How does an Air Fryer Work? This wonder machine has caught the fancy and imagination of the masses in recent times. With the ingenious promise of zero to no-Calorie count required for food preparation, this appliance has been embraced with both arms. Healthy living and wellbeing have finally reached the Indian shores. It is no longer ‘firangi’ to be sleek, slim, and healthy at the same time; after all, we gave ‘Yoga‘ to the world. However, when it comes to our food, we Indians have a tough time holding back. Either it was ‘Khichdi’ or sprouts option for the Indian health fanatic. But not anymore. The all-new Air-fryer is here to ensure you gobble down the delicacies, sans the calories! Sounds too good to be true? Well, it is. As mentioned earlier, this is a wonderful machine that offers to deep fry your crunch without the deadly effects of oils in the long run. So how does this work? Let us find out:
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The air fryer has been repeatedly featured among the ‘bestselling appliances’ across various countries worldwide. In the US alone, about 40% of the homes feature the air fryer in their kitchens, according to the survey done by the NPD group, 2020. The air fryer can be used to deep fry various ingredients, ranging from French fries, Pakoras, Samosa to Cookies, Veggies, and Chicken. It is not an exaggeration to declare that the air fryer can be used to prepare complete meals; if learned to do it right. Here is a breakout about how the appliance works:
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1. Placing the Food in the Basket
The appliance comprises a basket with a capacity ranging between 2 to10 quarts. This is where the food ingredient goes along with a tablespoon of oil.
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2. The Time and Temperature
This is a ‘smart appliance’ and has been designed to assist you in the process of cooking. A specific temperature and time setting feature are available in the Air fryer that allows the user to select the required data. Hence, depending upon your recipe and cooking style, you can input the time and temperature and get the cooking going. The time range available is from 5 to 25 minutes, and the temperature range allowed is between 350F to 400F.
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3. Flip and Go
There are times when you might want to flip the food over for it to cook uniformly. This can be easily done in the air fryer, thus relieving you from the horrors of suffering burnt food.
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What Goes on Within?
While we have taken into account the technology of the process of cooking, however, How does an air fryer work without oil? Well, this is the true magic of the appliance, as it manages to mimic the process of frying without actually frying the food. This is done with the help of a super-fast rotating fan that propels the hot air within and around the food seated in the basket. This is, also known as the Convection Effect, allows the browning and crisping of the exterior food surface. This is the time when the temperature inside the appliance has reached 320 F and is close to being perfectly done. Hence, you can deep fry the food with little or no oil, just as you like it.
This little Oven of a machine can easily bake, broil or roast without raising your cholesterol levels. Here, the air is used as a medium of heat to propel the process of cooking your ingredient. Also, as the hot air is circulated around and about the entire cooking cavity, hence no un-evenly cooked food results.
What to Expect In An Air fryer?
Well, now that you know exactly out and about the entire air cooking process, it’s time to get cooking. But before you dunk in the fries for a quick snack, here are a few pointers to keep in mind:
- The grate that accompanies the appliance needs to be within the basket at all times. This is to ensure that your food does not soak in excessive oils.
- You need to flip now and then. After all, it is an air fryer and not a magic box; hence you are expected to offer your manual inputs as well. This includes flipping the shuffling the food within the basket.
- You can check how far your food is done during cooking by taking a peek any time you want to.
- Also, the appliance works into action only once the drawer is closed shut. Hence, it is safe and fool-proof at the same time.
- It is also quick. You need not wait for a long duration of time waiting for your meal to be done. One of the major attributes of owning an air fryer is that it prepares your food in record time.
- It is advised to set the temperature lower than required for the food to be done just fine. This is because the appliance is designed to go a notch higher in less time; hence, to avoid your food from turning too brown, it is advised to set it at a lower temperature.
The Advantages Of Air Fryer
Now that we have taken a peek into and outside the air fryer, let us take a look into some of the advantages of the appliance:
- This is a safe cooking appliance to work with. One does not have to worry about suffering burns or having the food burnt out as well.
- The cleaning of the air fryer is an easy task, as these are one-pot compact devices that are easy to handle and clear out. Also, it is made out of a material that is easy to clean with just a few wipes using a clean cloth and water.
- One of the top advantages of owning an air fryer is that it cuts down oil consumption considerably. Hence no more worrying about dousing your digestive system with grease every time you enjoy your fries.
- Being compact devices, these are easy to be placed in almost kitchen of all sizes; hence it is always easy to cook up a meal for yourself when residing in limited space.
- These are easy-to-use devices; hence no mumbo-jumbo technicalities are required. One simply has to learn a few key aspects and features, and you are good to go.
The Disadvantages Of Air Fryer
Let us take a look at some of the not-so-great facts about the air fryer:
- The users can expect the food to not taste as good as expected or much like the original deep-fried foods.
- Let’s face it, nothing is going to replace the crunch one gets from the ‘kadhai-deep fried’ foods. So, while you are cutting down on the Calories and Oils, you are also compromising on the taste factor.
- These are expensive little devils. Of course, technology comes with a price tag; after all, you are going to have to shell out big bucks if you need the ‘cooking assistance.’
- Not suitable for very large families. Do not expect to be able to feed the big-fat-Indian family meals from an air fryer. It will backfire, as it might take you more than two batches to feed the entire group.
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How Does an Air Fryer Work?: The Conclusion
So, there you have it, folks. All that you want to know about the all-cool Air fryer: while the appliance itself is a great boon for people who are in a hurry or do not know how to cook or both, it does have its own set of limits. However, smart users know how to make their appliances work for them. Likewise, if you are a part of a large household, use the air fryer in combination with the other appliances and cooking options as well. For instance, you could do all the deep frying in the Air fryer while you accomplish the other aspects of cooking on the regular cooking stove.
Meanwhile, if you are a person living alone in a city in a limited space, then an Air fryer is your guy. Not only can it cook quickly, but it also offers you healthy cooking options in no time, so that you never go out hungry or unhealthy.