Air fryer buying guide
What are our top things to consider when buying an air fryer
6/19/20232 min read
So first things first what exactly is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food. It is a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying methods, as it requires little to no oil to achieve crispy and delicious results. This innovative cooking method not only reduces the amount of unhealthy fats consumed but also saves time and energy, reducing your household bills. Air fryers can be used to cook a variety of foods, including fries, fish, chicken wings, and even desserts. With its convenience and health benefits, the air fryer has become a popular appliance in many households.
Air fryer types explained:
Pros:
a) Faster Cooking Time: Due to its compact size and direct heat transfer, a basket air fryer tends to cook food faster than an oven-type air fryer. This Russell Hobbs compact air fryer would take up minimal space on any worktop, ideal for smaller kitchens.
b) Easy to Use: Basket air fryers usually have straightforward controls and a simple interface, making them user-friendly for beginners.
c) Versatile: These air fryers are suitable for a wide range of foods, from fries and chicken wings to vegetables and even baking small cakes.
d) Easy to Clean: The removable basket and non-stick coating in most models make cleaning a breeze.
Cons:
a) Limited Capacity: Basket air fryers typically have a smaller cooking capacity, making them less suitable for larger families or cooking for a crowd.
b) Uneven Cooking: The compact design can sometimes result in uneven cooking, especially when overcrowding the basket with food.
c) Limited Cooking Options: While versatile, basket air fryers may not accommodate larger or taller food items due to their smaller size.
An oven-type air fryer is larger in size and often resembles a traditional convection oven. It has multiple shelves or racks to accommodate larger quantities of food. Here are the pros and cons of using an oven-type air fryer:
Pros:
a) Larger Capacity: Oven-type air fryers offer more cooking space,
making them suitable for cooking meals for larger families or entertaining guests.
For example this HYSapientia oven air fryer is a whopping 24L making it a great choice
for larger families.
b) Even Cooking: The multiple shelves or racks allow for better air circulation, resulting in more even cooking and browning of the food.
c) Versatility: With the additional space, you can cook larger food items like whole chickens or roasts, making them ideal for more substantial meals.
d) Additional Cooking Functions: Many oven-type air fryers come with additional features such as rotisserie, dehydrating, or toasting functions, expanding their versatility in the kitchen.
Cons:
a) Longer Cooking Time: Due to their larger size, oven-type air fryers generally require more time to preheat and cook food.
b) Complex Operation: The additional features and controls may be overwhelming for some users, requiring a learning curve to make the most out of the appliance.
c) More Challenging to Clean: Cleaning an oven-type air fryer can be more cumbersome due to its larger size and multiple shelves.
The basket air fryer is a compact countertop appliance that resembles a deep fryer. It features a removable basket with perforated walls that allow hot air to circulate around the food. Here are the pros and cons of using a basket air fryer:
