How does an air fryer work?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that works based on hot air circulation. Inside the appliance is a heating element that heats air to a high temperature, while a built-in fan forcefully blows this hot air all around the food in the drawer or basket. This powerful airflow heats the food evenly on all sides, making the outside crispy while the inside cooks through properly.
The big difference compared to a traditional deep fryer is that an air fryer barely needs any oil. A small amount of oil is sometimes enough to achieve a crispy result, which makes the appliance a lot healthier than frying in a pan full of fat. Because the hot air reaches temperature quickly and the appliance needs little preheating, you're also done faster than with a traditional oven. Most models have an adjustable temperature and a timer, so you can program the cooking precisely.
What can you do with an air fryer?
An air fryer is a versatile appliance that can do much more than just cook fries. Thanks to the combination of high temperatures, hot air and multiple cooking functions, you can prepare all kinds of dishes with it. Below you'll find the main uses.
Frying without a deep fryer
The best-known use of an air fryer is preparing fried foods, but without the large amount of oil that a traditional deep fryer requires. Fries, bitterballen, chicken nuggets and other snacks come out crispy and golden brown in the air fryer, with just a splash of oil or none at all. This makes frying a lot more accessible and healthier for everyday use.
Grilling and roasting
An air fryer is excellent for grilling or roasting meat, fish, and vegetables. Chicken, salmon, bell pepper, zucchini, or even corn on the cob: you cook them quickly and evenly. The hot air ensures nice cooking from the inside, while the outside gets a grilled character. This makes the air fryer a worthy alternative to the grill pan or the oven.
Reheating leftovers
Got leftovers from yesterday? With an air fryer, you can heat them up quickly and effectively without making them soggy like a microwave does. Pizza, fried snacks, sandwiches, and other dishes turn crispy and fresh-tasting again in the air fryer. This saves you both time and food waste at once.
Baking and preparing oven dishes
Many air fryers can also be used as a compact oven. You can bake muffins in them, cook a small pizza, or prepare a meatball. Models with a larger capacity offer plenty of room for a complete family meal. Thanks to the even cooking and high temperatures, you get consistent results, comparable to a traditional oven but in much less time.
Defrosting and heating
Besides cooking, you can also use an air fryer to quickly defrost frozen products and heat them up right away. This comes in handy on busy weeknights when you want to get a meal on the table fast. The hot air distributes the heat evenly, so your food is thawed and warmed through just as well everywhere.
The best-selling air fryers
Benefits of an air fryer
An air fryer offers a range of benefits compared to traditional cooking methods. Whether you want to eat more mindfully, save time or use less energy, this appliance fits the needs of a modern household. Below we've listed the main benefits.
- Healthier cooking: an air fryer needs little to no oil to achieve crispy results. That means less saturated fat in your meals, which contributes to a healthier lifestyle.
- Ready in no time: thanks to fast preheating and powerful hot air circulation, the cooking time is considerably shorter than with a traditional oven. So you'll have your meal on the table faster.
- Energy efficient: compared to a large oven, an air fryer uses considerably less power. That's good for both your energy bill and the environment.
- Easy to clean: on most models the removable drawer or basket is dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning a lot easier. This ease of cleaning is one of the reasons air fryers are so popular in Dutch households.
- Compact and space saving: an air fryer has a compact design and therefore takes up less counter space than an oven. Yet larger models still offer plenty of capacity for a whole family.
- Versatile to use: from frying and grilling to baking and reheating, an air fryer has multiple cooking functions that let you prepare all kinds of dishes, from snacks to full meals.
- Safe to use: because you barely work with hot oil, an air fryer is safer than a traditional deep fryer. This also makes the appliance suitable for use in families with children.
In short: an air fryer is a practical, energy-efficient and multifunctional appliance that belongs in almost every kitchen.
Air fryer sizes
Air fryers come in a range of sizes, tailored to different household situations and kitchens. The basket's capacity and the appliance's dimensions help determine which model suits you best. Below we explain the most common sizes.
