What is an air fryer

Many housewives know that with the help of special kitchen appliances and modern technology, you can easily speed up the cooking process. Recently, more and more people are purchasing a multifunctional unit for the kitchen, the so-called convection oven. It is ideal for preparing various dishes, including diet and children's menus. With it you can not only cook, but also dry, heat, reheat, etc.

What is an air fryer

An air grill is a household appliance that, with the help of a hot stream inside itself, is capable of cooking different foods. In appearance, it is a transparent volumetric bowl, which has additional stands at the bottom and top, and also a lid at the top. Inside the convection oven there is a heating element (special heating element) and a fan; on the outside there is a control panel with which you can select the mode, temperature, and time.

Characteristics of the air fryer and its equipment

The air fryer kit includes (depending on the model you purchased, some models include an additional bowl for preparing portions for a large company) a round (sometimes oval) transparent bowl made of tempered glass. Its volume can range from 7 to 14 liters.The set should include a wire rack and two bowls. The kit also includes a cover with a fan and a base with a powerful (depending on model) heater.

How to cook food using an air fryer, what is the principle of its operation

The air grill works on the following principle: with the help of a heating element, one temperature regime is maintained inside the container, and a fan located on the lid circulates hot air throughout the entire container evenly, while giving the maximum temperature to the ingredients laid out on the grill. Regardless of the mode the grill is set to, its principles of operation are always the same.

On modern new air fryer models, it has become possible to choose the temperature mode yourself, from 60 to 200 degrees, which is very convenient for any lover of delicious modern dishes. Thanks to the controlled temperature mode, you can cook food correctly without drying it out, properly stewing or frying it.

What can you cook with an air fryer?

The air grill has a huge number of functions, and it can replace devices such as:

• toaster;
• microwave;
• electric stove;
• barbecue and electric kebab maker;
• oven;
• steamer;
• dryer for vegetables and fruits;
• yogurt maker;
• a saucepan used to prepare the first course;
• can sterilizer.

All the functions of the above listed devices can be performed by a convection oven, depending on the model. Some models have various additional functions.

What functions does the air fryer have?

It is worth noting that each air fryer has different functions, and the more functions it performs, the higher its price category. It is important for every person to be able to prepare healthy food without adding oil.In this regard, an air fryer is the optimal solution, since you can cook different types of dishes in it without adding oil. If you cook chicken, then all the released fat will drain to the bottom of the bowl, and the chicken will cook juicy, as it languishes in its own juice, while the fat does not get into it, but only flows out.

The air grill is often used for smoking; also, the stewing and steaming modes are ideal for preparing baby food. When steaming, there is no need to add oil or additional spices, since even without this the dish will remain tasty, suitable for a children's menu, while retaining all its flavors and vitamins.

The main functions of the air fryer are considered to be:

• smokes well;
• double boiler;
• mixing;
• maintaining the same temperature;
• self-cleaning;
• languor;
• drying.

How to use an air fryer correctly

Before any purchase, you need to calculate why you are taking this or that product. In this case, you will have to start from how many people (on average) you are going to cook in it, and the necessary cooking modes. Having purchased the device, you need to read the instructions, which tell you step by step how to use it, what characteristics and qualities it has.

Each air fryer has an on and off button. The control panel on each grill is different, so it's worth familiarizing yourself with each one. Some models have a touch panel (more modern models) which indicates not only the mode, but also the maximum cooking temperature and cooking duration. On some models, you can independently select the required temperature mode (on the control panel) and duration (also indicated on the panel).

Pros and cons of an air fryer

An air fryer is one of the main assistants in cooking, since with its help you can prepare not only tasty food, but also the most healthy one. The advantages of such a device are:
1. Has a huge number of modes. With it you can fry, stew, boil, smoke, sterilize and heat, while it takes up minimal space in the kitchen.
2. Minimum oil consumption. Compared to a frying pan, an air fryer requires a very small amount of oil, in most cases there is no such need at all.
3. There is no need to purchase additional dishes, since everything you need is sold with it.
4. Any dish is easy to prepare. In order to prepare a dish, there is no need to constantly monitor the process, since the air fryer will do it for you. You will only need to see if the dish is cooked.
5. Save time. In the air fryer you can cook two dishes at once, using two grates. So, for example: on the lower part you can fry chicken, and on the upper part you can stew vegetables.

There are also disadvantages, although they are few. The main ones are:
1. The volume of the air fryer is not large in volume, even if purchased with the largest bowl, it will still not be enough for a company of 10 people, for example.
2. Some dishes take much longer to cook compared to a frying pan. For example, you can fry sausage in a frying pan in a couple of minutes, but an air fryer will do it in 15 minutes or more.
3. If you accidentally get a drop of cold water on a hot glass bowl, the glass may crack.