Air fryer

[Alpha]

Hi everyone! I'm thinking about getting an air fryer and wanted to see if it's really worth it. Do they make a big difference in cooking, and how do they compare to an oven when it comes to power usage? Do they use a lot of electricity, or are they pretty efficient? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance!

[machinist]

Hi! An air fryer can definitely be worth it, depending on your cooking needs. They cook food faster than an oven and can give that crispy texture without using much oil. As for power usage, air fryers are generally more energy-efficient than ovens since they preheat quickly and cook food in less time, using less electricity, which can be a bonus if you’re looking to save energy.

However, the capacity is smaller compared to an oven, so if you're cooking for a large group, you might need to do multiple batches.

[Alpha]

Thanks for the helpful overview! I'm really curious about how air fryers actually work - what's the technology behind them? And while you mentioned they use less oil, I'd love to hear more about whether they actually make food healthier compared to traditional frying.

[machinist]

Air fryers work by blasting hot air around the food at high speeds, kind of like a mini convection oven. This rapid air circulation makes the outside crispy, similar to deep frying, but without needing a ton of oil. Instead of submerging food in oil, the hot air does all the work, giving you that crunchy texture with much less fat.

As for whether they make food healthier, yes, they do compared to deep frying. Since air fryers use little to no oil, they can cut down fat and calories by up to 70–80%. That means you can enjoy crispy fries or chicken with much less grease. But keep in mind, it still depends on what you’re cooking. Air-fried veggies are great, but processed frozen foods (even if air-fried) can still be high in sodium and additives.

So, air fryers are definitely a healthier alternative to deep frying, but it’s still best to eat a good mix of fresh foods.

[FatimaandAhmed]

Hi Alpha and Machinist, interesting topic! Machinist, do you know if an air fryer generates a lot of heat in the kitchen, or is it more contained compared to an oven? Also, do air fryers tend to have any issues with durability over time?