ARTICLE
Best air fryers in Australia
Published Mar 13, 2026 • Updated Nov 13, 2026 - 4 min read
The right air fryer comes down to how many people you cook for and how you like to cook. Single basket models suit quick meals for one or two, dual basket models let you cook two foods at once, and air fryer ovens add extra functions for bigger households. This guide matches each type to the household it suits.
Key takeaways from this article
Choose a single basket air fryer for quick snacks and meals for one or two people.
Go dual basket if you want to cook a main and a side at the same time.
Large-capacity and double stack models handle family-sized batches in one go.
Air fryer ovens add functions like baking and toasting, but take up more bench space.
Air fryers use far less oil than deep-frying for crispy results.
Thinking about adding an air fryer to your kitchen but not sure where to start? The right choice comes down to three things: how many people you cook for, how much bench space you have and what you want to cook. This guide walks through single basket, dual basket, large-capacity and air fryer oven models, so you can shop the range with confidence.
Our top picks for the best air fryers in Australia
Here is how to match an air fryer to your household at a glance:
Best for families: a dual basket or double stack air fryer with 9 litres or more cooks a main and sides together, so dinner is ready at the same time.
Best for first-time buyers: an entry-level single basket air fryer keeps upfront costs down and is simple to use, a smart place to start if you are new to air frying.
Best for singles and couples: a single basket model in the 4 to 7 litre range handles snacks and meals for one or two without taking over the bench.
Best for versatility: an air fryer oven adds baking, toasting and multi-rack cooking, so it can stand in for a benchtop oven in smaller homes.
Best for big batches: a large-capacity or flexible drawer air fryer fits family-sized batches of chips, wings or vegetables in one go, and many models fit a whole chicken.
Keep reading for a closer look at each type.
Single basket vs dual basket vs air fryer oven: which is right for you?
Single basket air fryers are the simplest and most affordable, dual basket models cook two foods at once, and air fryer ovens offer the most functions. Neither type is better across the board. It depends on how many people you cook for and what you want to make.
Single basket models are compact and quick to clean, but cooking a main and a side means doing it in two rounds. Dual basket and double stack models solve that with two separate drawers, each with its own temperature and timer. Air fryer ovens use a door and shelves instead of drawers, so you can cook on more than one level and use extra functions like baking and toasting, plus dehydrating on some models.
Bench space, capacity and cleaning are worth checking too. Dual basket models are wide, double stack models are taller but narrower, and air fryer ovens need the most room on the bench.
Best single basket air fryers in Australia
Single basket air fryers are the pick for singles, couples and anyone new to air frying. Add your food, set the time and temperature, and give the basket a shake halfway through for even crispness. Browse the full air fryer range and look for a capacity that matches your household, along with a non-stick basket that is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.
Many single basket models now include preset programs for chips, chicken and vegetables, and some add a viewing window so you can check on food without opening the drawer. Larger single basket models of 7 litres or more can also handle meals for a small family.
Best dual basket air fryers for cooking two foods at once
Dual basket air fryers are the pick for families and anyone who wants a full meal from one appliance. Two separate drawers, each with its own temperature and timer, let you cook chicken in one and vegetables in the other. Many models can also sync both baskets to finish at the same time, so everything is ready together.
Because each basket is smaller than a single large drawer, check the capacity of each one as well as the total. If y
ou often cook large items, look for a model that lets you use the full capacity in one go.
Best large-capacity air fryers for big families
Large-capacity air fryers are the pick for big households and anyone who cooks in batches. Double stack models place two drawers on top of each other, so you get the cooking space of a dual basket air fryer in a narrower footprint. Flexible drawer models use one large drawer with a removable divider, so you can cook two foods side by side or remove the divider for larger items.
If you regularly cook for five or more people, a large-capacity model saves running back-to-back batches, which means less waiting and less time standing at the bench.
Best air fryer ovens for versatile cooking
Air fryer ovens are the pick for households that want one appliance to do more. They combine air frying with functions like baking and toasting, and their shelves let you cook on more than one level at once. In apartments and smaller homes, an air fryer oven can take on many of the jobs of a full-size oven.
The trade-off is size. Air fryer ovens need more bench space than drawer-style models, so measure your bench and allow room around the vents before you buy.
Want to compare more benchtop options? Browse our benchtop and convection ovens.
What size air fryer do you need?
The right air fryer size depends on how many people you cook for. As a general guide:
Household | Suggested capacity | Best type |
|---|---|---|
1 to 2 people | 4 to 6 litres | Single basket |
3 to 4 people | 6 to 8 litres | Large single basket or dual basket |
5 or more people | 9 litres or more | Dual basket, double stack or flexible drawer |
Food crisps best in a single layer with room for hot air to move around it, so if in doubt, size up rather than down.
Do you need air fryer liners?
You do not need liners, but they can make cleaning easier, especially for sticky or saucy foods. Reusable silicone
liners and disposable paper liners are both available. Whichever you use, a few rules keep them working safely:
Never put a paper liner in an empty air fryer during preheating, as it can lift into the heating element.
Always weigh a liner down with food.
Choose a liner that fits the basket without blocking airflow, or food will not crisp evenly.
Check your air fryer's manual, as some manufacturers have their own advice on liners.
Want to go deeper on capacity, cooking functions and features? Check out our Air Fryer Buying Guide, or read everything you need to know about air fryers.
Find the best air fryer for you at The Good Guys
Whether you are buying your first air fryer or upgrading to cook for the whole family, the right model comes down to how many people you cook for and how much bench space you have. Browse the full air fryer range or check out the latest kitchen appliance deals.
FAQs
A 4 to 6 litre air fryer suits one to two people, 6 to 8 litres suits three to four, and 9 litres or more suits families of five or more. Larger families often find a dual basket or double stack model easiest, since you can cook a main and sides at the same time.
The best brand depends on the features you want rather than the name on the front. Ninja, Philips, Tefal, Sunbeam, Breville and Hisense all make popular models, with options across single basket, dual basket, double stack and air fryer oven styles. Compare capacity, cooking functions and ease of cleaning to find the right fit.
Air fryers use far less oil than deep-frying, so food absorbs less fat while still getting a crispy finish. Compared with a fan-forced oven, the results are similar, since an air fryer works in much the same way by circulating hot air. The main advantages over an oven are speed and heating a much smaller space.
A single basket air fryer is the most affordable place to start, with many models under $200. Look for a capacity that suits your household, a dishwasher-safe basket and a few useful presets.
A dual basket air fryer is worth it if you regularly cook more than one food at a time, such as a main and a side. Each basket has its own temperature and timer, and many models can sync both baskets to finish together. If you mostly cook snacks or meals for one or two, a single basket model is simpler and takes up less space.
Pat food dry, toss it in a light coating of oil and cook it in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. Shake or turn halfway through so it crisps evenly, and follow the cooking guide in your air fryer's manual. Always cook chicken until it reaches 75°C in the thickest part.
Air fryers draw a similar amount of power to an oven element, but they heat a much smaller space and usually cook faster, so they often use less energy for small meals. To estimate the running cost, multiply your air fryer's wattage (in kilowatts) by the cooking time (in hours) and your electricity rate per kilowatt hour.
