Air fryers: advantages and disadvantages

Each owner of the deep fryer, for sure, remembers liters of boiling oil, puffs of smoke from it and fries lying in piles of paper towels in order to soak up all the same excess oil. Then the lattice, bowl and the device itself are washed off for a long time and tediously from sticking vegetable oil. Fortunately, technology does not stand still. A new generation device - an air fryer - capable of frying french fries in one spoon of oil! So, let's find out the truth about this device.

Air fryer: what is it

The air fryer is an electric appliance in a housing made of plastic or stainless steel, designed for frying food. Products are placed in a mesh bowl with a handle, which is blown by streams of hot air, thanks to the built-in heating element and convector. On the body of the device there is a control panel. The most important feature of an air fryer is that it fry without oil and fat, that is, 1 tablespoon of deep-fryer will be needed for a portion of french fries.

The main differences between air fryers and first-generation deep fryers are that:

• it’s much easier to care for a modern device: all components can be entrusted to the dishwasher;
• no more liters to buy deep-frying oil - just 10 grams per kilogram of food is enough;
• cooking time is significantly reduced, since you do not need to heat 1.5-2 liters of deep fat;
• dishes cooked in a modern appliance are much less harmful than those cooked in a classic deep fat fryer.

By its characteristics, the device resembles an air grill, but is more compact and spends much less time on cooking.

Air fryer at work

The principle of operation of the air fryer

The air fryer is arranged in much the same way as the classic one: pieces of food are stacked in a trellised basket. By the way, to make it easier to remove the finished dish from it, experienced users recommend greasing the grate with a brush with a small amount of vegetable oil. The deep-frying bowl is missing here, if you still need to add a spoonful of oil for taste, it is poured directly onto the products. Excess oil simply drains onto a sump.

Order of preparation:

1. Plug in the appliance.
2. Insert the basket into the device.
3. Lubricate the basket rack with a brush with oil.
4. Put food in the basket.
5. Use the timer to set the cooking time.
6. Set the desired cooking temperature. At this moment, at the top of the device, a heating element is turned on, which heats the air in the device within 80-200 degrees. Using a convector, this air circulates inside the device, evenly frying food.
7. After the products are fried and reached a golden crust, the basket is removed from the appliance.
8. If the cooking process is finished, the basket must be washed and dried, if the next call is planned, you need to wait until the device cools down. After that, you can cook further.
9. Do not forget to disconnect the device from the network.

Hot air convection in the appliance

Key device parameters

The main characteristics of the device:

• The casing is made of plastic or stainless metal and is usually thermally insulated. Plastic devices are obviously lighter, but metal ones are more reliable.
• The power of the heating element varies from 800 to 2000 watts, the optimal choice is 1400 watts.
• The volume of the bowl can reach 3.2 liters. A 1.5 liter bowl will hold 1 kg of product.
• The control of the device can be either mechanical or electronic. With electronic control, all processes are displayed on the LCD display, which is convenient, but the device is more expensive.
• The timer is set for half an hour or for an hour, after which a buzzer is heard.
• The viewing window is not available on all models. It also serves as a convenience.
• Filters that capture the smells of cooked food are in the most expensive models.
• The temperature range of the devices is from 60 to 240 degrees: at low temperatures, drying vegetables, fruits, dried meat and fish is recommended, at high temperatures - baking dough products.

The device may include a baking tray, grill, frying basket, skewers for meat, fish, vegetable dishes.

What dishes can be cooked in the air fryer?

The device’s capabilities are not limited to cooking french fries. It is limited only by the imagination of the cook. In addition to classic potatoes, you can cook vegetable, fish, meat skewers, chicken wings and drumsticks, steaks, meatballs, meatballs, dumplings, sandwiches, nuggets and much more.

The air fryer will also perfectly cope with baking: muffins, sausages in the dough, cookies and pies are always obtained with a bang.

The device also copes with frozen foods, without requiring their preliminary defrosting.

Some models come with a recipe book. And on the Internet there are already quite a lot of recipes, tips and life hacks for air fryers.

