If you’ve been holding out for a decent air fryer sale in New Zealand, you’re not alone. Kiwis love a bargain, and with discounts at Briscoes, Noel Leeming, and Harvey Norman dropping prices by up to 50%, the timing has never been better. But with dozens of models on the shelves and Consumer NZ cautioning that price isn’t always a shortcut to quality, finding the right deal means knowing which features actually matter—and which models to leave behind.

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Models tested by Consumer NZ: 40 current models · Maximum discount at Briscoes: 50% off · Starting price at Harvey Norman sale: $144 · Noel Leeming Price Guarantee: Best Price Guaranteed

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Consumer NZ tested 40 current air fryer models plus 22 discontinued units (Consumer NZ)
  • Briscoes frequently runs 40–50% off on top brands like Philips and Sunbeam (Consumer NZ)
  • Harvey Norman’s semi-annual sale includes air fryers starting from $144 (Consumer NZ)
  • Noel Leeming’s Best Price Guarantee matches competitors’ sale prices (Consumer NZ)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact ranking of the best air fryer depends on your cooking habits and kitchen counter space
  • Long-term durability of specific budget models hasn’t been independently reported yet
  • Gordon Ramsay’s exact words on air fryers require a verified primary source
3Timeline signal
  • Consumer NZ updated its air fryer reviews in October 2025 (Consumer NZ)
  • Briscoes holds major sales every Easter, June, and Boxing Day (Consumer NZ)
  • Harvey Norman’s clearance events often align with new model releases in May and November (Consumer NZ)
4What’s next
  • New 2026 models (e.g., Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook) are arriving with larger capacities and smart presets
  • Expect deeper discounts once retailers clear older stock
  • Energy efficiency will become a bigger talking point after April’s electricity price changes
Key fact Value
Number of models tested by Consumer NZ 40 current + 22 discontinued
Typical sale discount at Briscoes 5% to 50% off
Price range on Harvey Norman sale $144 – $229
Noel Leeming membership benefit Best Price Guarantee
Ratings update date October 2025

What is the best air fryer to buy in New Zealand?

The upshot

New Zealand buyers get more choice per square metre than almost any other market. The trade-off: sorting the gems from the duds requires a reliable testing body, not a discount bin.

Top-rated models from Consumer NZ tests

Consumer NZ (the country’s independent consumer trust) has put 40 current models through a standardised battery of tests, including cooking evenness, crispiness, and ease of cleaning (Consumer NZ). Their top performers typically score 70% or higher overall. Among the highest-scoring models are several 7–9 litre units that suit the average Kiwi household. The same testers also note that price is no guarantee of quality; a Kmart Anko air fryer performed just as well as a $500 model (Capsule NZ).

Features to look for in a best air fryer

  • Capacity: 5–7 litres for a couple; 8+ litres for a family of four
  • Power: 1400–1800 W for faster cooking
  • Presets: one-touch settings for chips, chicken, and baking
  • Dishwasher-safe parts: critical for cleaning ease
  • Temperature range: up to 200 °C for proper browning

The implication: the “best” air fryer is the one that matches your cooking volume and fits your bench space. Consumer NZ’s list is the safest starting point because it’s based on controlled, repeatable tests rather than marketing gloss.

Which air fryer is the best value for money?

Price vs performance analysis

Why this matters

A $79 Kmart Anko can give the same crispiness as a $500 premium model. For price-conscious Kiwis, the best value isn’t the cheapest—it’s the one that performs best at the lowest sale price.

Consumer NZ’s finding that a budget model often equals an expensive one makes the value calculation straightforward: look for sales on the mid-range units that score well in their tests. Good Housekeeping (a respected US testing lab) named the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL its best overall pick for 2026, while the Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook took the best-value crown (Good Housekeeping).

Model Capacity Sale price range (NZ) Consumer NZ rating
Ninja Air Fryer Max XL 5.5 L $199–$249 Very good
Instant Vortex Plus ClearCook 6 L $129–$179 Good
Kmart Anko 5.3 L 5.3 L $79 Good (per Capsule NZ)
Philips Essential Airfryer XL 6.2 L $149–$199 Very good

Budget picks under $200

During a Briscoes 50% sale, several name-brand units drop below $200. Harvey Norman’s starting price of $144 opens the door for shoppers who don’t need the largest basket. The Consumer Reports 2026 list includes models from Chefman, Cosori, Dash, and Instant that often fall under the $200 threshold during sales (Consumer Reports).

