If you love crispy and delicious fried foods but also want to eat healthily, then an air fryer might just be the perfect kitchen appliance for you. An air fryer is a countertop kitchen gadget that uses hot air circulation to cook food to a crispy and golden brown texture, similar to deep frying but without the need for oil. This means you can enjoy all your favorite fried foods, from french fries to chicken wings, with a fraction of the oil and fat content of traditional frying methods.
In this article, we'll explore the benefits of using an air fryer and provide some tips and tricks for getting the most out of this guilt-free cooking method.
How does an air fryer work?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses convection technology to cook food by circulating hot air around it. The cooking process is similar to a convection oven but on a smaller scale.
The air fryer has a heating element and a fan that circulates hot air inside the cooking chamber. When you turn on the air fryer, the heating element heats up the air, and the fan circulates it around the food, creating a convection effect.
The cooking basket of an air fryer is perforated, allowing the hot air to circulate around the food from all sides, cooking it evenly. The food is usually placed in a single layer in the basket, ensuring that it cooks thoroughly.
Most air fryers come with a non-stick coating that prevents food from sticking to the basket, making it easy to clean up.
One of the advantages of using an air fryer is that it requires little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. The hot air is usually enough to cook the food to crispy perfection.
Overall, an air fryer is a convenient and healthy kitchen appliance that can cook a variety of foods quickly and easily, using hot air instead of oil.
What are the benefits of using an air fryer?
Using an air fryer can provide several benefits, including:
- Healthier cooking: Air fryers use little to no oil to cook food, which can significantly reduce the number of unhealthy fats in your diet. This makes them a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying methods, which require a lot of oil.
- Versatility: Air fryers can cook a wide variety of foods, including meats, vegetables, and even desserts. They can also be used to reheat leftovers or cook frozen foods.
- Convenience: Air fryers are very convenient to use, as they require little to no preheating time, and they can cook food quickly and evenly. They are also easy to clean, and many models come with dishwasher-safe parts.
- Energy efficiency: Air fryers use less energy than traditional ovens, making them a more energy-efficient cooking method.
- Safety: Air fryers are generally safer to use than deep fryers because they don't use large quantities of hot oil, which can be dangerous.
- Taste: Air fryers can produce crispy and delicious food, similar to deep frying, but without the added oil and grease.
Overall, using an air fryer can provide many benefits, including healthier cooking, convenience, versatility, and safety, making them a popular and useful kitchen appliance for many households.
Tips and tricks for using an air fryer.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheating your air fryer for a few minutes before cooking can help ensure that your food cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
- Use cooking spray or brush with oil: While air fryers use less oil than traditional frying methods, adding a small amount of oil or cooking spray can help enhance the flavor and texture of your food.
- Don't overcrowd the basket: Overcrowding the basket can prevent the hot air from circulating properly, leading to uneven cooking. It's best to cook food in a single layer or in batches if necessary.
- Shake the basket: To ensure even cooking, shake the basket a few times during cooking to move the food around and allow it to cook evenly.
- Adjust cooking times and temperatures: Different foods may require different cooking times and temperatures. Be sure to check your food regularly and adjust the cooking time or temperature as needed.
- Use accessories: Many air fryers come with accessories such as baking pans, grill pans, and skewers that can help increase the versatility of your air fryer and allow you to cook a wider variety of foods.
- Experiment with seasonings and flavors: Air fryers can produce crispy and delicious food with a variety of seasonings and flavors. Experiment with different spices, herbs, and marinades to find your favorite flavor combinations.
Overall, using an air fryer can be a fun and healthy way to cook a variety of foods. With these tips and tricks, you can get the most out of your air fryer and enjoy delicious, crispy, and healthy meals every time.
Conclusion
An air fryer is a great option for those who want to enjoy their favorite fried foods without the added guilt of excess oil and fat. With its hot air circulation technology, an air fryer can produce crispy and delicious results that are similar to deep frying, but with much less oil. Not only is it a healthier cooking method, but it's also a convenient and versatile kitchen gadget that can be used for a variety of foods.
