How Does an Air Fryer Work? Everything You Should Know

Air fryers have become an indispensable cooking appliance in modern kitchens nowadays. Air fryers are claimed to produce crispy food using less oil compared to traditional oven cooking while reducing the overall cooking time. Do you want to know more about air fryers before purchasing one? In this article, we will guide you through how an air fryer works. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision about incorporating an air fryer into your culinary routine.

What is an Air Fryer?

The air fryer is a countertop appliance, similar to a convection oven. It helps prepare crispy, perfectly golden-fried foods without the need for a pot or pan brimming with oil.

How Does an Air Fryer Work?

An air fryer works by circulating hot air quickly inside it, similar to a convection oven. It is equipped with a heating mechanism and a fan. When it is turned on, the heating mechanism quickly heats the air, and the fan makes the hot air flow in the closed space. The convection heat ensures food is crispy on the outside while juicy and tender on the inside. Additionally, the perforated air fryer basket helps accelerate the air flow, reducing the cooking time and making the food more crispy and brown.

Air Fryer vs. Oven

Air fryers and ovens differ in capacity, functionality, and energy efficiency. Air fryers typically have smaller capacities and are suitable for cooking small to medium batches of food, while ovens offer greater capacity and can cook multiple foods at the same time.

In terms of functionality, air fryers are especially suitable for making crispy foods similar to fried foods, but they usually use less oil. Some ovens can not only bake, broil, and grill but also have convection and slow roasting options, which can better meet complex and diverse cooking needs. When talking about energy efficiency, air fryers are generally more energy efficient due to their smaller size and faster cooking times. It uses less electricity when cooking small to medium-sized meals and heats up quickly. In contrast, ovens are less energy efficient when cooking smaller portions of food because more energy is required to heat a larger space, and the preheating process is time-consuming and energy-intensive.

Is It Healthy to Use an Air Fryer?

You may be wondering, “Is air-fried food as healthy as it claims?”. Actually, that depends on the food you are cooking on a large scale. Even when cooked in the air fryer, French fries, chicken wings, or mozzarella sticks still contain high levels of slat and saturated fats. Air fryers won’t let what looks like unhealthy food become healthy.

While air fryer food is said to be a healthier method than traditional deep frying because it uses less oil. When air-frying food at home, you can control more over the ingredients, including the amount of oil and the salt content, so it is a healthier option than restaurant versions.

What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?

An air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance suitable for cooking a wide variety of foods. You can prepare a range of meats, including chicken, pork chops, and steak; seafood like fish fillets and shrimp; as well as vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts. It's also great for frozen foods such as fries, tater tots, and chicken nuggets, snacks and appetizers like egg rolls, and even for baking small batches of goods like muffins and small cakes. Additionally, they are an effective way to reheat leftovers, restoring crispness that is often lost when using a microwave.

What You Shouldn’t Cook with an Air Fryer?

Although air fryers are quite versatile, they are not suitable for every type of food. For instance, foods with a liquid batter, like beer-battered fish, don’t fare well as the batter can drip before it sets. Cooking cheese directly in an air fryer can create a mess as it melts and drips. Light, leafy greens like spinach may be unevenly cooked due to the speed of the air. Foods that need to be cooked in liquid, such as rice or certain grains, are also not suitable. Moreover, very wet foods like soups or stews and dry seasonings are not ideal for air-frying.

Best Air Fryer Recommendation

The FD-1015B Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance designed to cater to a variety of culinary needs. With a 10L capacity, it's suitable for various cooking needs, such as whole chicken, chicken wings, fries, pizza, large shrimp, or egg tarts. The air fryer operates at 1350 watts on a 110-volt system and features a durable plastic body with a cold-rolled steel basket. It comes in white or black and is equipped with a non-stick coating and a long 90-cm power cord for easy placement. The temperature range is 80°C to 200°C, making it ideal for baking, roasting, and grilling. Its modern design includes a smart touch control, a large see-through window, and a dishwasher-safe basket for easy cleaning. The fryer is energy-efficient, using 80% less oil than traditional frying methods, promoting low-fat cooking. It comes with a 1-year warranty and includes the fryer host, basket, manual, and separator.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding "how does an air fryer work" helps achieve efficient cooking. By using hot air circulation, it achieves a crispy texture with less oil and is indeed a healthier alternative to traditional frying. If you're seeking a balance between health and flavor, consider adding an air fryer to your culinary toolkit. With various models to choose from, you can find one that aligns with your cooking preferences and start relishing your beloved fried dishes in a healthier manner.