If you’ve been eyeing an air fryer but aren’t sure which one actually earns its bench space, you’re not alone. New Zealand buyers have more choices than ever, with local retailers, independent testers, and everyday users all weighing in. The good news: Consumer NZ’s latest review () covers 40 current models, making it the most comprehensive NZ-specific benchmark available right now.

4 related posts

Tested Models: 4 Anko air fryers by Consumer NZ · Noel Leeming Picks: Breville, Russell Hobbs, Ninja Foodi, Philips · Reddit Favorite: Ninja Dual Zone at $250 Briscoes · Consumer NZ Note: Anko excellent cooking job

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Ninja ranked 1st most trusted brand in 2025 with a net trust score of 117.2 (LifeStory Research)
  • Consumer NZ reviewed 40 current air fryer models updated October 2025 (Consumer NZ)
  • NutriBullet rated No.1 for customer satisfaction in NZ per Canstar (Canstar)
2What’s unclear
  • No single universal #1 rated model across all sources
  • Exact price points for top models in NZD vary by retailer and sale cycles
  • Direct head-to-head testing between NutriBullet and Ninja in NZ context
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
Factor Data Point
Consumer NZ Tests 4 Anko air fryers
Noel Leeming Models Breville, Ninja, Philips, Russell Hobbs
Reddit Favorite Ninja Dual Zone $250
Braun Features 3-in-1, 20 programs, dishwasher safe
Russell Hobbs Capacity 5.7L
Consumer NZ Price Threshold $150 for budget picks
Ninja Trust Score 117.2 (2025)
Consumer Reports Models Tested 80+ (2026)

What are the best air fryers to buy in NZ?

For New Zealand buyers, the question isn’t just about global rankings—it’s about what’s actually available, tested, and priced for local kitchens. Consumer NZ’s independent testing covers 40 current models updated , giving NZ-specific performance data that global reviews can’t match.

Noel Leeming Recommendations

Noel Leeming (NZ retailer with appliance expertise) highlights four models as their top picks for 2025:

  • Breville the Air Fryer Chef – Listed as the top premium pick for NZ consumers
  • Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer – Praised for innovative dual cooking compartments
  • Philips Airfryer XXL – Recommended for larger capacity needs
  • Russell Hobbs 5.7L Brooklyn Airfryer – Family capacity with compact footprint

Consumer NZ Cheap Picks

Consumer NZ (NZ’s leading independent consumer advocate) identifies budget-friendly options under $150, with some models scoring “very high” for performance. However, their testing also flagged that cheap air fryers under $150 can perform poorly—buyers should check specific model scores rather than assuming all budget options deliver.

NZ Woman’s Weekly Favorites

The Braun MultiFry 5 Air Fryer 3-in-1 earns praise for its versatility, featuring 20 automatic cooking programmes and dishwasher-safe parts.

The upshot

For NZ buyers, local testing trumps global rankings. Consumer NZ’s 40-model coverage means you can find performance data specific to the models actually sold here, rather than relying on US or UK reviews.

What air fryer brand is best?

Brand strength in air fryers isn’t one-dimensional—trust, performance, and customer satisfaction don’t always align.

Ninja in NZ

  • Ranked 1st most trusted air fryer brand for the second consecutive year in 2025, with a net trust quotient score of 117.2 (LifeStory Research)
  • Consumer Reports (US independent tester) consistently ranks Ninja models top for temperature accuracy and cooking performance (YouTube Air Fryer Brands RANKED)
  • Noel Leeming lists Ninja Foodi Dual Zone among best NZ picks for 2025 (Noel Leeming)
  • MoneyHub NZ (NZ personal finance guide) recommends Ninja Foodi as one of the most innovative air fryers available in New Zealand

Philips Popularity

  • Philips Airfryer XXL recommended for larger capacity needs by Noel Leeming (NZ retailer)
  • Strong global presence with established NZ distribution

Breville Features

  • Breville the Air Fryer Chef listed as top pick by Noel Leeming for NZ market
  • Premium positioning with advanced cooking functions
Why this matters

Ninja dominates trust rankings, but NutriBullet leads NZ customer satisfaction per Canstar. If you’re making a purchase decision, consider whether you value brand reliability (Ninja) or owner happiness (NutriBullet) more.

What is the #1 rated air fryer?

There’s no single #1 across all sources—ratings vary by testing methodology and market focus.

