When you’re shopping for an air fryer, there are many things that you need to consider in order to make the best decision your budget can afford. In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know when it’s time to shop for an air fryer.
Versatility of Function
Before you decide whether you should buy a certain fryer or not, check out all the available functions given by the company. Apart from allowing you to fry various kinds of food, it should also be equipped with multiple modes of cooking such as roasting, baking, and regular frying to help you cook different types of food. This means that it should also enable you to set different times and temperatures.
Dimension and Size
It’s important that you consider the space available in which you can set your new air fryer. Would you leave it on the countertop or store it in a cabinet? And in either case, do you have enough room in your kitchen to accommodate it?
Coating or Material
A fryer’s basket’s coating or material can make or break a deal for many people.
Teflon is an obvious no-no if you’re worried about the release of toxic fumes in high temperatures.
Ceramic coating is nonstick and easy to clean, yet non-toxic. Stainless steel is more durable, as it is not a coating, but might need seasoning. Glass helps you see the food cooking, but can break.
Both are better for you and the environment than Teflon.
Check this post here for a list of Best Teflon Free Air Fryers.
Capacity
How much food you cook on average per serving can make a huge difference when you’re picking an air fryer. Make sure that it has enough capacity to cook for the number of people you usually prepare food for, whether it’s only you or a 5-person family.
And the larger the number, the more capacity you’ll need –especially if you want to make oil-free food for your regular meals.
You should also consider the number of racks your air fryer has as it can affect the amount of food you can cook at a time.
Don’t worry we have great review posts on the best Small Capacity Air fryers and Large Capacity Air fryers.
User Manual
If you’re checking out this guide, chances are that you’re not well-versed with air fryers. That’s why a booklet or instruction manual with your purchase is very important, especially when it comes to knowing whether you can bake, fully cook, or only do the finishing and primary grilling with the flame of the fryer.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Like any cooking utensil or tool, your air fryer will require frequent cleaning and maintenance. That’s why finding one that’s easy to open, and that has dishwasher-safe parts can save you tons of time and effort.
It also keeps everything hygienic to ensure healthy meals out of your fryer.
Safety Features
While you may overlook them, safety features are quite important for an air fryer. For example, auto temperature control and shut down are critical as they deal with the machine if it becomes too hot to cook food.
Accessories and Extras
Some common accessories that come with an air fryer include:
- Lower racks, additional racks, and upper racks (taller)
- Tongs to pick up hot wire racks
- Extended rings that you can raise to make more space for cooking
- A variety of baskets
- A grill pan and skewers
- A double layer rack
- A non-stick baking dish
- Recipe books
- A steamer
Check this awesome post here listing 15 air fryer accessories to get the best out of your new air fryer.
If you’re wondering why you should choose an air fryer over a convection oven or a toaster oven, here are four good reasons.
1. Retaining your Food’s Nutrients
Air fryers don’t deconstruct the healthy nutrients of foods and don’t add more bad fats. This is because they don’t execute deep frying that destroys many minerals and vitamins that should remain in the vegetables you consume.
2. Protection Against Cancer
Some oils like olive or flaxseed change their chemical structures after being exposed to high temperatures and transform into harmful forms of fat. Naturally, the smaller the amount of oil applied is, the smaller the chance for food to make carcinogens that activate cancerous cells in the body.
3. Cut Down the Calories
While calories are great, too many of them will definitely have a negative impact on your health and cause weight gain or even obesity.
That’s why an air fryer is a great option to cook your food with low fat to help you manage your weight, or even lose some if you intend to.
4. Improve your Heart and Kidneys’ Health
Eating foods made by an air fryer can reduce the possibility of heart diseases since it has less fat. Moreover, it’s easier on the kidneys as those destructive fats can damage the ability of your kidneys to function. So it’s a great method to transition from harmful fats to healthier foods.
Final Thoughts
Not all fat is bad. You need this macronutrient to build your body up, and an air fryer helps you get the good parts of it. These appliances allow you to cook food using as little oil as possible –as little as a tablespoon. This way, you can enjoy fried food without your health bearing the brunt of its negative effects.
