How it works and how to choose an air fryer for your home

What is an air fryer

An air fryer is an electrical appliance designed for frying food. The peculiarity of the device is that food is cooked without the use of fats and oils. In fact, classic frying does not occur; the food is blown with hot air. Ready-made dishes are no less tasty than when processed in a frying pan or in classic deep-frying, but much more healthy.

Important! Frying food in a convection oven is fast because there is no need to preheat the oil.

How does an air fryer work?

The photo of the air fryer shows that structurally the kitchen appliance consists of several elements:

• plastic or steel case;
• mesh tray for food or bowl with non-stick coating;
• heating element;
• fan

The products are placed in a bowl with a handle for frying and the device is switched on to the desired operating mode. The heating element raises the temperature inside the device to set values, usually within the range of 80-200 °C. The fan distributes hot air evenly throughout the chamber.

Inside a conventional deep fryer there can be either a mesh or a bowl with solid walls

Thanks to its design and operating principle, the air fryer can not only fry, but also boil, bake and reheat food. This versatile appliance is in demand in almost any kitchen.

How does an air fryer work?

The air fryer is designed in almost the same way as a classic one: pieces of food are placed in a wire basket. By the way, to make it easier to remove the finished dish from it, experienced users recommend lubricating the grill with a brush with a small amount of vegetable oil. There is no deep frying bowl here; if you still need to add a spoonful of oil for taste, it is poured directly onto the food. Excess oil will simply drain onto the pan.

Preparation procedure:

1. Plug the device into a power outlet.
2. Insert the basket into the device.
3. Lubricate the lattice of the basket with a brush with oil.
4. Place the products in the basket.
5. Use a timer to set the cooking time.
6. Set the required cooking temperature. At this moment, the heating element at the top of the device turns on, which heats the air in the device within 80-200 degrees. With the help of a convector, this air circulates inside the device, frying the food evenly.
7. After the products are fried and have reached a golden brown crust, the basket is removed from the device.
8. If the cooking process is over, the basket must be washed and dried; if you are planning the next use, you must wait until the device has cooled down. After this you can continue cooking.
9. Don't forget to turn off the device from the network.

Convection of hot air in the device

What can you cook in an air fryer?

Any model is necessarily equipped with a bowl for meat and vegetables. Some devices are additionally equipped with grill grates, skewers for inserting food and a baking tray. Without wasting extra time and effort, you can cook in an air fryer:

• steaks and cutlets;
• meatballs;
• nuggets;
• vegetables;
• fish and meat kebab;
• pies and cookies;
• cupcakes;
• dried fruits;
• dumplings and fries;
• sandwiches;
• sausages in dough.

You can defrost and reheat semi-finished foods in a convection fryer. A functional device with wide settings can replace a microwave, oven and a regular frying pan. Many models come with a recipe book that lists the main dishes available for preparation.

How to choose an air fryer for your home

When choosing an air fryer, you need to focus on its size, performance and functionality. Before purchasing, it is advisable to think in advance about the purposes for which and how often the device will be used.

Power

The operating speed of the kitchen appliance depends on this indicator. For home use, it is recommended to choose models with 1200-1400 W, their capabilities will be quite sufficient.

Capacity

The standard container volume for food is 2-3 liters. In such a bowl you can prepare a portion of French fries from about 2 kg of root vegetables, fry meat or vegetables for several people.

Housing material

Air fryers made of metal are considered the best; they are easier to care for and last longer. Plastic models are cheaper, but the body quickly becomes scratched and can crack over time.

Bowl type

It is convenient if the food container in the air fryer is removable. This will make it easier to clean.

Additional functions

The more firmware a device supports, the better. Multifunctional air fryers allow you to avoid purchasing other pieces of kitchen equipment.

How to use an air fryer

Although the operating principle of an air fryer and a regular fryer are completely different, they are very similar in design. Therefore, the usage pattern looks approximately the same. To cook food in a kitchen appliance, you must:

• plug the device into the outlet and insert the basket into the inner chamber;
• grease the bowl with oil or skip this step - as desired;
• put the selected products - potatoes, meat or vegetables;
• select an automatic program in the control settings or manually set the food processing time;
• wait until the convection frying process comes to an end and remove the bowl by the handle.

