Air Fryer Fad or Are They Here to Stay? (What Are You Waiting For?!)
The air fryer fad has been around for a while now, but it’s no secret that they have really taken off in recent years.
In the previous 5 years, air fryers have had a record sale of over 25 million units! Since there are about 330 million people in the US, that means that nearly 8 percent of the entire US bought one. It’s even more if you consider how many owned one before 5 years ago.
In fact, some restaurants are even offering pre-fried meals with the use of these handy gadgets. Whether these machines will be here to stay or just another passing trend is still up for debate.
But what’s not in question is that they are a popular kitchen tool and make cooking healthier by reducing fat and oil without sacrificing flavor or texture.
It might be the start of something new, but so far, the air fryer fad has been nothing short of amazing!
Are air fryers a fad?
It is almost time for school to start back up, and I know from experience that a busy life calls for quick and easy meal prep. Imagine being able to cook dinner in half the time it would normally take you. When you have a lot of kids, a small kitchen or living space, or just want to eat healthy without sacrificing your favorite fried foods, an air fryer is the solution!
They are easy to use and clean, so they are great for beginners in cooking or frying or even just people who don’t like cleaning up too much. Some of them are even dishwasher safe.
Another benefit they offer over traditional deep-fat fryers is their size. Air fryers often only take up about as much room as a coffee maker would in your kitchen (or on your counter), which also makes them easier to store when not in use.
Nutrition experts say that air fryers are a fad being touted as the newest, most effective way to cook. The most commonly known use is for French fries and baked goods, but there are other possible uses for them.
The best part about using an air fryer is that it allows you to cook without using any oils or fats. This makes them good for healthy eating and your overall health because you’re not consuming those unhealthy things. Even if you don’t know much about cooking, if you stick with the pamphlet that comes with it and follow the instructions, you will be able to make a lot of different meals!
Why is air frying trending?
The air fryer is trending because it offers a healthier way to cook food. Air frying uses less oil than other cooking methods, so it’s a great way to prepare food without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Health-conscious consumers are driving this trend, and the popularity of air frying is predicted to rise 10.7% by 2028.
Air frying also results in a crunchy texture with caramelized flavor notes, making it a popular choice for those who want the best of both worlds: healthy cooking and America’s favorite thing: deep-fried food.
It is a versatile cooking appliance that can be used indoors and outdoors. It has many recipes available for it, which makes it a desirable option for people who want to cook light fare without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
The myths and misconceptions about air fryers
Myth: air fryers are healthy.
Actually, this one is true. The fact that you can cook food with little or no oil means that you’re not ingesting all of the fat from deep frying. However, that doesn’t mean everything you cook in an air fryer becomes magically healthy.
Myth: air fryers are not versatile
Nope! You can do so much more than just fries in an air fryer. I’ve cooked chicken wings, pork chops, French toast sticks, and even pizza rolls. It’s hard to find something that’s not capable of being cooked in an air fryer. Even soups can be cooked, aside from the inefficiency of using hot air to cook liquids.
Myth: air fryers require a lot of oil
This is false. In most cases, you don’t need to use oil at all to get crispy results in your air fryer. For foods that require a crispy coating (like chicken fingers), using a small amount of cooking spray will help the breading stick better.
Myth: air fryers are expensive
This is not true! Not only are they available now at low price points, but you can also find them at discount stores like Walmart and Costco for even cheaper prices. Black Friday is also a good day to buy an air fryer because the prices drop significantly.
Myth: air fryers take up a lot of space
It depends on which air fryer brand and model you choose, but there are plenty of options out there for countertop models if cabinet space is an issue for your kitchen.
What does an air fryer do?
An air fryer is a small appliance that cooks food using convection. This means that the appliance uses a fan to circulate hot air around the food, cooking it quickly and evenly. Most of the time, you can cook food without using oil with an air fryer, making it a healthier option than other appliances. Air fryers are also good for cooking frozen foods because you can fry them without using much oil.
