The air fryer, an indispensable new robot in kitchens, is generally introduced as a deep fryer. However, in reality, it allows almost all foods to be cooked without oil. Here's what you need to know about this very trendy appliance at the moment.
The air fryer, an indispensable new robot in kitchens, is generally introduced as a deep fryer. However, in reality, it allows almost all foods to be cooked without oil. Here's what you need to know about this very trendy appliance at the moment.
Contrary to what one might think given the popularity of this device in recent years, the air fryer is not a recent invention. The first hot air fryer of this kind was invented in 2006 by the SEB group and marketed under the name Actifry.
From its launch, this household appliance was presented as a healthier cooking method since it allows cooking fries and other fried foods with very little oil. Nonetheless, this French innovation did not achieve immediate success.
It was not until the 2020s that this healthy fryer was widely adopted in homes in the United Kingdom, the United States, but also in Brazil and South Korea!
Even though the name air fryer is often translated as "hot air fryer" or "convection air fryer," this new star appliance of the kitchen is capable of cooking more than just fries.
This cooking method can be used to prepare roasted chicken and grilled salmon, but also bread and cakes like a chocolate fondant in a ramekin or scones!
In the UK, the popularity of this kitchen appliance is such that an "airfryer recipe book" has sold over half a million copies in a few months according to the Daily Telegraph.
The general public's enthusiasm for the air fryer can be attributed to the ease of use of this device. Its operation is similar to that of a small convection oven, and it is always necessary to preheat this fryer before cooking food.
Depending on the recipe you want to make, you may need to oil the fryer basket, but always sparingly. In terms of settings, there are only two things to adjust on your fryer: the temperature and the cooking time.
For even cooking and crispy food, it is also recommended to:
• cut ingredients such as fries or chicken pieces to the same size.
• not overload the cooking basket but lay the ingredients in a single layer.
• shake the basket several times during cooking or turn the food halfway through, as in a traditional oven.
With temperature settings ranging from 40°C to 200°C, this highly versatile device can also be used to reheat leftovers. Once you master its operation, it can replace your traditional fryer, but also your oven, microwave, and sometimes your frying pan!
The success of the air fryer in the home appliance section can also be attributed to the health and cost-saving benefits of this cooking method.
With this unique deep fryer, little to no oil is used, resulting in much less fatty cooking than traditional frying, which prevents bad odors in the house while being healthier, of course.
Despite the small amount of fat used, the food remains indulgent as it becomes golden and crispy due to the Maillard reaction (the chemical reaction that occurs when food is grilled, such as in a toaster).
Another significant advantage: an air fryer consumes less energy than a traditional oven. The air fryer's preheating time is shorter, around 3 minutes. Moreover, even though these appliances have an electrical power between 1000 and 2000 watts, they consume 2 to 3 times less energy than a traditional oven.
Its energy efficiency and the ability to help you save on your electricity bill are among its biggest advantages. This partly explains why air fryer sales have increased by 2.5 times in France between 2020 and 2022…
As you may have gathered, the air fryer offers multiple benefits for cooking food in a healthier and more economical way. However, it is important to consider certain selection criteria when making your purchase.
Even if you don't want to clutter your countertop with another bulky appliance, you need to choose the capacity of your air fryer (or more precisely, the basket capacity in liters) based on the number of people in your household.
One of the drawbacks of this fryer is that it provides less cooking space than an oven. Therefore, be careful not to buy a model that's too small if the device is not intended for a single person or a couple.
When purchasing, also check if certain parts are dishwasher safe. This feature, offered by some models of convection air fryers, is a real plus for maintaining your machine.
In summary, remember that the price of this appliance depends on the basket capacity, the type of buttons and accessories, and the ease of cleaning. These are all criteria to consider to make the right choice for your airfryer!
In 2023, the French literally rushed to buy air fryers! According to Gifam, the association of home appliance brands, one million units of this type were sold last year.
Sales of these fryers surged by 77% in value over one year, compared to only a +2.2% increase for multi-cookers. This growth is unparalleled in the sector, while sales have dropped by -18.9% for multifunctional food processors and by -18.3% for stand mixers.
The craze for the air fryer is partly due to the novelty factor, but also because of the French desire to cook homemade meals and to adopt a healthier cooking method.
Author Audrey on 22 July 2022
Home and Garden : Furniture
Author Audrey on 01 September 2023
Home and Garden : Kitchen