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Why you need an air fryer (and how to choose one)

Air fryers have recently taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason. Not only are they incredibly convenient, but they also can make your foods taste amazing -- while also trimming down on unwanted fat and grease, too! However, trying to pick an air fryer can definitely be a little bit challenging, especially if this is your first foray into them. Fortunately, we’re sort of old pros at this (we love our air fryer) so we’re more than happy to divulge all of our insider tips to choosing your first one.

Air fryers 101

Depending on who you talk to, you’re going to get a bunch of different points of view as to whether or not an air fryer is worth it. Some people are going to tell you that they’re just over-glorified convection ovens, whereas others are going to inform you that they’re literally life-changing. While we’re personally in the “lifechanging” camp, personally, which is why we’re so excited to tell you about them.

While air fryers are sort of a type of countertop convection oven, they’re also so much more. Not only are they super convenient and fit securely on your countertop, but they also make it a breeze to cook your favorite foods in just a few short minutes. They don’t require a ton of cooking oil, either, which means that you can trim down unwanted calories and fat when cooking. Even better, your foods will come out hot, golden, and crispy, just like you wanted them to be. Depending on your goals, you may decide between a larger (5.8 quart or bigger) air fryer, or if you’re just a solo diner, a smaller one (around 2 quarts) may be better for you.

Frequently asked questions about air fryers

Trying to pick out your first air fryer can be a little bit daunting, but don’t fret. We’ve got you covered. Here are some of the more common FAQs about air fryers to help make your decision a breeze.

How do air fryers work?

Air fryers are a type of countertop convection oven. They work by circulating hot air around inside them, cooking your food quickly and evenly. Oftentimes, you can cook your food in just a fraction of the time. Even better, you don’t need to add much oil when cooking.

What kinds of foods can I cook in my air fryer?

While an air fryer works a charm with frozen foods (like wings and French fries), they also work great with foods that need to be roasted, like chicken breasts and fish. There are also many recipes out there for cooking baked goods, such as cookies, cakes, and breads, in your air fryer.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

Some people do prefer to preheat their air fryer, but that’s not necessary at all. The benefit of using them is to cut out that needless waiting time to get the food in your mouth that much quicker.

Is using an air fryer healthier than other cooking methods?

Since you don’t need to add a lot of oil to your foods to cook them, and you’re not immersing them in a vat of grease, using your air fryer can definitely be the healthier cooking option.

How much food can an air fryer cook at once?

This depends on the size of your air fryer. Smaller ones (2 quarts) can make one or two portions of food (like two chicken thighs, for instance), whereas larger ones can cook enough for your whole family.

My food sticks to my air fryer, how can I prevent this?

This is normal, especially with types of food that are lower in fat. Using a little bit of cooking spray in the basket can help prevent sticking, or you can put down a little bit of aluminum foil before you begin.

Is smelling smoke normal when using an air fryer?

Smelling smoke is not normal. Please check to make sure the vents aren’t blowing back into the walls. You may also need to clean it, as old food may be getting burnt.

How hard is it to keep my air fryer clean?

Cleaning your air fryer is a cinch. Typically, the removable parts are dishwasher safe. The body does need to be cleaned sometimes, too. To do so, make sure it’s cooled down first, then wipe it down with a damp towel and a little bit of soap, then wipe it dry.