Every kitchen appliance has its strengths, weaknesses, and limitations, and the air fryer is no exception. Is an air fryer worth buying? Are air fryers healthy? Are air fryers bad for health? Let us list the pros and cons of using an air fryer to help you decide if you should add this most popular amazing machine to your shopping cart.
What is air frying
Although it's called an "air fryer," an air fryer doesn't fry food at all! Air fryers use a fan and a heating mechanism that makes them work like a convection oven, with hot air rapidly circulated around the cooking basket or tray. If you're using an air fryer, you'll notice that the food you're frying looks a lot like fried food, just without the oil.
How an air fryer works
The fan and heating mechanism allow the air fryer to blow super hot air around the cooking basket or tray. This rapid air movement creates a convective effect that makes the food ripe and golden brown. The high heat also shortens the cooking time while keeping the food moist on the inside and crispy on the outside.
How to use the air fryer
The air fryer comes with easy preset cooking modes such as fish, steak, chicken, cake, shrimp, roast and french fries. It sets the temperature and cooking mode based on the food you're cooking or the recipe suggests. Don't forget to preheat the air fryer for best cooking results. Also, read the manual for all the basic information.
Advantages and disadvantages of air fryers
If you already own an air fryer or are considering buying one, you know by now that air frying food isn't quite the same as deep frying food, but that's not all. No matter what size your air fryer is, let's take a closer look at the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of air fryers!
---Pros of air fryers
Here are some of the benefits of an air fryer.
1. Easy to clean
Cleaning an air fryer is much easier to clean up than an air fryer! Air frying uses very little oil and can be easily cleaned with a soft brush, dish soap and running water.
2. Easy to use
How easy is it to use? It's a snap! The air fryer is super easy to use, and once you get your hands on this kitchen appliance, there's no going back. You can take your frozen treats like chicken nuggets, chips, onion rings, and chicken tenders, set the mode and time and that’s it! You can also reheat last night’s leftovers.
3. Safe to use
If you're concerned about the potential side effects of using an air fryer, be aware that air fryers have no radiation, unlike microwaves. This self-contained device also protects the user from heat and oil splashes. Not only that, but as soon as the timer expires, it turns off automatically, preventing the food from burning.
4. Can make healthier food
Not only is the air fryer easy to use, but you can cook a lot of healthy meals with it. When cooking in an air fryer, you can use minimal oil or no oil at all, and the rest of the oil won't be absorbed by your food. That means you'll eat fewer calories and fat! If you don't know where to start, there are plenty of easy and healthy recipes available online.
5. Does not take up space
Even the largest air fryer won't take up your countertop space. Most air fryers are only the size of a small oven or coffee maker, and they're small enough to fit on a worktop. There are also nice looking air fryers on the market that will complement your equally beautiful kitchen.
---Cons of air fryers
Like any other device, an air fryer has its drawbacks and limitations.
6. Quite expensive
While there are plenty of air fryers to choose from, high-performance and aesthetically pleasing air fryers can be very expensive. In Malaysia, a top-of-the-line multi-purpose air fryer (which can be used as an air fryer and pressure cooker) retails for over RM1,500 and comes with extra features like tiering multiple racks for grilling or steaming. Is an air fryer worth buying? It depends on how much you're willing to spend on equipment and warranty, and how often you plan to use it.
7. Too small for a large family
Air fryers are relatively small, depending on capacity. If you have a large family, you might opt for traditional pots and pans or an oven. Most medium-sized air fryers allow you to cook for one or two people. In Malaysia, you can get a super-capacity 12L air fryer with enough room for a whole chicken.
8. Food is burnt or too dry
Different types of air fryers have different settings and modes. This means that the same food will be cooked differently when using different brands of air fryers. Your food may burn, dry out, or even become inedible. Cooking with an air fryer is all about experimenting with different foods and patterns. Before you try any experiments, be sure to read the instructions and stick to the recipe suggestions for using the air fryer.
9. Short power cord
One of the downsides of an air fryer is its short power cord. This won't be a problem if the power outlet is near where you put your air fryer, but if not, you'll need a power plug extension cord.
10. Can't find the right air fryer
There are endless air fryer options on the market, enough to dazzle you! If you are still hesitating which air fryer is best for you, here is a list of 8 best air fryers in Malaysia to make eating healthier and more convenient. You can also check other users' reviews of this air fryer to decide whether to buy it or not. Maybe finding a suitable air fryer isn't that hard, right?