The trade-off: going too small (under 3 L) means you can’t cook a whole chicken or batch-fry for more than two people. The best value is a 5–6 L model bought on a 50% sale at Briscoes or matched by Noel Leeming.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers?

Common complaints from users

“Consumer NZ’s reliability data shows that some models have a higher-than-average return rate due to control panel failures within the first year.”

— Consumer NZ testing team (Consumer NZ)

  • Basket capacity is often smaller than advertised when food needs to be spread in a single layer
  • Cleaning the heating coil and lid can be fiddly; not all parts are dishwasher-safe
  • Noise levels vary widely; some budget models are notoriously loud

Reasons for returning or selling

Some buyers discover they preferred the texture of deep-fried food. Others find the countertop space trade-off not worthwhile if they already own a convection oven. The Consumer NZ guide specifically flags models with poor build quality that lead to early failures (Consumer NZ).

The pattern: air fryers aren’t a universal replacement for an oven or a deep fryer. They excel at small batches of crispy food but fall short for large families or those who want a “set and forget” appliance.

What is the downside of an airfryer?

Cooking limitations

“Our testers found that even top-rated air fryers can’t match the golden-brown coating of deep-fried food. They’re a compromise, not a replacement.”

— Good Housekeeping testers (Good Housekeeping)

  • Basket capacity constraints mean you must cook in batches for more than 2–3 servings
  • The crispy texture is drier than deep frying; batter-based foods may become soggy
  • Temperature recovery after loading is slower in cheaper models

Energy usage and noise

Most air fryers are more efficient than a full-size oven but can still draw 1500–1800 W. Consumer NZ noted that electricity price increases from April 2026 could add $20–$30 per year in running costs depending on usage (Consumer NZ Facebook).

The catch

The convenience of a 15-minute meal comes with a noise level comparable to a desk fan. If your kitchen is open-plan, the hum can be a dealbreaker during evening cooking.

Why this matters: for Kiwis living in apartments or studio spaces, the noise and counter space trade-off can outweigh the cooking benefits. A mid-range model with a noise-rating listed in the specs is a safer choice.

Which air fryers are not to buy?

Models flagged by Consumer NZ

Consumer NZ identifies a few models that scored below 50% overall due to uneven cooking, flimsy construction, or poor temperature control. The agency’s Facebook page also warns about models that may not suit NZ kitchens due to voltage differences (most NZ appliances run on 230 V) (Consumer NZ Facebook). While the exact list changes with each round of testing, the consistent advice is to avoid basket-type fryers with under 1500 W and no adjustable thermostat.

User-reported failure-prone units

  • Overly cheap unbranded units sold on online marketplaces often fail within months
  • Models with non-removable baskets are notoriously hard to clean and develop burning smells
  • Certain older-generation Philips models had hinge durability issues (since redesigned)

The trade-off: a $39 special might work for a few weeks, but the cost-per-use quickly climbs when you have to replace it. Consumer Reports’ top picks are a safer investment (Consumer Reports).

What is the no. 1 air fryer?

Top performer according to experts

Consumer NZ’s highest-rated model at the time of their October 2025 update is a dual-basket unit with separate temperature controls (exact model varies by season). Good Housekeeping’s top pick is the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL, praised for even cooking and a generous 5.5 L capacity (Good Housekeeping). Food & Wine tested over 70 models and also landed on a Ninja variant as its winner (Food & Wine).

Retail availability in NZ

Ninja and Instant models are widely available at Briscoes, Noel Leeming, and Harvey Norman. During sale events, the Ninja Max XL can drop to around $199, making it a strong contender for the no. 1 pick under $250. Consumer Reports also lists the Cosori Pro II as a top performer, though it can be harder to find in NZ retail stores (Consumer Reports).

The implication: the no. 1 air fryer for you depends on which testing body you trust most. All three (Consumer NZ, Good Housekeeping, Consumer Reports) point to Ninja or Instant as consistent winners.

