Is it worth getting an air fryer?

The air fryer has been around for some 10 years, believe it or not. This appliance experienced a surge in demand during 2020, as many people turned to new ways to look after their health. In the meantime, its popularity has continued to grow. The futuristic design and speedy performance has become a mainstay of modern kitchens. But does this way of cooking compromise on flavor, or is it a time- and energy-friendly method of eating more vegetables?

Click on to explore if it's worth getting an air fryer, or if the hype is nothing more than a load of hot air...

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Frying with...air? -

You'd be forgiven for wondering what an air fryer is, exactly—it's not particularly clear from the name. After all, if you tried frying something with air in most cases, you might run up against a few difficulties!

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Convection heat -

Similar to a fan oven, an air fryer appliance uses something called "convection heat" to cook the food inside.

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Faster cooking -

However, due to its small size, combined with a powerful heat source and fan, an air fryer cooks food much faster than a conventional fan oven can.

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Preheating -

Ovens also require preheating time, before they're a suitable temperature to cook the food you're preparing. In contrast, many air fryers require little to no preheat time.

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Convenience -

As they need very little preheating time and cook more quickly than an oven, air fryers are a lot more convenient than some traditional cooking methods.

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A healthier option? -

The convection heat cooking means that it's possible to cook food with a lot less oil. Although fries might not have quite the same taste when cooked this way, using an air fryer is a much healthier way to cook many foods.

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Calorie counting -

Some studies have shown that participants eating air fried foods cut their calorie intake by 70-80%, due to using reduced fat and oil when cooking. If you're counting calories, an air fryer might make life a lot easier.

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Adding oil -

However, most foods will require you to add at least a little oil. Steamed vegetables will be healthier than air fried ones, for example. Just make sure to enjoy air fried food as part of a balanced diet!

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Evenly cooked food -

Many air fryers have a perforated tray or basket where the food is cooked. This allows for the heat to circulate evenly, without restriction, resulting in evenly cooked food.

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What about taste? -

Generally, air fried foods will taste at least similar to foods cooked in an oven: crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.

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High-tech options -

Some advanced air fryers come with paddles that stir food automatically, so you don't even have to worry about turning it over halfway through cooking.

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Sleek and compact -

Their compact size and sleek design options aren't an eyesore, and an air fryer won't take up much room on your countertop, either.

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Family size -

Depending on how big your family is, its size could be a potential drawback. It's not possible to cook large quantities of food in one go.

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Energy efficiency -

Air fryers vary in energy efficiency, but if you are only heating up food for one or two people, it will probably be better than running an oven. You can check the calculation for your home by multiplying the wattage of your air fryer by the number of hours it's used each day and dividing the total by 1,000. This will give you its daily kilowatt-hour (kWh).

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Any cons? -

An air fryer does have some drawbacks. It's good to be aware of these before you decide whether it's worth purchasing one.

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Cleaning -

Air fryers can be tricky to clean. Depending on the size of the basket and the grease spatters, it could take a while.

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Cleaning -

The best time to clean your air fryer is when it's cool to the touch, as soon after using it as possible. Many air fryers have non-stick coatings that can easily be stripped. Use non-abrasive sponges and gentle products to extend the lifespan of the appliance.

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Too many choices -

There are so many air fryers available that it can be hard to differentiate between them. Research and read reviews so you can narrow down the options of your search.

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Running out of ideas -

You might need to get more creative with your cooking if you're using an air fryer. Fortunately, there are cookbooks specifically for the appliance that can help with this.

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You need to pay attention -

Air fryers cook foods quickly, so you need to pay attention! Depending on the type of basket, you might need to turn your food, too.

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You can't see the food -

In lots of cases, you can't see your food while it's cooking, and opening the drawer to check on the food might spoil the cooking process.

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Use a timer -

You might need to use a timer to make sure you don't end up with burnt or overcooked food, having to begin cooking all over again!

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Cost -

The cost of an air fryer can vary a lot, depending on the make and specific functions. In general, they range in price anywhere from US$50 to $400.

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How to use -

If you're cooking proteins or vegetables from scratch, you add a little oil. But if you are reheating foods, you can skip this part.

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Don't add wet batter -

Wet batter in the air fryer is a no-no (for example, beer battered fish is unsuitable for air frying). Stick to the deep fryer for these kinds of dishes.

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Cooking duration -

In the beginning, cooking times might require a period of trial and error. If you're working with a recipe that isn't specific to air fryers, there are a few tips to try out.

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Temperature tips -

For deep fried food, reduce the temperature of the air fryer 25°F below the instructed deep frying temperature, then cook for the same amount of time.

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Temperature tips -

If your recipe refers to conventional oven baking, reduce the air fryer temperature to 25°F below the suggested oven temperature, then reduce the cook time by 20%.

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Conclusion -

If you're used to cooking with an oven, an air fryer is an easy switch that takes less time to cook with and is generally more convenient. Do plenty of research before deciding on the best function and size for your household though.

Sources: (Good Housekeeping) (Homes & Gardens) (Expert Reviews) (The New York Times) (BBC Good Food)