Is an air fryer healthy? Well, they sure can be if used in the right manner. The air fryer is considered to be a new-age electronic appliance that has been designed to ensure that the Calories are under-check. This way, the fat content is under check, and one can embark on their route to a healthier life. So, how is an air fryer healthy, and what makes it so special? Well, let us take a look at some of the main aspects of the working of the air fryer and what makes it special.
The working of the air fryer is relatively simple. Here air at high temperatures is used, of almost 400 F, which is made to circulate the food ingredients, thus cooking them in the process. To be precise, the air fryer is a blend between the deep fryer and the convection oven. Here the food is placed in the air basket, and a fan at high speed operates to circulate the air around the food, thus cooking it in the process. Here, one can add only a single tablespoon of oil, at maximum, to enhance the taste and allow a bit of crispiness. Some of the latest air fryer models comprise LED indicators, Pre-cook options, and other such switches to allow the user ease of use.
Is an Air Fryer Healthier?
According to the experts’ air-fried foods are considered to be healthier as compared to conventional methods. One can take the example of chicken, which contains a good amount of fat. However, the fat quantity takes a ‘lean shape’ when air-fried. This is because the appliance promises to reduce fat content by almost 75%. So, how is this achieved? Well, to start with, air fryers use far fewer oils than traditional cooking methods. While deep-fried dishes usually use almost 750 ml of oil, the air fryer utilizes almost 1 tablespoon, which equals 15 ml of oil. So, one can see that one uses about 50 times more oils than used in the air fryer. Hence, one can easily reduce oil consumption by using an air fryer.
Further studies have shown that the comparison between deep-fried and air-fried foods differs in their oil content. Also, the final product contains less fat and a less crispy texture but with similar color and moisture content. This can severely impact the health of individuals as a higher intake of vegetable oils can raise the risk of heart disease and inflammation.
Is an Air Fryer Healthier Than an Oven?
Besides the high-fat content, deep-fried foods are also high in Calories and result in weight gain. Studies show that the higher intake of fried foods is the main reason for obesity. This is because the air fryer reduces calories by 70% to 80% and contains far fewer fats. Not just this, but the food cooked on a conventional stove also undergoes a good amount of chemical reactions. This is because a chemical called Acrylamide is also released, related to high Cancer risk. According to research, the amount of Acrylamide production is reduced by almost 90%.
Is an Air Fryer Good for Health?
According to one study, the air frying of fish can be rather unhealthy. This is because the amount of a substance called Cholesterol oxidation products or COP is produced in large amounts. The formation of COP is produced as a result of the Cholesterol breaking down during the process of cooking. According to experts, COP is a cancer-causing agent and is also associated with coronary heart disease, the hardening of arteries, and other diseases. Nevertheless, one can also cut down the production of COP by adding some amount of freshly cut Parsley, Chives, or a mixture of two. These behave like antioxidants and work by reducing the COPs in fried foods.
Not just that, but fair frying also results in the reduction of Omega-3 Acids in fish products. These are good fats that help lower Blood pressure and raise good HDL cholesterol levels, resulting in good heart health.
How Does the Air Fried Food Taste?
Well, now this can be a topic of discussion, as we are working with a very unconventional cooking method. Now that we are not using any oils, the food will not taste all that great, like the Kadhai-cooked pakodas you are used to. But, as a personal pick, the air-fried food is not all that bad. It tastes rather good if you grow to develop a taste for it. Not just that, but the air-fried foods are also crunchy to eat while keeping the moisture within quite intact.
Also, the colours of the air-fried foods are quite different and are rather pale compared to the deep-fried options. So, is air-fried chicken healthy? Well, it is both delicious and healthy. One has to take care of a few aspects, like not over-crowding the food basket of the air fryer with too many food items. This way, there will be better air circulation in high temperatures that will ensure better cooking results.
Is an Air Fryer Healthy?: The Conclusion
Is the air fryer a good option? Well, it sure is. After all, while too many cooking options and appliances generally surround us, one can easily be confused with the same. Now, most people tend to get confused with the Oven cooked food vs. air-fried food. This can be considered because most oven models also allow far fewer oils. Nevertheless, one must also check what you are eating. A lot depends upon your choice of food product and how you cook it. The air fryer is one of the best appliances that offers users the ease to ensure that they eat both delicious and healthy foods. So, yes, do invest in an air fryer, as it sure is a great option to watch your waistline.