Why You Should Buy an Air Fryer
I know some of you may be on the fence about whether to buy an air fryer. You might wonder if it's truly a useful and healthy addition to your kitchen, or if it's just another gadget that will collect dust. The good news is that for many people, an air fryer can be a game-changer.
The Health Benefits
One of the most compelling reasons to get an air fryer is its ability to produce incredibly crispy food with a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep frying. Studies have shown that air frying can reduce the fat content of food by as much as 70% to 80%. This significant reduction in fat and calories is key for anyone looking to manage their weight and support cardiovascular health.
It's a common misunderstanding that air fryers require no oil. While they use much less, most recipes still call for a tablespoon or two to help food get that perfect crispy texture. Without it, you might find your food has a dry, less appealing taste.
The Downsides
While air fryers are convenient, they aren't without their drawbacks. The cooking time can be longer than deep frying, especially for larger batches. The taste is also different; instead of the rich flavor from deep-frying, food has a texture and taste more like a very crispy oven-roasted dish.
Ensuring Food Safety
Instead of submerging food in oil, an air fryer uses superheated air to achieve a similar golden, crispy texture. While air frying is widely considered a healthier alternative, you may have heard concerns about a compound called acrylamide. It's important to understand that acrylamide is a byproduct of high-temperature cooking methods—including deep frying, roasting, and baking—and is not exclusive to air frying.
To minimize potential risks, simply avoid over-browning your food. Aim for a golden-yellow color, and if you’re cooking potatoes, consider soaking them in water for a short time before cooking to remove some of the surface starches.
In addition, you can use a food thermometer to ensure the safety of meat, poultry, and egg products when air frying. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides clear guidelines to ensure these foods are cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature.
| Product | Minimum Internal Temperature (°F) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Steaks, Chops & Roasts (Beef, Pork, Veal & Lamb) | 145 | Rest for 3 minutes |
| Ground Meats (Beef, Pork, Veal & Lamb) | 160 | |
| Uncooked Ham (Fresh or Smoked) | 145 | Rest for 3 minutes |
| Fully Cooked Ham (Reheating) | 140, 165 | USDA Ham: 140°F Other hams: 165°F |
| All Poultry (Whole, Parts & Ground) | 165 | |
| Eggs | 160 | |
| Fish & Shellfish | 145 | |
| Casseroles | 165 |
What We Consider When Choosing an Air Fryer
After learning about how useful an air fryer can be, let’s talk about how to buy one that meets your specific needs:
Capacity
The air fryer's size is a crucial first consideration. Its quart capacity determines how much food you can cook at once. A 2–3-quart air fryer is best for individuals or couples, holding about two chicken breasts or a small batch of fries. A 5–8-quart air fryer is great for families, large enough to cook a 4-pound chicken or a full meal for four people.
Design
You'll also notice two primary designs: pod-shaped air fryers and oven-style models. Pod-shaped fryers are more compact and use a basket to circulate heat, which works great for single-layer cooking. Oven-style models, on the other hand, offer more space and versatility, often featuring multiple racks for different foods.
Power
The appliance’s power and performance are key to getting crispy, consistent results. Look for a higher wattage, typically between 1,500W and 1,800W. This allows the air fryer to heat up quickly and maintain a stable temperature. A strong airflow design is also critical; it ensures that hot air circulates evenly around the food, reducing the need for constant shaking.
Features
Beyond just frying, many modern air fryers come with additional features that can simplify your cooking. These may include multiple cooking functions like roasting, baking, or dehydrating. A digital control panel and pre-programmed settings also offer a lot of convenience, making it easy to set the perfect temperature and time.
Final Thoughts
Air fryers are great appliances that can help you make delicious and healthier meals with less oil and less time. They are versatile, easy to use, easy to clean, and fit well in most kitchens. When choosing the best air fryer, consider the size and capacity, features, ease of cleaning, and overall build quality.
Some of our top picks include the Cosori TurboBlaze Air Fryer for all-around performance, the Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer as a reliable runner-up, and the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 10-Quart Air Fryer for those who need more cooking space.
If you’re looking for something compact, the Dash Compact Air Fryer is a great choice, while the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer doubles as a toaster oven for added versatility.
For special needs, the Instant Pot Pro Crisp & Air Fryer offers multiple cooking functions in one device, the Cosori Dual Blaze Air Fryer is ideal for mid-size households, and the Ninja DoubleStack XL Air Fryer gives you two baskets for cooking different foods at the same time. For premium quality and design, the Typhur Dome stands out as a high-end choice.
No matter which model you choose, a quality air fryer can transform the way you cook and make everyday meals faster, tastier, and healthier.
FAQs
1. What are the benefits of using an air fryer?
Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food evenly and quickly, with little or no oil. This results in food that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with less fat and calories than deep-fried food. Air fryers can also reduce the formation of harmful compounds, such as acrylamide, that are produced when frying food at high temperatures.
2. What can I cook in an air fryer?
You can cook almost anything in an air fryer, from frozen foods to fresh foods, from meat to vegetables, from snacks to desserts. You can also use your air fryer to reheat leftovers or cook pre-made meals. You can find many recipes online or in cookbooks that are specially designed for air fryers.
3. How do I use an air fryer?
Using an air fryer is very simple. You just need to plug it in, preheat it if necessary, place your food in the basket or tray, set the time and temperature, and press start. You can also shake or flip your food halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and crispiness. When your food is done, you can enjoy it right away or keep it warm in the air fryer until you are ready to serve it.
4. How do I clean an air fryer?
Cleaning an air fryer is also very easy. You just need to unplug it, let it cool down completely, and remove the basket or tray. You can wash the basket or tray with warm soapy water or put it in the dishwasher. You can also wipe the inside and outside of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge. You should avoid using abrasive cleaners or utensils that might scratch or damage the surface of your air fryer.
5. How do I store an air fryer?
Storing an air fryer is not difficult either. You just need to make sure it is clean and dry before putting it away. You can store it in a cool and dry place, such as a cabinet or pantry. You can also cover it with a cloth or a plastic bag to protect it from dust and dirt.
