When I first heard about air fryers, I thought of all the ridiculous single-use appliances that start out as fads and end up cluttering our kitchen counters — and then the shelves of thrift stores, and eventually our landfills: hot dog heaters, burger makers, six-wedge quesadilla or panini presses, cupcake makers, and so on.
Things can get pretty crazy out there in our commercial culture. Did you know you can get an “Automatic Mini Donut Factory”? For only $136, you too can have one cluttering up your kitchen counter. Does anyone really need a soft pretzel maker with a cheese dip warmer? Or a chocolate fondue fountain?
At first, the air fryer seemed to be heir to that tradition: another hunk of plastic that does one single thing and is quickly relegated to the pile of “purchases I regret.” But so many plant-based chefs and bloggers started talking about how the thing changed their lives, that I finally relented and opened my mind.
And I’m glad I did. The air fryer isn’t another single-use gadget. Instead, it’s a way to enjoy a wide variety of crispy, crunchy comfort foods without added oil. Many people who own one report using it multiple times a day, and creating dishes that entice even the pickiest fast food eaters to gobble down plant-based and oil-free chips, wedges, fries, and wings.
And the market agrees: two million more air fryers were purchased in the second quarter of 2020 than during the same period the year before. And the trend appears to be “heating up,” as it were (pun fully intended).
So what’s the deal with air fryers? What are they good for? Which one might be best for you? Is there a proper way to use them? And what can you make in them that might justify their cost and footprint on your kitchen counter?
Introduction to the Air Fryer
The air fryer’s technology was invented by Dutch entrepreneur Fedde van der Weij, and made its first public appearance at the Berlin IFA consumer electronics fair in 2010, where it created a lot of buzz. Philips, the company that presented the air fryer, had been working on a way to fry food with less fat for several years using a combination of heat from halogen bulbs and strong airflow inside the device. The form factor (essentially the size, shape, and other physical specifications), in the shape of a large egg, made the new product friendly and approachable, and also facilitated ease of cleaning. (One of the big advantages of air frying, especially for people who aren’t concerned about their consumption of fried, oily foods, is that it makes so little mess and is so easy to clean compared to traditional frying).
In the intervening decade, the air fryer has come to rival the Instant Pot as the new, super popular appliance changing how we do things in the kitchen. Despite the name, these appliances have proved extremely versatile. Far from being a single-purpose appliance for frying food, air fryers (and other shapes, including that of a traditional toaster oven) can cook pretty much anything without the need for oil.
It makes sense — no one likes soggy food, especially when the texture should be crispy. Crunchy food appears to appeal to some deeply held instinct — perhaps the sense that fresh fruits and vegetables are at their best when they’re at their crunchiest, and so some part of our brains identify crunch as a good proxy for “healthy.”
What Is an Air Fryer?
OK, so let’s get specific. An air fryer is a small household kitchen appliance that can fit on your countertop. It has a fan that circulates hot air to cook food quickly in a mesh basket (or tray) from the outside in. The small size — most range in capacity from two to six quarts — has two advantages: they cook food fast to allow for crisping without burning or drying out. And they take up relatively little counter space. If you have room for a coffee maker, you have room for an air fryer.
Some models retail for as little as $40, while others will set you back $300 or more, depending on the brand and features. If you’re interested, keep your eyes peeled for sales, especially during the holidays, as they’re currently a very popular gift.
Now, to be clear, humans have been browning and crisping food for millennia, long before the air fryer was invented. The advantage of this new appliance is that it takes a shorter time and often doesn’t require preheating. In addition to frying, most air fryer models can also bake, grill, and roast — all without any additional oil.
I don’t know what this says about us, but despite the versatility of air fryers, most people still use them for just one primary purpose: air-fried potatoes.
Pros and Cons of Air Fryers
Like most things in life, air fryers are not perfect. So, let’s look at the good, the bad, and the concerning when it comes to these popular appliances.
Pros of Air Fryers
1. Little to no oil is needed
The big selling point of the air fryer is frying with little or no oil. It’s possible to get crispy fries and other favorite appetizers (wings, mozzarella sticks, croquettes, dumplings, and so on) either with just a fraction of the oil to coat the food, or with none at all. That way, you can consume far less bottled oils, and total calories, which can aid weight loss.
A quick health note here: while a tablespoon of oil is clearly preferable to a quart, it’s much better for your health to avoid cooking with bottled oils as much as possible.
