Airfryer

An airfryer is a countertop kitchen appliance designed to simulate deep frying with significantly less oil by circulating hot air around the food. Most models use a compact, electrically powered unit with a heating element and a high-speed convection fan that forces hot air over and beneath food placed in a perforated basket or tray. The result is a browned, crisp exterior similar to fried foods, but with far less oil.

Operation and design: Typical airfryers offer adjustable temperatures ranging from about 180°C to 220°C (350°F to 425°F) and a timer. Many include pre-set programs for items such as chicken, French fries, fish, vegetables, and baking. Foods are arranged in a single layer to allow air to circulate; overcrowding reduces crispness. Some models feature multiple racks, rotisserie accessories, or a compact oven-like cavity.

Performance and uses: Air frying generally cooks more quickly than conventional ovens and can produce a crisp texture with significantly less oil. Popular dishes include French fries, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and roasted vegetables. Beyond frying, airfryers can bake, roast, reheat leftovers, and some function as small convection ovens with various cooking modes.

History: The concept builds on convection cooking, with Philips marketing the first widely known airfryer in the early 2010s under the Airfryer brand. Since then, numerous manufacturers have released models with varying capacities, features, and prices.

Safety and considerations: Always handle hot surfaces carefully and avoid overfilling the basket. Follow manufacturer guidelines for oil use, cleaning, and maintenance. While they use less oil, airfryers still require electricity and can be bulky for small kitchens. Some foods may not achieve identical texture to deep frying, and results can vary by model and batch.