Whether you're cooking up some chicken tenders for a quick weeknight dinner or whipping up some sweet potato fries for a snack, an air fryer is definitely worth considering for anyone who loves fried foods but wants to make healthier choices.
Need help? We've done the research for you and found the Best Air Fryer on Amazon. Every day, we read hundreds of reviews and try the highest-rated products we have on our list.
Best Air Fryer - Reviews
The Best
About this product
- The XL air fryer is an upgraded version of the original air fryer, featuring 2 independent baskets that let you cook 2 foods, 2 ways, at the same time. No more back-to-back cooking like a traditional single-basket air fryer!
- With larger 5-quart baskets and DualZone Technology, you can choose between the Smart Finish feature or the Match Cook feature for a full 10-qt. capacity meals.
- The IQ Boost optimally distributes power across each basket, allowing you to cook a 6-lb. whole chicken and side as quickly as possible.
- This air fryer also includes 6 versatile cooking programs, including Air Fry, Air Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
- With a 10 qt. capacity and 2 baskets, you can cook up to 8 lbs. of chicken wings or whip up a main and a side at the same time for quick large family meals.
- Plus, it's designed with separate heating zones, up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods, and cooks two 6-lb. chickens up to 30% faster than a traditional oven.
- The easy-to-clean baskets and dishwasher-safe crisper plates make cleaning a breeze.
- The DualZone Air Fryer comes with (2) 5 Quart Baskets, (2) Nonstick Crisper Plates, 15 Recipes, Additional Meal Options & Cooking Charts, making it the perfect addition to any kitchen.
Two independent baskets that can cook at different temperatures at once. A few long-term users said that after over one and a half years of use between 3-7 days a week, (so lots of time using this air fryer). The coating on the interior grills (the removable pieces) is showing very slight wear and tear. It is still truly no-stick, so it's a non-issue.
Some customers received torn boxes and damaged air fryers. A few mentioned that they could smell burning plastic. Others said that it takes longer to cook than expected.
Our Thoughts - Using both sides at once will extend the cooking times. If you have a small apartment and there is no oven or doesn't work properly then absolutely buy this device. It is also quicker than a conventional oven.
Very Good
About this product
- Upgrade your air frying game with the premium and larger CAF-P583S-KUS air fryer, which offers customizable cooking functions and a temperature range of 170-450 Degrees F to save your favorite flavors.
- The AdaptIQ Technology with Rapid 360° air circulation heats food quickly, providing a crispy texture and even results, making meals that everyone will love.
- With 12 one-touch cooking functions, including Steak, Chicken Wings, Seafood, Shrimp, Bacon, Frozen Foods, French Fries, Vegetables, Toast, Bake, Preheat, and Keep Warm, this air fryer is perfect for serving 3-5 people.
- The personalized Shake Reminder can be added or canceled to suit your preference, while the included COSORI cookbook offers 100 chef-created recipes to inspire your culinary creativity.
- Plus, it's easy to purchase accessories like the COSORI air fryer disposable liners for a 5-6Qt air fryer, an extra original inner basket, and the original COSORI accessories set.
- Cleaning is simple and easy with the removable, dishwasher-safe baskets and nonstick surfaces, but avoid using cleaners that contain strong acids, alkalis, or organic solvents on the outer surface of the air fryer.
- If you experience any issues, our California-based Customer Support Team is always here to help.
The Cosori pretty much has everything compact, lightweight, small footprint on the cabinet, and versatile. It browns bread, cooks all sorts of veggies, and pretty much anything you can get into the basket, including chicken wings and french fries. From a happy couple: "Just too easy, why did we wait so long?"
Some users said that it has a horrible plastic-burning smell. Others mentioned that They don’t expect perfection from any product but they do expect the quality to match or exceed its given price tag. A few received defective air fryers.
Our Thoughts - When we first followed the directions that said 400 degrees the steak didn't have a nice crust. Set it at 450 degrees and the nice crust will appear, without being overcooked.
Good Value
About this product
- Looking for a healthier way to cook your favorite meals? Look no further than our air fryer with rapid air technology, which lets you fry and roast foods with little to no oil. Say goodbye to the hassle of traditional pan-frying and set your temperature between 180°F-400°F. Simply pause to shake or turn over your food and let the air fryer do the rest!
