Every kitchen appliance has its pros, cons and limitations. An air fryer is no exception.
There are a lot of questions popping out when it comes to this latest kitchen craze. Is it worth buying an air fryer? Is air fried food healthy? Is an air fryer harmful to one’s health? We’ve listed the advantages and disadvantages of using an air fryer to help you decide whether or not you should add this popular wonder machine to your shopping cart.
Even though it is called ‘air frying’, air fryers do not fry food at all! Air fryers use fans and heating mechanisms that allow them to function like a convection oven where hot air is circulated rapidly around the cooking basket or tray. If you’re using an air fryer, you will notice that your fried food looks quite similar to deep-fried food, but minus the oil.
The fan and heating mechanism allows an air fryer to blow super-hot air around the cooking basket or tray. This rapid air movement will create a convection effect that cooks and browns the food. The heat also shortens the cooking time while keeping your food moist inside yet crunchy and crispy on the outside.
Air fryers come with easy preset cooking modes such as Fish, Steak, Chicken, Cake, Shrimp, Roast, and French Fry. Set the temperature and cooking mode according to what you’re cooking or what the recipe suggested. Don’t forget to preheat the air fryer for optimum cooking. Also, read the instruction booklet to get all the basic information.
The pros and cons of an air fryer
If you already own an air fryer or are considering getting one, you’ll now know that air-fried food isn’t exactly the same compared with using deep fryers. But that’s not all. Let’s take a closer look at air fryer advantages, disadvantages, and limitations no matter what size your air fryer is.
Pros of an air fryer
Here are some of the air fryer’s benefits.
1. Easy to clean
It only takes minimal effort to clean an air fryer compared with deep fryers. The minimal amount of oil used for air frying makes it easy to wash with just a soft bristle brush, dishwashing soap, and running water. It’s mess-free!
2. Easy to use
Easy, peasy lemon squeezy. Air fryers are so easy to use and there’s no turning back once you get your hands on this kitchen appliance. You can just throw in your frozen snacks like nuggets, fries, onion rings, and chicken fingers, set the mode and timer, and there you go! You can also reheat last night’s leftovers.
3. Safe to use
If you’re worried about the potential side effects of using an air fryer, please note that there’s NO air fryer radiation, unlike microwaves. This self-contained appliance also protects the users from heat and splattering oil. Not just that, it automatically shuts off once the timer ends to prevent your food from burning.
4. Healthier meals
An air fryer isn’t only convenient to use but you can make a lot of healthy meals using it. You use less or no oil when cooking using this appliance while excess oil isn’t soaked up by your food. That means fewer calories and l fat! There are a lot of simple and healthy meals available online if you have no idea where to start.
5. Doesn’t take up much space
Even the biggest air fryer will not dominate your countertop space. Most air fryers are only the size of a small oven or a coffee machine. They’re small enough to leave on the countertop. There are also aesthetically pleasing air fryers that complement your equally beautiful kitchen.
Cons of an air fryer
Like any other appliance, an air fryer has its disadvantages and limitations too.
6. It’s quite expensive
While there are a lot of air fryer options available out there, the high-performance and aesthetically pleasing ones are expensive. In Malaysia, a top multifunctional air fryer (works as an air fryer and pressure cooker) retails at more than RM1,500 and comes with extra features layered multi-rack for grilling or steaming. Is an air fryer worth buying? It depends on how much you’re willing to spend on both the appliance and the warranty and how often you’re going to use it.
7. Too small for large families
Air fryers are relatively small, depending on the capacity. If you have a big family, you might want to stick to traditional pots and pans or an oven. Most medium-sized air fryers allow you to cook meals for one or two people. In Malaysia, you can get an extra-large 12L capacity air fryer with enough room for a whole chicken.
8. Burn and dry food
Different types of air fryers come with different settings and modes. This means the same food is cooked differently when using every different brand of an air fryer. Your food might get burnt, dried, or even become inedible. Cooking using an air fryer is all about experimenting with different food and modes. Do read the instructions booklet before you attempt any experiments and stick to what air fryer recipes suggested.