Air fryers are easy to use; in fact, they’re often easier than other appliances for most tasks. They’re also quick—air fryers cook food at a high temperature quickly, so you don’t have to wait long for your food to be ready. However, because of the high temperatures and lack of regulation options, air fryers can be easy to burn if you’re not careful.
Unlike a deep fryer, you don’t need oil
If you’re looking for a healthier way to cook your food, an air fryer is a great option. Unlike a deep fryer, you don’t need to use any oil when cooking with this appliance. In fact, most things can be cooked without any additional oil. Just place them in the basket and let the machine do its job!
However, there are some foods that do require a little bit of oil. If you’re using a flour-coated food, it’s necessary to spray it with oil before cooking so that the batter sticks and it turns out golden brown. Additionally, frozen foods require no additional oil but can also be sprinkled with a little bit if desired.
The best way to add oil is by using an oil spray bottle, which will evenly coat your food for a healthier dish. And don’t forget: powdered or coated foods work best in an air fryer! Just make sure to spray them on top of the inside and outside of the machine for crispy results every time.
Is using an air fryer healthier than using a regular fryer?
Air fryers have been around for a few years now, but they are only becoming more popular as people learn about their benefits. Air frying is a healthier way to cook food because it cuts calories by up to 80%. Additionally, air fryers don’t require any added oil, so your food will stay moist and delicious.
On one hand, air-fried foods may have less acrylamide, the potentially cancer-causing chemical that is formed when some foods are cooked at high temperatures. However, these same foods might also have more trans fats, which are known to increase the risk of heart disease. Thus, it is still unclear whether or not air fryers are a healthier option than regular fryers.
There is a lot of debate over whether air fryers are healthier than regular fryers. Some people think that using an air fryer is healthier because it doesn’t use as much oil. However, air-fried foods may also have more trans fats.
Trans fats are unhealthy because they can raise bad cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Some studies have also linked trans fats to cancer and diabetes.
Though air frying is considered a healthier option, the amount of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) increased when fish was air fried. COPs are compounds that are known to increase the risk of heart disease.
Through antioxidants, parsley, chives, and a mixture of herbs can reduce the COPs in air-fried foods. Antioxidants are molecules that protect cells from damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals. This damage can lead to diseases such as cancer.
Air fryers require less oil and can be healthier than traditional frying methods. However, it is important to note that not all air fryers are created equal. Some models may still produce high levels of COPs.
It is important to do your research before purchasing an air fryer to ensure that you are getting one that will be healthy for you and your family.
The pros and cons of air fryers
The pros of owning an air fryer
Air fryers have several pros:
Air fryers are a great option for people who don’t know how to cook because they are very easy to use. The appliance has a built-in timer and temperature gauge, so you can easily set it and forget it. Additionally, most air fryers come with a variety of pre-programmed cooking options, so you can choose the right one for your food.
Air fryers are a great way to cook food evenly, which is especially good for thick or large pieces of meat. This means that the meat will not be overcooked on the outside while being undercooked on the inside.
Air fryers are a healthier option because they use little-to-no oil, which means that the foods cooked in them are lower in fat. Additionally, air fryers cook food more quickly than conventional ovens, making them ideal for cooking frozen foods or vegetables.
They work by circulating hot air around the food, which results in a crispy outside and a soft inside.
In addition, air fryers are easy to clean. All removable parts can be placed in the dishwasher for a quick and easy clean up. However, this depends on the needs and wants of an individual user. Some people might not care about having a dishwasher-safe air fryer, while others might find it crucial.
The cons of owning an air fryer
Air fryers may also have several cons:
Counter space is a valuable commodity in any kitchen, and the air fryer takes up a lot of it. Some people find that they do not use their air fryer often enough to justify the amount of counter space it takes up.
One downside of air fryers is that they are louder than convection ovens. If you’re looking for a quiet kitchen appliance, an air fryer may not be the best choice.
Also, air fryers cannot fry foods that have a flour-based or wet batter. For example, you would not be able to make French fries with an air fryer because they require a thick coating of batter.