You can tell that the food in a convection fryer is ready when it turns brown.
After using the air fryer, the bowl must be washed and dried.

Advice! If for a large feast you need to prepare several servings of food at once, after each operating cycle the device is given a little time to cool down.

Pros and cons of an air fryer

There are quite a few advantages of an air fryer. The main ones include:

• possibility of frying food without oil;
• obtaining an appetizing crispy crust;
• easy maintenance of the device - no need to wash off frozen grease;
• high speed of operation, frying occurs faster than using standard equipment.

However, the unit has its drawbacks. Namely:

• high price, air fryers are more expensive than regular ones, especially if they have many modes and programs;
• a small selection of models, for now the device remains a novelty on the market and is not yet presented in a huge assortment;
• Relatively low productivity; you won’t be able to cook food for a large group in one cycle; you’ll have to turn on the device several times.

Air fryers become very hot during operation. It is not recommended to immediately turn on the device again; the equipment must cool down before a new cycle. Thus, cooking food in large quantities extends over time.

Which is better - an air fryer or a deep fryer?

If we compare conventional and convection models, the operating principle of an air fryer will definitely put it in first place. A device that provides frying without the use of oil by distributing hot air, allows you to prepare healthy dietary foods. In addition, air fryers usually have wider functionality; they support cooking, baking and grilling modes, and are suitable for regular use in the kitchen.

The range of applications for an air fryer is wider than that of a conventional one

At the same time, connoisseurs note that the crispy crust of the products is still more appetizing in a regular deep fryer. But in most parameters, convection models are noticeably superior to classical ones.

Air fryer - advantages and disadvantages

An air fryer is like a better countertop version of a convection oven. The heating mechanism of this machine is located at the top of the machine. There is also a fan that helps the hot air circulate around the food being cooked. air fryer style basket where the food being cooked is placed and the hot air moves and rotates around the food placed in this air fryer style basket. Cooking food takes less time and makes it crispy even without oil . It also cooks food evenly as the heat source circulates evenly around the basket.

Advantages

• If you've used a variety of cooking appliances, you'll realize that most of them are a hassle to clean. It takes time and effort to keep them clean so that there are no insects that will be attracted to any part of the cooker. This is good for an air fryer because it is easy to clean, plus some parts are dishwasher safe, so there are fewer parts to clean, wash and rinse.
• Cooking without oil is possible using an air fryer. This is a great health benefit and will also save you money by not having to buy oil for cooking and you won't have to worry.
• There are no greasy parts compared to a cooking device that uses oil. This type of cooking equipment requires a lot of cleaning work.
• Safe to use because there are no exposed parts where you can accidentally touch and which can burn any part of your hands or other parts. Since the air fryer has a locking system during cooking, you are protected from any injury.
• The air fryer does not require a long time to heat up, plus the cooking time is shorter, so the electricity consumption is also less.
• Air fryer foods contain less fat and calories. The fat drips from the pan, separating it from the meat you're cooking, so your food is free of nasty fats and oils.
• The deep fryer is compact and does not take up much storage space. You can also move it freely anywhere in your kitchen because it is lightweight and portable.

Flaws

• Food cooked in an air fryer may taste slightly different from food cooked in oil.
• There are some differences in texture , such as chicken being less crispy or pork being roasted, but this is due to less oil being used.
• Air fryers may be a little expensive for some people, but you can also check out the different brands in the market.
• Deep frying may take longer if you are trying to imitate fried chicken compared to deep frying it.
• This may not be ideal if you have a large family to feed, so you may have to prepare meals per serving.
• Some of these air fryers may be easy to use, but for those who are not technically savvy, it may take a bit of figuring out as most of these air fryers have a few instructions that you need to understand and master first.

Rating of the best air fryer models for home 2021

The list of the best includes air fryers from well-known brands in the mid-price range. While you can save money on your purchase, the models have good functionality and provide high-quality frying of food.

Endever AF-124 Skyline

The compact air fryer with an ergonomic design is equipped with a 2.5 liter bowl and supports seven automatic programs. Control takes place via the touch panel; in addition, you can adjust the temperature and set a timer. According to reviews, the device allows you to prepare products with a high-quality crispy crust even without the use of oil. The model is easy to care for, since the components of the structure can be easily cleaned of food residues.

