An air fryer is a small kitchen appliance used to cook foods without oil. An air fryer doesn’t deep fry foods but instead, uses hot air to cook ingredients to a crispy texture. Air fryers can cook many of the same foods as deep fryers, including French fries and onion rings, and is a healthier alternative since it doesn’t require oil.
The most common air fryers are made with plastic materials and a metal basket inside. Some air fryers are made with stainless steel materials. The material of the air fryer determines how long it lasts and the price. Kitchen air fryers usually come in a square shape with a pull-out basket and a handle and can be stored between uses.
Stainless steel air fryers last longer than other types of air fryers because they’re heat-resistant and durable. Stainless steel air fryers cost more than plastic air fryers but last longer. Air fryers come in different sizes, with the size of the basket and the number of baskets affecting how many ingredients you can cook at one time.
The history of the air fryer dates back to the 1940s. William L. Maxson invented a series of machines during World War II, including one that resembled the modern-day air fryer.
Materials for Air Fryer
The ideal material for an air fryer is stainless steel. Stainless steel air fryers are preferred because they are durable and more evenly and consistently heat ingredients.
Stainless steel air fryers cost more than other types of air fryers. The cheapest type of air fryer is made with plastic materials but is more likely to break faster. Stainless steel air fryers are also easier to use because the higher quality materials mean it’s less likely to inconsistently heat and burn ingredients.
People who are concerned about environmental health may want to consider a stainless steel air fryer free of BPA materials. There have been some concerns over plastic air fryers since plastic materials are sometimes made with dangerous chemicals. If you’re concerned about these risks, you may want to choose aluminum or stainless steel materials instead.
Types of Air Fryer
The types of air fryers are as follows:
- Basket-type air fryer: A basket air fryer includes baskets for ingredients. The baskets have tiny holes for heat to enter which prevents food from sitting in oil.
- Convection oven air fryer: A convection oven air fryer has racks and a baking tray for a variety of cooking functions. Convection oven air fryers use convection heating which can be longer to preheat than other air fryers.
- Cylindrical basket air fryer: A cylindrical basket air fryer comes with drawers and removable baskets. Cylindrical basket air fryers pre-heat faster than other air fryer types.
- Paddle-type air fryer: A paddle-type air fryer flips foods automatically. Paddle-type air fryers are better for people who want to “set it then forget it”.
Sizes of Air Fryer
The ideal size of an air fryer depends on the number of people in your household and how many ingredients you cook at one time. Smaller air fryers have only one basket and hold fewer ingredients, whereas larger air fryers may have multiple baskets and can hold more ingredients at one time. Where you plan to store your air fryer can also influence the best size of air fryer for your household.
If you have 1-2 people in your household, a single basket air fryer that holds 2-3-quarts may be sufficient. If you have 3-4 people in your household, you may want at least a 4-6-quart air fryer. If you have four or more people in your household, you may want an even larger air fryer, like one that holds 10-quarts.
Does size affect the air fryer’s usage?
The size of an air fryer can affect usage. Choosing an air fryer that is too small can take longer to cook the number of ingredients you need. An air fryer that is too large can lead to inconsistent heating, resulting in under or overcooked foods. The best air fryer is one that fits your household size needs.
Use Cases of Air Fryer
A use case of an air fryer can be defined as a way in which you use an air fryer when completing cooking tasks. A few use cases of air fryers include:
- Fry finger foods, like French Fries or onion rings.
- Fry meats, like chicken wings.
- Cook vegetables, like broccoli and cucumbers.
- Bake brownies.
Air fryers can be used to make all types of appetizers and entrees. Once you learn how to use an air fryer, you’ll find that they have many uses.
Can you use an air fryer as a deep fryer with oil?
Air fryers are not usually designed to use oil. Most air fryer baskets have small holes for the hot air to escape, meaning they won’t hold oil in them.
Can you use an air fryer to make healthy kitchen food?
Yes, an air fryer can be used to make healthy kitchen food. Air frying foods is a healthier method of cooking because it doesn’t use oil, which leads to fewer calories. Some healthy foods that you can make with an air fryer include fried vegetables or roasted chicken thighs. Even everyday foods can be made healthier with an air fryer, including bacon or chicken wings.
Can you use an air fryer for chicken?
Yes, you can use an air fryer for chicken. Air fryers cook foods between 350-450 degrees Fahrenheit using hot air, which can resemble a flavor similar to fried chicken.
Do Air Fryers Have Health Benefits?
Air fryers do have health benefits. Air frying foods is healthier than frying foods in oil, reducing calorie and fat intake.
Most Known Air Fryer Brands
The best air fryer brands right now are the following:
- Best overall air fryer: Ninja
- Best value air fryer: GoWise
- Best convection air fryer: Instant Vortex
- Best basket air fryer: Dash
Air Fryer Lifespan
The typical lifespan of an air fryer is between six months to three years. The frequency of use and maintenance of the air fryer will affect how long it lasts. Cleaning the air fryer between uses and using it as intended will help your air fryer last longer.
The factors that affect the lifespan of an air fryer include:
- How often you use it: How frequently you use your air fryer will affect how long you can expect it to last. If you use your air fryer often, you can expect to replace it sooner.
- Maintenance and cleaning schedule: Keeping up with routine maintenance and cleaning in between uses can help your air fryer last longer. This includes removing crumb trays or wiping up spills right after they occur.