Global vs NZ Ratings

  • Ninja DoubleStack XL Smart 2-Basket named Best Overall/Family Pick for 2026 in YouTube rankings
  • Consumer Reports 2026 tests over 80 air fryer models—Ninja frequently tops temperature accuracy metrics
  • Consumer NZ prioritizes size, budget, and performance for NZ consumers

Food Network Top

Food Network’s 2026 list includes 9 best air fryers, with emphasis on cooking versatility and ease of use for home cooks.

RTINGS.com Pick

RTINGS.com’s 2026 review identifies 6 best air fryers based on lab testing, with detailed performance breakdowns across multiple cooking tasks.

What to watch

Global rankings often test models not sold in NZ. Cross-reference with Consumer NZ’s local availability data before purchasing based on overseas test results.

What are the top five rated air fryers?

The answer depends on which rating system you trust most.

NZ Retailer Top 5

Based on Noel Leeming’s 2025 recommendations, the retailer-focused top picks include:

  1. Breville the Air Fryer Chef
  2. Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Air Fryer
  3. Philips Airfryer XXL
  4. Russell Hobbs 5.7L Brooklyn Airfryer
  5. Braun MultiFry 5 Air Fryer 3-in-1

Expert Vetted Lists

  • Braun MultiFry 5 features 20 automatic cooking programmes and dishwasher-safe components
  • Ninja leads in dual-zone innovation with separate cooking compartments
  • Russell Hobbs emphasizes family-sized capacity at reasonable price points

Why are people getting rid of their air fryers?

Not every air fryer purchase sticks. Understanding common complaints helps buyers avoid the wrong choice.

Common Complaints

  • Size disappointment – Counter space concerns; some buyers expected larger capacity
  • Learning curve – Temperature and timing adjustments differ from conventional ovens
  • Cleaning effort – While faster than deep frying, cleanup varies by model design
  • Overhyped expectations – Results depend heavily on food type and proper preheating

Cheaper Alternatives

Some users report ditching air fryers after discovering conventional oven grilling or stovetop methods achieve similar results without additional appliances.

The catch

Consumer NZ warns that some air fryers under $150 perform poorly in independent tests. The upfront savings can mean disappointing cooking results and ultimately wanting a replacement.

Air Fryer Comparison: NZ Top Picks

Five models, three different positions in the market—here’s how they stack up on the features that matter to NZ buyers.

Model Capacity Key Feature NZ Availability Best For
Ninja Foodi Dual Zone Dual zones 2 independent baskets Noel Leeming, Briscoes Multi-course meals
Breville Air Fryer Chef Standard Premium cooking functions Noel Leeming Quality-focused buyers
Philips Airfryer XXL Large XXL capacity Noel Leeming Larger families
Russell Hobbs Brooklyn 5.7L Family size, compact Noel Leeming Value-conscious families
Braun MultiFry 5 Standard 3-in-1, 20 programs Major retailers Versatility seekers
The trade-off

Dual-zone models like Ninja command premium prices but eliminate the need to cook courses sequentially. For singles or couples, a single-basket model at lower cost often makes more sense.

Key Specifications: What to Look For

Six specifications matter most when choosing an air fryer for NZ kitchens.

Specification Recommendation Why It Matters
Capacity 4-6L for couples, 5.7L+ for families Prevents overcrowding; overcrowding = soggy results
Wattage 1500W+ for rapid cooking Higher wattage = faster preheat and crisping
Temperature Range 40°C – 200°C minimum Enables dehydration to high-heat searing
Basket Design Non-stick, dishwasher safe Easy cleaning extends product lifespan
Dual Zone Yes if cooking multi-dish meals Cook two items at different temperatures simultaneously
Pre-set Programs 10-20 automatic options Reduces guesswork for common foods
NZ Voltage 230V compatible Essential for safe operation in NZ

Buyers who prioritize capacity over advanced features should start with wattage and basket design—these two specs predict daily-use satisfaction more reliably than programme count.

