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Air Fryers (A Complete Guide)

  • By: Kitchen Informant
  • Date: March 20, 2024

Air Fryers (A Complete Guide)

Air fryers are a versatile and convenient kitchen appliance that allows you to cook a wide range of foods quickly and easily.

But if you’re new to air frying, you might be wondering exactly how these appliances work and what you can do with them. In this complete guide to air fryers, we’ll take a closer look at how these appliances operate, the benefits of using an air fryer, and some tips for getting the most out of your new appliance.

Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting to explore the world of air frying, this guide has something for everyone.

What is an Air Fryer

A white air fryer filled with cooked food sitting on a light wood surface.


An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food. It works by circulating hot air around the food, which creates a crispy and crunchy texture on the outside while keeping the inside moist and tender.

This cooking method allows you to make a variety of fried foods with less oil, making them healthier than traditional deep-fried dishes.

Many people use air fryers to make things like French fries, chicken wings, and onion rings.

Some air fryers also have additional features, such as the ability to bake, roast, and grill food.

Are Air Fryers Healthy


Air fryers can be a healthy way to cook food because they use less oil than traditional deep-frying methods. This means that the food you make in an air fryer is likely to be lower in calories and fat than the same food cooked in a deep fryer.

However, the healthiness of the food you make in an air fryer ultimately depends on the ingredients you use and how you prepare the food.

Do you need to use Oil


While you do not need to use oil in an air fryer, using a small amount of oil can help to create a crispy and crunchy texture on the outside of the food you’re cooking. This is because the oil helps to conduct heat and can also help to prevent the food from sticking to the air fryer basket.

If you want to make your food in an air fryer but are trying to reduce your fat intake, you can use a cooking spray instead of oil. This will add a minimal amount of fat to the food, while still helping to create a crispy texture.

Alternatively, you can cook the food without any added fat, but you may need to use a little extra cooking time or a higher temperature to achieve the desired level of crispiness.

Pros of an Air Fryer


There are several pros to using an air fryer. First, air fryers can cook food quickly and efficiently, making them a convenient option for busy households.

Second, because air fryers use hot air to cook food, they can create a crispy and crunchy texture without the need for large amounts of oil. This means that the food you make in an air fryer is likely to be lower in calories and fat than the same food cooked in a deep fryer, making it a healthier option.

Third, many air fryers come with a variety of cooking settings and accessories, allowing you to cook a wide range of dishes beyond just fried foods.

Finally, air fryers are generally easy to use and maintain, making them a good choice for both experienced and beginner cooks.

A black air fryer on a kitchen counter surrounded by utensils.

Cons of an Air Fryer


There are a few potential cons to using an air fryer. Air fryers can be expensive compared to other kitchen appliances, so you’ll need to consider whether the convenience and health benefits are worth the cost.

Air fryers are small so they may not be able to cook large quantities of food at once, making them less practical for feeding a large number of people.

Some people find that the food they make in an air fryer doesn’t have the same flavor or texture as traditional fried foods, which can be a disadvantage if you’re a fan of deep-fried dishes.

Air fryers can be noisy, and they can produce a lot of steam and heat, so you’ll need to consider where you’ll store and use the appliance in your kitchen.

What Size To Get

A white air fryer with a cooked chicken in it.


When choosing the size of an air fryer, you’ll need to consider how much food you typically cook and how much space you have in your kitchen.

If you’re an individual or couple who only cooks small quantities of food at a time, a compact or medium-sized air fryer will likely be sufficient. These models are typically 2-3 quarts in size and can hold enough food for 1-2 people.

However, if you have a larger family or like to cook large quantities of food at once, you may want to consider a larger air fryer that is 4 quarts or more in size. These models can hold more food, making them better suited to feeding a crowd.

Additionally, you’ll need to think about where you’ll store the air fryer in your kitchen. If you have limited counter space, you may want to choose a smaller model that is easy to store when not in use.

How much do they cost


The cost of an air fryer can vary depending on the size, features, and brand. In general, you can expect to pay between $50 and $200 for a good quality air fryer.

Entry-level models that are small in size and have basic features can cost as little as $50, while larger models with more advanced features such as multiple cooking settings and accessories can cost $150 or more.

It’s also worth noting that some air fryers are sold as part of a set, which can include additional items such as baking pans and grilling racks. These sets can be more expensive than buying an air fryer on its own, but they can be a good value if you plan to use the additional items.

What can you cook


Some of the most common foods that people cook in an air fryer include French fries, chicken wings, and onion rings.

However, you can also use an air fryer to cook other types of meat, such as chicken breasts and pork chops, as well as vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers.

Many air fryers also have additional settings for baking and roasting, so you can use them to make desserts like cakes and cookies, as well as dishes like roasted potatoes and vegetables.

What can’t you cook


While air fryers are versatile kitchen appliances, there are some things that you shouldn’t cook in them.

Because air fryers use hot air to cook food, they may not be the best choice for dishes that require a lot of moisture, such as soups or stews.

Additionally, because air fryers are small and compact, they may not be able to accommodate large cuts of meat or whole roasts. If you want to cook these types of dishes, you may be better off using a traditional oven or stovetop.

Can you use aluminum foil in an air fryer

A black air fryer with a hand pulling out the basket that's filled with cooked french fries.


It is generally not recommended to use aluminum foil in an air fryer. This is because the aluminum foil can block the hot air circulation, preventing the food from cooking evenly.

Additionally, the aluminum foil can become hot and could potentially cause a fire if it comes into contact with the heating element.

If you want to use aluminum foil in an air fryer, you should only do so with caution and under close supervision.

It’s generally best to avoid using aluminum foil in an air fryer altogether and to use the basket that comes with the appliance instead. This will allow the hot air to circulate properly and will help to ensure that your food cooks evenly.

Are Air Fryers Worth It


Whether or not an air fryer is worth it ultimately depends on your individual circumstances and preferences.

If you enjoy fried foods but are looking for a healthier way to prepare them, an air fryer can be a good choice.

Because air fryers use hot air to cook food, they can create a crispy and crunchy texture without the need for large amounts of oil. This means that the food you make in an air fryer is likely to be lower in calories and fat than the same food cooked in a deep fryer.

Additionally, air fryers are generally easy to use and clean, making them a convenient option for busy households.

However, air fryers can be expensive compared to other kitchen appliances, and they may not produce the same level of flavor and texture as traditional deep-fried foods.

If you don’t enjoy fried foods or don’t have the space or budget for an air fryer, it may not be worth it for you.

Graphic for Pinterest of Air Fryers (A Complete Guide).