Do I really need an air fryer?

The air fryer has been around since it was first introduced in the kitchen. It's been touted as the ultimate kitchen tool that will make fried food quick and easy. But, do they deserve the hype?

Oprah's 'favourite thing'

Those who've already embraced the air fryer are almost reverential.

The air fryer has become a must-have for anyone wanting to save time and money.

Related: What Cannot Be Cooked In Air Fryer?

What exactly is an air fryer?

This unit has a fan and an element that helps cool the unit. The element is located around a small cavity.

Air fryers are commonly mistaken for being food-producing machines that do not actually cook food. Instead, they're simply a small oven that's used to bake food.

Are air fryers the healthy alternative to enjoying fried foods?

Air-fried food is better than deep-fried food in that it uses less oil, but it's no different than using oil to roast or grill.

You can also use it to cook various dishes that are similar to what you would do in a regular oven. However, make sure that the dishes are made with fresh vegetables and not pre-made frozen food.

It's just a smart marketing technique to make people think that deep frying is the same as regular fried food, says Fiona.

Related: Air Fryer vs Microwaves (Which One is Better?)

Are air fryers a healthier way to cook?

You can still use oil in batches if you're preparing fresh food. However, it'll only be needed to a small amount and won't be needed for most recipes.

Air-frying helps to reduce the amount of acrylamine in the food you prepare. However, it can still cause cancer if it reaches high temperatures.

Deep fryers are known to use up to 50 times more oil than air fryers. They're also more caloric-dense than air fryers.

Air fryers are not designed to cook healthy food. Instead, they’ll only make these items more like oven-ready food.

How does air frying compare with oven cooking?

An air fryer is a more energy-efficient cooking option that can reduce your consumption by up to 30%. It's also faster than an oven. In addition, it's a great alternative to traditional cooking methods.

Another advantage of air fryers is that they can get extremely hot very quickly. This means that your food will crisp up and get a little crunchier.

Although it's not ideal to cook oven-ready items in an Air Fryer, you can still get crispier and more satisfying roast potatoes by using less oil.

How does air frying compare with deep frying?

There are also various health benefits associated with fried food. However, if you are prone to consuming too much fried food, then you might end up consuming too much.

Air frying is a quicker and easier way to cook food, but it takes a bit of time to thoroughly clean up after. It's also better for the environment as it won't leave a smell like fried food.

What can you cook in an air fryer?

Air fryers are also used to prepare fresh fish and meat.

You can also use it to make a variety of different food creations, such as making crisps and nuts and seeds.

What can’t you cook in an air fryer?

Better ways to cook broccoli and other vegetables are to avoid getting soggy and blowing around.

You can't fry food in a wet batter, nor can you use homemade breadcrumb mixes. If you're planning on using cheese or batter, avoid adding any Cheesy items or pieces of meat.

Air-fried food is very versatile and can be made in various ways.

How do you clean an air fryer?

These appliances are easy to clean, but they should be cleaned regularly to remove their grease and prevent them from getting damaged. They can also be washed in warm water or placed in the dishwasher.

How large is an air fryer?

The internal capacity of air fryers ranges from 1.5 to 3.5 liters. At the smaller end, you can cook a side dish for two people. At the larger end, you can cook a main course for four people.

One of the main limitations of air fryers is that they can’t cook properly if the food is too crowded inside. This issue can also affect the cooking performance of the food.

Air fryers vary in size. You need to take into account the internal space and the external dimensions to make the best decisions.

Where can you buy an air fryer?

The Tower Air Fryer is a simple 1.5 litre unit with a small footprint. It has a timer and an adjustable temperature setting.

Air fryers are now available from a wide range of online retailers. At the budget end of the spectrum, they'll provide a basic unit with a small internal capacity. At the top end, they'll feature more features, including preset cooking programs and various cooking options.