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Thinking of buying an air fryer? We give you the lowdown on how it works and its benefits–probably why this relatively new kitchen tool has become a global hit.

French fries are the quintessential example of deep-fried goodness. Golden and crispy, this freshly-cooked snack or side dish promises a satisfying crunch in every bite. So it's no wonder that French fries are also why the air fryer was invented.

In 2005, Mr. van der Weij had one mission: to produce crispy fries without deep-frying them. It took him years to figure it out, but finally, Philips unveiled his egg-shaped fryer at an electronics trade show in Germany in 2010. The new device melded short-range radiation and greater airflow to increase cooking heat. Fast forward to today, and the air fryer has become a kitchen essential.

What is an air fryer?

Despite its name, the air fryer is closer to a high-powered convection oven than an actual fryer. Because of all the promotional buzz on social media about this cooker, you probably already know it makes your favorite fried foods like donuts and crispy-skinned chicken less sinful. 

How? Compared to a traditional fryer, which requires a lot of oil, air fryers need little or no oil to cook food. This works because of two elements: the heat the fryer releases into the air and spreads inside the cooking basket, and the fan that disperses the hot air during the cooking process. Because the basket has vents at its sides and bottom, the heated air envelops your food, replicating the effect of immersing it in oil. While convection ovens also use hot air, these don't circulate it fast enough, resulting in a weaker heat transfer.

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 7 benefits of using an air fryer

Need more convincing? Here are more reasons why air fryers are flying off the shelves:

1. Time and money savings

According to an independent study, electric ovens consume more than 80% of energy compared to air fryers. This is understandable as ovens are bigger and require more time and electricity to heat up. Thanks to the air fryer's smaller cooking chamber, it heats up faster, leading to less cooking time–and a lower electricity bill. However, you should choose an air fryer size that meets your cooking needs. If you buy a small one and use it repeatedly to cook a large meal, you won't save on energy and cost. An air fryer holding 5.7 liters can cook four to six servings at a time.  

2. Hassle-free cleaning

An air fryer is handy, unlike convection ovens, which may need more effort to set up and clean. An air fryer doesn't take up much space; place it on the countertop, plug it in, and it's good to go. What makes it easier to clean? It has removable parts that are dishwasher-friendly. It also has a drip tray at the bottom that collects extra grease and oil, making the cooking chamber easier to clean. Best of all, most air fryers have a non-stick coating, making it easier to wash away remnants.

3. Healthy cooking

Because they use less oil, air fryers make cooking much healthier. While oil preserves and transfers heat effectively, it soaks into the food, boosting its calorie content. In effect, air-fried chicken has less fat content than traditional fried chicken. This is beneficial since high fat levels can impact your health, causing obesity, heart disease, cancer and many other illnesses. But take note that what air fryers make healthier is the cooking method, not the food. If you want to reap this technology's health benefits fully, it's best to make smart food choices.

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4. Deep-fried texture

People usually crave deep-fried foods because of their texture and flavor. After all, baked chicken (though healthier) doesn't taste the same as its fried version. But air-fried food promises the real fried chicken experience, minus the excess oil. With practice and experimentation, you can perfect the fried-food effect–golden and crispy on the outside and juicy and flavorful on the inside.

5. Space-saver

Do you have limited kitchen space? The good news is that the air fryer comes in compact designs, which you can permanently sit on your counter or take out of the cabinet as needed. If you're eyeing a bulkier model, ensure it fits the remaining space in your kitchen.

6. Model variety

The typical air fryer has a cooking basket and a grill plate. While cooking, you can slightly pull out the chamber to monitor your food. You can even give it a jiggle to even out the cooking. But some air fryers have different cooking settings, letting you prepare casseroles and soupy dishes. Other models resemble small microwaves that can roast meat and whole chickens. Whatever your cooking needs–rotisserie, baking, and reheating–air fryers got you covered.

7. Safer cooking

Deep frying is potentially dangerous because you're dealing with a large vessel filled with hot oil. There's always the risk of oil spilling and splattering on your skin. But with air fryers, you avoid these hazards and experience injury-free cooking.

3 foods to air fry

Here are some eats you can enjoy with your new kitchen gadget:

1. Burgers

Since air-fried French fries are tried and tested, why not enjoy them with this fast-food favorite? In as short as ten to fifteen minutes, you can cook seasoned meat patties sans the oil. If you're particular about even browning, you can turn your patty halfway into cooking–but it isn't needed because the air fryer ensures complete cooking from all sides.

2. Tofu

Are you vegan or on a health kick? We recommend cooking tofu in your air fryer. Before popping it in, you can season or soak your tofu in a tasty marinade. Check once in a while to ensure your tofu achieves your desired color and crispness.

3. Leftovers

Reheating leftovers lets you save on food and cost. Instead of using the microwave, which softens the food's base, try the air fryer to warm up fried foods, making them taste fresh and crispy. Want to reheat your pizza? To prevent the toppings from drying, wrap them in aluminum foil before placing them in the basket. 

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