Features of Air Fryer Ovens
Unlike deep fryers, which involve heating a container full of scalding oil that can pose a safety risk, air fryer oven typically use circulating hot air to crisp up foods. This can result in similar taste and texture to fried foods, but at significantly lower fat and calorie levels.
In addition to cutting out unhealthy fats, eating more air-fried foods can help people lose weight and decrease their risk of heart disease. The process of air frying triggers a chemical reaction that can also improve the flavor and appearance of foods.
Air fryer ovens are smaller than convection ovens, and they can only accommodate a limited amount of food at one time. However, they’re also more convenient to use than traditional ovens. There’s no need to preheat the oven, and the fan in an air fryer circulates heat faster than a conventional oven fan.
The airflow in an air fryer also helps the food brown and crisp more quickly than it would in a regular oven. This makes it a good choice for cooking pizza, casseroles, and roasting vegetables or baking cookies and scones.
Safety Features of Air Fryer Ovens
When choosing an air fryer, look for a model with a built-in digital temperature sensor that automatically adjusts the temperature to maintain an accurate reading. This feature prevents overheating and helps ensure that foods are cooked evenly.
Another important feature is a removable and dishwasher-safe basket or tray that holds the food while it cooks. Some models have a see-through window that lets users monitor the cooking process without opening the lid. Other models feature an easy-to-open door with a small handle that’s positioned at the back of the oven, which can be convenient for reaching into larger foods.
Many air fryer models have multiple preset settings to make it easier for consumers to prepare their favorite dishes. Some come with a booklet with recipes and cooking charts that provide guidelines for baking, air roasting, and air frying in the oven. Some have a Delay Start setting that lets the consumer set a time for the oven to turn on and begin cooking. Others have a Cook Time setting that stops the oven once the specified time is up.
It’s important to buy accessories that are designed for your specific air fryer model, as using non-compatible accessories could cause improper cooking or a potential safety hazard. Similarly, it’s recommended to avoid overcrowding the basket with too much food, which can lead to undercooked or burnt foods. For the best results, be sure to read your manufacturer’s user manual and follow all instructions carefully.