For example, heated vegetable oil can increase the risk of heart disease, especially when that oil is reheated repeatedly, as in commercial fryers found in restaurants. To avoid these risks, it’s preferable to air fry with no added oil.
2. Food cooks quickly
Air frying is also quick and easy compared with deep frying, and indeed compared to just about any other type of cooking other than microwaving (for more on the pros and cons of microwave ovens, click here).
Because many models don’t require preheating like convection or traditional ovens, they cut down on cooking time. This is especially true when you’re cooking frozen items, like pre-cut fries and veggies. You can just chop up vegetables and other foods, or throw the frozen veggies straight in. A bag of frozen broccoli or cauliflower can turn into a delicious roasted side dish in just a few minutes.
3. Good for reheating leftovers
Air fryers are also great for reheating leftovers, which can reduce food waste. When you reheat leftovers in the microwave, it often changes the texture of the food. But with an air fryer, you can restore the heat, firmness, and crispiness to your meal. And as they get fancier, many air fryer models include pre-programmed settings for cooking specific foods (typically they are set for things like fries, fish, etc).
4. Versatile in their usage
As mentioned, air fryers are far more versatile than their name suggests. Some can dehydrate food as well as crisp it. Some models, especially those shaped like large toaster ovens, are also multi-use, and can bake, roast, and reheat, too. Still others boast multiple baskets, so you can cook different foods at the same time.
5. Great for cooking plant-based foods
Air fryers are excellent for cooking vegetables and other plant-based foods, too. Consumer Reports found that air-fried asparagus, cauliflower, kale chips, and corn on the cob received rave reviews from their child testers. And adults appreciated the roasted Brussels sprouts and potatoes. NBC News’ air fryer guide also recommends air frying mushrooms, eggplant, okra, green beans, and chickpeas.
The nice thing about air fryer veggies is how crisp they get, especially compared to cooking methods like microwaving, which are famous for producing a soggier texture. Using an air fryer, then, can help get kids, or other picky eaters, to consume more vegetables.
Cons of Air Fryers
Of course, all is not perfect in air fryer land.
1. Generate acrylamides
Some tests have found that air fryers actually generate more acrylamides than deep frying, especially in starchy foods like potatoes. That’s concerning because while acrylamides are found in many natural foods, and are impossible to avoid completely, when they are excessive, they can cause mutations in humans that may lead to cancer. Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce acrylamide levels when using an air fryer.
For example, if you’re going to cook potatoes, avoid cooking at very high heat. To reduce acrylamide levels, potatoes should be cooked at or below 180 degrees Celsius (356 degrees Fahrenheit). You’re looking for a golden brown texture. If they’re too brown, that’s a sign that higher levels of acrylamides could be developing in the crust. Plus, if you soak your potatoes before you cook them, and if you don’t store them in the fridge before cooking, that will reduce the acrylamide levels significantly.
2. Can be hard to clean
While some air fryers are easy to clean, others demand a lot of time, attention, and elbow grease. While the closed basket may feel like “out of sight, out of mind,” you do need to clean it regularly to prevent it from becoming, well, a gross health hazard. If you do use any amount of oil, the basket can become sticky and greasy. And even oil-free food particles can get stuck on surfaces. Baskets with lots of nooks and crannies can be especially hard to clean. Here’s a useful article with instructions for keeping your air fryer clean and ready for action.
3. Small capacity
Another problem with air fryers, especially if you’re feeding a lot of mouths, is their relatively small capacity. Basically, the larger the volume, the less the food will seem “fried” and the longer it will take to cook. So there’s a tradeoff between the taste and the amount you can cook.
Air fryers will make batches that can feed a family of four or fewer. And depending how hungry everyone is, even four people may need a couple of batches to satisfy. Different models may advertise their capacity, but the actual capacity is often smaller than claimed.
You may be tempted to fit more food in by crowding the basket, but this defeats the purpose of air frying. The food may not cook evenly, and may not come out not crispy enough or even burned.
4. Teflon coatings
Most models of air fryer use Teflon or a similar non-stick coating, since convenience and ease of cleaning are hot selling points. The baskets themselves — the parts that come in contact with food — may have chemical coatings that contain PTFE (aka Teflon) and PFOA (a compound used to manufacture PTFE). Look out for these non-stick coatings, or any model where plastic touches the food, as they can release chemicals that may be toxic. There are nontoxic air fryers out there that use ceramic or stainless steel baskets or racks instead.
