Australia's, nay the world's, fascination with this kitchen appliance just isn't fading. Far from being a fad, the air fryer has fast become the must-have item and one of the most popular appliance hashtags on social media. So should you buy one - and if so, which one is right for you?

WATCH: Jules Sebastian makes 'Bolognese Cupcakes' in the air fryer

How do air fryers work?

Air fryers cook food by circulating hot air through the vessel and tray that the food is on. Air fryers come with a basket 'tray' or oven style trays that acts as a cooking chamber, a small amount of oil is then added and the fan inside uses rapid air technology to quickly heat up to temperatures of 200 degrees Celsius to evenly distribute the minimal oil and heat to give a deep fried, crispy texture.

Should every kitchen have one?

There are pros and cons to every appliance - and it's true that so many "gadgets" end up stored in a cupboard, forgotten and greasy.

The air fryer doesn't seem to be cupboard-bound yet - and that's because they are so easy to use all the family can get their heads around it, they're quick and they are the healthier alternative to their deep-fryer cousins.

On the other hand, they aren't the "miracle" appliance that can do everything - for example they can't cook pasta (unless you want to try the latest TikTok trend Pasta Chips which we can say are delicious) or rice. Plus they are quite bulky, taking up a fair bit of bench space.

Best Air Fryers in Australia

Westinghouse 7.2L Opti-Fry Air Fryer, $229 from Catch.com.au

A household name, you know you can trust a Westinghouse appliance. With the cool-touch exterior and rapid air circulation system for evenly cooked meals this air fryer is sure to please.

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Westinghouse

Philips Premium Airfryer XXL, $589 from Bing Lee

This air fryer is the most powerful and largest airfryer in the Philips range and can even hold a whole chicken. Using 90% less fat than a conventional deep fryer  it also has five pre-set functions meaning you can set and forget. The Philips Airfryer is the market leader and a great choice for anyone.

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DeLonghi FH2133W IdealFry Manual Air Fryer, $189 from DeLonghi

This air fryer uses Rapid SHS Double technology to cook food to perfection. It features a 1400 watt heating element, 1.2 litre capacity, pre-set digital controls, viewing window and removable lid and pan for easy washing. The DeLonghi air fryer also comes with access to the Recipe Book app with over 200 recipes.

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Breville the Smart Oven Air Fryer, $499 from The Good Guys

With 10 cooking functions, it operates as an oven as well as an air fryer, meaning it can bake, roast, grill and even slow cook. Unlike other air fryers, the Breville Smart Oven has more of a mini-oven look to it with its wire trays and glass front. The price point may seem high but this kitchen gadget is a one stop cooking shop.

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Kogan 5.2L Digital Low Fat 1800W Air Fryer, $109 from Kogan

This air fryer features 7 one-touch preset cooking functions and a digital display. It uses 80% less oil than traditional fryers. Reviews say it is easy to clean, but does give off more heat than expected.

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Sunbeam 4 in 1 Air Fryer + Oven, $269 from Bing Lee

We love the ease of this four-in-one air fryer. With four easy pre-sets (fries, poultry, veggies, meat) and manual cooking modes, including a rotisserie for chicken, it makes the cooking process simple. Plus, dishwasher safe accessories make it just as easy to clean.

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Devanti Air Fryer 8.5L LCD Digital Oil Free Deep Frying Cooker, $226 from Myer

With a chic all-black LCD display this air fryer will take pride of place on your kitchen countertop. Other great features include a 2-hr keep warm function, an auto shut-off function, non-stick pan, heat shield vent for good air circulation, bonus food divider, grill rack and tongs, and not least, easy to clean with dishwasher-safe components.

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ALDI 10L Air Fryer, $129 from ALDI

ALDIs air fryer is available amongst its Special Buys and comes with a huge 10L of cooking compartment. Featuring 1300W of heating power, an LED display, digital control panel, 6 pre-set cooking programs and viewing window. It also features a Halogen infrared heating system and a 360 degree rotation system to cook food evenly. For the low price point it also comes with all the gear, including a grill pan, rotisserie spindle and skewer rack.

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Tefal FX1000 Fry Delight Air Fryer, $223 from Appliances Online

The Tefal Fry Delight uses 3D Air Pulse Technology to fry the food with minimal oil. It can also grill, roast and bake, is dishwasher safe and has an adjustable temperature control. Super quick, it cooks 2 servings of chips/fries in 15min!

Video of how to use here

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Kmart 3.2 Litre Air Fryer, $59 from Kmart

A new comer on the market, the Kmart Air Fryer is already taking the cooking world by storm. With a great entry price, LED control panel and 7 pre-set functions, it's easy to see why it's quickly become a popular choice.

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Lottie Dalziel

Lottie Dalziel is a 4AM riser and coffee-addict who lives and breathes the Better Homes and Gardens brand. When she isn't reading up on the latest trends in sustainability or discovering ways to upcycle almost anything, you can find her by the beach, cooking up a storm or adding to her abundant (some would say out of control) plant collection.