9. Short power cable
One of the drawbacks of an air fryer is its short power cable. It won’t be a problem if the power outlet is near the spot where you place the air fryer, but if it’s not, you will need a power plug extension.
10. Can’t find the right air fryer
There are endless options of air fryers out there and you’re spoilt for choice! If you’re on the fence trying to decide which air fryer fits your kitchen, here are the 8 best air fryers in Malaysia for healthier meals and convenience. You can also check air fryer reviews from other users. Maybe finding the right air fryer isn’t too difficult after all.
Are you still having a hard time deciding whether or not an air fryer is worth buying?
Here are 5 reasons why you should get yourself an air fryer.
1. It cooks healthier food
While deep-fried food can be unhealthy, it’s crispy and tasty! Air frying your fried food removes the oil and grease, thus reducing the amount of fat absorbed by your body. The hot air ensures that your food is cooked quickly while retaining its moisture. Not just that, the air fryer makes sure that no dry spots form on your reheated frozen foods.
2. You save time
Using an air fryer saves a lot of time compared with deep frying with a wok or in the oven. You don’t have to stand by the stove to control your food. You can simply put your food in, set the timer and temperature, and forget about it. It’s quite easy to multitask while you’re waiting for your food.
3. Easy cleanup
An air fryer uses no oil and makes very little mess in comparison with deep frying methods such as wok frying or pan-frying. There’s no large amount of oil used when cooking using an air fryer which makes it easy for you to clean. All you need is a dishwasher-safe sponge and running water.
4. Convenient and flexible
Using an air fryer is convenient, especially if you’re travelling or on the run. You can make food wherever you go with your air fryer on the road. It’s also easier to use while camping because it fits into a backpack or can be packed inside a small case that doesn’t take up much space in your car trunk or luggage.
5. Easy to use
An air fryer is very easy to use. They’re not just easy to clean but are also safe. Not just that, you can use them for different cooking methods, from grilling and deep-frying to poaching and slow cooking. You can even broil or bake using an air fryer!
Is an air fryer worth buying
Air frying is a convenient and healthy way to cook your food. It doesn’t require oil and helps you save time and money. While there are disadvantages, the pros outweight them and means that you can take advantage of this healthy cooking method more often.
It is a common knowledge that processed foods and fast food are not very healthy for your health. But, it’s not always easy to turn down these foods when faced with hunger pangs at home or on the go. However, thanks to the many kinds of air fryers available in the market, you no longer have to opt for unhealthy or unhealthy fast food options when faced with existential situations like this.
Why would you want an air fryer?
Burns calories
Unlike deep-frying, air frying does not make your food greasy or oily. The food absorbs less fat or oil during cooking as well as retaining most of its nutritional value as in its original form.
Good for health
Air frying doesn’t use much oil and quickly cooks your food without adding any extra oil. It is also a healthier way to cook your food because the oil that’s used is nonstick and thus helps you reduce cholesterol in your body. It also helps you lose weight because it decreases the energy consumed by the body while cooking and preparing meals, thus making you feel full longer after a meal.
Easier cooking
Compared with grilling and other cooking methods, air frying is easy and convenient to use. You don’t need to stand at the stove nor do you have to pay attention to the food while it’s simmering in a pan. You can simply set the timer and let your food cook while you’re doing something else, leaving all the hard work to your air fryer.
Ease of cleaning
If you’ve ever had a pan that gets oil splashed on it when you’re cooking, then you know how difficult it is to clean up afterwards. It’s even worse if you have a pan with a nonstick coating that makes it harder to clean. An air fryer doesn’t have this problem because you don’t need to deep-fry your food. All you need is a sponge and running water to clean up any messes that you might incur during the cooking process.
Large capacity for larger families
Air fryers come in different sizes. Some are designed for smaller families while some can accommodate larger families and can easily cook enough food for at least 4 or even 5 people.
Is it worth it to get an air fryer?
The most important thing before deciding to get an air fryer is to realize that it’s not a magic tool. But, if you’re planning to get one in order to save time and reduce the amount of fat that you eat, then it certainly is worth it as long as you know what you’re getting yourself into.
Do air fryers have any health risks?