Upsides and Downsides

Upsides

  • Up to 80% less oil than traditional frying while maintaining crispiness
  • Air fryers function as small fan-forced ovens, versatile beyond frying
  • Consumer NZ reports they cook food evenly when used correctly
  • Faster preheat time than conventional ovens for quick meals
  • Family-sized models like Russell Hobbs 5.7L accommodate NZ household needs
  • Dual-zone technology lets you cook mains and sides simultaneously

Downsides

  • Consumer NZ warns some cheap models under $150 perform poorly
  • Counter space required—measure your kitchen before buying
  • Baskets can be awkward to clean despite dishwasher-safe claims
  • Results vary significantly by food type—not all foods air fry well
  • Limited capacity means batch cooking for large families takes longer
  • Learning curve on temperature adjustments vs conventional ovens

What the Experts Say

The big appeal of an air fryer is you can get the crispiness of frying with a lot less oil – they are more like a small fan-forced oven.

— Consumer NZ (Consumer Advocate)

Ninja has been named the most trusted air fryer brand for the second year running with a net trust quotient score of 117.2.

— LifeStory Research (2025 Trust Study)

The dual zone Food Ninja one goes on sale at Briscoes for $250 every now and then.

— Reddit User (NZ Kitchen Community)

Summary

For NZ buyers in 2025, the air fryer landscape breaks down into clear tiers: Ninja dominates trust and performance rankings, NutriBullet leads customer satisfaction, and Consumer NZ provides the independent testing data that ties these claims to actual NZ-available models. The key insight isn’t finding a single “best” model—it’s matching your household size, cooking habits, and budget to the right tier. Consumer NZ’s 40-model coverage means you can drill into specific performance data rather than relying on overseas reviews of unavailable products.

Bottom line: Ninja is the brand most trusted by testing organizations and featured prominently by NZ retailers, but NutriBullet wins where it matters most—actual owner happiness. For budget buyers, Consumer NZ’s sub-$150 warnings are essential reading before purchase. Family-size buyers should prioritize 5.7L+ capacities like the Russell Hobbs Brooklyn, while those cooking multi-course meals will benefit most from dual-zone designs despite the premium price.

Related reading: Best OPPO Phone NZ 2025: Top Picks, Prices & Reviews · Outdoor Table and Chairs NZ – Best Picks and Deals

Additional sources

nzherald.co.nz, moneyhub.co.nz, consumer.org.nz, consumer.org.nz

NZ recommendations often mirror UKs expert-tested 2025 picks, where rigorous tests spotlight similar standout performers like Ninja and Philips models.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Ninja the best air fryer brand in NZ?

Ninja ranks highest in trust studies (score 117.2 in 2025) and consistently tops performance tests from Consumer Reports. For NZ buyers specifically, Ninja Foodi models appear across Noel Leeming’s top picks and MoneyHub NZ recommendations. However, NutriBullet leads in actual customer satisfaction per Canstar NZ—so “best” depends on whether you prioritize brand reliability or owner experience.

What are Briscoes air fryer options?

Briscoes Group stocks air fryers including Ninja models, with the Ninja Foodi Dual Zone appearing in Reddit discussions at approximately $250 during sales. Briscoes runs regular promotions, making timing a factor for price-conscious NZ buyers.

Are Philips air fryers available in NZ?

Yes, Philips Airfryer XXL is available through Noel Leeming and other major NZ retailers. It’s recommended for larger capacity needs and has strong global brand recognition with established NZ distribution and support.

What makes dual zone air fryers better?

Dual zone air fryers like the Ninja Foodi have two separate cooking compartments, allowing you to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously. This eliminates the need to cook components sequentially—main course and side dish finish at the same time. The trade-off is higher price and larger counter footprint.

How do air fryers compare to ovens?

Consumer NZ describes air fryers as “more like a small fan-forced oven.” They preheat faster and use less energy than conventional ovens for small batches. For family-sized meals in NZ ovens, a conventional oven may still be more practical, but air fryers excel for quick weeknight cooking and achieving crispiness without deep frying.

What capacity air fryer for families in NZ?

Consumer NZ and Noel Leeming both emphasize family-sized models. The Russell Hobbs Brooklyn at 5.7L is specifically praised for family capacity while maintaining a compact footprint. For larger families or those cooking full meals, 5.7L or larger is recommended to prevent overcrowding, which leads to uneven cooking.

Are air fryers worth it for NZ kitchens?

For most NZ households, an air fryer is worth the investment if you cook regularly and value faster weeknight meals with less oil. Consumer NZ confirms they deliver on crispiness with significantly less oil. The key is choosing a model that matches your household size—Consumer NZ warns against cheap models under $150 that perform poorly in testing.