Air Fryer

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food. A mechanical fan circulates the hot air around the food at high speed, cooking the food and producing a crispy layer thanks to the Maillard effect.

By circulating air up to 200 Celsius, this appliance fries several foods like potato chips, chicken, fish or pastries and it uses less oil than traditional fryer.

Most air fryers come with adjustable temperature and timer knobs that allow for more precise cooking. Food is cooked in the cooking basket that sits atop a drip tray.

Various brands of air fryers claim to save as much as 80% cooking oil in comparison to traditional fryers. While most models of air fryers require that the basket be periodically shaken to ensure even cooking throughout, some models incorporate a food agitator that continuously churns the food during the cooking process.

By using less oil to fry, air fryers become a healthier alternative to traditionally deep fried foods which can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, cancer and obesity. Some people are concerned though that this healthier activity will have a negative impact in the taste, looks and texture of their traditional recipes. However, a study by professor Shaker, M. Arafat and published by the Journal of Food and Nutrition Sciences show that french fries which were cooked using an air fryer actually beat traditionally fried french fries in taste, color, smell, crispness, hardness, oiliness and only were rated worse than traditional fried french fries in appearance.