The air fryer is an appliance that has established itself as a fundamental piece in modern kitchens. Do you want to know why? Find out what it is, how it works, and why it is revolutionizing the way we cook.
The air fryer has changed the way we cook thanks to its way of preparing food evenly, with very little oil, and in a short period of time. This appliance cooks food by circulating hot air, thus reducing the use of oil to offer healthier alternatives.
Also known as an oil-free fryer, this small appliance has been gaining popularity to the point of becoming a regular in many kitchens. To make sure you have no doubts, we will look at what they are, how they work, and also the pros and cons of air fryers.
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a small appliance that cooks food evenly through the continuous circulation of hot air, also significantly reducing the amount of oil needed compared to other, more traditional cooking methods.
Introduced by Philips in 2010, the air fryer quickly became popular thanks to three key factors: its innovative cooking system with time and temperature control, its rapid hot air circulation technology, and its efficient design that includes a removable basket to conveniently place food. All this allows the user to cook food easily and in a healthier way while being able to multitask.
How an air fryer works
An air fryer works by using rapid convection technology that circulates hot air around food at high speed. This hot air flow allows for oil-free cooking so that food is cooked evenly, with a crispy, golden texture similar to that obtained by frying in oil, but with much less fat.
The fryer has 4 basic components: a basket where the food is placed, a hot air circulation ventilation system, a control panel to program the cooking, and a drip tray.
How does oil-free cooking work? In this case, it is thanks to the circulation of hot air. Once the air fryer has been programmed according to the food you are going to cook and after placing the food in the basket or tray – and adding a spoonful of oil if it is fried – the hot air circulation system will begin to cook the food evenly, causing the outside of the food to become golden and crispy, with a texture similar to that of traditional frying.
Advantages of air fryer
It is no wonder that the oil fryer has become a popular household appliance since it came on the market thanks to its numerous advantages both at a practical and health level. These are the benefits of air fryers.
Reduces fat levels
Since the air fryer can cook food with very little or no oil, the fat and calories consumed are greatly reduced without changing the final result in terms of the crispy texture and flavour of the cooked food.
It allows you to save time
One of the most notable advantages of oil-free fryers is that they allow you to cook food quickly and easily. Thanks to their convection system, cooking time is significantly reduced compared to traditional frying and baking methods. In addition, many of the models have pre-set cooking settings that make the task even easier.
It is very versatile in the kitchen and allows you to cook many foods.
With an air fryer, you can do much more than just fry; they can also be used to roast, bake, and toast a wide variety of foods ranging from meats, fish, and vegetables to desserts. If we add to this the fact that many of the air fryer models have additional accessories, their culinary capacity is expanded even further.
Reduces bad odors and dirt
Another advantage of the air fryer is that it is much less messy than a regular fryer, and it also barely gives off any odors while cooking the food.
It is easy to clean
Easy cleaning is another benefit of these small appliances, as most of their parts are removable and can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.
Disadvantages of air fryer
Despite its many benefits, there are also disadvantages both on a practical and health level. As for whether the air fryer is carcinogenic, a recurring question among concerned users, there is no conclusive evidence that it is.
The concern comes from acrylamides, compounds that are formed when carbohydrates are cooked at more than 120 ºC and that, in high levels, could be associated with a higher risk of cancer. It is important to note that although acrylamide is present in some foods subjected to high temperatures, not all of them contain significant levels that would pose a risk to health. These are some of the contraindications of air fryers.
Limited capacity
Air fryers often have a limited capacity to cook food, which is a drawback when it comes to cooking large quantities of food.
Noise during cooking
Some models of oil-free fryers can be noisy while in operation, which can be annoying in the kitchen.
Size and space
Air fryers take up a considerable amount of space in the kitchen, and since they are usually placed on the countertop, you need to have a slightly larger kitchen if you want to have one of these small appliances.
Types of air fryers
Depending on your cooking needs, there are different models of air fryers on the market that make them more or less suitable. These are the 3 most common types of air fryers.
From the basket
This is perhaps the most common and popular model on the market. This type of fryer works with a removable basket in which the food is placed, allowing hot air to circulate around it and cook it evenly.
Multifunction oven
Very practical for various preparations, this model combines the functions of an air fryer with those of a conventional oven. Its folding door design also has multiple racks so you can cook different foods simultaneously.
Top opening with a rotating paddle
This type of top-opening fryer is characterized by operating with a mechanism that automatically moves the food during cooking, ensuring an even distribution of hot air and preventing the food from sticking.
What can you cook in an air fryer?