Cooking in it is a pleasure

Advantages and disadvantages of air fryers

Advantages of the air fryer:

• the result is a delicious fast food that is not harmful to health;
• compact sizes that allow you to place the device in the kitchen of any size;
• the opportunity to save on oil for deep fat;
• care of the device is extremely simple - a dishwasher;
• it can quickly and conveniently heat food;
• You can cook a couple of dishes at the same time.

The disadvantages of the device:

• rather high cost makes the device unattainable for some families;
• if you cook for a large company, the process runs the risk of delaying the time;
• the range of devices is rather meager - not many of the manufacturers produce air fryers today.

Popular models with brief specifications and prices

TOP-5 of the most popular models of air fryers of 2018 will help to make the right choice. The rating is based on reviews from the lucky owners of this device.

Tefal FZ707267 ActiFry

A modern, economical appliance will make french fries with just 3% oil. The presence of the original scapula for mixing the ingredients will evenly distribute the oil over the entire surface of the food. The lid of the device, again of the original design, is equipped with a special outlet for excess steam, which speaks in favor of the safety of the device. The power of the device is 1400 watts, the capacity of the bowl is 1 kg. The stylish combined case made of plastic and steel will be an adornment in any kitchen. Electronic control of the device, there is a built-in timer.

Pros:

• lack of condensate;
• all parts are removable, easy to wash in the dishwasher;
• non-stick coating;
• measuring spoon included.

Minuses:

• after a sound signal the device itself does not turn off;
• The recipe book included in the kit is not Russified.

Tefal FZ707267 ActiFry

Philips HD9235

The plastic model in a futuristic design with touch buttons looks very presentable. Power 1425 watts, bowl with non-stick coating - 3 liters. The LCD display will show the ongoing processes, microprocessor control is intuitive. The original Rapid Air technology allows you to fry, bake, grill without oil or with a minimal amount of it.

Benefits:

• compact size, easy to maintain cleanliness;
• auto power off;
• compartment for the cord;
• kebab skewers and grill;
• Great recipe book.

Disadvantages:

• a large company will have to make several bookmarks.

Philips HD9235

Tefal ActiFry 2 in 1

The device is in a plastic case. Power 1500 watts. There is a bowl with a capacity of 1.5 kg. Microprocessor control, in the presence of a timer. Completely transparent cover allows you to monitor the process. The set includes two non-stick pans: 500 g and 2000, you can cook two dishes at the same time.

Advantages:

• all components can be removed and washed in the dishwasher;
• non-stick coating;
• the ability to cook two different dishes at the same time.

Disadvantages:

• after the buzzer the device does not turn off by itself;
• The recipe book included in the kit does not contain the Russian language.

Tefal ActiFry 2 in 1

GFGRIL GFA-3500 AIR FRYER

The device in an elegant plastic case with a capacity of 1,500 watts is equipped with the unique Rapid Air Circulate System technology, thanks to which you can fry and bake delicious dishes with a grill effect at a minimum of oil. On the body of the device there is an LCD display that reflects everything that happens. The device has 8 auto-programs. A non-stick bowl has a volume of 3.2 liters.

Benefits:

• the presence of a timer;
• the presence of a filter;
• sound signal;
• compact size;
• removable bowl.

Disadvantages:

• short-lived coverage.

GFGRIL GFA-3500 AIR FRYER

ENDEVER AF-120

A good combination of aerogrill, convection ovens and classic deep fat fryers. The compact unit with a capacity of 1,500 watts and a capacity of 1 kilogram has a grill and food tongs in the kit. The plastic case is easy to keep clean.

Pros:

• microprocessor control;
• timer;
• filter;
• removable bowl;
• automatic washing possible;
• compact.

Minuses:

• optimal cooking is achieved by trial and error.

ENDEVER AF-120

For fans of cooking, this proven appliance will become a loyal assistant in the kitchen. Children will forget to remember about “masterpieces” from fast-food restaurants, and friends will take every opportunity to enjoy the culinary experience. You should choose the model wisely: the device should be easy to maintain, and the volume of the bowl should suit future owners.