5. Not a set-it-and-forget-it appliance
If you’ve joined the Instant Pot revolution, one of the nicest features is that you can “set it and forget it.” You don’t need to babysit the appliance, as it will cook on a timer and then keep it warm until you’re ready to eat. Air fryers are different, however. You often need to flip food, just as in a regular oven, to keep it from burning on one side. And since few air fryers have transparent windows, you may need to keep opening the basket to check on the cooking status.
Some poorly made models are even reported to be fire hazards. One viral video from June 2021 shows a short-circuited air fryer throwing off flames as a four-year-old girl in a tutu frets, then runs to alert her father that their house is in danger. Yikes!
6. May encourage junk food eating
Finally, any cookware is only as healthy as the food you put in it. Given the easy and cheap availability of packaged frozen fried foods like potato fries, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and so on, you may need to set some boundaries so that an air fryer doesn’t turn your kitchen into a home-based, fast food restaurant.
Air Fryer Recommendations
OK, enough beating around the basket. If you want an air fryer, which one should you get?
The answer, as with most things in life, is “it depends.”
Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
If you have a large family and a few hundred dollars of discretionary income on hand, I’d look at the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. It’s got the largest form factor of any air fryer, and resembles the offspring of a toaster oven and a Hummer. One advantage of this is that the Breville can replace, rather than sit next to, your current toaster. So if your Black and Decker is on its last legs, this might be a reasonable purchase even from an economic perspective.
The Breville also rocks from a health perspective — no plastic in sight, except for the exterior handles. Your food will be in contact only with a metal mesh fryer tray, a coated metal cookie tray, or a pizza rack.
And in terms of volume, it can’t be beat. You can get a lot of stuff on a single mesh fryer tray. And you can buy extra ones, to stack up to four at a time.
The downside of the Breville is that it doesn’t give you the same air-fried experience that you’ll get from a smaller basket-type appliance. Food will turn out similarly cooked to those in a regular convection oven than one of the other air fryer models described below.
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 or XL 6-in-1
The Ninja Pro 4-in-1 and 6-in-1 models come in at a little under $120 or $170, depending on size. With the classic basket design and a simple keypad, these air fryers are both on the larger side: five and six and a half quarts, respectively. The baskets are non-stick, and coated in ceramic, so they don’t contain the chemicals in some non-stick surfaces that can off-gas and cause health problems. They’re also easy to clean, as all food-touching parts are dishwasher-safe.
Yedi Evolution Air Fryer
Another healthy option is the Yedi Evolution Air Fryer. It’s a beast at 6.8 quarts, and also includes a ceramic non-stick coating, which is advertised as lead- and cadmium-free. Currently priced at under $150, it’s a good option if you have a large family and don’t want to go with the Breville described above. It also comes with a lot of accessories, including a muffin pan, pizza pan, steaming sheets, and grill rack.
Big Boss Air Fryer
If you like watching your food cook, the Big Boss Air Fryer may be the appliance for you. Unlike other models housed in (typically black) plastic, the Big Boss is mostly see-through, featuring a 16-quart glass bowl into which you can place the fryer basket and other accessories. At under $100, it’s also the least expensive option on our recommended list. The glass and stainless steel construction guarantees that no nasty chemicals will off-gas or rub off on your food.
What to Do with Your Air Fryer
If you choose to get an air fryer— now what? What can you do with it aside from preparing frozen, french fried potatoes?
Once you get the hang of it, you could be using an air fryer for a variety of foods and types of meals: snacks, appetizers, full meals, sides, and even desserts.
First, it’s good for potatoes and sweet potatoes. But, to save money and your health, cut them up yourself instead of buying frozen fries, tots, and so on. That way, you’ll avoid unhealthy oils, sweeteners, excess sodium, and other potentially problematic ingredients.
Second, you can air fry other frozen and fresh veggies that you’d normally bake or roast. Veggie and tofu nuggets come out crispy and chewy, and can sub-in for meat in bowls, stews, and soups.
Another favorite is crispy chickpeas. You can just open a can, drain the liquid, and coat the chickpeas with your favorite spices. Then, air fry them until they crunch just how you like them. You can snack on them as is, or add them to salads in place of croutons.
Nuts roast well in the air fryer, too, without the constant stirring and shaking required to keep them from burning in a stovetop pan — and in far less time than in a conventional oven.
