The popularity of air fryers in recent times has been nothing short of remarkable. Frankly, it’s not difficult to see why so many people trust them. They’re extremely easy to use and maintain and can be used to prepare a huge range of family favourites. You can also enjoy the delicious taste and texture of fried food without the oil. What’s not to love about that? But in this article, we take a closer look at air fryers and try to understand whether or not the hype is justified.
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer prepares ingredients by blowing hot air around the food that you add to its basket. Contrary to popular belief, there’s no frying involved. Central to an air fryer is an electric coil, which sits underneath the fan. The fan is responsible for blowing the hot air from the coil around the device, which results in crispy, delicious food that you would traditionally expect from a deep-fryer.
Does an air fryer provide crispy food without the calories?
Arguably the biggest benefit of investing in an air fryer is that you can enjoy crispy food without the calories. Although it’s delicious, food that has been fried in oil isn’t good for your health. But using an air fryer is an excellent way to achieve the taste and texture of certain foods without subjecting them to oil. This allows you to enjoy all of your favourite foods without worrying about the health implications. Studies have also found that air fryers can reduce acrylamide, which is produced when you cook food over high heat.
Are air fryers easy to use?
In comparison to a standard oven, an air fryer heats up much more quickly. As soon as they’re up to temperature, you can cook your food quicker, too. Whether you’re preparing chicken, veggies, or any other meal for that matter, you can achieve the results in a fraction of the time. They’re also super easy to use – just plug your air fryer in, add your food to the basket, and away you go. It’s as simple as that.
Do air fryers produce less mess than frying?
If you’ve ever fried food over a stovetop, you will know that the cleanup operation is fairly extensive! You need to correctly dispose of the oil, clean the plan, and get rid of any splashback that has occurred in and around your stove. It can take just as long to clean up as it did to prepare your meal in the first place, which is far from ideal when you’re pushed for time during the week. But air fryers don’t use oil, which makes them so much easier to clean. What’s more, they typically come with a PTFE non-stick coating, which makes your job even easier when it comes to cleaning them. So, as well as cooking healthier food, air fryers are much easier to clean after the fact.
Recap: Is an air fryer a good investment?
No matter how you look at it, an air fryer is a great investment, says Express. You can prepare delicious healthy food without the hassle of cleaning up afterwards. Air fryers are super easy to use, too, meaning you don’t need to have advanced cooking skills to succeed. Ultimately, air fryers have been hyped up for a reason, and they’re a savvy investment if you’re hoping to make your life easier in the kitchen.