Who can say no to a sumptuous bowl of crunchy fries or crispy wings? Almost no one! However, the guilt of gorging on these oil-filled munchies is challenging to get by. The greasy oil dripping from the deep-fried chicken or veggies is sure to give a shock to the health-conscious generation that keeps checking its step-count on the smart watch. Most people are adopting a healthier lifestyle these days which involves fat-free snacks and home-cooked food. The taste factor, however, remains the Achilles heel for most fitness-fanatics. Taking away the blandness from the healthy meal options is the miraculous product called the air fryer. It offers the best way to indulge in your food cravings without affecting your calorie intake or worrying about your cholesterol levels. It allows you to enjoy the same sumptuous crispness with minimal or zero oil to make your taste buds rejoice.
Air Fryers are like mini ovens that recreate the taste of a deep-fried delicacy, which is impossible to achieve with any other appliance. These are the perfect kitchen accessories for calorie-conscious people who wish to stay fit and eat right without giving up on the taste factor. These compact machines are easy to move and need minimal maintenance. Most women love its safety aspect which allows them to take a helping hand from their kids in getting the frozen nuggets ready before movie time. Cleaning kitchen appliances has always been a big headache. However, the air fryer takes care of this part with its dishwasher safe components. With a growing emphasis on effective cleaning in the recent COVID-19 affected world, the easy cleaning feature comes as a respite for most homemakers and working moms. According to Bill Ilicic, National Business Development Manager at one of the companies providing the best bond cleaning in Brisbane, it is imperative to keep your kitchen appliances safe from harmful bacteria and germs. He stresses on cleaning the inner parts regularly to remove all the grunge and grime to stay away from diseases in the current circumstances.
Thus air fryers score high on all aspects which make them worth the investment if you are a true fan of crusty finger foods and deep-fried decadence. Unsurprisingly, the product has been selling like hotcakes and has been the talk of the town since its launch. So here is all the information that will help you to pick the best one from the market in 2020 to enjoy some delicious snacks without putting your health at stake.
- How Does An Air Fryer Work?
- What To Look For When Buying An Air Fryer?
- The Best Air Fryers To Purchase In Australia
- Philips Air Fryer XXL HD9650/93
- Healthy Choice 12L Digital Air Fryer
- De’Longhi IdealFry Air Fryer, FH2133W
- Maxkon Digital Air Fryer With 7L Capacity
- Healthy Choice 10L Air Fryer
- Philips 0.8kg Air Fryer HD9721
- Advwin 8 in 1 Touch Control Air Fryer
- Tower T17005 3.2L Air Fryer
- Secura 4 Litre Air Fryer
- Magic Chef, MCAF26MB Small Air Fryer
- #1 :Advantages of Using An Air Fryer
- Tips for Using an Air Fryer
- Commonly Asked Questions About Air Fryers
- Can I Add Spices In The Basket?
- How Can I Clean The Air Fryer?
- Which Foods Can Be Cooked In An Air Fryer?
- Can I Put Baking Paper in The Air Fryer?
- Do Air Fryers Use Radiations?
- How To Use The Ideal Temperature Settings?
How Does An Air Fryer Work?
An air fryer gives you the freedom to bake, grill, fry and roast your favourite foods with 80% less fat. It utilises the rapid heating technology which circulates hot air inside the cooking chamber of the air fryer to cook the ingredients evenly. Its functionality is similar to a mini convection oven, but it does not require oil and creates the perfect deep-fried consistency. The top part of the appliance has a heating mechanism and a fan which pushes down hot air into the fryer basket containing the food for effective cooking. Some recipes may need a slight spray of oil on the exterior of the ingredients, but it depends on the preference of the user. It does not require checking the food for perfect crispness, and there is no chance of burning your fingers as there is no boiling oil on your cook top.
