Buying an Air Fryer? 7 Things You Wish You Knew Before Getting One

Design: Ofthebox

Many air fryer fans have insisted that the air fryer is a game-changer in their kitchen, allowing them to prepare dinner in minutes and enjoy "healthier" fried food. Since frying the food doesn't need to submerge them in oil, the cooking process does not leave the kitchen smelly and oily. If these advantages have won you over, make sure that you know 7 more things about air fryers, before getting one.

1. Air fryers come in different types

Image from Courts

Image from Courts

There are 2 different types of air fryers on the market: the basket air fryer and convection oven air fryer. The basket air fryer is more common than the air fryer which uses a tray-like compartment for frying food. The convection oven resembles a typical mini toaster or an oven.

The basket air fryer does not come with a window and hence, it is impossible to monitor the process of cooking without having to pull out the basket and try to check whether the food is cooked thoroughly. The convection-oven air fryer comes with a small window which makes it easier to check the cooking process.

3. Air fryers come in the digital and analog version

Courts

Courts

The difference between digital and analog air fryers is in their display control panel since the mechanism of these air fryers is the same. Digital air fryers have a digital LED display with a digital touchscreen while manual air fryers do not have any display. Although the digital air fryer allows more precise control of the cooking temperate and time and preset cooking functions, it is more difficult to use, more expensive and usually more bulky.

4. Look out for the safety aspects of the air fryer

Design: Uncommon Studio

Once in operation, the air fryer is extremely hot and may cause burns when not handled properly. Hence, a well-insulated air fryer that has a cool-touch hand grip so that you will not get hurt while pulling out the basket. Furthermore, the base of the machine should be sturdy and made with non-slip feet, so that the appliance will not be easily moved when the basket is being pulled out or pushed in. Leave adequate space for the air vents to release heat since placing the air fryer too close to a surface may risk a fire hazard. Allow around five inches of clearance for adequate airflow for the air fryer. Lastly, remember to use a silicone trivet for the hot air fryer baskets to rest on.

5. Lifestyle and family size influences the capacity

Design: Ofthebox

Air fryers come in may capacity sizes to cater for all sizes of family. The smaller units are ranges from 1 litre to 2 litres, and the medium ones are around 2 litres to 3 litres. For larger units, they can be up to 5 litres or even more. If you are considering to air fry food such as a whole chicken or frequently host parties, you should consider going for the larger capacities. If you have a small family of 3 people or less, a fryer with a medium capacity should suffice and so on. There are also fryers with twin baskets are also available, so that you can fry two different types of food at the same time.

6. The bigger the capacity, the bigger the counter space needed

Design: Ascend Designs

The smallest of the basket air fry capacity is still of considerable size and hence, most could not easily be stored away. Furthermore, we need to set aside at least 12cm of free space on the back and sides and 10cm free space above the appliance for air circulation, once it is in operation. Since an airy fryer requires considerable counter space, make sure to check out the dimensions and its space operating requirements before getting one.

7. Make sure that the air fryer is easily accessible

Design: Ascend Designs

Unlike using the deep fryer, the food needs to be flipped halfway during the cooking, to get both sides crispy. This is because, the top of the food will turn crispy while the bottom part of the food mushy and soggy, when the food is not flipped. Therefore, the placement of the air fryer should take into consideration that it is easily accessible at all times.