The air fryer is a convenient kitchen appliance that provides heathier and faster cooking without minimising flavour. Time and money is precious - especially in this current economy - and investing in an air fryer can be a great way of producing a tasty meal that doesn't considerably increase the electricity bill and is ready for the family to eat within a much quicker time frame. In this blog post, we'll dive into everything you need to know about air fryers - from understanding their benefits, to choosing the right one for your household.

So, what exactly is an air fryer?

An air fryer is a bench-top appliance that uses a heating element and fan to circulate hot air and cook your food - quite literally frying with air. This can give you a crispy outcome with little or no oil, and is a great alternative to a deep fryer.

An air fryer is, for all intents and purposes, a convenient countertop convection oven. Compared to an oven, an air fryer is smaller and heats up much quicker - while generally creating crispier and more even results as the heat source is not primarily located at the top or bottom like an oven. It uses a fan to circulate hot air to cook, crisp, or caramelize food faster than the usual radiant heat in a normal oven.

What are the main benefits of an air fryer?

Airfryers began with the reputation of being a healthy eating appliance thanks to the lack of oil needed to make classic comfort food like chicken wings and french fries. These days, they are present in many kitchens, including those looking to make quick and simple meals or extending your options when cooking for a crowd.

Healthier Cooking:

Air fryers use little to no oil compared to traditional frying methods, meaning that your meals contain lower fat levels. The circulation of hot air enables your food to gain a crispy exterior without the need for excessive oil. 

Efficiency:

Air fryers cook food faster than conventional ovens, which reduces your cooking time and energy consumption as you don't need to preheat the appliance like an oven. The rapid air circulation of an air fryer ensures consistent results in a fraction of the time. 

Versatility:

Air fryers don't just need to be used for French fries. These appliances are capable of baking, frying, grilling and roasting a large array of goods from vegetables to frozen chicken nuggets. They can also dry out fruit!

Types of air fryers.

Air fryers have a few possible configurations, but the two classic types of air fryers are basket-style (including single and dual baskets) and toaster oven-style (often multifunctional with tray inserts). The capabilities of both can vary, and the best air fryer results are determined by convection power (how consistently the heat rotates through) and the capacity of the basket or tray. We wouldn’t recommend one style over the other since it depends on your kitchen needs.

Basket air fryers

Basket air fryers are the most well-known type of air fryer, they are similar to a deep fryer because they have a basket in which the food is cooked in. The things you want to look out for are the basket size and depth, the bigger the basket the more you can cook. If you plan on cooking your entire meal in your airfryer, you’ll either need a big basket, or to cook in relay. Some come with a steamer option so your can Fry or steam your food. Not all the pieces of a basket air fryer are dishwasher safe either so that’s worth factoring into your decision. Basket air fryers are sleek looking and come in different colour options so you can match your existing kitchen décor.

Air fryer ovens 

These now offer great versitility. They have a rack like an built in oven but are smaller and bench top. The heat  comes from above and it’s fanned around the oven, but with racks food can be spread out and even baked. Air fryer ovens typically also have more functions, along with baking, you can roast or toast too. Air fryer ovens can also come with baskets so are very versitile, and you can even have a rotisserie attachment with some models. You can also move the racks up and down so food can be closer or further away from the heat source, and because they are generally bigger more can be cooked in them.  Some newer models come with a double oven so you can cook two different things at once! Perfect if useing to cook your entire meal. They do take up more bench space, than the basket air fryer. Oven air fryers come in great classic colours and easy to slip in with any décor style.

Ok, so how do I choose the right air fryer for me?

When choosing an air fryer for your household, there are a few elements to consider:

Capacity:

Determine the size of the air fryer based on your household's needs.Compact models are suitable for individuals or small families, while larger air fryers are ideal for bigger households or those who frequently entertain guests. 

Power and Temperature Control:

Look for air fryers with adjustable temperature controls and sufficient wattage for efficient cooking. The ability to control temperature allows for versatile cooking options so that you can use your air fryer for multiple purposes, from crisping up snacks to roasting vegetables. 

Additional Features:

Consider features like pre-programmed cooking presets, digital displays, and timers for added convenience. These features simplify the cooking process and allow for precise control over your meals. 

Ease of Cleaning:

Opt for models with non-stick, dishwasher-safe baskets or trays for hassle-free cleaning. Removable components make maintenance a breeze, ensuring your air fryer remains in top condition. 

Air fryers are a game-changer for home cooks looking to enjoy healthier, more convenient meals without sacrificing taste or texture. With the right choice of air fryer for your household, you can revolutionize your cooking routine.

Click here to shop our range of air fryers at Betta Electrical online today!