Yes, there are actually some food safety risks that might occur when cooking with an air fryer. If you go through the pros and cons of using an air fryer below, then hopefully, this review guide will help make your decision easier.
Pro:
Don’t need to use oil or grease
Unlike a wok, pan-frying, deep-frying and even stove-top cooking, you don’t need to use oil when cooking with an air fryer. When food is cooked in an air fryer, it simply absorbs less fat because there’s no oil or grease that needs to be used.
For most people, frying food with oil for some time is not only unhealthy but also tastes less delicious than healthier alternatives like baking. Cooking food with an air fryer allows you to enjoy the same crunchy texture and flavor that you usually love about fried foods, but without any oil or grease.
Cooks fast
Because of the hot air circulating around your food, your food is cooked faster and more evenly compared with other cooking methods. In an air fryer, food is quickly cooked to a golden brown because of the high heat that it retains while using very little oil.
New technology in modern air fryers also helps reduce cooking time by up to 70% due to the innovative use of infrared heat that cooks your food even faster than a conventional fryer. You don’t need to wait for hours before your food is ready. It’s also easy to clean since you don’t have to deep-fry your food and use a lot of oil.
Con:
Can cause fire or electric shock
There’s no doubt that air fryers cook your food quickly, but there are also other dangers that you should be concerned about before using it. For example, the hot temperatures inside an air fryer can reach 400 degrees Fahrenheit which means that it’s quite possible for the oil in your food to start smoking or catch fire if you forget about it. You should also be careful when using an air fryer because it’s very easy for static electricity or other heat-related accidents to happen.
It’s not only dangerous for the person using it, but it could also result in physical or electrical shock for everyone around them. This is best avoided by keeping the space around your air fryer clear and far away from anything that could cause sparks or fire.
Can’t be used as a wok
Though some modern air fryers have been designed to cook food like a traditional wok, they are not designed to do so.
Are air fryers bad for you?
Air fryers are certainly not bad for you, but there are some health issues and risks that you should be aware of when using an air fryer.
It’s difficult to bake with an air fryer
If you’re searching for a product that can bake food, then you might want to avoid getting an air fryer. Air fryers are designed to cook food by circulating hot air around it inside the device. It’s very similar to baking, but it uses less oil and has less time spent in the oven. If you’re used to baking with a conventional oven, then it might take some time to get used to using the air fryer because they cook your food faster than other cooking methods.
Air fryers use less oil, but they aren’t low-fat
If you’re trying to avoid fat in your diet, then you might want to reconsider getting an air fryer. While it uses less oil when cooking compared with other cooking methods like deep-frying and pan-frying, the food that you cook in an air fryer is not necessarily low in fat. If you use a lot of spices or other ingredients such as cheese while cooking your food in an air fryer, then there’s a high risk of consuming more calories or fats than what you usually do.
There have been no studies conducted that link using an air fryer to health risks. However, you should still be cautious of your diet if you want to achieve your health goals.
Is it worth the cost to get an air fryer?
This is very much dependent on personal preference and how much you think an air fryer can help you. It’s true that newer models of air fryers aren’t cheap, but it’s also not as expensive as a normal home oven. There are various types and designs of air fryers that are targeted towards different audiences, so it’s best to do some research before settling on the one that best suits your needs.
Are air fryers overrated?
These days, it’s hard to trust the claims of some marketing campaigns on just about any products. But, the main concern that you might have with air fryers is their ability to deliver on the promise of a healthier and more convenient alternative to deep-frying food.
Air fryers have been marketed as a healthier alternative to pan-frying and deep-frying, but it’s important to remember that this is not entirely true. While air fryers require less oil than traditional frying methods like deep frying or pan frying, you shouldn’t simply rely on them for all your fried food needs.
You would like to have this air fryer, as it is way better than any other option available. With a stainless steel body and a digital display on the front, this product is quite sturdy and durable. The coating on the inside makes sure that not only you are able to clean it with an ease but also that your food doesn’t get sticky while they cook.
We recommend you get this air fryer as it is one of the best in the market right now. It comes with a lot of features and is made out of high-quality materials that make sure that you get your money’s worth at all times.
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