Crispy fried food made with less oil and fat? Yes please!
That is the golden promise of air fryers. This small kitchen appliance will air fry your favourite dishes from fries to fried chicken. Some air fryers can also reheat, thaw, bake, roast, steam and broil food in a fraction of the time it would take your oven or cooktop stove. For a convenient solution for daily meals, choose an air fryer that best suits your needs. Here are 5 steps to find the perfect match:
Air Fryer Type
There are two main types of air fryers: standalone (often cylindrical basket) air fryers and combination air fry ovens. In standalone air fryers, the air is heated in the top of the appliance and a fan circulates that hot air evenly around the food in the basket. Air fryer ovens work on a similar principle: hot air is heated and blown down from either the top, side or rear. Instead of just a drawer and basket, air fryer ovens have added cooking functions, such as bake, toast, rotisserie and broil.
Heating methods
The two air fry heating methods include traditional steel elements and halogen, with the most common being traditional steel elements. Traditional steel elements are the most durable, but take longer to heat up, as compared to halogen heating. Halogen heating is faster, penetrates meat deeper, and is more energy efficient while allowing for more control over temperature.
Capacity
Smaller units typically range from 1 to 2 litres, while larger units range from 1.8 to 2.5 litres. Larger containers can hold up to 5 litres or more. An air fryer with a capacity of 2 litres should be sufficient for a small family. If you have a large family, such as 7-8 persons or have guests over often, try an air fryer with a capacity of 3-6 litres or more. If you are looking to roast a whole chicken, choose a larger air fryer as well. There are also fryers with dual baskets that allow you to fry two different items at the same time.
Temperature
The temperature settings on your air fryer can have a significant impact on the end result you achieve. When the temperature is above 400°F, air fryers cook food well. The advantage of higher heat is that food cooks faster. Batter coatings and baked items can absorb less grease if cooked for a shorter time at a higher temperature, but make sure the machine has a temperature control that will assist you cook at the correct temperature. The cooking procedure will be made easier by the inclusion of indicator lights and an integrated timer.
Wattage
You must ensure that the wattage consumption of your air fryer is supported by your kitchen outlet. It's critical that your kitchen outlets can handle the 800 to 1500 watts that a typical air fryer needs. The more watts an air fryer has, the higher temperatures it will reach and the faster it will re-heat the oil. Air fryers come in a variety of wattage ranges, including up to 1800 watts and more.
There is a diverse range of air fryers available to suit your lifestyle! Start browsing here.