To pick the best air fryer, consider the size, cost, type, energy consumption, and all the pros and cons.
Air fryers are important kitchen appliances. Almost everyone is trying to get their hands on one because it makes cooking much easier. If you enjoy foods that have a crispy taste, then an air fryer will be the perfect kitchen tool for you.
There are many types of air fryers in the market and picking the right one can be difficult. But to help you choose, we are going to talk about a few buying factors to consider when purchasing one.
How Does an Air Fryer Work?
The function of an air fryer is similar to a convection oven. The air fryer heats from the inside and a fan circulates the hot air out.
This hot inside the fryer cooks the food. Just like in an oven, the food needs to rotate to become brown and toasty. Air-fried food is considered healthy since little oil is used.
Different fryers have different types of rotation systems, it can be automatic or manual.
1. Pull out Drawer models
These models require manual rotation. Since they do not have a timer, you need to rotate the food after every 5 minutes to make sure the food is cooked properly.
2. Stirrer Models
A stirrer model has an automatic paddle that stirs the food throughout the cooking process. So it is not required to manually rotate or shake the food.
3. Rotating basket multi cooker
A multi-purpose cooker has an automatic rotator that spins the food inside the fryer. It also has some additional features that we will discuss later.
How to Choose the Right Air Fryer
Here are some factors you need to consider when choosing an Air Fryer-
1. Space in the Kitchen
Like every other appliance, Air fryers come in different shapes and sizes, so you consider the space available in your kitchen before you buy one.
For example, if you have a free space that is rectangular, buy an air fryer that fits in that designated space.
2. The Size of the Air Fryer
Now, if you have enough space, go for a large one. A larger air fryer has the benefit of cooking food faster while requiring less energy compared to traditional stoves and ovens. A perfectly convenient sized air fryer would be the Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Oven.
3. The Cost
The popular brands are expensive, but you should go with those. Unnamed and cheap air fryers do not last long, and might even worsen your cooking experience.
So even if an air fryer puts a strain on your wallet, you should invest in it and enjoy the benefits in the long run.
However, you do not need to buy expensive air fryers for home use. You can easily find a high-quality air fryer for under $400.
4. The Type of Air Fryer
The pull-out air fryer has a drawer that needs to be pulled out to place the food inside. Since there is no automatic system here, it is comparatively cheaper.
The others like the stirrer model, the rotating basket model, and the toaster model all have automatic rotators, but they serve different purposes. The stirrer model is good for foods that need to be deep-fried, shallow-fried, or baked.
The rotating basket model is great for cooking foods that have high levels of fat. These are usually the preferred air fryers most people buy. And the toaster model is used mainly for roasting or baking foods. So pick the air fryer that suits your cooking style.
5. How much Energy it Consumes
Generally, it is better to pick air fryers that use a higher wattage because it cooks food faster. A 1700 watt air fryer is a perfect choice. Going higher than 1700 would be a waste of energy and will increase your electricity bills.
6. Warranty
The air fryer you choose must come with a minimum of a 1-year warranty. Because this is an electronic device, different parts will malfunction over time. If you have a warranty card, you can get free servicing or even change if it does not work.
7. Additional Features
The more features, the better. So, get an air fryer that has the following additional features-
Air Fryer toaster ovens
Some air fryers come with toaster ovens that will help to bake and toast.
Air fryer dehydrators
This allows you to dehydrate and prepare any food like beef jerky.
Air fryer rotisserie cookers
This feature has the capacity to make moist rotisserie chicken.
Air fryer cooking pre-sets
Presets will make the air fryer cook a dish automatically such as setting the right heat and rotating to make a specific dish.
The Pros and Cons of having An Air Fryer
Air Fryers are useful kitchen appliances, but with a list of pros and cons. Some factors to consider before buying it.
The Pros
- Lowers the calorie on the food by swiftly removing fat.
- Grilling, baking, and toasting can be done in one air fryer.
- They consume less energy than traditional ovens.
- Since no oil is used in these fryers, they are easy to clean.
- It offers restaurant-style frying.
Cons
- They are expensive.
- They take up space in the kitchen
- You need to learn how to use the air fryer, especially if it is manual.
- The operating sound is louder than a microwave oven.
Final Thoughts
Even though air fryers have a fair share of advantages and disadvantages, they are still a great addition to your kitchen. You will be able to prepare more delicious meals, without being time-consuming. Food cooked by an air fryer is also healthy. So, if you have the budget, buy an air fryer for your kitchen.