The average price of an Endever air fryer is 4,900 rubles

Zigmund & Shtain ZAF-900

The German 2.6 L air fryer operates at 1300 Watts. Supports electronic control, all settings are displayed on the display with touch control. The device allows you to set a timer and change the temperature at your discretion. You can cook nuggets and meat, French fries and vegetables in the device. Users note the good build quality of the kitchen appliance and ease of maintenance.

You can buy a Zigmund & Shtain air fryer from 5900 rubles

Philips HD9220 Viva Collection

The first place in reviews of air fryers is occupied by a model with Rapid Air technology; it allows you to get fried foods with a crispy crust especially quickly without the use of fats and oils. Supports heating up to 200 degrees, is equipped with a timer and auto shut-off with a sound signal. In the settings you can set the desired temperature for cooking potatoes, fish, meat and even desserts. The bowl and basket of the device are removable, so they are especially easy to wash both by hand and in the dishwasher.

On average, a Philips HD9220 convection fryer costs about 9,300 rubles

Rating of the TOP 12 best air fryers of 2021

Top 3 Best Premium Air Fryers

Premium air fryers are particularly reliable, build quality and have a wide range of functionality. Convection frying in them is very uniform; many models support several automatic programs for processing different dishes.

Tefal ActiFry FZ710

The air fryer with intelligent ActiFry technology allows you to quickly and easily prepare a portion of potatoes or nuggets in a 2-liter bowl. Equipped with a spatula for automatic mixing of ingredients, it ensures completely uniform and high-quality frying. During operation, condensation does not accumulate inside the device. The body is made of hard plastic and steel, so the device looks harmonious in the interior and has a long service life.

You can buy ActiFry FZ710 from 19,000 rubles

Philips HD 9240

The air fryer supports additional grilling and baking modes and comes with a 3-liter bowl, making it suitable for large families. The device has a fuse that trips when overheating, and there is an automatic shut-off function. Power of 2100 W ensures high cooking speed.

Attention! The Philips HD 9240 comes with a divider so you can cook several different dishes at the same time.

You can buy an air fryer HD 9240 from 18,000 rubles

Philips HD 9235

Another functional model from a well-known brand allows you not only to fry, but also to bake food, as well as grill it almost without the use of oil. There is an LCD display that displays the current settings, and there is a compartment on the body for the cord. Among the disadvantages, one can note the small capacity of the bowl, only 800 g.

The average price of an air fryer HD 9235 starts from 28,000 rubles

The best air fryers for home

1

Kitfort KT-2214

Rating:5.0

• Power 1800 W
• Device type: convection oven
• Heating element type: heating element
• Flask volume: 5 l

Average price: RUB 8,990

The high-quality deep fryer Kitfort KT-2214 is designed for simple and enjoyable preparation of your favorite dishes. The device is equipped with a practical timer that makes frying easier. The model has a temperature control function, which is very convenient when preparing various types of dishes. The device is controlled using a panel on the top of the device.

In the Kitfort KT-2214 air fryer model, food is cooked using Rapid Air technology, which allows you to evenly distribute the temperature. Thanks to the use of this technology, ready-made dishes turn out delicious. The device has non-slip feet and an automatic timer that can be programmed for up to 60 minutes.

The model has a bowl with a capacity of 5 liters and dimensions of 32 cm wide, 38 cm high and 25 cm deep. The weight of the entire device is 5 kg. The deep fryer has a power of 1800 W and a power cord 0.9 m long. Users are satisfied with the choice of a device that allows them to quickly prepare a hot meal for the whole family.

Peculiarities:

• Stylish design;
• Capacity 5 liters;
• Built-in timer.

2

GFgril GFA-4000

Rating:4.9

• power 1800 W
• useful volume 4 l
• electronic control

Average price: RUB 7,990

GFgril GFA-4000 is a device with a power of 1800 W. It allows you to fry French fries, donuts, pancakes and even fish and various types of meat, including without the use of fat. The device will undoubtedly appeal to people who try to eat less high-calorie foods.

