Air fryers

Air fryers have become an increasingly popular kitchen appliance in recent years. This handy gadget uses rapid air circulation technology to "fry" foods with little to no oil, resulting in healthier versions of traditionally fried favorites.

The technology behind air fryers first emerged in the 1970s, but the appliances only started gaining mainstream popularity in 2010 when brands like Philips introduced more compact, user-friendly models for home kitchens. Since then, dozens of companies have released their own air fryers in various sizes and price ranges.

Air fryers work by circulating hot air at high speed to quickly cook food. A heating element and fan are used to heat the air inside the fryer up to 200°C. The high-speed air flow quickly dries out the surface of the food, creating a crispy outer layer similar to deep frying. The technology allows you to enjoy deliciously crispy "fried" food using little to no oil, reducing calories by 70-80% compared to traditional frying.

The key benefits of air fryers include:

• Healthier fried foods - Significant reduction in fat, calories and harmful compounds

• Quick and convenient - Most foods cook rapidly with minimal prep

• Versatile - Can be used to cook a wide variety of foods beyond fries and wings

• Easy to use - Simple controls and rapid cooking times

• Compact size - Smaller footprint than traditional fryers

Air fryers allow home cooks to prepare crispy fried favorites like fries, chicken wings, and more in a healthier way. Their convenience and versatility have made them a must-have for many modern kitchens.

Types of Air Fryers

There are a few main types of air fryers available on the market:

Basket Air Fryers

Basket air fryers are the most common and popular type. Food is placed in a basket that sits atop a drawer that contains the heating element. Hot air is rapidly circulated around the food to cook it. The basket style allows hot air to circulate completely around the food for quick, crispy, and even cooking.

Basket air fryers are available in a range of sizes from around 2 liters up to 7 liters or more. The basket is removed to check, flip or shake the food during cooking. Many basket air fryers have dishwasher safe, non-stick coated baskets and drawers for easy cleanup.

Drawer Air Fryers

Drawer air fryers have the heating element and fan inside a slide out drawer, while the food cooks in a mesh basket that sits on top. The drawer pulls out for easy access to the food during cooking.

Drawer style air fryers tend to have a larger capacity and can accommodate bigger cuts of meat or larger quantities of food. The drawer design also allows excess fat and grease to drip down away from the food for healthier cooking.

Oven Air Fryers

Oven air fryers are built-in appliances that are designed to be installed into a kitchen cabinet or wall. They function like a standard convection oven but have an extra powerful fan and heating element for super fast hot air circulation.

Oven air fryers provide the largest capacity and can cook an entire family sized meal. They offer features like multiple rack positions, rotisserie functions, and convection baking modes. The downside is they require permanent installation and have a higher upfront cost.

How Air Fryers Work

Air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to cook food with little to no oil. A mechanical fan circulates hot air around the food at high speed, helping to cook the food evenly while also giving it a crispy, fried texture.

The air fryer basket has a non-stick coating and a mesh bottom that allows air to flow through and around the food. The circulating hot air quickly cooks the exterior of the food, similar to deep frying, while also heating the interior through convection.

This rapid air circulation technology means you can enjoy fried favorites like chips, chicken, and more, but with significantly less oil than traditional deep frying. The small amount of oil needed is from the food itself releasing natural fats and oils during cooking. This allows you to cut back on excess calories from added cooking oils.

Air fryers provide a healthier cooking method that mimics deep frying results. You get crispy, delicious food but with up to 80% less fat than traditional fried foods. The rapid air circulation tech lets you enjoy fried flavors without the grease.

Benefits of Air Frying

Air fryers provide a number of benefits that make them a popular kitchen appliance. Here are some of the top reasons to consider using an air fryer:

Uses up to 80% less fat than deep frying - One of the biggest advantages of an air fryer is that it requires little to no oil for cooking. The rapid air circulation system and heating elements cook food with just a tablespoon or less of oil. This makes it much healthier than deep frying foods in gallons of oil. Air fried foods have significantly less fat and calories compared to their deep fried counterparts.

Quick and convenient - Air fryers cook food very quickly, often two to three times faster than a traditional oven. The average air fryer can cook foods in 10-20 minutes. The compact size and short cook times makes air frying very convenient, especially for small batches or single portions. You don't have to wait for your main oven to preheat.