The heating capacity of the air fryer is much faster than that of the oven and the small size of its basket ensures that the cooking is completed quickly. Although the nutritional value is similar to baked food prepared in an oven, the fried texture is the icing on the cake. Plus, air fryers can be used for grilling and baking as well. Thus they are a step ahead of ovens which need more space, cooking time and are more tedious to clean.
What To Look For When Buying An Air Fryer?
Since air fryers have not been around for long, buyers are not sure about the features they need to consider while making a purchase. However, there are some factors which need to be identified before going forward. Let us take a look.
Capacity
The air fryer is available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 2 litres to 12 litres. If you have a big family which needs more frying basket space, then you must opt for the higher capacity versions. The larger device is also appropriate for people who love to host guests and engage socially more often. However, you must have dedicated space available for the appliance in your kitchen. The smallest air fryer of up to 2L capacity is well-suited for a single person with limited kitchen space. The 2L-4L capacity air fryers are ideal for couples who need small items on their countertop. The large-capacity models are apt for big families which like to host parties and gatherings often.
Space
Kitchens are usually crowded with appliances and cookware and you must have ample space for the air fryer if you are going to use it regularly. Make sure you have enough space on your countertop which will allow the comfortable opening of the fryer basket. In case you plan to store it in the cabinet, make sure you pick the size that fits into your kitchen. The build style has two types – pull out drawer system and flip-top mechanism. You can choose the one that suits the space on your countertop.
Controls
Some of the models have a dial, while others have a digital control panel with a touch screen. A few brands offer built-in pre-sets and pre-programmed settings for specific foods like French fries and roasted chicken. The dial control is the most basic style machine which provides temperature and timer details like the best ovens in the market. If you need more features and built-in settings, then you must opt for a digital control air fryer.
Pricing
The cost of the appliance is the most important aspect when making a purchase. The average cost of air fryers ranges between $100 to $300, and you can make your pick depending on your budget and requirement.
Power Consumption
The air fryer consumes lower power to provide high output. The average input ranges between 800W to 2100W, and the efficiency of the appliance increases with higher wattage. So keep your power bill in mind while choosing the air fryer.
The Best Air Fryers To Purchase In Australia
If you have made up your mind about purchasing an air fryer, then you should look at the top choices available in the market. Here is a list of the best and high-quality products that will be perfect for your kitchen.
Philips Air Fryer XXL HD9650/93
The top-rated product in this category is the 1.4kg capacity air fryer which offers the benefit of cooking perfectly fried food with 90% less fat. Ideal for frying, baking, grilling, and roasting, the Philips Air Fryer XXL HD9650/93 is suitable for a big family. It can easily fit a whole chicken in its 7.3L capacity fryer basket and can cook up to 1.4kg of fries at one time. It is highly popular for its fat removal technology, which reduces fat from fried food. It comes with the keep-warm mode that keeps food hot until served. Its digital display offers five in-built cooking settings and is the best model for grilling fish and meat. Cleaning is a breeze with this appliance as it includes a non-stick mesh which can be cleaned in just 90 seconds and its removable parts can be put in the dishwasher safely. The free recipe booklet can be utilised to cook up some delicious items almost every day. The Philips air fryer can also be used for reheating without losing the crispness of the ingredients and its faster heating technology does not require preheating. If you can fit this into your budget, then this is the best buy for your home.
Healthy Choice 12L Digital Air Fryer
Digital air fryers are more accurate when it comes to temperature settings. Thus choosing the Healthy Choice 12L air fryer will give you the advantage of buying a pocket-friendly machine that comes with a 360-degree food rotating system. The large capacity ensures that you can cook for the entire family in its multi layers. A unique quality of this product is the transparent viewing window which gives you a clear picture of the food being cooked. It has ten cooking programs and 60-minute timer settings. The best part is that it offers three layer simultaneous cooking and has a removable door for cleaning that helps to maintain hygiene. Its safety features include protection from overheating and internal temperature settings ranging between 30 and 200 degree Celsius. It comes with a variety of accessories, including rotisserie fork, mesh tray, three mesh racks, rolling cage, drip tray, and cage tongs. The digital control panel is easy to use and has pre-sets that allow cooking a variety of dishes, baking, defrosting and doing much more.