- Initial quality and material: The initial quality and material of your air fryer affect how long it lasts. Stainless steel air fryers last longer than plastic air fryers.
- Storage habits: Where, and how, you store your air fryer can also affect how long it lasts. Storing your air fryer in a cupboard away from other items can help it last.
The cost of an air fryer is between $80-$600. Smaller air fryers with fewer settings cost less than larger air fryers with connected technologies.
How does culture affect the usage of an air fryer?
Air fryers are most commonly used in the United States. The first air fryer was invented in the U.S. and because fast, easy foods are common in American culture, the air fryer has become a popular appliance.
While the first air fryer was invented in the U.S. it was first presented at a conference in Berlin in 2010. This has led to other countries frequently using the air fryer all across Europe.
Relevant Kitchen Tools to Air Fryer
Other kitchen tools that work well with the air fryer include:
- Grill pan: A grill pan is similar to an air fryer because both are used when frying ingredients. A grill pan is different from an air fryer because it’s a utensil used to hold ingredients, whereas an air fryer is used for frying ingredients.
- Reusable liners: Reusable liners are similar to an air fryer because both can be used when frying foods. Reusable liners are different from an air fryer because an air fryer is powered and cooks foods thoroughly.
- Toaster oven: A toaster oven is similar to an air fryer because both can toast and cook foods. A toaster oven is different from an air fryer because it bakes foods rather than frying them.
- Roaster: A roaster is similar to an air fryer because it cooks ingredients using hot air. A roaster is different from an air fryer in that an air fryer uses a higher temperature.
Difference Between Air Fryer and Oven
The primary difference between an air fryer vs an oven is the amount of time each appliance takes to cook ingredients. An air fryer uses hot air in a smaller space which can cook foods much faster than an oven.
Another difference between an air fryer and an oven is location. An air fryer is a small kitchen appliance that can be stored in the cupboard in between uses, whereas an oven is a permanent appliance that goes underneath the range or on the wall.
Features of a Good Air Fryer
Here are eight features of the best air fryers:
- Size: It’s important to choose an air fryer size that accommodates your household size and the ingredients you cook most often.
- Programmable settings: Air fryers with programmable settings allow you to use pre-set buttons to cook certain types of foods.
- Dishwasher-friendly: Some air fryers have dishwasher-friendly parts, which can make it easier to keep up with routine maintenance and cleanings.
- Smartphone technology: Some air fryers today can connect to your smartphone, allowing you to control it remotely.
- Power: It’s important to choose an air fryer with wattage that your kitchen supports and that is strong enough to cook the ingredients you make most often.
- Temperature control: Adjustable temperature controls allow you to set different temperatures for different foods.
- Basket type: Air fryers come in two primary basket types, including cylindrical or paddle type. Cylindrical baskets require more hands-on cooking than paddle-type baskets.
- Safety features: Certain safety features, like automatic shut-off features, may be important to you.
Components of an Air Fryer
The parts of an air fryer include the following:
- Frying basket: The fryer basket holds the ingredients while cooking. Air fryer baskets may be cylindrical or paddle-type.
- Digital controls: The digital controls allow you to set temperature and cooking time. An air fryer may have a few buttons or a lot of extra controls.
- Power supply: The power supply plugs into the wall and provides electrical power to the rest of the appliance.
- Fryer base: The air fryer base holds the air fryer baskets and includes a power supply cord that plugs into the wall.
Repair Options for an Air Fryer?
If some of your air fryer parts break, you may be able to replace them. A few air fryer replacement parts include:
- Grill pan: The air fryer grill pan can wear down or rust over time.
- Replacement basket: You may need to replace the air fryer basket over time.
- Tray bumpers: Tray bumpers protect your air fryer from scratches.
- Liners: Air fryer tray liners prevent foods from sticking to the grill pan.
Difference Between an Air Fryer and Convection Oven
The primary difference between an air fryer and a convection oven is size. An air fryer is small and portable. While an air fryer holds fewer ingredients than a convection oven, this means it pre-heats and cooks foods faster.
Another difference between an air fryer and a convection oven is the type of cooking that each appliance does. An air fryer uses hot air to cook foods, whereas a convection oven blows hot air around the oven, transferring more heat to the food.
Air Fryer Name Origin
The air fryer gets its name from its cooking method of using hot air to fry foods. An air fryer doesn’t technically fry foods but does heat them in a method that produces a similar result.
You can spell air fryer as: A-i-r f-r-y-e-r.
To pronounce air fryer, say: (air fry-er).
Air Fryer History
The first air fryer was invented in the 1940s during World War II by William L. Maxson. Maxson created a variety of inventions during this time, including the Original Air Fryer. He grew up growing cauliflower in his home garden in New Jersey but wanted to find a way to extend its flavor after freezing it for many months.
After joining the Annapolis Navy Academy, Maxson wanted to find a product that could provide military members good-tasting meals when away from home. His first air fryer took off for a few years before people lost interest. Maxson expanded the use of this antique air fryer to personal homes and commercial airlines.
It wasn’t until 1967 that the air fryer became popular again. Large manufacturers picked up the design and made improvements to make it the air fryer we know today. Some people credit Fred van der Weij with the invention of the air fryer. His version of the air fryer, which he invented in 2010, is the closest to what we use today.