer is the best air fryer oven in Australia. It's a premium benchtop oven with 13 cooking functions including air fry, bake, roast, toast, grill, dehydrate, and slow cook. The Element IQ system adjusts heating elements automatically based on what you're cooking. At 22 litres, it fits a 12-inch pizza or a small roast. Breville's build quality and Australian warranty support are excellent.

• Pros: 13 cooking functions, replaces oven + toaster + air fryer, excellent Breville quality, Element IQ, Australian brand with strong local support
• Cons: Large bench footprint, expensive, slower to preheat than basket-style air fryers (5 to 8 minutes vs 2 to 3)
• Best for: People who want one benchtop appliance to do everything, and have the bench space for it

Check price on Amazon AU →

Ninja Combi All-in-One (15L) at about $380

Ninja's oven-style option combines air frying, baking, and steam cooking. The steam infusion function keeps food moist inside while crisping the outside, great for chicken and roast vegetables. At 15 litres it's more compact than the Breville, which suits smaller kitchens. The 12-in-1 functionality and rapid 60-second preheat make it a strong alternative.

• Pros: Steam + air fry combination, 60-second preheat, 12 functions, more compact than Breville
• Cons: Smaller internal space, steam function adds complexity, newer to AU market
• Best for: Home cooks who want air fry + steam in a more compact oven format

Check price on Amazon AU →

Best Budget Air Fryer Australia: Under $100

You don't need to spend $300+ to start air frying. The best cheap air fryers in Australia are genuinely capable. They won't match premium models on build quality or longevity, but they'll cook your chips, nuggets, and vegetables perfectly well.

Kmart Anko Digital Air Fryer (3.5L) at about $49 (Best Under $50)

The Kmart Anko air fryer is a cult favourite in Australia for good reason. At $49, it's the cheapest air fryer worth buying. The digital display has preset programs for common foods, the 3.5L basket handles two portions, and it produces surprisingly crispy results. Build quality is average (it's $49), but it's a great starter if you're not sure whether you'll use an air fryer regularly. If it dies after 2 years, you've spent less per year than a Netflix subscription. What no air fryer at any price will do is wet batter, because beer-battered fish, calamari and donuts need full immersion in hot oil, which is a deep fryer job.

• Pros: $49: incredibly affordable, digital display with presets, compact, genuinely good results
• Cons: Build quality won't last as long as premium brands, 3.5L limits batch size, no brand warranty support
• Best for: Budget-conscious buyers and air fryer first-timers who want to try before investing more

Available in-store at Kmart or via kmart.com.au. Anko's air fryer SKUs rotate, so check current stock at your local store.

Kmart Anko XL Air Fryer (5.3L) at about $69

The bigger Kmart option. At 5.3 litres it handles family-sized portions (a full batch of chips or 4 chicken thighs) for just $69. Same digital display and presets as the smaller model. If you want the most air fryer per dollar spent in Australia, this is it.

• Pros: 5.3L for $69 is unbeatable value, handles family portions, digital display
• Cons: Same build quality concerns as the 3.5L, no app, basic feature set
• Best for: Families on a tight budget, especially if you're a first home buyer watching every dollar with your mortgage repayments

Available in-store at Kmart or via kmart.com.au. The Anko XL is a popular family pick, but stock and exact SKU rotate season to season.

Best Air Fryer for Families Australia

For a family of 4 or more, you need at least 6 litres, ideally 8L+ or a dual zone model. The best air fryer for families lets you cook a complete meal (protein + sides) in one go, without cooking in batches.

Ninja FlexDrawer AF500 (10.4L) at about $350

Our top pick for families. The dual zone means you cook chicken in one zone and chips in the other, with dinner done in 20 minutes and zero oven preheating. The Smart Finish function coordinates both zones. For a family of 4 to 6, this replaces your oven for 90% of weeknight meals.

Philips Airfryer XXL (7.3L) at about $450

The premium single-basket option for families who prefer simplicity over dual-zone complexity. The 7.3 litre capacity handles a whole chicken easily, and the Fat Removal technology drains excess fat into a separate compartment. Philips build quality means this will last a decade. Expensive, but you get what you pay for.

• Pros: Excellent cooking quality, fat removal system, huge 7.3L single basket, premium Philips build, 2-year warranty
• Cons: Expensive for a single-basket, no dual-zone, some versions have analog controls
• Best for: Quality-focused families who prefer one large basket to dual-zone complexity

Check price on Amazon AU →

Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL AF181 (6.2L)

If your family is 3 to 4 people, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL hits the sweet spot without the bulk of a dual zone. Its Max Crisp technology gives crispier results, and the 6.2 litre basket handles a family batch of chips. Excellent build quality, intuitive digital controls, and quiet operation.

• Pros: Max Crisp for extra crispy results, 6.2L capacity, excellent build quality, intuitive controls, quiet
• Cons: Single zone only, won't handle very large family batches
• Best for: Small families (3 to 4 people) who want the best single-basket air fryer

Check price on Amazon AU →

Best Air Fryer Brands in Australia 2026

Not sure which brand to trust? Here's how the best air fryer brands in Australia compare.