De’Longhi IdealFry Air Fryer, FH2133W
Make cooking family meals an effortless task by purchasing the De’Longhi IdealFry Air Fryer which can cook meals for up to six people. To ease the burden, you can get the best food processor to shred and slice the food items and get started. Reducing fat content by 80% in fried foods, it serves scrumptious foods in large capacity. It can cook one full kilo of potatoes in just one teaspoon oil. Also, it does not require oil for cooking frozen foods. Powered by the rapid SHS Double technology, it cooks and fries evenly while keeping the taste intact and the texture crispy. A striking feature of the machine is its ultraviolet pan for shaking which gives the user the freedom to manually mix and shake the finger foods. Its lid and pan can be removed for easy cleaning and the viewing window gives a sneak peek into the delicacy being prepared at home. The control panel consists of an adjustable thermostat with four different levels of power so that you can choose the settings as per your convenience. Additional features include anti-scratch bowl coated with ceramic and a recipe app consisting details of 200 yummy dishes.
Maxkon Digital Air Fryer With 7L Capacity
There is no denying the fact that health is wealth, and this is the reason why Maxkon digital air fryer is a winner. Its infrared convection machine does not require the use of oil for frying and multifunctional mechanism allows a variety of cooking options. It can be used for roasting, broiling, baking and grilling. From shrimps and meat to cakes and fries, it is capable of delivering drool-worthy dishes quickly. The user-friendly and hassle-free machine comes with pre-set modes for efficient cooking in less time. With utmost stress on hygiene and safety, the model has been designed with BPA-free plastic and automatic cut-off for protection from overheating. The 7L drawer capacity and 5.5L fryer basket can be utilised for seven built-in smart cooking modes. With one hour timer limit, detachable basket, air filtration system and non-stick baking pan, it has all the features you need in a daily use air fryer.
Healthy Choice 10L Air Fryer
If you are looking for an economical option with a large capacity, then you can opt for the Healthy Choice 10L Air Fryer. The appliance comes with turbo air technology which utilises minimal oil for frying and is equally efficient in broiling, grilling and roasting. Its 10L capacity gives you the freedom to cook for the entire family in one go and the turbo air reduces the time spent on cooking. It comes with control panel dials that allow you to choose the temperature settings. The 1300 Watt air fryer is apt for cooking all kinds of foods and promotes healthy eating. It circulates hot air over the food at high speed which results in optimal frying without the use of oil. The cost-effectiveness and efficiency of this model make it a hit among the price-conscious buyers.
Philips 0.8kg Air Fryer HD9721
If you do not need big servings and are happy with a small and compact machine that will fulfil your weekend binge, then the Philips 0.8kg Air Fryer HD9721 is what you need. Its twin TurboStar technology is effective in removing fat from fried foods. Thus you can devour the yummy snacks without any oil and weight gain problems. It does not create the heating effect in the kitchen created by traditional oil-based frying, and there is no smell of oil in the house. It can easily cook 0.8kg of fries in one go and takes 20% less space due to its sleek design. You can use it to grill, bake and roast your favourite foods at home and with all the health benefits. It comes with removable parts that can be cleaned in the dishwasher and access to the recipe app which has list of 200 delicious meals that can be prepared in the air fryer. The easy dial setting helps you to set the temperature between 80 and 200 degree Celsius and the timer for up to 60 minutes. It is the best deal for a family of two.
Advwin 8 in 1 Touch Control Air Fryer
A lot of people have a limited budget and are looking for a durable model that suffices for the need of consuming oil-free foods. The 1500W Advwin 8 in 1 Touch Control Air Fryer fits into this category perfectly. Its excellent features allow you to fry, bake, roast, steam and grill all types of foods within minutes. Its smart controls give the user the freedom to choose the precise time and temperature for cooking, and the stylish touch screen gives your kitchen a chic appeal. The non-stick coating ensures that it does not create any mess and gets cleaned without minimum effort. It does not fill the kitchen with odour of oil and prepares delectable meals with 80% less fat. Like all other air fryers, this product retains the juicy content of the foods with a crispy shell outside to give you the experience of feasting on a deep-fried snack.
