Ask any enthusiast about an air fryer, and they will tell you nothing but praise about this friendly device. After all, it can be used to cook anything from crispy wings to tender salmon steaks.
And while this awesome device helps cook frozen fries and has a crisp texture, you might be wondering if it works much the same way as a deep fryer. We all know the risks it brings to health; fried foods are linked to type 2 diabetes, heart problems and a shorter life.
Fortunately, air fryers work very differently than their counterpart oil fryers. Below we give you a complete breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages associated with this popular device and how to use it properly.
What is an air fryer and how does it work?
An air fryer is similar to a convection oven. It circulates hot air around the food, helping to create that crisp texture we crave.
And because they are small, hot air is able to remove moisture from the surface of food and make it creak much faster than a traditional oven. Simply put, rapid circulation of hot air replaces dipping your food in oil.
What benefits does it bring?
Air fryers definitely have many culinary advantages for cooks of all levels, as they are available in a range of different prices and are perfectly suited to any countertop. This makes it a mutual benefit for your kitchen and your wallet.
It's fast
Probably the biggest benefit of all is speed, as these mini convection ovens speed up the long cook and preheat times associated with traditional wall ovens. Air fryers offer speed, especially with frozen foods and crispies. In short, they are basically a crispy oven, due to the way hot air circulates on both sides.
Add great texture
In addition to faster cooking times, air fryers can also add exciting texture to your meals, as they can make chicken and kale crisp in no time. And since these appliances don't require the use of butter and oil, you can also make more heart-healthy recipes.
Are air-fried foods healthy?
Air-fried foods (such as air-fried vegetables) may be healthier compared to foods fried in oil, but this requires being cautious about what types of food you cook within them.
For example, you'll want to avoid using your fryer to do things like treats. Although air-fried donuts may have less fat than a traditional recipe, they are not necessarily healthier in any way.
How to use an air fryer?
Using an air fryer can be very simple if you follow these steps.
read the instructions
Some fryers have settings for different types of food, so it is important to take time to learn more about the fryer before using it. Air fryers also come with a guide on recipe examples and how to use it for each recipe, so make sure you understand how the air fryer works before using it.
Season food for flavor
Once you have read the manual, the first step is to season what you are planning to cook. Although the air fryer will add the crisp touch, some flavor is lost due to the high heat, so it is recommended to season before using.
Make sure the grater is in the air fryer
Making sure the grater is inside is a crucial step before placing your food inside the air fryer. The fryer has a grater on which the food is placed, which collects excess water or oil that may drip during the process.
Place the food
Yes, this step is that simple. Just make sure the button is on and the timer is working before letting it do its job.
Check food while cooking
Once your food is in the fryer, you will want to check and move it frequently, as this ensures that what you are cooking is thoroughly cooked.
Remember that the air fryer cooks faster than the oven, so check regularly to make sure you're not burning food. Also, you have to keep in mind that this type of appliance makes the quantity for one or two people, so if you are cooking for a large family, be sure to take time to do enough for everyone.
Remove the food
When removing food from the fryer, it is recommended to make sure not to pour it from the grater, since excess oil from the bottom can drip. Using a spoon to scoop out food is the best way to do this.
Clean the fryer as soon as possible
This is the last step, but equally important. Food contents can dry out and make it harder to clean the longer you wait. To clean your fryer, take out the grater and clean the sink, then grab a towel and clean the area underneath the grater.
Do you need to use oil in an air fryer?
A traditional oven or fryer recipe may require the use of oil to help cook and texturise food ingredients. However, the oil is optional, since the hot air circulation of the device allows the food placed inside to cook completely.
Air-fried foods cook perfectly without oil. If you are using oil for any reason, I would recommend using an oil spray to limit the amount of oil used.
What foods can be cooked?
Although a reliable air fryer can be used to reheat leftovers and toast buns, these devices work best for preparing potatoes or anything frozen and fried. This also includes chicken dishes, as they can also be made particularly healthy in a deep fryer if you don't use too much oil.
You can also fry eggs in a deep fryer (yes, seriously!). We explain how to do it:
- Preheat your deep fryer to 163ºC.
- Break an egg (or two) in a lightly greased air fryer tray.
- Slide the tray into the fryer for about seven minutes.
What should you avoid cooking?
Experts warn about using a deep fryer to prepare foods that contain a liquid dough, as they will not cook pancakes or homemade cakes like the oven would.
Similarly, cooking rice and pasta in an air fryer is not recommended, as these items will need to be cooked beforehand for the oven to provide that good texture.
Is it worth buying an air fryer?
These appliances are a great, hassle-free appliance to have on hand in your kitchen if you want to grill vegetables or cook simple meat dishes quickly. This is the result of the appliance's hot air circulation, which helps speed up the preheat and cook times associated with traditional ovens, making it a must-have for any beginner and cook master.
However, they are not exactly ideal appliances for those with larger families and for people who like to prepare meals in large batches, as there is a limited amount of space inside many air fryer baskets.
Also, it's good to note that you won't get the exact same results that an oil fryer provides.