Small air fryers (up to 2 liters)
A compact air fryer with a capacity of up to 2 liters is ideal for a single-person household or someone with limited counter space. The space-saving design fits easily into a small kitchen, while you still get to enjoy all the benefits of an air fryer. These models are often more affordable too, making them a great choice for the budget buyer who wants to give this type of appliance a try.
Medium-sized air fryers (2 to 5 liters)
The medium-sized air fryer is the most popular category and offers the best balance between capacity and compactness. With a capacity of 2 to 5 liters, you can make enough for two to four people, making this size ideal for small families or couples. Most models in this segment have a digital control panel, multiple programs and an adjustable temperature for optimal control.
Large air fryers (5 liters and up)
For larger families or people who like to prepare big portions, air fryers with a capacity of 5 liters or more are the way to go. A spacious air fryer easily fits a whole chicken, a large portion of fries or several dishes at once. Models with a dual basket offer extra convenience, letting you cook two dishes at the same time, each at its own temperature and with its own timer. This makes large air fryers especially handy for a busy household that wants to cook quickly and efficiently every day.
What to look for when choosing an air fryer
There's a wide range of air fryers on the market, which can sometimes make choosing the right model tricky. To help you make the best choice, we've listed the most important things to consider below.
- Capacity: choose a size that suits your household. For one or two people, a model of 2 to 3 liters is plenty, while a family is better off with a capacity of 5 liters or more.
- Power: the wattage determines how fast the air fryer heats up and how evenly the food cooks. Models with higher wattage are generally faster and more powerful.
- Temperature range: a wide temperature range gives you more flexibility when preparing different dishes. Check whether the model supports the temperatures you need for your favorite recipes.
- Controls: choose between manual or digital controls. A digital display with preset modes makes it more user-friendly, while manual models are often simpler and more affordable.
- Number of programs: models with multiple preset programs make preparing specific dishes easier, without you having to set the temperature and time yourself.
- Ease of cleaning: check whether the drawer, basket and other removable parts are dishwasher-safe. This saves you a lot of time when cleaning.
- Size and dimensions: take the available space on your countertop into account. A compact model fits better in a small kitchen, while larger models offer more cooking possibilities.
- Value for money: compare models based on features, review score and price. A reliable brand with a good warranty and strong ratings usually offers the best value for your money.
By thinking carefully about your needs in advance and taking the points above into account in your choice, you'll easily find the best air fryer for you. At TechPunt, our team is ready to help you with expert advice.
Buy an air fryer at TechPunt?
Are you looking for a reliable air fryer with great value for money? At TechPunt you'll find an extensive range of air fryers, from compact models for a small household to spacious appliances for the whole family. As the official distributor of Xiaomi and a specialist in consumer electronics, we offer you a carefully curated selection of high-quality models, tailored to a wide range of needs and budgets.
Thanks to our lowest-price guarantee, you always pay the sharpest price at TechPunt. Order on a business day before 8:00 PM and you'll have your new air fryer at home the very next business day. View our full air fryer range and order today at TechPunt.
FAQ about air fryers
What is an air fryer?
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a compact kitchen appliance that cooks food using hot air circulation. It heats air to a high temperature and blows it around the food, so it turns out crispy and cooked through with little or no oil.
What shouldn't go in the air fryer?
What shouldn't go in the air fryer?
Liquid batter, unwrapped cheese and vegetables with a high moisture content aren't suitable for the air fryer. It's also best to avoid spray cans with chemical non-stick spray, as these can damage the coating of the tray. Always check the manual for your model for specific recommendations.
Is an air fryer healthy?
Is an air fryer healthy?
Yes, an air fryer is generally healthier than traditional deep frying, because it needs hardly any oil. As a result, the end result contains less fat and fewer calories. Just keep in mind that the health value also depends on the ingredients you use.
What is the difference between an air fryer and an oven?
What is the difference between an air fryer and an oven?
An air fryer is more compact, heats up faster and uses less energy than a traditional oven. The hot air circulates more powerfully, giving you an extra crispy result. An oven has more capacity and is handier for large dishes or several trays at once.
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