Tower T17005 3.2L Air Fryer
Make way for healthy cooking options in your kitchen with this compact, sleek and stylish machine that uses rapid air circulation to cook low-calorie food. The Tower T17005 air fryer comes with a 30-minute timer and adjustable temperature control ranging between 80 and 200 degrees. It is ideal for cooking chips, vegetables, meat, steak, chicken, and even cakes. The 3.2L capacity gives you decent space to fry and grill healthy meals in just a few minutes. The automatic cut-off and comfortable scheduling of the cooking cycle make it easy for the user to multi-task while working in the kitchen. It comes with a pull out drawer and a detachable basket that can be conveniently cleaned with hands.
Secura 4 Litre Air Fryer
Your ideal mate for roasting, frying and grilling is here in the form of this large capacity air fryer which comes with a variety of accessories. The Secure 4.2 quart air fryer uses high-speed hot air circulation to cook food efficiently and without the use of oil. Its 4L capacity makes it apt for cooking healthy meals quickly for 4-6 people. It comes with a 60-minute cooking timer and auto shut-off feature along with temperature control ranging from 180 to 390 degree F. A unique feature of the product is its accessories that include a BBQ rack and skewers which make cooking all the more enjoyable and easy. It has a space saving design which does not require much storage area and its removable parts are dishwasher-safe.
Magic Chef, MCAF26MB Small Air Fryer
If you are looking for something simple and compact, then the Magic Chef MCAF26MB is the best bet for you. The 2.6 quart capacity product comes with manual controls and is completely easy to use. Its smart design will make it an appealing addition to your kitchen. The removable parts can be effortlessly cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher. Its durability and ease of use make it an attractive purchase for a small family or youngsters who do not have the time to cook elaborate meals. The temperature dial can be set manually up to 400 degrees and cooks food perfectly. The reliability of the brand makes it a must-buy for people looking for quality and style.
Advantages of Using An Air Fryer
There are plenty of advantages of using an air fryer which make it a valuable addition to your list of prized kitchen appliances. Let us help you understand a few of them.
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Ideal For Weight Loss
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If you are obsessed with losing weight, but are unable to give up your love for fried foods, then you need an air fryer right away. Since traditional frying involves consuming highly greasy food, you can ditch the oil and still enjoy the luscious taste with this device. It is the best way to cut back on oil and fats and lose weight. You can cook oil-free roast chicken, steaks, meat patties, fried fish and much more. It does not affect the nutritional value of the food and offers wholesome meals with less fat.
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Completely Safe
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The original deep frying tradition involves filling a pan with oil and boiling it at high temperature to cook the food. It can lead to burnt fingers and mishaps and can be dangerous for kids roaming around in the kitchen. On the other hand, an air fryer is a risk-free appliance which does not involve any spillage or accidental touching of hot surfaces. There is no odour of oil while you are cooking or oil droplets on the walls, range hood or the countertop.
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Quick And Effortless Cooking
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With an air fryer, you don’t have to stay on top of the cooktop and keep checking the food to avoid burning. You can just plug it in and relax until the cooking takes place. The timer will alert you about the completion of the dish and you can devote the time to other household chores. It is ideal for old people as they can enjoy hands-free cooking that offers healthy food.
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Multi-tasking Appliance
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You can get rid of the conventional oven and grilling cookware by opting for this sleek and compact device. It is capable of baking, roasting, frying and grilling, and thus performs a variety of functions. It is an apt appliance for small homes which do not have ample space for several devices.
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Easy Cleaning
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It does not create any mess in the kitchen like oil vapours all over the place and grease accumulating on the range hood. The enclosed fryer basket keeps everything inside and you can clean it in your dishwasher without any difficulty. You can also clean it with a wet sponge to wipe away the food particles without any fuss.
