Fried foods are not part of a healthy diet. We are all aware of this and it is probably due to the prominence that in a short time the air fryer, also known as 'air fryer' or fryer without oil. A best seller last year 2020.
Are you trying to avoid fried foods in your diet? If so, the air fryer can become a great ally. These ensure that the foods that we normally cook in the traditional fryer, acquire the same crunchy touch as in these but with up to 90% less fat.
In general you can prepare in the air fryer all those fried that we have traditionally cooked in oil such as French fries, croquettes, chicken wings, empanadillas or calamari. But, in addition, you will discover that you can cook many others. So if you are thinking of removing your fryer or are tired of having to fill the pan with olive oil to fry some potatoes, I advise you to read the following information carefully.
What is an air fryer? How does it work?
Air fryers base their operation on the circulation of an air at high temperature. A resistance is responsible for heating the air that circulates inside and this for cooking food, as an oven does. With up to 90% less fat than a traditional deep fryer and thanks to a very high temperature, they leave food crispy on the outside and cooked on the inside, as if they were fried.
This type of fryers minimize the amount of fat required to cook. However, it is still necessary to add a small amount of oil so that the food acquires this crunchy texture and does not dry out excessively. You will never get the same flavor that you get with a traditional frying, but less is nothing.
Air fryers are by their operation a cleaner cooking method than traditional fryers. By reducing the level of fat, splashes or oil spills in the kitchen are also avoided. And odors are drastically reduced too - a plus.
In short, with the air fryer ...
- The amount of oil for cooking fried is reduced.
- Odors are largely avoided in the kitchen, thanks to their filter.
- Splashes of oil are avoided and the kitchen stays cleaner.
- A crunchy texture is achieved but not the same flavor as with a traditional frying system.
Which one to buy?
The popularity of air fryers today is reflected in the large number of models of this appliance that we can find in the catalog. Models with similar design features but with varying sizes, capacities, and functions.
When buying one there are three fundamental aspects to take into account: capacity, power and price. Looking at the price, the popularity of the simpler versions of Cecotec and Ikohs cannot surprise us. Both with a capacity of 1,5 (two servings), temperature and time control and a price that ranges between € 45 and € 70.
From that price, however, the possibilities increase and the functions of these appliances also. Those of the Princess, Phillips, Innsky or Uten brands, all from € 95 are some of the most popular and the best valued on Amazon, take a look! You will find them with up to 7,5 liters of capacity, Perfect for a large family!
Do they compensate? This is the question we all ask ourselves. The answer will depend on how fond of fried foods you are and how often you consume fried foods at home. If you consume fried foods weekly, air fryers can be a good way to reduce the fat levels of your menus. Although not everything cooked in the air fryer magically becomes a healthy option. If, like me, you consume fried foods sporadically and don't even have a deep fryer, you should assess whether it is worth incorporating another appliance, no matter how small it may be, to your kitchen.