Is cooking with a hot air fryer healthy?

Oil-free or hot air fryers have experienced a real boom in recent years. Most people buy them without being clear about how they work and what can be prepared with them. we are going to give you the answers you need to find out if this new appliance fits your needs.

Differences between a normal fryer and a hot air fryer

To understand the difference between a regular and a hot air fryer it makes sense to take a closer look at the operating mechanism of the two fryers.

normal fryer

In a normal fryer, the heat of the oil quickly cooks food (Oil contains no water and can therefore reach temperatures above the boiling point of water without becoming a gas.)

As soon as something is put in the fryer, the surface temperature of food rises very quickly up to 100°C. It stays there until no more water flows from the interior at the rate at which it evaporates on the surface.

This phase can end relatively quickly or take longer, depending on the nature of the food being fried. If no more liquid flows, the surface temperature continues to rise and the Maillard reaction is responsible for the toasted tones and the development of the tasty fried flavor.

hot air fryer

A hot air fryer works with the same principle as a convection oven. The appliance heats the air and the air slowly increases the surface temperature of the food in the cooking space.

However, air does not transfer heat energy very well. That is why with a hot air fryer it takes a lot longer for the fries and other food to be ready.

The heat causes water to evaporate on the surface areas of the food and increases the humidity around the food. This lowers the temperature and slows down the formation of a crust. The fan built into hot air fryers helps mix the drier air with the moist air, so the surface temperature can rise faster and a crispier crust is created.

Is a hot air fryer healthier than a deep fryer?

Deep fryers are advertised as a healthy alternative for frying. Although fat is not bad per se, too much is, and with the hot air fryer it is certain that the food is not going to be impregnated with fat.

In a conventional fryer, the oil is deposited in the bark. Shaking the piece after frying will remove a lot of the oil, but some will always remain in the fry, which contributes to its flavor. That is, the flavors that the two types of fryer achieve are different.

Besides, toxic compounds will not form in the hot air fryer that they can appear in an oil fryer, especially if the oil is reused or polyunsaturated fats such as sunflower and corn are used.

Should I buy a hot air fryer?

A hot air fryer has many advantages over a classic fryer:

It is not necessary to handle hot fat It smells much less The preparation is healthier In addition, hot air fryers can be used as small ovens If you like to eat crunchy foods, but without fat, then you might think about the option of acquiring one of these fryers

When choosing a hot air fryer it is important avoid plastic (Teflon) non-stick surfaces, because this material can be scratched and some particles can end up in food. If high temperatures are generated, toxic compounds can also be generated.

What can be cooked with the hot air fryer?

The classic dishes that you can prepare in a deep fryer are, of course, French fries. These taste even better if you make them yourself. To do this, peel the potatoes, cut them into strips, bathe them with a little oil and put them in the fryer.

Vegetable lovers can take advantage of the hot air fryer. Whether it’s zucchini slices, cauliflower or stuffed peppers, they can all be cooked with hot air.

The fat-free fryer is equally suitable for baking rolls (pre-moistened with a little water), pizzas or for heating up food from the day before.

You can even make desserts: you can bake muffins or prepare desserts like rice pudding in them. Cookies or biscuits from the hot air fryer are also delicious.

Also baked banana or apple, chocolate cakes and coulants They can be prepared in the hot air fryer.

Therefore, the hot air fryer can not only replace the classic fryer, but also it also replaces the oven in many preparations.