The equipment is equipped with a basket that can hold up to 4 liters. Can be washed in the dishwasher. The air fryer is easy to use, we can freely adjust the temperature and set a timer (up to 30 minutes). In addition, the described model has a black body that is resistant to mechanical damage.

The biggest advantage of the equipment is the Air Pulse technology, which allows you to prepare tasty and crispy food without fat. A batch of fries for two can be made in 15 minutes, so it doesn't take much time. For many, it is also important that the device looks beautiful on the kitchen table.

Peculiarities:

• Excellent build quality;
• Easy controls;
• There is a compartment for draining fat;
• Bowl volume 4 liters.

3

Oberhof Braten X7

Rating:4.8

• Power 1800 W
• Device type: convection oven / mini oven / dehydrator / electric kebab maker / deep fryer
• Heating element type: heating element
• Flask volume: 12 l

Average price: RUB 14,790

This is a product that will help you not only prepare French fries, but also seafood, vegetables and meat dishes. The presented device has the functions of grilling, baking and

The Oberhof air fryer from the German brand is distinguished by excellent functionality. It can be used to cook dishes without oil according to the most complex recipes. Special air circulation technology guarantees even cooking with a crispy crust. The peculiarity of the device is that it replaces several kitchen appliances at once: rotary grill, deep fryer, electric kebab maker, dehydrator, mini oven. All the necessary accessories for preparing different dishes are included in the device.

The 12-liter volume bowl allows you to prepare food for a large group. The dehydration function ensures that moisture is evenly removed from fruits and vegetables, so they can be stored for a long time. The rotary grill rotates automatically, so there is no need to turn food over. You can grill fish, meat or a whole chicken. French fries and various snacks are prepared in the deep fryer. And the electric kebab maker allows you to enjoy meat that melts in your mouth, even in your apartment. The skewers also rotate automatically, so you don’t need to keep an eye on the kebab. Skewers are included in the air fryer kit.

Peculiarities:

• Transparent door made of heat-resistant glass;
• Possibility of simultaneous preparation of different dishes due to three-level channels;
• A body that does not heat up;
• Intuitive controls;
• Informative display.

Before purchasing a grill, be sure to check the official website for promotional codes; there are often discounts of up to 30%.

4

RAWMID RMA-12

Rating:4.7

• power 1600 W
• useful volume 12 l
• cover on bracket
• electronic control
• delayed start function

Average price: RUB 12,900

The model has functions that allow you to fry, grill, bake and stew without adding oil. The equipment is equipped with a modern solution - technology that prepares hot dishes using air circulation. As a result, cooked food becomes soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.

The RAWMID RMA-12 air fryer has a clear control panel on the front of the unit. The LED display allows you to intuitively control and choose between 16 different programs such as muffin, seafood, steak, kebabs, French fries, chicken, fish and pizza. The built-in thermostat allows you to set the desired temperature in the range from 50 to 200 degrees Celsius.

The working volume of the flask is 12 liters, which is enough to prepare a delicious lunch for the whole family. The device has a power of 1600 W, thanks to which cooking food does not take much time. Rubber non-slip feet ensure safe use of the equipment. Consumers are willing to choose this product because of the feature that allows them to prepare healthy food without using a lot of fat.

Peculiarities:

• Design, like that of Zigmund & Shtain ZAF-904, in the form of an oven;
• 16 operating modes;
• You can choose the temperature and cooking time.

5

Kitfort KT-2212

Rating:4.6

• power 1800 W
• useful volume 3.5 l
• cover on bracket
• electronic control

Average price: RUB 9,990

French fries cooked in the Kitfort KT-2212 deep fryer have a delicious and delicate taste. By using hot air, the device ensures uniform cooking and achieves the desired effect - for example, a crispy crust on chicken. The equipment allows you to reheat and grill, and purchasing it will give you a versatile kitchen appliance that allows you to prepare healthy and tasty dishes.

The air grill has electronic control and allows you to set the operating temperature from 60 to 200 degrees Celsius. This device has the following dimensions: width 34 cm, height 30 cm and depth 39 cm, and weighs 7.8 kg. During use, you can program the food processing time. Power, unlike the previous model, is higher, 1800 W - the optimal value in terms of energy consumption while achieving quick cooking results.

