Choosing the Best Air Fryer
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Our kitchens haven’t been the same since the air fryer debuted in 2010.
Backyard grills and deep fat fryers are long-standing staples in Texan households. Frequently hosting family dinners, get-togethers and the occasional Sunday barbecue, Texans heavily rely on their cooking appliances. But one machine has really rocked the boat in the past decade – the air fryer. This appliance brings so many possibilities into the kitchen that even the most traditional Texas homemakers find themselves reaching for it when preparing a meal. This brilliant invention has changed cooking as we know it.
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How Air Fryers Work
Air fryers are all about efficiency and convenience. They offer a simple solution to suit our increasingly busy and demanding lifestyles. Imagine cooking with the speed of a microwave, the crispiness of a deep fryer, and the minimal calories of a steamer. It all sounds too good to be true.
The science behind air fryers is known as “rapid air technology”. These seemingly magical machines blow hot air around, equalizing the temperature throughout the oven, allowing for even cooking – every single time.
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Benefits of an Air Fryer:
Health benefits
Faster cooking
Less grease, less mess
Health Benefits
Before we go down the rabbit hole of choosing an air fryer, let’s discuss one of the main reasons why it’s ideal to have one in the first place. Its “health factor” is arguably the strongest advantage of the air frying cooking method.
The claim to fame of an air fryer is the ability to cook with a fraction of the oil required for deep-frying, instantly making it a healthier alternative. In essence, by eliminating the need for large amounts of oil, air frying greatly reduces the amount of trans and saturated fats in food and preserves nutrients.
Faster Cooking
Preheating an air fryer is notably faster than heating up a convection oven. Air fryers use a fan to circulate hot air evenly, meaning your food cooks faster than when using other methods such as pan frying, stir frying, or baking. As most of the heat stays contained inside the unit, the cooking speed increases to four times that of a typical stove or oven!
The magic is in the combination of sustained heat and circulating air. Food is cooked quickly and crisply on the outside while still remaining tender and juicy on the inside. Imagine serving your homemade tortilla chips (how long do tortilla chips last?), topped with oozing pepper jack cheese and paired with your favorite fried chicken steak – all made in a fraction of the time it used to take!
Less Grease, Less Mess
Texans take pride in spending time developing the flavor and texture of their dishes. But doing so often comes with a mountain of things to scrub and clean. As much as we love to grill, deep-fry and roast, it’s just too much work to do it every day.
As the air fryer prepares food using far less oil, this cooking method also generates far less mess!
Choosing the Right Air Fryer
Air fryers come in a full spectrum of shapes, sizes, prices, and functions. There is definitely an air fryer out there for everyone who wants to try one for themselves.
So, what is the best air fryer out there? There is no simple answer. Quite a few things need to be considered when deciding on your first purchase.
Factors to consider when choosing an air fryer:
Capacity
Dimensions
Safety features
Functions
Reviews
Air Fryer Capacity
A four-quart air fryer is usually the standard size and can easily cook enough for a family of four. A larger family (or one with a larger appetite!) will need an air fryer with a bigger capacity.
Air Fryer Dimensions
The decision to purchase an air fryer means that you’re committed to devoting counter space to another appliance. And it’s true – air fryers can be bulky machines. If you're tight on kitchen space, it’s more practical to choose one that’s limited to just air frying. On the other hand, a multifunctional air fryer eats up more space, but is designed to be a reliable kitchen workhorse.
Air Fryer Safety Features
New appliances are more likely to have the latest safety features. When buying new kitchen equipment, especially ones that conduct heat, look for safety features such as automatic shut-offs and retractable cords.
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Air Fryer Reviews
A quick Google search and a thorough review of air fryer models can save time and money when making your purchase. Buyer’s guides offer unbiased advice on what equipment is worth investing in. It's also super important to read through first-hand experiences of consumers who weigh in on the pros and cons.