Ninja

Ninja is the #1 trending air fryer brand in Australia. They pioneered dual-zone cooking with the Foodi series, and their FlexDrawer and DoubleStack models are consistently the top-rated air fryers on ProductReview and Amazon AU. Build quality is excellent, controls are intuitive, and the range covers every budget from $150 to $400. If you're buying one air fryer and want the most versatile option, Ninja is the default choice in 2026.

Philips

Philips invented the air fryer and still makes some of the best. Their Rapid Air and Fat Removal technologies are genuinely superior. Food cooks more evenly in a Philips than in most competitors. Build quality is premium (expect 8 to 10 years of use), and the brand reliability is unmatched. The downside is price: Philips air fryers cost 20 to 40% more than equivalent Ninja or COSORI models. Worth it if you want the best cooking performance.

COSORI

COSORI is the best value air fryer brand in Australia. The Pro II (5.8L, about $170) and TurboBlaze (6L, about $200) offer features that rival Ninja at a lower price. The app connectivity is genuinely useful (not just a gimmick), the square basket design maximises cooking space, and the shake reminder is a nice touch. COSORI has built a strong following among Australian home cooks.

Breville

Breville is an Australian brand that's expanded globally. Their air fryer ovens (Smart Oven Air Fryer, about $450) are the premium choice for people who want one benchtop appliance to do everything. Breville's Element IQ technology and build quality are top-tier. Their Australian warranty and parts support are unmatched, important if something goes wrong 5 years from now. Another kitchen must-have from Breville? Check our best coffee machine guide.

Kmart Anko

The budget king. Kmart's Anko air fryers ($49 to $89) are the most-sold air fryers in Australia by volume. They're basic (no apps, no premium materials, no 10-year warranties), but they cook food surprisingly well. Think of them as the Toyota Corolla of air fryers: they do the job reliably without any frills. If you're not sure you'll use an air fryer regularly, start with a $49 Anko and upgrade later if you get hooked.

Air Fryer vs Conventional Oven: Energy Savings in Australia

With Australian electricity prices averaging 30 to 35 cents per kWh in 2026, the running cost difference between an air fryer and a conventional oven is significant:

Here is the single sum behind that table. An air fryer drawing 1,500W for 20 minutes uses 0.5 kilowatt hours, which is 17 cents at 33c per kilowatt hour. An oven drawing 2,400W for 45 minutes, preheat included, uses 1.8 kilowatt hours, which is 59 cents. That is a saving of about 42 cents a meal, or about $87 a year if you swap four oven meals a week. If you use your air fryer instead of your oven 4 times a week, you save roughly $50 to $120 per year on electricity depending on the model and your tariff. The air fryer also doesn't heat up your kitchen, a real advantage in Australian summer when running your oven at 200°C makes the whole house hot and increases air conditioning costs. (For plain reheating rather than crisping, a flatbed microwave is still the faster, cheaper tool. The two appliances do different jobs.) For more ways to reduce household energy costs, see our energy saving tips guide.

What Size Air Fryer Do I Need?

This is the most important decision and the one most people get wrong. Buy too small and you'll cook in batches. Buy too big and it dominates your bench. Here's the guide:

• 3 to 4 litres: Singles and couples. Enough for 1 to 2 portions of chips, a couple of chicken breasts, or a small batch of vegetables. Compact and fits any bench.
• 5 to 6 litres: Couples and small families (2 to 3 people). The sweet spot for most Australian households. Cook a full meal in one go.
• 7 to 8 litres: Families of 4+. Handles a whole chicken, large batch of chips, or family-sized meals without batching.
• 9 to 10+ litres (dual zone): Large families, entertainers, and meal preppers. Cook two things at different temperatures simultaneously.

One appliance or three is the other question worth settling here: an air fryer crisps, a pressure cooker braises and a slow cooker holds, and a bench that fits two of the three is usually the honest limit.

Important: CHOICE testing found that actual usable capacity is roughly 70% of the stated capacity: a "5 litre" air fryer really holds about 3.5 litres of food before airflow is restricted. Factor this in when choosing your size.

Our advice: if you're a couple, start with a 4 to 5 litre model. It gives you room to grow without being oversized. If you're setting up your entire home, see our new home checklist for a complete room-by-room guide.

Accessories Worth Buying

A few cheap accessories make air frying much easier:

• Perforated parchment liners: Stop food sticking without blocking airflow. 100 for $8 to $12. Browse liners on Amazon AU →
• Silicone basket liner: Reusable alternative. Dishwasher safe, lasts years. $10 to $15. Browse silicone liners →
• Oil spray bottle: A refillable mister for a light, even coat of oil, crispier results without the calories. $10 to $15. Browse oil sprayers →
• A meat thermometer: the only way to know chicken is cooked through in a drawer you cannot see into. $20 to $40.
• Silicone tongs: For flipping food without scratching the non-stick coating. Never use metal. $10 to $15. Browse tongs →

Total cost for a full accessory kit: about $30 to $50. Well worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best air fryer in Australia for 2026?