You can also reheat leftovers quickly, with little mess. And don’t get me started on the deliciousness of air-fried plant-based pizzas, with a crispy crust and bubbling layer of tomato sauce and roasted veggies.
How to Use an Air Fryer
In terms of specific how-tos (what buttons to press; how to arrange the food in the basket; how long to cook), instructions will vary by model. But there are some basic steps on how to use an air fryer that seem to apply to all or most models.
- Use the appropriate accessory depending on how you want to cook your food: rack, crisper plate, multilayer rack, or other accessory.
- Put the food in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Basically, the individual items in your basket do not want to touch each other. Having space between pieces of food ensures that their entire surface browns fully.
- Preheat according to the instruction manual — if your unit has a preheat feature.
- Set the time and temperature, or choose a preset setting. Many models come with a chart of cooking temps and times, depending on food, volume, and your preference for doneness.
- Push the start button (or whatever button initiates cooking on your unit). You’ll know it’s working because you can hear the fan.
- Shake, toss, or flip the food halfway through to cook it evenly and prevent burning or sticking. Check the basket or accessory frequently to prevent overcooking, and to see if it’s at your preferred “done point.”
Healthy Air Fryer Recipes
To make sure you and your air fryer get off to a good start, here are some “made from scratch” air fryer recipes to show you how easy, delicious, and healthy life can be with an air fryer. Put these on your table, raise a glass to Fred van der Weij, and enjoy!
1. Sweet Potato Kale Bites
Not only are you omitting the oil that’s traditionally used to make snacks and apps crispy, but you’re also including nutrient-dense rock stars like sweet potato, kale, and chickpeas. These protein-packed, fiber-rich bites make a satisfying and sustainable snack for one, crunchy, colorful appetizer for party guests, or a tasty, healthy treat for kids!
2. Crunchy Curried Chickpeas
If you’re a crunchy snacker, and you have an air fryer, then add this recipe to the top of your list. Crunchy chickpeas are all the rage and for good reason. They’re a great source of plant-powered protein, are packed with fiber, and can help keep you full in between meals. Plus, that crunch, especially when made in an air fryer, is irresistible! Add different seasonings throughout the week for variety, though we won’t be surprised if this Crunchy Curried Chickpea recipe is your favorite!
3. Crispy Cajun Tofu Bites with Cajun Remoulade
One challenge we sometimes hear about cooking tofu is that making it restaurant-style crispy can be difficult without deep frying it. Enter the air fryer! Tofu turns into crispy goodness, oil-free, with the help of this kitchen appliance. Snacking on crispy bites or adding them to salads, bowls, and stir-fries are just a few tasty and nutritious ways to enjoy nutrient-dense tofu.
4. Air Fryer Cauliflower Chickpea Tacos
Cauliflower and chickpeas cook together in the air fryer, in a fraction of the time you would need in a traditional oven, and turn into crunchy deliciousness! Add them to your favorite whole-grain tortillas or lettuce wraps to create a scrumptious and hearty dinner that the whole family will love. We provided a couple of options for fun and creamy sauces to complement the crunch, but feel free to improvise by adding your favorite.
5. Chocolate Walnut Brownies for Two
We’re here to tell you that air fryer brownies are a thing, and for good reason. The result is crispy perfection on the outside and a moist, dense texture on the inside. Yum! The only downside is that space prevents making a large batch of brownies. Thankfully, they only take 15 minutes to bake. Meaning that, in just one hour, you can easily manifest several batches of brownie goodness!
Air Fryers Can Be a Creative Addition to Your Kitchen
Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that have taken the culinary world by storm since their introduction in the past decade. They can help people enjoy the mouthfeel and taste of fried foods without the oil, and are versatile enough to replace toasters, microwaves, ranges, and ovens, depending on the type of food and the way you like it.
For some people, air fryers may be worth it. But they are not an essential kitchen appliance. Humans can live very well without air fryers. So if you don’t have room on your counter, or don’t want to spend the money, don’t feel like you’re missing out.
They come with both pros and cons, including concerns about overdoing the frying and exposure to toxic chemicals. But if you get the right model, and use healthy recipes like the ones in this article, an air fryer can be a lovely addition to your kitchen and lifestyle.
Tell us in the comments:
- Are you thinking of getting an air fryer? What would you use it for?
- What’s one healthy food that you’d eat more of if you could “fry” it without oil?
Feature image: iStock.com/CASEZY
