Air fryers have been a new, emerging kitchen gadget in the past decade, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying crispy and great food with less oil. Today, many households seem to warm up to this new appliance. Consider the benefits versus drawbacks to determine whether an air fryer is truly worth investing in for cooking and your lifestyle.

Below, we will run through the 10 major pros and cons of air fryers, along with some of the best models available in the UK, including the use of air fryer liners. We will consider the ease of use, cooking time, and food texture to provide a balanced view that can help you make an informed decision.

How would you describe an air fryer?

An air fryer is a compact kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it. This method mimics deep-frying but uses minimal oil, resulting in crispy exteriors and tender interiors. You can quickly cook various foods, such as bacon, salmon, and roasted dishes, while using less fat.

Advantages of using air fryer

1 – Healthier Cooking:

Probably the greatest advantage associated with air fryers is their capability to cook food with far less oil than traditional deep-frying. Since an air fryer can circulate hot air around the food, it gives it a crispy exterior, like fried food, but uses up to 80% fewer fats. So, you can have all your favorite crunchy foods fries, chicken wings, or even sweet pastries instantly, minus the extra calories and hard fat.

2 – Fast and Effective:

With an air fryer, it generally takes less time to cook food compared to a conventional oven. Since the air is blown so fast around the food, it cooks quickly, which allows you to spend less time preparing dinner. This is particularly true for very busy people or families who would like to save their time preparing dinner. Moreover, air fryers generally consume less time when it comes to preheating as compared to traditional ovens.

3 – Less Odor and Smoke:

With the traditional ways of frying, there is a strong smell of oil hanging in your kitchen, while at the same time, there is a great deal of smoke. Air fryers create much less smell and smoke because the cooking environment in them is closed. This makes it more pleasant to use indoors, especially in smaller spaces like apartments.

4 – Energy Efficiency:

Air fryers use relatively less energy compared to an oven, for the simple reason that they require less energy since they are smaller in size and cook food faster. This not only helps to save you from paying exorbitant electricity bills but also makes them a lot more environmentally friendly than their larger appliance counterparts.

5 – Enhanced Flavor Retention:

Air fryers are capable of accentuating the natural taste of food because the circulation of hot air is useful in locking juices and flavors into food, thereby making them crispy, full of flavor, and succulent. This shall mostly benefit meats and vegetables by keeping them juicy and full of taste.

The Downsides of Air Fryers: What to Consider Before Buying

1 – Uneven Cooking:

Even with advanced technology, there seems to be an issue where some air fryers cook food unevenly. This happens if your food is piled or crowded in the basket. It can cook unequally at times and undercook or overcook other pieces. It would require a great deal of consistency to shake or turn the food during cooking, usually a hassle.

2 – Variation in Textures and Flavors:

While air fryers do a great job replicating the crispy outside of fried foods, the actual feel and taste might not be precisely that of deep-fried foods. Some users reported that air-fried items can turn out a little drier or less flavorful compared to their deep-fried counterparts. It will also vary from one food type to another and how it is prepared.

3 – Noise Level:

Air fryer can be noisy when working mostly, the fan noise and high air speed can sometimes be noisy enough to cause a disturbance in a quiet kitchen. Though in most cases, the noise level is not much is something to consider for noise-sensitive people if kitchen appliances tend to bother them.

4 – Non-Stick Coating Issues:

Some air fryers feature non-stick coatings on their baskets and trays, making cleaning easier. However, these coatings can wear off over time and may pose health risks if they deteriorate. Follow the care instructions closely to maintain the non-stick surface and avoid scratching it with metal utensils.