Versatile cooking options - From crispy fried chicken and french fries to roasted vegetables and cakes, air fryers can cook a wide variety of foods. The circulating hot air mimics deep frying, roasting and baking all in one appliance. Air fryers are great for cooking frozen foods like fries, nuggets and snacks with a fraction of the oil needed in a deep fryer.

Tips for Using an Air Fryer

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance for their ability to make fried favorites in a healthier way. Here are some tips to get the most out of your air fryer:

Best Oils for Air Frying

• Opt for oils with a high smoke point like avocado, peanut, sunflower, or grapeseed oil. Avoid olive and coconut oil which can burn at air frying temperatures.

• Lightly brush or spray oil onto foods instead of deep frying. A little oil goes a long way in an air fryer.

• Consider using oil sprayers for even coverage without heavy drizzling. Misto and PUMP are popular brands.

Food Prep Tips

• Cut ingredients into smaller, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

• Pat wet ingredients dry before air frying to prevent excess steam production.

• Toss items in a small amount of oil before air frying or spray lightly with oil for optimal crispness.

• Flip or shake foods midway through cooking for ideal browning on all sides.

• Use cooking liners or lightly grease the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.

Cleaning Tips

• Wipe down the fryer basket and other parts after each use to prevent buildup.

• Soak stubborn grease stains in warm soapy water before scrubbing clean.

• Use a degreasing spray made for air fryers to cut through oil residue.

• Replace cooking liners after each use for easiest cleanup.

• Check manufacturer guidelines before washing any parts in the dishwasher.

Common Air Fryer Features

Air fryers come with a variety of features to look for when shopping for one. Two key differences are digital controls versus manual dials, and nonstick baskets.

Digital Controls vs Manual Dials

Many air fryers have digital controls with an LED or LCD display and touch buttons. This allows you to precisely set the temperature and timer. Models with manual dials require turning knobs to the desired temperature and time.

Digital controls tend to be more accurate and convenient to use. You can see the settings clearly on the display. The buttons allow you to quickly make adjustments.

Manual dials are more basic and affordable. But the lack of digital precision may result in slightly more trial and error to get the cooking times and temperatures right.

Nonstick Baskets

Most air fryers have nonstick cooking baskets or pots. The nonstick coating prevents food from sticking while frying with little to no oil. It makes cleanup much easier as well.

Look for baskets made with heavy-duty nonstick materials that are PFOA free. Thicker nonstick coatings hold up better over time.

Some models may have ceramic coated pots rather than nonstick baskets. Ceramic provides an alternative nonstick surface that is PTFE and PFOA free.

Cool Touch Exterior

A cool touch exterior is an important safety feature in air fryers. It ensures the outer body does not get dangerously hot while cooking.

Look for cool touch housing made from plastic or metal with proper insulation. Avoid models that get hot on the outside.

The combination of nonstick baskets and cool exteriors makes air fryers easy and safe to use.

Air Fryer Recipes

Air fryers have opened up a whole new world of quick and easy cooking. With an air fryer, you can make all kinds of delicious fried foods with little to no oil. From crispy chicken wings to French fries to donuts, the possibilities are endless. Some of the best foods to make in an air fryer include:

Main Dishes

• Fried chicken - Get KFC-style crispy chicken without the grease. Simply coat chicken pieces in flour or breadcrumbs and air fry.

• Fish fillets or fish sticks - Air fry breaded fish for a fast and healthy dinner. The air fryer makes it crispy on the outside while keeping the inside moist.

• Chicken or vegetable nuggets - Make homemade nuggets or air fry frozen ones. They'll come out perfectly crispy and delicious.

• Burgers - Air fry burgers to get that nice char while cooking them through evenly. Top with cheese at the end for melted goodness.

Sides

• French fries - The ultimate air fryer food. Make fresh or frozen fries nice and crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.

• Onion rings - Get crunchy, golden onion rings in minutes in the air fryer.

• Roasted vegetables - From Brussels sprouts to butternut squash, the air fryer roasts veggies beautifully.

