You can cook an impressive variety of foods in an air fryer, making it one of the most versatile and efficient appliances in any New Zealand kitchen. From quick snacks to full meals and even desserts, air fryers go far beyond just chips. Popular favourites include hot chips, kumara fries, chicken nuggets, hash browns, and spring rolls—all cooked to crispy perfection with very little oil. They're also fantastic for roasting vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, carrots, and even corn on the cob. Simply toss your veg in a little oil and seasoning, and the air fryer will deliver a beautifully caramelised finish in minutes.

When it comes to proteins, air fryers handle everything from chicken wings, lamb chops, pork belly, and beef patties to plant-based options like tofu or tempeh. Fish fillets and prawns also cook beautifully—moist inside, crisp on the outside. Breakfasts are just as easy: you can cook bacon, eggs, mushrooms, toasties, or even heat frozen waffles right in the basket. If you're craving something sweet, air fryers can bake banana fritters, cookies, muffins, or even doughnuts, depending on the model. Some units even include a dedicated bake function.

Air fryers are also brilliant for reheating leftovers. Foods like pizza, roasted veg, and fried chicken come back to life far better than they do in a microwave—no more soggy reheats. Just remember to avoid using wet batters unless you’re using accessories or a coating like breadcrumbs, and don’t overcrowd the basket so air can circulate properly. A light spray of oil helps achieve an even golden finish. Whether you're making a quick solo lunch or prepping dinner for the whole whānau, the air fryer is a time-saving kitchen essential you’ll keep going back to.

You can absolutely bake in an air fryer—and it’s surprisingly effective! Air fryers work similarly to convection ovens, using rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly and quickly. This makes them ideal for baking small batches of muffins, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, and even mini cakes or banana bread. Many air fryer models come with a dedicated “bake” function or preset, while others simply require you to adjust the temperature and cooking time manually. You can use oven-safe ramekins, cake tins, or silicone moulds inside most air fryers—just be sure they fit comfortably and don’t block the airflow. Because air fryers heat up fast and cook quicker than traditional ovens, you’ll often need to reduce your baking time slightly and check on your food a little earlier. Whether you’re making sweet treats or savoury items like quiches and cheesy scones, air fryer baking is a convenient option that’s perfect for small households, quick cravings, or avoiding heating up your whole oven.

Air fryers are generally considered to be energy-efficient appliances and do not use a lot of electricity compared to traditional ovens. Because they are compact and heat up quickly, they cook food faster and more efficiently, which means they run for shorter periods of time. Most standard air fryers use between 1200 to 2000 watts, depending on the size and model. In practical terms, this is comparable to or even less than the electricity used by an electric oven or stovetop when preparing the same meal. For many New Zealand households, this can translate to lower power bills over time—especially if you frequently cook smaller portions or quick meals. If you’re looking to reduce your kitchen’s energy usage without compromising on cooking performance, an air fryer is a smart and economical choice.

It’s quite common for a new air fryer to emit a plastic smell during its initial use, and thankfully, it’s usually nothing to worry about. This odour typically comes from residues left over from the manufacturing process—such as protective coatings, adhesives, or oils used during assembly. When the air fryer is heated for the first time, these substances can produce a temporary burning or plastic-like smell. The good news is that the smell usually fades after the first few uses. To minimise it, you can run the air fryer empty at a high temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking any food. Placing a bowl of lemon juice or vinegar in the basket while running it can also help absorb the odour. Once the air fryer has gone through a few heating cycles, the smell should disappear completely, leaving you ready to enjoy odour-free cooking.

You can use oil in an air fryer—and in fact, a small amount of oil can enhance the flavour, texture, and crispiness of your food. Unlike deep frying, where food is submerged in oil, air fryers only require a light coating to achieve that golden, crunchy finish. A quick spray or a teaspoon of oil is often all you need for items like chips, roast vegetables, or breaded chicken. It’s best to use oils with a high smoke point, such as canola, avocado, or sunflower oil, to prevent burning or unwanted flavours. Avoid pouring oil directly into the air fryer basket, as it can drip onto the heating element and cause smoke. Instead, coat the food lightly before placing it in the basket. Using oil sparingly not only helps with crispness but also keeps your meals lighter and healthier—making the air fryer a smart choice for balanced cooking.