[Leon Della Bosca]

Air fryers are one of the biggest kitchen crazes of recent years, but are they all they’re cracked up to be or just a lot of ‘hot air’? 

Experts analysed some of Australia’s best selling air fryers to discover the worst-performing.

CHOICE’s team of kitchen appliance experts have dubbed the popular Kmart Anko Twin Air Fryer the worst performer, with its low price tag matched by low performance in kitchen tests.

“Many people are surprised to hear that the Kmart Anko Twin Air Fryer was the worst performer of the popular models we tested, receiving an overall score of only 58%,” says CHOICE Kitchen Expert, Fiona Mair. 

“It is a reminder that people should do their research before buying. Despite a few positives, the Kmart Twin Air Fryer left our testers feeling as soggy as a plate of undercooked frozen french fries.” 

You should be aware of the pros and cons before purchasing an air fryer as it might not be the right appliance for everyone, she adds.

“The reasons so many people have fallen in love with their air fryers usually come back to speed and convenience. They cook small quantities of food faster than a traditional oven and are great for frozen food and reheating. Most people also love the fact food comes out crispy.

“The biggest downsides are the amount of bench space an air fryer takes up and the limited amount of food you can cook at one time. Newer models have two separate cooking baskets, which helps with one side of this but increases the bench space required even more.”

 

 

 

“The other big misconception about air fryers is that they actually fry food. The name is a little misleading as they are really just a small and powerful fan-forced oven on your benchtop.”

Do you have an air fryer? How would you rate it?

[HOLA]

 

I love my Air Fryer. It is so much more quicker than my gas oven which takes so long to heat up. Fish cooks very quickly and it does baked potatoes and pumpkin better than the oven. I only just brush the veges with a little Olive Oil. It’s great when friends pop in , I just keep some finger type food in the freezer and put it into a hot air fryer and I can have a plate full of hot offerings in a matter of minutes, and not much washing up as it’s all in one container. Mine is a Phillips and I rate it 9/10.

 

[Kaz63]

I don’t have much bench space but wouldn’t be without my Air Fryer.  I make space for it.  I use it for most things, including steak and pork chops.  They come out brilliantly.   Particularly for someone who lives by them self, it saves having to use a big oven for only a small amount of food.  I was reluctant to get one (it was a present) but love it.

[Pacahawi]

I have an ALDI Lumina glass bowl convection oven that I think is the original ‘air fryer’.

Bought for about $15 a decade ago, I have used it almost daily since, and love it!

https://offers.kd2.org/en/au/aldi/pNTK/

[RnR]

Might have to get one … they sound good.

[Sophie]

I’ve never owned one, but watched friends soldier on with theirs. I have no desire to buy one, quite happy with my mini oven which I use every day.

[Ronald Edwards]

My air Fryer is  a Ninja Foodi Air Fryer was $100 off when I bought it so cost $250 use it all the time. Twin draws, 6 different settings The roast setting perfect for Boneless Chicken and pork. I never use my oven only for baking. each draw has its own temp and timer. Cooks Fish and Chips separately and finish the same time. The 2 draw Models are well worth the extra cost. always sits on my kitchen bench looks great.

[Lyndyloo]

I love my AF use everyday, do not use oven apart from keeping warm. Fabulous for anything. Mine was $89 Maxxon

[Suze]

I have a combination microwave which not only defrosts and microwaves your food, but also grills and bakes like  a conventional oven.  It is  very convenient, effective and fast, especially for high-temperature cooking such as roasts, pastries and pizza. 

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