The ultimate guide to buying an air fryer - which ones come out on top?
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There's no denying that air fryers are taking home cooks by storm!
These little devices can do everything from frying up chicken to baking a cake, with multi-purpose settings and features that make them incredibly versatile.
What’s more, they use very little oil and electricity, so they’re healthier than traditional fryers, and more cost-effective than traditional ovens.
The video below explains why you should invest in an air fryer:
Credit: YouTube/How To Cook That
If this information entices you into purchasing an air fryer, then we are happy to share some advice on how to pick the perfect air fryer for you.
1. Portability and space requirements
When purchasing an air fryer, you need to consider the space it will take up in your kitchen before selecting a model. Credit: Getty Images.
We need to take into account the amount of space we have in our kitchen when choosing any kitchen appliance.
While some air fryers are portable and can easily be placed just about anywhere in your kitchen, you have to consider whether you will be permanently displaying your new air fryer on your kitchen benchtop or you will be storing it away after every use.
The Good Guys category expert Tania Grillinzoni explained: “Air fryers are convenient because they work as a benchtop appliance, so when you are finished with them, they can be easily stored away in the cupboard for next time. There is no need to have special cabinetry made to incorporate your air fryer into the kitchen.”
Some heavy-duty air fryers are not easy to store, however, so you need to take note of how much kitchen or storage space you have for this appliance.
2. Size and capacity
Speaking of portability (or the lack thereof), another factor to consider when choosing an air fryer is its size.
Air fryers come in a range of sizes, from small personal-sized air fryers to large ones that can cook enough food for a family.
Ms Grillinzoni said: “Air fryers consist of a basket to place the food in. The bigger the basket, the more you can cook at once. With smaller air fryers, you would easily be able to roast a cut of meat. Whereas a larger air fryer allows for more space to add vegetables into the basket to cook at the same time.”
Below is a list of sizes that cater to different household needs:
- 0.5L - 2L: can prepare meals that are good for a single person household
- 2L - 4L: can prepare meals that are good for couples or small families
- 4L - 6L: can prepare meals that are good for three to five persons.
3. Features
Air fryers have different features and settings that cater to your needs. Credit: Getty Images.
When you’re trying to decide which air fryer you should buy, you’ll obviously want to choose one that has features that are important to you. Here are some of the features you should consider when shopping for an air fryer:
- Adjustable temperature: Some air fryers let you adjust the temperature so that you can cook your food the way you want.
- Automatic shut-off: This feature turns the air fryer off when the food is done, so you don’t have to worry about it.
- Timer: A timer lets you set how long you want the air fryer to cook your food.
- Display: A display shows you the temperature and timer so you can keep track of your food.
- Remote control: Some air fryers come with a remote control so you can turn them on and off from a distance.
- Pre-set cooking functions: Some air fryers have pre-set cooking functions for popular foods like chicken, fish, and french fries.
- Air circulation system: An air circulation system circulates hot air around the food so it cooks evenly.
- Non-stick coating: A non-stick coating helps to prevent food from sticking to the air fryer and makes it easier to clean.
- Dishwasher-safe parts: Some air fryers have parts that are dishwasher-safe, so you can put them in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
- Storage: Some air fryers come with storage for the cord or other accessories.
- Warranty: A warranty gives you peace of mind in case something goes wrong with your air fryer.
4. Maintenance and cleaning
The good news is that air fryers are relatively easy to clean compared to other kitchen appliances.
“Unlike deep fryers or convectional ovens, after use, you can simply allow to cool, remove the basket and wipe down with a sponge, or hand wash if you choose to, and you’re ready to start cooking again,” Ms Grillinzoni explained.
5. Budget
Finally, consider your budget. The average cost of an air fryer is about $100. However, there are some air fryers that cost less than $50 and some that cost more than $200.
Below are some air fryer models that you might want to check out:
a. Instant Pot Vortex mini air fryer, $79, Amazon
Credit: Amazon
Key features
- Compact design – perfect for small spaces
- Four preset smart cooking programs to choose from
- Bright touchscreen display
b. 8.2L Digital low-fat air fryer, $109, Kogan
Credit: Kogan
Key features
- Eight preset modes to choose from
- 1800W power for serious air frying
- Overheat safety protection
c. 9L Twin air fryer, $129, Kmart
Credit: Kmart
Key features
- 11 pre-set functions
- Two removable frying pans
- Includes an oil drip tray
d. Tefal easy fry and grill deluxe, $229, The Good Guys
Credit: The Good Guys
Key features
- 2L capacity
- Eight pre-set automatic cooking programs
- LED touchscreen display
e. Philips Essential Compact air fryer, $199, Myer
Credit: Myer
Key features:
- Compact design – perfect for smaller spaces
- RapidAir technology so food cooks faster than older models
- Compatible with the NutriU app for personalised recipe recommendations
f. 3.2 L Air Fryer, $59, Kmart
Credit: Kmart
Key features:
- LED control panel with 7 pre-set functions
- Removable frying basket
- Overheat protection
- 30-minutes automatic shut-off
- Adjustable temperature up to 200 deg. C
- Operation light indicator
- 1300 watts
We hope this guide could help you choose the best air fryer model for your needs!
Do you know any other tips for choosing an air fryer? Share them with us in the comments below!
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