Smeg has entered the standalone air fryer category in Australia with the launch of the AFC01, a 7.3-litre appliance that introduces an unusual water-spritz cooking function alongside conventional air frying.

Priced at A$399, the Smeg Air Fryer AFC01 joins the company’s Collezione small appliance range and is available in Matte Black, Matte White, Emerald Green and Storm Blue.

Rather than adopting the conventional pull-out drawer found on many air fryers, Smeg has designed the AFC01 with a flip-up lid and removable cooking basket. A large viewing window and internal light allow users to monitor food while it is cooking without opening the appliance.

One of its main points of difference is the choice between two cooking technologies. The Crispy function operates as a conventional air fryer, circulating hot air around the basket to brown and crisp food.

The Juicy+Crispy mode adds water from an integrated tank during cooking. Smeg says the water-spritz system is designed to help retain moisture inside food while producing a crisp exterior, potentially making it useful for foods that can dry out during conventional air frying.

The AFC01 provides seven automatic cooking programs alongside manual control over cooking time and temperature. Its operating temperature ranges from 40°C to 200°C, giving it scope for lower-temperature cooking as well as conventional air frying.

Smeg white air fryer on a countertop in a modern kitchen with wood cabinets, neutral tones and copper appliances

Smeg has also used a PFAS-free ceramic coating on the cooking basket and rack. Both components can be removed and placed in the dishwasher for cleaning.

The launch represents a notable expansion of Smeg’s small appliance business. While the company already offers air-frying functionality through selected ovens and accessories, the AFC01 gives it a dedicated benchtop air fryer aimed at a category dominated by brands including Ninja, Philips and Tefal.

Its 7.3-litre capacity also places it towards the larger end of the single-basket air fryer market, while the water-spritz system provides Smeg with a point of differentiation as appliance manufacturers increasingly look beyond basic hot-air circulation.