Thanks to its versatility, you can use the air fryer to cook a wide variety of foods such as meat and poultry, fish and seafood, vegetables, appetizers and snacks, and even desserts. Beyond frying, you can prepare pasta dishes, pizzas, stews, baked goods, etc. Do you want more specific ideas on what can be cooked in an air fryer? Then take note of the best recipes for air fryers so you can choose from a wide variety of different dishes.
Foods that should never be cooked in an air fryer
Although you can cook a wide range of foods, there are certain foods that are not the most suitable for cooking in an air fryer. Cheese is one such food as it melts too easily and can drip through the grates of the fryer. Leafy green vegetables such as chard, spinach, or kale are also not recommended as they will be blown around in the fryer due to the air currents. Foods that require water to cook such as rice, pasta, or legumes should also not be cooked in an air fryer as it is not the most suitable method.
What containers can be used in an air fryer?
The most suitable containers for air fryers are those suitable for the oven, such as glass, ceramic, metal, and silicone, as they are made of materials that resist high temperatures and allow for even cooking. One of the most important aspects to keep in mind is to make sure that the containers do not have plastic parts that can melt.
How much does an air fryer consume?
In terms of energy consumption, the air fryer is an efficient appliance whose exact electricity consumption can vary depending on various factors such as the type of fryer, as well as the duration and frequency of use, having a lower impact on the electricity bill.
If we are talking about small-basket air fryers, they usually operate on a power of between 800 and 1200 watts. This type of fryer will use approximately 1kWh of electricity for every hour of use.
In the case of medium air fryers, they generally operate with a power that can vary between 1200 to 1500 watts. This fryer will consume 1.4kWh of electricity in one hour.
If we are talking about multi-function air fryers, they usually have a higher power that can range from 1500 to 2100 watts. On average, a 2000-watt model will consume 2 kWh in one hour of use.
How to choose an air fryer
Choosing the right air fryer can significantly improve your cooking experience by making cooking easier for you. The main key aspects you need to consider when buying an air fryer are size, functionality, ease of cleaning, and of course, price. Take note of our tips for buying an air fryer.
Capacity and size of the fryer
Whether it is for individual use or for couples cooking small quantities, a small air fryer with a capacity of 1 or 2 liters will suffice. If we are talking about families of 3 to 4 people, an air fryer with a capacity of 2 to 4 liters will suffice. And if we are talking about large families, it will be best to have an oil-free fryer with a capacity of 4 to 6 liters.
Identify your needs
The first thing you need to consider is the number of people you’ll be cooking for and the type of food you usually prepare. This will help you choose the fryer model that best suits your needs.
Make sure you have space in the kitchen
Regardless of the size of the air fryer you need, before purchasing one you should make sure you have enough space in your kitchen to place it and be able to use it comfortably.
Features and accessories
Depending on your needs, you should look for a deep fryer that is as versatile as possible. Our recommendation is that it has at least the 4 basic functions: frying, baking, roasting, and reheating. If it also has different accessories and cooking programs, even better.
Easy to clean
One thing you can often overlook when it comes to buying new appliances is ease of cleaning, which is crucial to maintaining your deep fryer properly. Make sure it has easily removable components and is also made from non-stick materials.
Price and brand
We recommend that you define a price range and look for the best value for money according to your interests before purchasing an air fryer. One way to ensure success is to opt for well-known brands with a good reputation.
The best air fryers 2024
The market currently offers a wide range of options that stand out for their features and adaptability to different needs. These are some of the best air fryers of 2024:
- Cosori Pro LE: With 4.7 liters of capacity, 11 preset programs, and a touch screen, this air fryer is ideal for small families looking for versatility and ease of use.
- Cecotec Cecofry Advanced: The Cecotec model has a 3.5-liter capacity, 8 cooking modes, and a digital display. Thanks to its compact design, it is very suitable for those looking for an economical and efficient option.
- Lidl: Its Silvercrest Airfryer model with a 2.5-liter capacity, 6 automatic programmes, and a digital control panel is ideal for those with a limited budget and limited kitchen space.
- Carrefour: The Carrefour Home Airfryer with a 3-litre capacity has manual temperature and time control, and is also very functional and easy to use.
- Tefal: Its Tefal Actifry Genius XL model has a capacity of 1.7 kg, 9 automatic programs, and automated rotating paddle technology.
- Xiaomi: Xiaomi’s Mi Smart Air Fryer features app control, an OLED display, and a 3.5-litre capacity. With a modern design, it also has smart connectivity and precise temperature control.
Air Fryer Reviews: Is It Worth It?
Air fryers may be worth the money depending on your needs and cooking habits. What we can guarantee is that they are a healthier and more efficient alternative for cooking a wide variety of foods, they are less messy than other traditional cooking methods, and they are super easy to use. However, it is important to consider the size, capacity, and price of the different options on the market.