- Our air fryer boasts an ergonomic and user-friendly design with a combination of touchscreen buttons, allowing you to choose from 8 cooking presets that make cooking a breeze. Additionally, the temperature and time control knob lets you easily adjust cooking temperature and duration, while the automatic shut-off feature ensures that you never have to worry about burning your food again.
- Not only is our air fryer easy to use, but it's also built to last. The detachable square basket and nonstick grill plate can be easily washed after cooking and are dishwasher safe. And with its contemporary design and matte finish body, this air fryer is as stylish as it is functional. Its 6QT basket size makes it perfect for serving 3-5 people, and it's a great space-saving cooking tool.
- At Ultrean, customer satisfaction is our utmost priority. That's why we offer lifetime support and a 1-year warranty on our air fryer. Our dedicated customer experts are always ready to help you with any product concerns you may have. So why wait? Start enjoying healthier and more delicious meals today with our air fryer!
If you can't tolerate too much fat this air fryer is for you. This is like having a small oven; no more getting the whole house hot. This air fryer is super easy to use, love how quickly it cooks the food and is easy to clean up after.
A few customers tried to connect with Ultrean on the official website of the brand and got a 404 message. A brand with no tech support! Others mentioned that in the middle of cooking it went out and could not be turned on again.
Our Thoughts - Some users have had this air fryer for a few years. They say that's still in amazing shape and the color is just as it was when they first got it. They have cooked almost everything one can think of, and it still cooks food perfectly.
Good
About this product
- This appliance offers a versatile 6-in-1 functionality that allows you to air fry, broil, roast, dehydrate, bake, and reheat food with ease.
- It features EvenCrisp Technology, which drives top-down airflow, resulting in a perfect golden finish and crispy, tender results every time.
- With this air fryer, you can customize your cooking experience with one-touch smart programs for wings, roasted veggies, garlicky potatoes, cookies, cinnamon buns, and more.
- Additionally, it has fast preheating, and you can go from frozen to golden in minutes, thanks to its temperature range of 95 to 400°F. The non-stick air fryer basket and tray are dishwasher safe, making clean-up easy.
- With a compact design and stainless-steel accents, this appliance is stylish and practical, and it can serve up to 4-6 people.
- Moreover, it is energy efficient and uses up to 60% less energy than traditional electric ovens, making it a kitchen must-have.
- Finally, it comes with built-in safety features such as overheat protection and auto-off to ensure that you can cook with peace of mind. For more recipe ideas, you can download the Instant Pot app, available on iOS and Android.
After reading some reviews a few people took the air fryer into the garage and ran it through a couple of cycles before using it in the kitchen. There was clearly some smell as noted elsewhere, likely from manufacturing. By the time they used it "for real" on the 3rd run, barely any smell. And by the next time...no discernable smell at all. Easy to clean. We just washed the grate in warm soapy water and wiped the pan out with a paper towel after each use.
Some users said that the smell of the caustic, acrid, chemical, stinging smell of this device is horrible. Even the food absorbs the same smell and can be tasted when eaten. There is a note on the instructions "The first few times you use the air fryer, you may notice a strong plastic smell. This is normal non-toxic and goes away quickly." No toast function (falsely advertised). Horrible user interface.
Others said that when they tuned it on they immediately detected the
oft-talked-about burning plastic odor. It was noticeable, it was not nearly as overpowering as some of the one-star ratings made it sound.
Our Thoughts - Amazon should have better control to allow products that smell to be sold. Overall, it may be a good air fryer after the third or fourth use but it puts people at an inconvenience, and may never buy it again.
Good
About this product
- Looking for an air fryer that can feed the whole family? Look no further than GoWISE USA’s newest air fryer, which boasts an extra-large cooking capacity of 7 quarts. This means you can easily cook a whole chicken or 4-5 burgers with just the touch of a button, without having to heat up your entire house.
- This air fryer is also designed with 8 cooking functions, including air fry, roast, broil, dehydrate, grill, bake, reheat, and keep warm, giving you endless cooking possibilities. And with a wide temperature range from 180°F to 400°F and an extended cooking timer of up to 60 minutes, you have more control than ever before.
