Technology is getting better each day and right now we have a machine for doing almost anything. Microwaves in the past created a storm with their inception and now Air fryer is sweeping the nation. But it’s still clear to a lot of people what it actually is. In this article, we will help answer that and many other ones related to the machine.
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What is an Air Fryer?
In simple words, Air fryer is a device that can help you prepare different kinds of dishes in a healthier manner. You can call it a countertop oven that has been amped up for fine results. Most of the fryers out there can make the crispiest fries, just like deep-frying with little or no oil. It relies just on hot air to do the cooking.
Their popularity in the domestic kitchens has witnessed an all-time high. Fryers lets you enjoy your favourite fries but in a guilt-free way. With these machines, your french fries and chicken wings will contain considerably less fat.
Food that comes out of this machine contains less fat and fewer calories. Instead of submerging in oil, you can just use a tablespoon of oil to do the frying. The taste and texture are as good as deep-fried items because hot air is circulated around the food.
How do Air Fryers work?
Against the common notion, Air Fryers do not actually fry the food. The process is different and yields better results. The food item you are preparing goes into a perforated basket. Hot air is blown over and around the food to cook it. A convection effect is created by the force of the hot air that not only cooks the food but also browns the outside of the food.
The temperature of the air reaches up to 320°F and you can prepare a different kind of item with maximum convenience. Popularity and demand for these devices increased not only because these are healthier but they are more convenient as well. Frozen chicken tender items, unbreaded starchy items and even french fries can be created in a fantastic way.
This is how the functionality of the machine is but you might be wondering what do you need to do to cook those lip-smacking fries?
Well, it’s pretty simple and hassle-free to manage.
On the top section of the fryer, you will find a combination of fan and heating mechanism. That is the heart of the machine and it does all the work.
- Place the food in the basket
There are different sizes of baskets and depending on the size, the quantity varies from 2 to 10 quarts. Adding 1 or 2 teaspoons of oil is generally enough for most fryers. You will always get nice and crispy food always.
- Set time and temperature
The cooking time ranges anywhere between 5 mins and 25 mins depending on the item you are making. The operating temperature range stays between 350°F and 400°F which is more than enough to make those healthy fries.
- Voila, there is nothing more
Your work is over there. Although in some fryers you need to do the extra step of flipping the food item halfway. It makes the crisp better and more uniform. Once you are done, you need to clean the machine every time.
What is the best option for Air Fryers?
Multiple brands are making high-quality fryers. Philips has been making the best fryers for a long time now. They have a lot of options and once you start seeing the models, you will find a lot of useful features. Other than Philips, brands like Prestige, Kenstar, Havells, and Inalsa Air have got a good reputation. Users have rated these to be reliable, easy to use, and of great quality.
How healthy are air-fryers?
Without a doubt, these are healthier. The primary reason for the craze around the fryers happened because they are a healthier alternative to deep-fried foods. It uses oil much lesser than you would have needed for deep frying.
The amount of fat in deep-fried food is always higher and also adds to the overall calorie intake. Various studies have been conducted over time to settle the debate between air fried food and deep-fried food. Although it’s a fact that deep-fried food doesn’t actually absorb a lot of oil when it comes to fryers, it is even less. The moisture and colour of the food are very similar and taste also very much alike.
Usage of fryers in domestic homes is better because it makes your health better. Vegetable oil fats cause risk to your heart and make it more prone to diseases. The fryers on the other hand help your heart stay healthy and also helps in weight loss.