After turning on the device, a sound signal will inform you that the fryer is ready for use. According to customers, this model proves that a lack of fat when cooking does not make the dish tasteless.

Peculiarities:

• There is a “drying” mode;
• When first warmed up, an unpleasant odor is released;
• The finished program incorrectly calculates the time for cooking the chicken.

6

Kitfort KT-2208

Rating:4.5

• power 1800 W
• useful volume 5.2 l
• electronic control

Average price: RUB 7,840

Kitfort KT-2208 is a multi-oven with which we can cook chicken, fish and crispy French fries using just one spoon of oil. The device also allows you to prepare other dishes, from appetizers to desserts, which are sure to surprise us with their taste. In addition, the device does not require preheating time. It has a capacity of 5.2 liters, which allows you to prepare 4 servings. An added benefit is that the lid, stirrer and bowl are dishwasher safe.

Peculiarities:

• Fast cooking time;
• Power cable length 0.96 m;
• Electronic control.

7

Kitfort KT-2215

Rating:4.4

• power 1500 W
• useful volume 4.5 l
• electronic control

Average price: 6,990 rub.

Kitfort KT-2215 is the best multi-oven in its price range. The device offers a power of 1500 W and a working capacity of 4.5 liters. The Kitfort KT-2215 deep fryer uses the lowest possible fat content for frying. The device is multifunctional, as it allows you not only to fry French fries, but also to bake, grill and reheat all kinds of dishes. The KT-2215 features an innovative hot air vortex, which means our food cooks evenly on all sides. The big advantage of this multi-oven is that odors do not escape outside during cooking. This model has the ability to adjust the temperature.

Peculiarities:

• The smells of cooking dishes do not escape;
• Power 1500 W;
• There is preheating.

8

Kitfort KT-2206 Eva

Rating:4.3

• power 1300 W
• useful volume 2.5 l
• electronic control

Average price: RUB 4,940

Kitfort KT-2206 Eva is the cheapest device for preparing all types of dishes in our rating. The device offers frying, grilling and baking functions. Kitfort KT-2206 Eva heating element with a power of 1300 W, so cooking happens very quickly. The KT-2206 Eva model has a 2.5 liter basket that is dishwasher safe. Additionally, the device has the ability to adjust the temperature and a timer. This multi-oven is very popular and is famous for its reliability, as evidenced by numerous positive user reviews. When purchasing a Kitfort deep fryer, you receive a manufacturer's warranty, and the kit includes a user manual in Russian.

Peculiarities:

• 8 automatic programs;
• The covering of the bowl will peel off;
• Control occurs thanks to the touch panel.

9

Kitfort KT-2203

Rating:4.2

• power 1500 W
• useful volume 3.2 l
• electronic control

Average price: RUB 5,390

The cooking technology uses air inside the device, making cooked dishes crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This action allows you to minimize your fat intake or completely eliminate it. The Kitfort KT-2203 multi-oven is equipped with a 3.2-liter working bowl. The KT-2203 is equipped with a large, easy-to-read display that allows you to control time and temperature during cooking. An added benefit of this model is the ability to save settings, and the next time you use it, simply press a button and the air fryer will return to the previously saved settings.

Peculiarities:

• The longest power cable (1.13 m) among the listed models;
• There are sound signals;
• The maximum temperature is reached after 3 minutes.

10

ENDEVER AF-118

Rating:4.1

• power 1500 W
• useful volume 2.6 l
• electronic control

Average price: 6,050 rub.

ENDEVER AF-118 is a multifunctional device for preparing low-fat dishes. In the ENDEVER fryer we can prepare not only French fries, but also all types of fried, baked or stewed foods. In addition, the device allows you to quickly reheat previously prepared dishes. The ENDEVER AF-118 Air Fryer uses hot air circulation, so you can cook crispy French fries and other dishes using a small amount of fat. The device is very easy to use and keep clean. The multi-oven is very popular, and numerous tests and positive user reviews confirm its reliability.

Peculiarities:

• Heating element power 1500 W;
• There is a timer;
• 6 automatic programs.