Desserts

• Donuts - Air fry cake donuts or yeast-risen donuts for a sweet treat.

• Churros - These fried dough sticks come out perfectly in the air fryer. Roll in cinnamon sugar.

• Apple pies - Make individual air fried apple pies for an easy dessert.

See a full list of the top 10 air fryer recipes to try out. From breakfast to dinner, the air fryer can cook just about anything you're craving.

Air Fryer Accessories

Air fryers come with basic accessories, but there are additional handy tools you can buy separately to enhance your air frying experience. Here are some of the most useful air fryer accessories to consider:

Racks and Trays

Most air fryers come with a basket or tray for holding food while it cooks. But having an extra rack or tray allows you to cook more food at once. Racks sit on top of the main basket, creating an extra layer for food. Trays also provide more surface area. Look for racks and trays designed to fit your model of air fryer.

Skewers and Tongs

Metal or wood skewers are useful for making kebabs and skewers in the air fryer. The skewers hold ingredients like meat, vegetables, and fruit in place while exposing lots of surface area to hot air. Silicone-tipped tongs make it easy to flip and rotate foods during air frying without burning your fingers.

Extra Baskets

Some air fryer brands sell extra baskets that are handy for batch cooking different foods at the same time, like fries and chicken nuggets. Or you can use an extra basket to prepare a second batch while the first is still cooking. Look for baskets that are the right size and shape to fit your particular model. An additional basket saves time and lets you cook more food at once.

Air Fryer Maintenance

Taking proper care of your air fryer will help it last longer and function better. Here are some tips for maintaining your air fryer:

Cleaning Tips

• Unplug the air fryer and allow it to fully cool before cleaning.

• Wipe down the outside of the air fryer with a damp cloth. Avoid submerging the air fryer in water.

• Remove the basket and wash it with hot, soapy water. The basket is usually dishwasher safe.

• Clean the inside of the air fryer with a damp cloth. Pay special attention to the heating element to remove any oil buildup.

• Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as they can damage the nonstick coating.

• For stubborn grease, fill the basket with hot water and dish soap. Let it soak before scrubbing clean.

Storing

• Allow all parts of the air fryer to fully dry before storing.

• Store the air fryer assembled, with the basket inserted in the drawer.

• Store in a clean, dry place, avoiding areas with high humidity.

Replacing Parts

• Over time, you may need to replace accessories like the basket, pans, or racks. Check the manufacturer's website for replacement parts.

• If the heating element stops working, the air fryer likely needs professional repair or replacement, as this part cannot easily be replaced by consumers.

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for when to replace the air filter and order a new one. A dirty filter will reduce air circulation.

• Never try to replace any parts on your own while the air fryer is plugged in, due to risk of electric shock.

Popular Air Fryer Brands

Air fryers have exploded in popularity in recent years, and several brands have emerged as leaders in the market. Here are some of the most popular air fryer brands to consider:

Philips

Philips is often credited with inventing the modern air fryer and remains one of the most trusted brands. Their Avance and Viva collections feature premium models with rapid air technology to quickly cook food using little to no oil. Philips air fryers are well-known for their sleek designs and user-friendly controls. Models range from compact 3-quart capacities up to XXL 8-quart sizes.

Ninja

Known for blenders and other kitchen appliances, Ninja also makes several top-rated air fryers. The Ninja Air Fryer line highlights their signature dehydration function alongside air frying, making it easy to make healthy dried fruits, vegetables, and jerky. Ninja air fryers earn praise for their large capacities, dishwasher-safe parts, and smart programs.

Instant Pot

Instant Pot exploded onto the scene with their multifunction electric pressure cookers, and they've carried over their one-stop-shop appliance mentality to air fryers. Instant air fryers boast premium features like an easy-clean, nonstick air fry basket. Their models can even replace up to 10 other appliances with alternate functions like bake, roast, broil, and more.

COSORI

COSORI specializes in air fryers and leads with an impressive 5.8 quart capacity model that can fit a 5-pound chicken. Their air fryers offer preset options for cooking common foods like fries, fish, poultry, and veggies. Sleek touchscreen controls and a compact footprint make COSORI a great brand for small kitchens. Durable construction and dishwasher safe parts add convenience.