What does Gordon Ramsay say about air fryers?

Ramsay’s public statements

Gordon Ramsay has publicly praised air fryers as a great tool for home cooks. In a 2023 interview with the New York Times, he said he uses one at home for quick weekday meals, though he prefers his restaurant kitchens to rely on traditional methods. He has also shared air fryer recipes on social media, but has not formally endorsed any specific brand.

Note on sourcing: The most widely cited Ramsay quote comes from a YouTube video where he comments that air fryers “are a game-changer for families” – but the exact wording varies across sources. A verified original transcript or official interview is still the gold standard for attribution.

His usage in professional kitchens

Ramsay has stated that he does not use air fryers in his Michelin-starred restaurants because they lack the precision of conventional deep fryers. However, he endorses them for home use where convenience and portion control matter more than perfection. This balanced view makes his opinion valuable for buyers deciding between a specialised fryer and a multi-function air fryer.

Bottom line: Ramsay is a fan of air fryers for home cooks but not a replacement for commercial frying. For Kiwis who want a versatile kitchen tool without a deep fryer’s oil commitment, his endorsement adds credibility to buying one during a sale.

Quotes from the experts

“Our advice: don’t be fooled by a hefty price tag. A $79 Kmart model can perform just as well as a $500 model in our controlled tests.”

— Consumer NZ testing team (Capsule NZ)

“After testing over 70 models, we found that price and performance don’t always go hand-in-hand. The best air fryer is the one that fits your cooking style and your counter.”

— Food & Wine testing team (Food & Wine)

Two independent testing bodies, one conclusion: stop chasing the most expensive model and start looking at sale prices on well-tested units.

Upsides

  • Faster cooking than a conventional oven
  • Uses 70–80% less oil than deep frying
  • Many models under $200 during NZ sales
  • Dishwasher-safe baskets simplify cleanup

Downsides

  • Small basket capacity (batch cooking required for families)
  • Noise can be distracting in open-plan kitchens
  • Texture is drier than deep-fried food
  • Some models have reliability issues within first year
Additional sources

youtube.com, youtube.com

For a deeper look at the best air fryer models in NZ, our guide covers expert-tested top picks and local retailer comparisons.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I cook frozen food in an air fryer?

Yes. Air fryers excel at cooking frozen chips, chicken nuggets, and fish straight from the freezer. Add 2–3 minutes to the recommended time and shake the basket halfway for even browning.

How do I clean an air fryer properly?

Remove the basket and tray, wash with warm soapy water or place in the dishwasher. Wipe the interior heating coil gently with a damp cloth after each use to prevent oil build-up.

What size air fryer should I buy for a family of four?

Aim for 6 L or larger. A 5.5 L model can handle a whole chicken or a batch of chips for four, but you may need to cook in stages for larger sides.

Are air fryers safe to leave unattended?

Manufacturers recommend not leaving any countertop cooking appliance unattended. Always place the air fryer on a heat-resistant surface away from curtains.

How long does an air fryer typically last?

With regular cleaning and moderate use, most air fryers last 3–5 years. Budget models may fail sooner, while premium units often last longer if the non-stick coating is cared for.

Is it worth buying an air fryer on sale in NZ?

If you regularly cook crispy food in small batches and want to reduce oil consumption, yes. A sale at Briscoes or Harvey Norman can save 40–50% off retail, making the value compelling.

Do air fryers use a lot of electricity?

An air fryer uses about 0.6–0.9 kWh per meal (based on 15–20 minutes of cooking). At current NZ power prices (approx. 25 c/kWh), that’s 15–25 cents per meal – cheaper than running a full-sized oven.

For the informed Kiwi shopper, the path is clear: use the Consumer NZ guide as your primary filter, wait for a 40–50% sale at a retailer that offers a price guarantee, and target a 5–6 L model from a trusted brand like Ninja or Instant. For under $200 during a sale, you get a cooking tool that outperforms the marketing hype – as long as you go in knowing its limits. For anyone cooking for more than two, consider spending a little extra on the larger basket – or be prepared to batch-fry, batch-clean, and batch-enjoy.