Since they first burst onto the scene of cooking trends in 2015, Air Fryers have only grown in popularity. Offering an easy, healthier alternative to deep fryers and traditional convection ovens, these nifty little kitchen appliances are worth the hype.
However, we don’t want to be blind to the cons just because there are so many pros. Making an informed decision on whether or not to invest in an Air Fryer requires both. So Innoteck has put together this list of pros and cons for Air Fryers, so you can know everything there is to know about these popular appliances.
What are the Pros and Cons of an Air Fryer?
No appliance (or, indeed, anything on the market) is perfect, and the Air Fryer is no exception. Appliances are designed to fulfil certain functions, and while some do this better than others, even the best can only do what they were created for. This can invoke some frustration, as appliances seem to be getting increasingly niche.
Fortunately, Air Fryers have a pretty broad range of functionality. Since there are clearly pros and cons to this appliance, let’s dive right into what these are.
Pros of Air Fryer
- The lower oil content creates healthier dishes
Unlike a deep fryer, an air fryer only needs a light coating of oil to create the same meals. You can even skip the oil altogether, though you’ll lose quite a bit of the taste that way. In addition to this, you can air fry vegetables, making Air Fryers even healthier.
- Lowers your risk of disease
Eating deep-fried foods can increase your risk of certain diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and stroke. With the reduction in oil, this risk can be dramatically lowered.
- It makes crispy, crunchy food
Like a traditional deep fryer, an Air Fryer can create crispy, crunchy, delicious meals. Whether you want to make homemade fried chicken or some tasty potato chips, an Air Fryer can make all the classics.
- It’s easy to clean
Cleaning your Air Fryer is no hassle at all. Most of the components can just be popped into the dishwasher or wiped down quickly with the other dishes. While they should get a deep clean every few months, regular cleaning is quick and easy.
- Safe and easy to use
Dealing with hot oil or open flames on the stovetop can be intimidating, and rightfully so. An Air Fryer has no dangerous components that the little ones can stick their fingers into and are safe for use. They are also easy to use for the whole family and can be easily stored away when not in use.
Cons of Air Fryer
- If you overcrowd your Air Fryer, you’re in trouble
As these appliances need to circulate air through the food in order to cook it, an overfill Air Fryer will not cook your food equally or completely. This can result in some pretty sad situations.
- Not all foods can be cooked
There is quite a list of foods that can’t be cooked in an Air Fryer. These include stews, rice and pasta, batter and more. This means that Air Fryers are not completely versatile and cannot cook as many things as a traditional oven.
- It might be too small
If you’re feeding a large family, you may find that the Air Fryer’s capacity just won’t do. You can opt for a 30l Air Fryer, but even this may not satisfy large families and voracious eaters.
- They take up space
Most people place their Air Fryer on the worktop when it’s in use and pack it away in a cupboard when it’s not. Unless you’re using it every night, at which point it can take up an official space. However you store your Air Fryer, it will take up space. For small kitchens with limited storage and work space, this can be quite a con.
Conclusion on the pros and cons of Air Fryers
While Air Fyers have many advantages, they do also have disadvantages. If you’re considering buying an Air Fryer, you’ll have to decide which one outweighs the other. We love using our Air Fryers regularly and will continue to be big fans of this kitchen appliance, but having all the information is important when considering what to buy.
Next, you can find out which is better: Air Fryer or Pressure Cooker?