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Reduces The Risk of Diseases
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There have been several studies which suggest that a high intake of deep-fried foods can lead to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Thus many people are opting for an air fryer which reduces the risk of these ailments by eliminating the use of oil in the frying process.
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Save Money
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Deep-frying foods use a lot of cooking oil, so you can save a good amount of your grocery budget by adopting healthy cooking. Since oil prices are always on the higher side, switching to an air fryer can prove to be cost-effective in the long run. Also, you don’t need an oven or BBQ if you can bake, roast and fry in this multi-purpose device. Thus you can make a lot of savings.
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Tips for Using an Air Fryer
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Although it is a relatively new product, it does not require any complex settings or mechanism to get started. Both manual and digital air fryers are extremely easy to use and operate. You just need to plug it in and set the controls for temperature and timer. Here are some cooking tips that will help you to prepare mouth-watering delicacies in this exceptional machine.
You can use an oil sprayer to increase the crunch in every bite. The oil can be sprayed directly on the cooking basket or the food. You can read the instructions in the user manual of your device to achieve the best results. If you are too concerned about your calorie intake, then you can skip the oil spraying part as well.
The air fryer is ideal for dry ingredients, so avoid putting wet foods into the fryer basket. While putting marinated foods into the basket, you must pat them dry so that there is no splattering or mess.
The fryer basket has limited capacity and should not be overstuffed with ingredients. Since the air fryer uses circulation of hot air for cooking, it is imperative to allow the heat to flow. Thus make sure that you cook in batches if you have to cook large meals for a big gathering. Make sure you choose the capacity of the fryer according to your needs at the time of purchase.
Utilise the recipes provided by your brand to whip up delightful snacks, main course meals and desserts. The air fryer allows you to sit back and relax while the food gets cooked and extends optimum freedom and comfort.
Commonly Asked Questions About Air Fryers
Here are the answers to all those questions that have been popping in your mind related to air fryers.
Can I Shake The Fries While It Is Working?
It is a common habit to shake the ingredients when they are being fried to cook them evenly. It is possible to continue with the routine with an air fryer by pressing the pause button and shaking the fryer basket for an ultimate cooking satisfaction.
Can I Add Spices In The Basket?
Yes, you can use the pause button to open the basket and add spices for a yummier meal full of aroma and taste.
How Can I Clean The Air Fryer?
The removable parts can be put in a dishwasher or cleaned with the help of warm soapy water. However, do not scrub the basket with a scouring pad as it can remove the non-stick coating on the device. If food particles get stuck on the heating element, then use a brush to remove the debris. Make sure you cool down the machine before starting cleaning to avoid burnt fingers.
Which Foods Can Be Cooked In An Air Fryer?
All types of foods can be cooked in the air fryer including vegetables, meat, chicken, fish, frozen foods and even desserts. You should avoid putting the wet batter into the basket as it can lead to splattering in the basket.
Can I Put Baking Paper in The Air Fryer?
Yes, however, it must be placed at the bottom of the basket under the ingredients to avoid clogging of the cavity which needs an uninterrupted flow of air.
Do Air Fryers Use Radiations?
No, air fryers do not emit any radiations. They work on hot air circulation technology to cook food.
How To Use The Ideal Temperature Settings?
The air fryer gives you a wide range between 80 to 200 degrees to cook food. If you want the texture achieved through frying on low flame, you can set the temperature between 130 and 140 degrees. For medium flame cooking, you should set the temperature control dial between 160 and 170 degrees. If you want the deep-fried consistency, then you should use the maximum temperature setting.
Conclusion
Air fryers are the latest offering from the stable of healthy living appliances and are effective in reducing fat content from fried foods. If you are fond of crispy and crunchy appetisers but need to watch your weight and cholesterol levels, then this machine will match your needs. With a variety of options available, you can choose the model that fits your requirements and budget without any trouble.
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