Ready to Join the Air Fryer Craze? Here’s What You Need to Know
“When I need to get dinner on the table fast, when I want to reheat leftovers, when the moment calls for tasty nuggets … air fryer, air fryer, air fryer.” — Drew Barrymore
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past two years, there can be no denying that air fryers are all the rage in home kitchen appliances. It’s easy to see (and smell and taste) why. From the convenience of a no-mess, healthier alternative to conventional frying, to the versatility and the health benefits, it’s hard to think of a better way to prepare your favourite fried foods. Health enthusiasts and weight watchers love it for the lower fat content. For others, all it takes is just one bite out of a piece of crispy and tender chicken to believe the hype and get hooked.
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a small countertop convection oven that is designed to simulate deep frying without submerging food in hot oil. Food is cooked evenly by circulating hot air around it, allowing for crispy skin and juicy, soft meat. No oil is necessary. Air fryers are incredibly easy to use and typically come with one or two baskets, each containing a specific temperature-controlled layer of hot air to cook food.
What Can I Make in an Air Fryer?
Air fryers provide a new level of versatility and cooking power through a single appliance. You can fry, bake, roast, toast, steam, dehydrate, reheat and broil a range of different dishes in a fraction of the time as traditional stovetop/oven cooking. Use your air fryer to prepare golden crispy fries with 80% less fat, fish, chicken, meat, vegetables, frozen food, whole grains and even bake desserts.
Which Air Fryer Should I Choose?
As with any type of cooking equipment, it’s important that you own one that works as expected and best fits into your lifestyle and cooking needs. Before making a purchase, consider the kinds of food you cook, the temperatures they need to be cooked at, and think about the air fryer size and how much food it will hold. Fourways Online has tried and tested different models, and have settled on these brands as our go-to for all things air-fried:
● Philips Air Fryers
Philips is the original inventor of the air fryer and they’ve mastered the technology. All removable parts are dishwasher safe and the baskets have non-stick coatings for easy cleaning. For larger families, we recommend The Philips Essential Airfryer XL which has a 1.2Kg capacity basket to make up to 5 meal portions in one go. Additional fan favourites include the Philips Digital Airfryer Essential 800G (4.1L) and the Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
● Alliance Air Fryers
Alliance is a proudly South African brand and newcomer to the air frying market. Designed with spacious baskets, quality materials and a sleek exterior, Alliance air fryers are a cost-effective solution that delivers delicious meals every time. The Alliance 8L Dual Digital Air Fryer has an extra-large capacity to prepare mains and sides at the same time for quick meals in minutes, and the Alliance 6L Indoor Grill Air Fryer grills everything to perfection.
Why Should You Air Fry?
● Achieve deep-fried textures without using oil
● Crispier, healthier food
● No messing from oil splashes
● Convenient, faster cooking times
● Safe and easy to use
● Easy to clean
● Versatility
Many people make the switch to air frying once they taste the difference and realize the life- life-enhancing benefits that it brings to their health and home life. Check out our range of affordable air fryers today.