- One of the best features of this air fryer is its built-in dehydrate function, which allows you to prepare more servings of dried fruits, veggies, beef jerky, and your own dried herbs. The air fryer comes with 3 stackable racks, so you can dehydrate even more food at once.
- Cleaning up after cooking is a breeze with this air fryer, thanks to its PFOA-free non-stick material and removable pan and crisper tray. Plus, it comes with a recipe book containing 100 recipes tested in the GoWISE kitchen, so you can get started cooking right away.
- Looking for the perfect gift? This multifunctional air fryer is ideal for moms on the go, dads who love to cook, grandparents, or anyone who wants to be healthier. And with a 30-day money-back guarantee, a 1-year warranty, and forever support from GoWISE customer care, you can feel confident in your purchase.
- Product specifications: 14”H x 11.75” D x 11.75” W, 1700W 120V Ac. UL-listed and FDA-compliant.
It's versatile, easy to clean, fun, and less complicated than other air fryers. Works great and comes with a handy cookbook with awesome ideas that you wouldn't have thought of!
A few users said that they were fooled by the "USA" in the title. Absolutely made in China. Customer support is a headache and will try the drawn-out process technique hoping you would give up. Some received damaged and not working air fryers out of the box.
Our Thoughts - Use with 6.5" paper inserts (perhaps $9.95 for 100) and it rarely has to be cleaned. We love how the food tastes good and juicy. Very easy to clean and cook.
Good
About this product
- The 1700W power air fryer basket can hold up to 5.3 quarts (5.0 liters), making it one of the largest fryers available in the market. It is perfect for healthy and flavorful cooking for your entire family.
- This all-in-one convenience cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that you can use daily to fry, roast, bake, reheat, or grill - it does it all! Plus, it heats up in just 3 minutes.
- Thanks to convection technology, the air fryer is faster, more energy-efficient, and less messy. It uses rapidly circulating heated air to fry your food evenly and quickly, with little to no oil needed.
- The user-friendly air fryer comes with adjustable controls that are easy to read. You can set the temperature from 180° to 400°, which is suitable for a wide variety of recipes. The 60-minute timer has an auto-shutoff feature that alerts you when the food is ready. The power and heat indicator lights make it easy to monitor the cooking progress.
- As a bonus, the air fryer comes with additional accessories that increase its versatility, and a collection of delicious air fryer recipes to get you started on your healthy cooking journey.
Some first-time users said that this air fryer cooked the chicken amazingly! They just followed the time recommendations in the user manual and it came out juicy and flavorful! It’s really apartment-friendly! Plus it’s light so it’s easy to lift and maneuver.
The product is nice looking but unable to use it after trying suggestions due to the air fryer keeping shutting off in the middle of cooking. The timer is really not usable because there is no way to get accurate times. When a recipe calls for only 12 minutes, accuracy is a must. Recipes also call for preheating for about 3 minutes. Hard to do with a dial that has just lines at five-minute intervals.
Our Thoughts - This air fryer can get hot, we recommend using oven mitts or something similar to protect your hands from the heat.
FAQs
Is there any food that shouldn't be cooked in an air fryer?
While air fryers are versatile appliances that can cook a wide range of foods, there are certain types of food that may not be well-suited for air frying. Here are some examples of foods that may not be ideal for air frying:
- Foods with a high moisture content: Foods that are very moist, such as raw fruits and vegetables or foods that are heavily marinated, may not cook well in an air fryer. This is because air fryers rely on hot, circulating air to cook food, and excess moisture can interfere with this process.
- Foods that are very large or bulky: Air fryers typically have a small cooking basket, so foods that are too large or bulky may not fit well or cook evenly.
- Foods with a delicate texture: Foods that are very delicate, such as fish fillets or soft tofu, may break apart or become too dry in an air fryer.
- Foods that require a lot of oil: While air fryers are marketed as a healthier alternative to deep frying, they still require some oil to cook food properly. Foods that require a lot of oil, such as battered foods or heavily breaded foods, may not be suitable for air frying.