The best air fryer in Australia for 2026 is the Ninja FlexDrawer AF500. It offers dual zone cooking (two zones in one drawer, at different temperatures), 10.4L capacity, and a Smart Finish function that coordinates both zones. For singles or couples, the Ninja Air Fryer Pro XL AF181 is the best single basket option. For budget buyers, the Kmart Anko is surprisingly capable.

Is Ninja or Philips air fryer better?

Ninja is better for versatility and value: their dual zone models let you cook two things at once. Philips is better for cooking quality: they invented the air fryer, and their Rapid Air technology produces more even results. For most Australians, Ninja offers better value. If you want the absolute best cooking performance and don't mind paying a premium, choose Philips.

What is the best budget air fryer in Australia?

The best cheap air fryer in Australia is the Kmart Anko Digital Air Fryer (3.5L). It has a digital display, preset programs, and produces surprisingly good results. For a larger budget option, the Kmart Anko XL (5.3L) handles family sized portions. Both are excellent value for money and a great way to try air frying without a big investment.

What size air fryer do I need for a family of 4?

For a family of 4, you need at least 6 litres, ideally 8L+ or a dual zone air fryer. Our pick is the Ninja FlexDrawer AF500 (10.4L dual zone, about $350) which cooks a complete family meal in one go. For a budget family option, the Kmart Anko XL (5.3L, $69) handles a family batch of chips or 4 chicken breasts; you may need to cook in two batches for larger meals.

Are air fryers cheaper to run than ovens?

Yes. An air fryer uses 1,200 to 2,000 watts and cooks food in about half the time of a conventional oven (2,000 to 2,400 watts). At Australian electricity prices of 30 to 35 cents per kWh, a typical air fryer cook costs $0.10 to $0.15 versus $0.30 to $0.75 in the oven. Over a year of regular use (4 times per week), that's $50 to $120 saved on electricity. The air fryer also doesn't heat up your kitchen in summer. If you also want fast reheating and defrosting, see our best combination microwave oven in Australia guide.

What is the best small air fryer for an apartment?

The best small air fryer for an apartment in Australia is the Philips Essential Air Fryer (4.1L, about $185 to $210). It's compact enough for any kitchen bench, the Rapid Air technology cooks evenly, and the basket is dishwasher safe. For an even smaller and cheaper option, the COSORI Lite (3.8L, about $100) offers a digital display and app connectivity in a compact package.

What can you cook in an air fryer?

Far more than you'd think. Beyond chips and chicken, you can cook roast vegetables, salmon fillets, steak, pork chops, tofu, spring rolls, arancini, meatballs, corn on the cob, and even baked goods like muffins and small cakes. Many air fryers also have a dehydrate function for making jerky or dried fruit, though it is one shelf at a time; a dedicated food dehydrator dries the same amount in a single run. The only things that don't work well are wet batters (they drip through the basket), very large items, and anything that needs liquid (soups, stews).

Can you put foil in an air fryer?

Yes, with two conditions. Never lay foil across the base plate, because it blocks the airflow that does the cooking and can trip the overheat cut-out. And never use it under an acidic marinade, because tomato and citrus react with aluminium. Use a small piece under the food only, weighed down by the food itself, and keep it well clear of the element above. For most jobs a perforated liner does the same job better.

Can you put baking paper in an air fryer?

Only with food on top of it. A loose sheet lifts in the fan and can touch the element, which is a real fire risk, so it has to be weighed down from the moment the drawer goes in. Never preheat with an empty sheet inside. Buy the perforated air fryer liners rather than cutting your own, because the holes keep the air moving, and keep the paper well short of the drawer walls.

How do you clean an air fryer?

Unplug it and let it cool, then wash the drawer and the crisper plate in warm soapy water. On most models, including the Philips Essential and the Ninja drawers, both parts are dishwasher safe. For baked-on grease, soak the plate for 10 minutes rather than scrubbing, because a scourer takes the non-stick coating off and that is the failure that ends most air fryers. Wipe the element with a damp cloth once a month and never put the main body in water.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers?

Three reasons come up again and again. Bench space, because a 10.4L dual zone unit is the size of a small microwave and never goes back in the cupboard. Usable capacity, because CHOICE testing found real capacity is about 70 percent of the number on the box, so a 5L model holds about 3.5L of food. And coating wear, because metal tongs and scourers strip the non-stick within a year or two. None of those is a fault of the format, they are buying and handling mistakes.

Which air fryers should you avoid?

Avoid anything with no named brand and no Australian warranty contact, because the part that fails on a cheap unit is the thermostat and there is nobody to claim from. Avoid a drawer under 3.5L unless you cook for one, since usable volume is about 70 percent of the rating. Avoid a fixed, non-removable crisper plate, which is the hardest kind to clean. And be sceptical of a capacity that looks large for the footprint, because that number describes the drawer, not the food.