Air fryers: advantages and disadvantages

Every user of an air fryer likely recalls the gallons of sizzling oil, billowing smoke, and heaps of paper towels used to soak up the excess grease. Following that, a considerable amount of time and effort is required to clean the grid, bowl, and appliance itself, which are all covered in sticky vegetable oil. Luckily, technology never ceases to advance. Enter the air fryer, a next-generation appliance that has the ability to fry french fries using just a tablespoon of oil! Now, let us uncover the complete truth about this remarkable device.

Air fryer: what it is

Aerofryer is a revolutionary electric device contained in a plastic or stainless steel case, specifically designed for the purpose of frying food. This innovative product utilizes a mesh bowl with a practical handle, which becomes subject to a flow of hot air, generated by the integrated heating element and convector. A user-friendly control panel is conveniently located on the body of the frying device. One of the most outstanding features of the air fryer is its ability to fry food without utilizing any oil or fat. In fact, a mere one tablespoon of oil is sufficient for a portion of fries.

When comparing the modern air fryer with the initial models of air fryers, several notable differences can be observed:

• Firstly, the contemporary air fryer has significantly simplified maintenance requirements. All components can be easily disassembled and placed in a dishwasher for effortless cleaning.
• Secondly, the demand for large quantities of fryer oil is no longer necessary. Only 10 grams of oil per one kilogram of food is sufficient for optimal frying results.
• The cooking time is greatly reduced since there is no need to heat up 1.5-2 liters of oil in a fryer;
• Meals prepared in a modern appliance are significantly healthier compared to those cooked in a traditional fryer.

With its features, the appliance bears resemblance to an air grill, albeit being more compact and offering much faster cooking time.

Operating an air fryer

How an air fryer works

The structure of the air fryer is similar to that of a traditional fryer, where the food is placed in a mesh basket. For ease of removing the cooked dish, experienced users recommend applying a small amount of vegetable oil onto the grid using a brush. Instead of a deep fryer bowl, if you want to add a bit of oil for flavor, it can be poured directly onto the food. Any excess oil will simply drip into the drip tray.

1. Connect the appliance to a power source.
2. Insert the basket into the appliance.
3. Apply oil onto the mesh of the basket using a brush.
4. Put the food into the basket.
5. Utilize the timer to set the cooking time.
6. Adjust the desired cooking temperature. At this stage, the heating element located at the top of the appliance is activated, resulting in the air inside the device being heated to a temperature ranging from 80 to 200 degrees Celsius. By means of the convector, this air circulates uniformly within the device, ensuring that the food is fried evenly.
7. Once the food has been fried and achieved a golden crust, remove the basket from the device.
8. If the cooking process is completed, it is necessary to wash and dry the basket. If you have plans to use it again, allow the device to cool down before proceeding. After the cooling process, you can resume cooking.
9. It is important not to forget to unplug the appliance.

The device allows for the convection of hot air.

Main parameters of the device

The main features of the device include:

• The device is typically made of either plastic or stainless metal, with insulation for thermal retention. Plastic devices are lighter, while metal ones offer more reliability.
• The heating element can have a power range of 800 to 2000 watts, with 1400 watts being the optimal choice.
• The bowl capacity can reach up to 3.2 liters, with a 1.5 liter capacity bowl capable of holding 1 kg of product.
• The device can have either mechanical or electronic control. Electronic control displays all processes on an LCD screen, providing convenience but at a higher cost.
• A timer can be set for either half an hour or an hour, with a buzzer sounding when the timer finishes.
• Not all models have a viewing window, but it is a convenient feature.
• The priciest models come with built-in filters designed to trap cooking odors.
• These devices have a temperature range of 60 to 240 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures are ideal for dehydrating vegetables, fruits, dried meat, and fish, while higher temperatures are perfect for baking dough-based products.

In addition, the appliance can come with various accessories, such as a baking tray, a grill rack, a frying basket, and skewers for meat, fish, and vegetable dishes.

What kind of dishes can be cooked in the air fryer

The device’s capabilities extend far beyond just cooking French fries. The only limitation is the cook’s imagination. In addition to the traditional potatoes, you can prepare various vegetables, fish, meat skewers, chicken wings and legs, steaks, patties, meatballs, dumplings, sandwiches, nuggets, and much more.

The Airfryer is also perfect for baking muffins, sausage in batter, cookies, and pies – these treats are always a crowd pleaser.

Moreover, this appliance handles frozen food with ease, eliminating the need for prior defrosting.

Some models even come with a recipe book, and there is already a plethora of recipes, tips, and tricks available on the internet for air fryers.