Air Fryer Functions
Consider the functions that go with an air fryer before purchasing. The original air fryer, with just a basic frying function, is still widely available. However, there are now air fryers that can perform several other cooking methods. Investing in a multifunctional appliance may offer better value in the long run.
Considering the multitude of choices, selecting a single air fryer is no easy task. So the question is – which air fryer is right for you? Here we round up three of our favorite air fryers to suit your space, budget, and needs.
Budget Pick: GoWise Digital Air Fryer
Price: $70
Capacity: Features a decent 3.7-quart capacity
Functions: With a built-in touch screen menu, this model features eight cooking presets, including settings for fries, chicken, pork, steak, shrimp, fish, pizza and cake. This user-friendly fryer also features a built-in alarm that reminds you to shake your ingredients in five, 10, and 15 minutes increments. While the GoWise Digital Air Fryer isn’t dishwasher safe, it features a non-stick pan that easily detaches for quick cleanups.
Our verdict: This may be one of the most budget-friendly options for air fryers. In compact kitchens, having multi-functional appliances such as the GoWise Digital Air Fryer is most practical. It’s also a good choice if you want great results but don’t want to risk overspending.
Click here to shop for a GoWise Digital Air Fyer
Deep-Frying Guide for Crispy Results
Achieve perfect crispy results with our comprehensive guide on how to deep-fry. From selecting the right oil to mastering frying techniques, elevate your deep-frying skills.
Mid-Range: Instant Pot 6 Quart Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer
Price: $110
Capacity: The large six-quart capacity fits a 4lb chicken or 2.2lb of fries.
Functions: The Instant Pot 6 Quart Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer is a multifunctional air fryer that cuts cooking times in half. It features a sizable six-quart capacity, six convenient one-touch programs, and access to over 1000 recipes from the Instant Pot app. This air fryer can roast, broil, bake, and reheat food. However, the standout feature in the Vortex Plus is the dehydrator.
Our verdict: The Instant Pot 6 Quart Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer is a mid-priced, traditional air fryer with several cooking functions. It's a great option for those looking for a high-quality appliance that guarantees brilliant frying experiences. With a decent-sized capacity, this is an ideal air fryer for large meals or bigger batches of sides. This model provides an exceptional performance, making the slight bump in price (compared to the cheaper air fryers) well worth your buck.
Click here to shop for an Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 Air Fryer
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Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro
Price: $400
Capacity: One cubic foot. This massive air fryer can make nine slices of toast or a 14 lb turkey.
Functions: A handsome appliance that does a lot more than air-fry, the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro boasts 13 preset functions. In spite of its vast range of settings, the electronic controls are easy to program with a sophisticated LCD display controlled by buttons and dials. It can air-fry a chicken, toast nine slices of bread, roast a small turkey, and do much, much more. In fact, it can just about replace your full-size oven for everyday cooking. It’s beautifully designed, extremely versatile, and good at pretty much everything it does.
Useful Kitchen Tips for Texans
Explore practical kitchen tips tailored for the Texan kitchen. From time-saving hacks to essential skills, these tips are genuinely useful for anyone navigating the heart of a Texas home.
Our verdict: If you have enough countertop space and have a little more room for spending, you'll love the functionality you can get from the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro. It’s by far one of the more expensive air fryers out there, but the quality, build, and performance justify the price.
Grab the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro here
The bottom line is that air fryers aren’t meant to replace traditional appliances – but many models can do exactly that! They provide a healthier cooking method and the option to minimize cooking times when needed. If you’ve felt a tug to add a new appliance, or make a small upgrade to your existing kitchen line-up, think about your individual requirements before investing in an air fryer. Air fryers are great, but they’re only worth the buzz if you choose one that rightfully fits your cooking style.
Healthy Restaurants to Try Out
Explore a world of delicious and nutritious dining with our guide to the best healthy restaurants in Texas. Treat yourself to flavorful meals that are both wholesome and satisfying.
Want to take out your air fryer for a spin? Check out my recipe for air-fried nacho cheese balls here.
