6 top tips for buying an air fryer
Bec Summer
STACK Writer
Air fryers are a must-have appliance for a modern kitchen, providing quick, easy and healthy cooking solutions. Here’s what you need to know to choose the right one for your culinary needs.
An air fryer basically cooks the same way a bench top convection oven does, concentrating the cooking process using heat from an element that’s distributed rapidly by a fan.
The food crisps much like it would in a traditional deep fryer, albeit without using copious amounts of oil, while the inside remains deliciously succulent.
Rapid heat-up time means faster food; an air fryer can take the stress out of cooking for a group, and is ideal for whipping up a quick meal or snack on the fly.
Size it up
Air fryers are available in a range of different sizes, from compact models that cater for singles and couples, right through to jumbo fryers that can feed a large family. XXXL models can have dual drawers/baskets to cook two different foods at once, such as chicken and veggies.
A small air fryer can have a basket capacity of 0.5–2 litres and is ideal for single meals and snacks, while a larger model at 6–8 litres can cater for family meals and multiple portions.
Consider the available space on your kitchen bench to get the right fit, your general cooking habits, and how many people it needs to feed.
Culinary versatility
Beyond whipping up a batch of hot chips or chicken wings, these versatile appliances can, depending on the model, grill meat and fish, roast a whole chook and vegetables, bake a cake or scones, and even dehydrate food.
Whether you choose an all-rounder or a basic model depends entirely on your cooking needs.
Cooking made simple
Air fryers are not only versatile, they’re also user-friendly, with intuitive displays and LED touchscreens that put preset cooking modes for popular foods like chips, fish, chicken and veggies right at your fingertips.
Some models feature smart sensing tech, which auto adjusts temperature and time while cooking, and can connect to an app for guided cooking and recipes.
Simply pull out the drawer, drop the food into the basket, press a button for the required time and food type, and let the air fryer do its thing. When the timer-alert sounds, it’s time to tuck in.
If you’re keen to get more hands-on and explore different cooking techniques, pick a model with optional manual temperature adjustment.
Keeping it clean
As well as simplifying the cooking process, clean up is a breeze! Just take out the basket, wipe it clean, give it a quick wash or pop it in the dishwasher – most air fryers have dishwasher-safe components.
Healthier eating
No more greasies means there are no extra calories and trans fats on your plate. Air frying requires little to no oil; however, adding a dash will increase crispness and prevent any food from sticking to the basket.
Energy efficiency
An air fryer’s element heats up in seconds and the concentrated area of heat significantly decreases the cooking time, thus reducing power consumption and saving you money.
^Discounts apply to previous ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. As we negotiate, products will likely have been sold below ticketed/advertised price prior to the discount offer. Prices may differ at airport stores.