It’s a delight to cook with it

Advantages and disadvantages of air fryers

• The result is tasty fast food that is not detrimental to one’s health;
• Its small size allows the device to fit in any kitchen no matter the size;
• There is an opportunity to save money on cooking oil;
• Cleaning the appliance is extremely easy – it is dishwasher safe;
• The food can be heated quickly and conveniently in the air fryer;
• You can cook multiple dishes simultaneously.
• The relatively high cost of the appliance may make it unaffordable for some families;
• If you are cooking for a large group, the process may take longer;
• The selection of air fryer models is limited as not many manufacturers produce them nowadays.

Popular models with brief characteristics and prices

The aerofryers of 2026 have introduced the top 5 models that have gained immense popularity among users. This ranking is based on the positive reviews and experiences shared by the satisfied owners.

Tefal FZ707267 ActiFry

This innovative, budget-friendly device is capable of producing French fries using only 3% oil. The unique spatula provided with the appliance ensures that the oil is evenly distributed across the entire surface of the food. Moreover, the appliance’s specially designed lid features a steam outlet, which guarantees the safety of the device. With a powerful 1400-watt motor and a 1 kg capacity bowl, this appliance is both efficient and practical. Its stylish combination of plastic and steel makes it a perfect addition to any kitchen. Additionally, the appliance is electronically controlled and equipped with a built-in timer.

• No condensation produced;
• All parts are removable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning;
• Non-stick coating ensures food does not stick to the surface;
• Includes a measuring spoon.
• The appliance does not automatically turn off after the buzzer;
• The recipe book that comes with the package is not translated into Russian.

ActiFry Tefal FZ707267 is a revolutionary kitchen appliance.

Philips HD9235

A very impressive appearance is characteristic of a plastic model with a futuristic design, equipped with touch buttons. It has a power capacity of 1425 watts and a non-stick coating bowl with a capacity of 3 liters. The intuitive microprocessor control, along with the LCD display, allows you to easily monitor the ongoing processes. Using the innovative Rapid Air technology, you can perform frying, baking, and grilling tasks with minimal or no oil required.

• The appliance has a compact size, making it easy to maintain cleanliness;
• Includes an auto shut-off feature for added safety;
• Convenient cord compartment for easy storage;
• Comes with kebab skewers and a grill rack;
• Comes with a fantastic recipe book.
• If you are cooking for a large group, you may need to prepare multiple batches.

Tefal ActiFry 2 in 1

An appliance housed in a plastic casing that has a power output of 1500 watts. It features a bowl with a maximum capacity of 1.5 kg and is equipped with a microprocessor control system, complete with a timer. The appliance also boasts a fully transparent lid, allowing users to easily monitor the cooking process. Additionally, the appliance comes with two non-stick pans: one with a capacity of 500 g and another with a capacity of 2000 g, enabling users to cook two different dishes simultaneously.

• All components of the appliance can be easily removed and washed in a dishwasher.
• The appliance features a non-stick coating, preventing food from sticking.
• Users have the option to cook two different dishes at the same time.
• The appliance does not have an automatic shutoff feature following the buzzer.
• The recipe book included in the package does not include instructions in Russian.

The Tefal ActiFry 2 in 1 is a sleek plastic case device that operates at 1500 watts. It features the innovative Rapid Air Circulation System technology, allowing you to fry and bake tasty dishes with a grilled effect using minimal amounts of oil. The device is equipped with an LCD display on its body, providing real-time updates on its operation. It also offers 8 autoprogram options for convenience. The non-stick coated bowl has a capacity of 3.2 liters.

• Includes a timer for precision cooking;
• Comes with a filter to ensure clean air circulation;
• Features an audible alarm to notify you of cooking status;
• Compact size makes it ideal for small kitchens;
• The bowl is removable for easy cleaning.
• However, the coating might not be very durable.

The GFGRIL GFA-3500 AIR FRYER is an innovative cooking appliance that uses advanced technology to cook food using minimal oil. It is designed to provide a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, producing crispy and delicious dishes with less fat and fewer calories.

ENDEVER AF-120

A successful combination of air fryer, oven, and traditional deep fryer, this compact appliance has a power of 1500 watts and a capacity of 1 kilogram. It comes with a grill rack and food tongs, and the plastic housing is easy to clean.

If you have a passion for cooking, this reliable kitchen appliance will be a loyal assistant. Your children will forget about "masterpieces" from fast food chains, and your friends will eagerly seize any chance to enjoy your culinary creations. When choosing a model, make sure it is easy to clean and that the bowl has the perfect size for your needs.