The air fryer has been the hottest kitchen appliance around for the past few years. Everyone is using them, and they are flying off the shelves every holiday for gift giving.
But whether you already own one or not, you might wonder, “Is this a fad or something I really need? And should I give it some of my precious kitchen counter space?”
Spoiler alert: Air frying isn’t a fad and it is a fantastic cooking appliance, especially for busy families or anyone looking for hassle-free cooking. Keep reading and learn how an air fryer works and why it should be part of most kitchens.
What Is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a mini convection oven. With heated circulation technology, it uses a powerful fan to move hot air around the food.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Tater Tots.
Heated Circulation Technology
Simply put, it’s a way of cooking food using hot air. A heating element heats the air inside the appliance and circulates the convection heat around the food, cooking it from all angles. This ensures the food is cooked evenly and thoroughly, producing perfectly crispy results every time.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Mini Pizzas.
Small Size
One advantage air fryers have over a full-size convection oven is their smaller size. This means the air circulates close to the food, cooking it more quickly. Because of this, cooking is much faster than in a conventional oven.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Fries.
Digital Temperature Control
The air fryer has a digital display that sets the desired cooking temperature. So it will automatically adjust the heat to maintain the set temperature throughout the cooking process.
This is especially handy if you’re cooking something that requires precise temperature control, like delicate pastries or tender meats. It takes the guesswork out of cooking and ensures your food is always perfectly cooked.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls.
Low Oil Consumption
One of the main reasons people love using an air fryer is because it allows for healthy frying. Traditional frying methods require a lot of oil, which can add unnecessary calories and fat to your food. On the other hand, an air fryer uses minimal oil, making it a healthier option.
This is especially great if you’re trying to watch your intake of unhealthy fats or follow a specific diet. You can still enjoy delicious food with a crispy texture, making following a healthy meal plan much more manageable.
Get the recipe: Keto Cheese Puffs.
Convenient and Easy Meal Prep
In addition, the air fryer is a hassle-free cooking solution. It’s quick and convenient, so it is an excellent choice for busy people or families looking for an easy meal prep option.
You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen preparing meals. With an air fryer, you can have a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table in no time. Toss your ingredients in the basket, set the timer, and let it work magic.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Tortilla Pizza.
Better Taste
Some foods, including many healthy vegetables, simply taste better when they are air fried. As Brooke from Minimalist Mama explains, “Broccoli in the air fryer is a complete game changer — the air fryer crisps the broccoli in just the most delicious way, so you can avoid that soggy, mushy texture that some people just can’t get over.”
It also is excellent for heating up leftovers so they taste almost as good as when they were first made. So leftovers stored in your refrigerator will get eaten, not thrown away.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Potato Taquitos.
Quick and Easy Cleanup
Cleanup is also simple with this countertop appliance. Most models feature a nonstick cooking surface to allow for easy removal of food and quick cleaning.
Wipe down the inside of the air fryer with a damp cloth, and you’re good to go. Many brands are also dishwasher safe.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Air Frying vs. Deep Frying
The air fryer offers health benefits compared to traditional frying methods. As mentioned earlier, conventional frying methods, like using a deep fryer, require large amounts of oil. Sure, deep-fried foods taste great, but deep-frying adds calories and fat to your food.
An air fryer, on the other hand, uses minimal oil. And switching to air-fried foods cooked with less oil can help you reduce your risk of health problems due to high fat intake.
But make no mistake, you can make plenty of unhealthy things in an air fryer. You still have to make good choices; this appliance alone won’t make you healthier.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Bruschetta Chicken.
Types of Food to Cook
Another huge benefit of air fryers is their versatility. You can cook a variety of food, including chicken, frozen food, healthy vegetables like asparagus, chicken wings, and even cookies. The possibilities are endless.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Summer Squash.