By: Daylin Strange
Are you tired of using the same old cooking appliances? The year is now 2021; Those of us who love to cook, or even those who simply cook from time to time, should be out with the old and in with the new. The thought of using an oven, cooking pan or a toaster should be out of the picture by now. I know you probably grew up using these traditional appliances, but I think it’s time to try something different and new. The futuristic cooking appliance that everyone should have is an air fryer.
An Air Fryer, You May Ask?
By definition, “an air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food using the convection mechanism” (Stands4). On top, there is a heating fan and then there’s a basket that holds the foods. The fan circulates heat all around the basket giving it a crispy texture, but a healthier taste. The air fryer is different from baking and using pans because it attracts less grease.
How to use an air fryer:
1) Place food in basket
Each model varies from size to size. The basket within the air fryer, “may hold anywhere from 2 to 10 quarts,” said Nykiel. “In most cases, you’ll want to add 1 or 2 teaspoons of oil to help the food get nice and crispy” (Nykiel). To allow for best results, make sure that the basket isn’t overloaded and space it out accordingly.
2) Set temperature and time
Most air fryer temperatures usually range from 0 to 400 degrees, while timing is anywhere from 0 minutes to an hour.
3) Let food cook
Depending on what is in the air fryer, you may have to flip or shake the foods so it could be cooked all around. I recommend flipping the food at the halfway mark for best results.
Healthier Eating
Compared to baking, stovetop or using a deep fryer, an air fryer is much healthier to use. You might be used to conventional ovens that work by, “producing heat from an element (either gas or electric),” said Mattison. With air fryers, “their small size helps them circulate the heat more evenly, crisping up your food without hot spots” (Mattison).
Worth the Purchase?
Most models typically come in a two-liter to six-liter capacity and can range from $30 to $250. You can always purchase a cheaper product, but you get what you pay for. I would at least recommend spending $100 to get great results with this compact cooking appliance. To be honest, I use my air fryer every day from the simple fact that it is quick and easy to use. Even if I’m using it to reheat up my leftovers, I like it because it gives my food a freshly made taste. The air fryer can cook almost anything that you can think of and is durable. To answer your question, yes, the air fryer is totally worth the purchase and it will make your life easier.
Works Cited
Network, S. (n.d.). Definitions for air fryer air fryer. Retrieved March 05, 2021, from http://www.definitions.net/definition/air+fryer.
Stetzel, S., & Nykiel, T. (2021, January 20). This is what an air fryer really does to your food. Retrieved March 05, 2021, from http://www.tasteofhome.com/article/what-is-an-airfryer/
Mattison, L. (2020, February 29). Here’s the difference between air frying and baking. Retrieved March 05, 2021, from http://www.tasteofhome.com/article/the-difference-between-air-frying-and-baking/
Franke, S. (2019, May 01). What the heck is an air fryer, and do i need one? Retrieved March 05, 2021, from https://www.thekitchn.com/what-the-heck-is-an-air-fryer-and-do-i-need-one-253799
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