Air fryers take up valuable counter space. If you’re cooking for a large family or want to entertain guests, an air fryer might not be the best option. Additionally, many air fryers come with small capacities, so they might not be ideal if you’re looking to cook a lot of food at once.
One of the biggest drawbacks is that sometimes air fryers are expensive, both in terms of the initial purchase price and in terms of electricity costs. Sometimes the cost of buying a good one can go up to $300! It’s best to look for sales on days like Black Friday, where the same units being sold are 100s less.
What are the downsides to air frying?
It doesn’t actually “fry” your food
Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance in recent years. Many people believe that they fry food, but this is not actually the case. Air fryers use hot air to bake food, which gives it a crispy texture.
The beneficial fats may be lost
There is a common misconception that in order to be healthy, one must cut out all oils. However, this is not necessarily the case. Some oils, such as Omega-3s and monounsaturated fats, are actually very beneficial for the body and should not be cut out completely.
The beneficial fats may be lost in the cooking process. These fats are good for your heart and help you absorb more nutrients from your food.
It may boost the formation of a carcinogen
Acrylamide is a carcinogen that can form in some foods, such as potatoes, during high-temperature cooking processes like frying and baking.
However, air-frying potatoes has been shown to result in about a 90% lower formation of acrylamide than deep-frying potatoes.
Unfortunately, studies are still going on about whether or not air fryer cooking can lessen the link to cancer. There’s a high possibility that it can help you fight cancer.
Not all foods are healthy if you put them in an air fryer
When cooking, it’s important to remember that not everything is healthy. Some ingredients may be good for you, while others can be harmful. It’s important to do your research and cook with caution.
Air fryers are a fun addition to your kitchen, but don’t automatically tie them to healthy eating. Just because food is cooked in an air fryer doesn’t mean that it’s automatically healthy. Some foods that are fried in oil, like French fries, can be cooked in an air fryer instead, but remember that they will still have a lot of calories and unhealthy fats.
Find an air fryer that fits your kitchen
Air fryers can be surprisingly too large for your countertops, so if you have limited space in your kitchen, you might want to consider getting a smaller model. If you’re going to be using your air fryer often or you have a large family to feed, you may want to invest in a larger capacity model.
Microwaves cook faster than air fryers
There’s one item in your kitchen that cooks food faster than anything else. That is the microwave. If you’re thinking of using your air fryer only because you think it’s a much faster way to cook, then you’re wrong. Microwaves can cook food twice as fast.
The benefit, however, is the quality of the food that air fryers can provide. You likely won’t find your microwaved food to be as tasty as your air-fried food.
Don’t expect too much
Although air fryers are great appliances and can produce some delicious food, it’s important to remember that they cannot automatically make your food taste like it was prepared by a Michelin-starred chef.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to create some fantastic dishes with your air fryer, but don’t expect them to be perfect every time.
Should you buy an air fryer?
Air fryers are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason! They can be used in place of a range and are more convenient. Air fryers are quicker than convection ovens but not as fast as deep-frying. A smaller kitchen with less counter space wouldn’t benefit from an air fryer either.
However, air fryers are a convenient way to cook at home. They work well with frozen food, vegetables, and fat-free cooking methods. You can also use them in the oven by switching off their functions while they’re in use or not using them at all and just using regular heating appliances instead.
Though air fryers have been around for a while, they are just starting to become wildly popular. Air fryers work well with frozen food, vegetables, and fat-free cooking methods. This makes them a great option if you are looking for a healthier way to cook or want to cut down on your unhealthy eating habits.
I think you should buy an air fryer because not only is it a great way to cook food, but you can also use it for other things like baking and even making popcorn.
If you are looking for the best air fryer, then these ones from Cuisinart, Ninja Foodi, COSORI, GoWise, Breville, Gourmia, and Instant are fantastic choices. Are there any major differences? Not really. Just look for the features you like and grab one. You can make sure that you get the right size for your needs by checking out our article on the different sizes.
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