- Foods that require a precise cooking temperature: Some foods, such as baked goods or delicate pastries, require a precise cooking temperature to turn out well. While air fryers are generally good at maintaining a consistent temperature, they may not be as precise as other cooking methods.
Overall, it's important to keep in mind that air fryers are not a one-size-fits-all solution for cooking all types of food. It's always a good idea to read the manufacturer's instructions and experiment with different types of food to find out what works best for you.
What are the pros and cons of an air fryer?
Air fryers have become popular kitchen appliances for cooking a variety of foods, but like any appliance, they have their pros and cons. Here are some of the pros and cons of air fryers:
Pros:
- Healthier cooking: Air fryers use a small amount of oil to cook food, compared to deep frying, which uses a lot of oil. This can help reduce the amount of fat and calories in the food.
- Quick cooking: Air fryers cook food quickly, which is great for busy people who don't have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
- Versatility: Air fryers can cook a variety of foods, including chicken wings, fries, vegetables, and even baked goods.
- Easy to use: Air fryers are easy to use and often come with pre-set cooking options and simple controls.
Cons:
- Small capacity: Air fryers typically have a small cooking basket, which can make it difficult to cook large batches of food.
- Price: Air fryers can be more expensive than other kitchen appliances, and some models can cost several hundred dollars.
- Limited cooking options: While air fryers are versatile, they may not be suitable for all types of cooking, such as cooking soups or stews.
- Noise: Air fryers can be noisy while in operation, which may be a problem for some users.
- Maintenance: Air fryers can be difficult to clean, and the cooking basket and other parts may need to be hand-washed.
Overall, air fryers can be a convenient and healthy way to cook food quickly, but they may not be suitable for all users or all types of cooking. It's important to consider your needs and preferences before purchasing an air fryer.
There is a lot of talk about air fryers being healthy, is there anything unhealthy?
While air fryers are generally considered to be a healthier cooking option compared to deep frying, there are some potential downsides to using an air fryer. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Acrylamide formation: Air frying can cause the formation of acrylamide, a potentially harmful chemical that forms when starchy foods are cooked at high temperatures. This can be a concern for foods like French fries and potato chips, which are commonly cooked in air fryers. However, the formation of acrylamide can be reduced by soaking potatoes in water before cooking and by avoiding overcooking.
- Fat content: While air fryers use less oil than deep frying, some foods still require the addition of oil. If you add too much oil, the fat content of the food can increase significantly, which can be a concern for people who are watching their fat intake.
- Potential for overcooking: Air fryers can cook food quickly, but this can also be a downside if you're not careful. If you overcook your food, it can become dry and tough, which can affect its texture and taste.
- Healthfulness of the food being cooked: While air frying can be a healthier way to cook certain foods, it's important to remember that not all foods are equally healthy. If you're using an air fryer to cook processed foods or foods that are high in sodium or saturated fat, the health benefits may be limited.
In general, air fryers can be a healthy cooking option when used in moderation and with healthy ingredients. However, like any cooking method, it's important to be mindful of the potential downsides and to make sure that you're using your air fryer in a way that supports your overall health and wellness goals.
Do air fryers destroy nutrients in food?
Air frying is a cooking method that uses hot air to cook food, and while it can cause some nutrient loss, it generally does not destroy all of the nutrients in food. Like any cooking method, air frying can affect the nutrient content of food in different ways.
Some nutrients are more susceptible to damage from heat and can be lost during cooking. For example, some water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C and some B vitamins, are sensitive to heat and can be destroyed during cooking. However, other nutrients, such as fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin E, are more stable and are less likely to be lost during cooking.
The extent of nutrient loss in air frying depends on a variety of factors, including the type of food being cooked, the cooking temperature, and the cooking time. In general, shorter cooking times and lower temperatures are better for preserving nutrients. Additionally, cooking food in smaller pieces or cutting it into smaller pieces before cooking can help reduce nutrient loss.
Overall, while air frying can cause some nutrient loss, it generally does not destroy all of the nutrients in food. To minimize nutrient loss, it's important to use the right cooking temperature and time and to choose nutrient-rich foods that can benefit from air frying.
