Air fryers have become one of the most popular cooking appliances in recent years. But why is it so popular, and should you jump in on the trend? Here’s a rundown on what exactly air fryers are, and what you should look out for if you do decide on getting one.
What is an air fryer?
Air fryers are specialized appliances that cook food in a manner similar to oil frying. The fryer heats up the air inside and uses a fan to blow the hot air onto the food inside. This allows the food to cook rapidly, and results in a texture that is akin to fried food. As such, many foods that can be oil-fried, such as chicken, can be air-fried as well.
Why do you need an air fryer?
There are a few reasons why many people have decided to purchase air friers recently.
They fry without oil
Arguably the most appealing thing about air fryers is that they can give you the crisp and crunch of fried food without worrying about the oil that is used to create the texture. Many of us already know the harmful effects of oil, as it can lead to heart problems, weight gain, and more. Air fryers solve this problem by giving you fresh, fried chicken and other great fried meals without needing a drop of oil. Your fat and cholesterol levels can be kept in check thanks to this.
They are easy to use
Anybody who’s oil-fried before knows how annoying it can be to have little bits of sizzling oil fly off the pan and onto their hand or arm. You also need to do quite a few things to prepare your pan for frying, such as preheating and applying oil. Then, there’s heat management that you have to worry about. Basically, oil frying requires a lot of work.
Air fryers allow you to be completely hands-free throughout the cooking process. All you have to do is set a few values, throw in the food, and wait for the fryer to do its magic. You can even prepare other food or do something else while waiting for the fryer to finish. This hands-free approach can be very appealing for people with busy schedules.
Things to consider when buying an air fryer
Most air fryers are similar to one another, but there are a few things to remember before you buy one yourself.
Wattage
The last thing you’d want is for your air fryer to come home, only for it to be incompatible with the wattage of your home. Some air fryers are incredibly energy-efficient, and you won’t need more than 1000 watts for them. However, some air fryers are more heavy-duty and will require upwards of 1800 watts to function properly.
The reason why air fryers require so many watts is because of how it fries your food. Heavy-duty air fryers need more power as they are able to heat up the food and oil inside much quicker, which can result in a crispier texture. Luckily, you only really use your air fryer during cooking, so it won’t amount to too much in energy expenses.
Size and Capacity
Depending on how many people you live with, you may either want a small, lightweight air fryer or a larger, family-size model. The smallest air fryers can fit at least one liter’s worth of volume, so you can easily cook yourself a solo meal with it. Larger air fryers can fit up to 2.5 liters, which can be good for a small family or a shared house. The largest of air fryers can hold a whopping 5 liters or more and are best used for really large families or commercial establishments such as restaurants.
Aside from the capacity, you also need to account for the size of the fryer itself. There’s only so much space on a kitchen countertop, and it’s possible that the fryer that you plan on buying may not be able to fit. If you plan on shelving your fryer every now and then, try finding an air fryer that can fit inside a cabinet or cupboard. That way, you can give yourself more space when you’re cooking but don’t need the fryer.
Safety
Air fryers use up quite a bit of electricity, which means that they use up a good amount of energy. Be sure to find air fryers with the right safety mechanisms to ensure you aren’t injured while using the device. Look for safety grips and locking mechanisms so you know the food gets cooked safely without any tampering.
Air Fryers price range
Despite being a relatively new type of kitchen appliance, air fryers are surprisingly affordable. You can get yourself a brand-new air fryer for home use for as little as $30. These air fryers don’t have much capacity to cook with, but they’re perfect for small homes and apartments.
Larger air fryers can set you back $100 or more, but they aren’t just bigger than their cheaper counterparts. These units boast a wider array of features, including a digital interface, touch controls, and more. These features may be a bit too luxurious for some, but those who love the added convenience may find the features to be well worth the price.
How we choose the best Air Fryers
Air fryers are chosen based on the size of the fryer, customer reviews, and the brand’s own history.
Air Fryer FAQs
Q: Is air frying safer than oil frying?
Studies have shown that air-fried food is much healthier for consumption than oil-fried food. This is due to the fact that you don’t need oil to air fry, which is a contributor to calories and cholesterol.
Do you need oil to air fry food?
Oil is not necessary to air fry food. However, you can apply oil to the food before air frying to achieve as similar of a flavor and texture to oil frying as possible.
What can you not cook in an air fryer?
While air fryers can cook a wide variety of foods, they are not able to cook food with wet batter.