Although there are many reasons to use air fryers, two things that make them popular appliances among consumers are continuing demand for fried foods and improved health. Research shows that Americans eat potatoes more than other vegetables. People in the U.S use 40% of potatoes in fried products, such as French fries.
An air fryer is an essential kitchen appliance used by hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S and millions worldwide. You can use this appliance to prepare and enjoy your favorite dishes without compromising your health. Air fryers do not require adding a large quantity of oil during the cooking process. Read on!
How Does A Fryer Work?
Summary
An air fryer is one of the famous kitchen appliances used to make a wide range of fried foods, such as French fries, meat, chicken breasts, roasted chicken, pastries, etc. The appliance uses cutting-edge air circulation technology that blows and circulates hot air around the food to heat the exterior.
The hot air also heats the interior components of the food through even heat distribution. The purpose is to cook the food properly without burning it or damaging the equipment. Likewise, the primary use of an air fryer is to cook food with a crispy and crunchy finish.
The Maillard reaction that occurs inside the air fryer leads to crispy and crunchy food. The reaction occurs in the presence of heat and between amino acids and sugars, leading to changes in the food’s color and flavor.
Bear in mind that this reaction does not occur until the interior temperature reaches 140 degrees Celsius. The air fryer can’t cook the food properly until this chemical reaction occurs. Therefore, it is wise to use the unit properly and invest in a quality thermometer that reads the food temperature.
Health Benefits of an Air Fryer
Air fryers are advanced, cutting-edge appliances that use hot air circulation technology or mechanism to cook crispy and crunchy fried foods. Unlike deep fryers that use larger quantities of oil to submerge the food, an air fryer is a much cost-effective appliance to achieve the same crispiness and texture as the deep fryer.
Research shows that a deep fryer requires an average of 4-5 cups to fry the food. On the other hand, you don’t need oil for certain food items when using an air fryer. However, if you want to achieve crispiness, you can use one to two teaspoons of oil. Let us now discuss the health benefits of using an air fryer instead of a deep fryer. Continue reading!
Weight Loss
Generally, fried foods are high in fat content and pose risks to your health. When you consume deep-fried food items, the fat content accumulates in your tissues and cells, causing swelling and inflammation in your body. As a result, you are at high risk of weight gain, Type-2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and even stroke.
Instead of using a deep fryer, experts recommend purchasing a quality air fryer to reduce fat content in the food you cook in the appliance. Reducing consumption of unhealthful fat content or oil allows you to lose weight and maintain a well-toned body. A traditional deep fryer works by heating a large container full of oil.
It submerges the food into the oil to achieve a crispy finish. Oil particles penetrate the food and fade the benefits of ingredients. For example, if you cook French fries in a deep fryer, the accumulated oil will mitigate the beneficial effects of essential nutrients found in potato slices or pieces. So, if you want to lose weight effectively, make sure you avoid the deep fryer and use an air fryer.
Prevent Acrylamide Toxicity
A deep fryer uses a large quantity of oil to cook food. However, the intense heat inside the container with oil can lead to the development of acrylamide, a harmful substance that can deteriorate your health and cause chronic health conditions. Studies highlight that acrylamide toxicity in your body can lead to life-threatening diseases, such as cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer reports that acrylamide’s presence in your body due to consumption of deep-fried food can increase the risk of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic and esophageal cancer. A growing body of research evidence shows that acrylamide can also damage kidneys and other organs in your body.
The good news is that you can protect yourself from this cancer-causing substance by using an air fryer. Because the air fryer does not use a large quantity of oil and the intense heat inside the appliance is distributed evenly by hot air circulation, it does not cause acrylamide formation. Thus, you have a reduced risk of developing cancer or tumors when using an air fryer instead of a deep fryer.
Is Air Fryer Cost-Effective?
Although air fryers offer many health benefits, including weight loss and protection from chronic health conditions, many people ask: are air fryers cost-effective? The price of air fryers varies depending on different factors, such as the brand, make, model, features, etc.
The average price of an air fryer ranges between $70 and $400. The added technology, innovative features, and safety accessories are a few factors that increase the product’s price. We recommend performing thorough research, comparing features and prices of different products to make an informed decision, and choosing a product that best fits your needs and comes within your budget.
Generally, air fryers are cost-effective, offering versatile features and peak performance. Unlike a deep fryer, oven, or microwave that consumes a lot of electricity, air fryers are energy-efficient appliances. An air fryer also reduces cooking times by 25%, meaning it takes less time to cook. So, yes, it is a cost-effective and reliable appliance.
Final Words
An air fryer is an excellent kitchen appliance used for baking, frying, roasting, and grilling foods. Because it allows you to use no more than 1-2 teaspoons of the oil for certain food items, such as chicken, meat, and potato fries, you can cut fat content and reduce calories. So, not only are air fryers beneficial for your overall health and wellbeing, but they are also cost-effective and easy on your wallet.
