Why an air fryer is a great addition to your kitchen
Who can resist a basket of hot chips fresh from the fryer? Who can say no to that satisfying crunch, the hot, fluffy centre, and the way it complements your favourite condiments and seasoning? Alas, that which glistens with grease is not always gold. You may be on a strict diet, trying to cut down on your fat intake. Or perhaps you don’t like the mess or odours that deep-frying leaves behind.
This is where the air fryer comes in. This nifty kitchen appliance can turn your guilty pleasures into guilt-free pleasures thanks to oil-free cooking.
This ingenious kitchen countertop appliance can cook your favourite fried foods as rapidly as a deep fryer while using only a little bit of oil - or none at all - especially when compared to traditional deep fryers! You will still get the same crispiness but with less fat and fewer calories.
On top of that, an air fryer is a versatile appliance, with models like the Philips Airfryer XXL allowing you to cook using a range of methods such as roasting, grilling, and even baking. Whether you want to cook crispy french fries, chicken nuggets, a whole chicken, or brownies, your air fryer is an ideal solution. Discover our full range of air fryers on Appliances Online and enjoy free, next-day delivery in most metro areas.
Benefits
Healthier meals
Using less oil or no oil dramatically reduces the calories in your food. This also helps reduce bad cholesterol.
Fast cooking
Thanks to rapid heat technology, you don’t have to wait long for your food to be ready. This is especially useful for time-poor professionals, or for families who want quick and easy dinner options. The Philips Daily Collection Airfryer uses rapid air technology, superheating and circulating the air around the interior for healthier food and quick cooking times. For eager entertainers, you can quickly cook multiple batches of food for your guests.
No greasy mess
No oil means no greasy utensils or frying baskets. You don’t have to waste time scrubbing stubborn grease and your kitchen won’t smell like a takeaway shop.
No oil needed
Oil is not cheap and deep frying uses a lot of it. By reducing your reliance on oil, you can potentially save money in the long-term.
Works well with frozen food
Frozen food is quick to prepare. But frozen food generally needs to be fried in oil, making this a convenient but unhealthy option. Cooking frozen food in an air fryer gives you the best of both worlds: convenience and a healthy meal.
How does an air fryer work?
An air fryer cooks food in the same way as a convection oven. Hot air is circulated around your food to enable faster cooking. This creates that satisfying crispiness everyone loves. Because your food is inside a small chamber or basket, the hot air surrounds your food in the same way hot oil does in a fryer.
Tips on how to use an air fryer for optimum results
You can use a bit of oil for maximum crispiness. You can spray oil on to the cooking basket, or directly on your food (consult your air fryer’s manual for instructions specific to your appliance). If you want to make your chips and nuggets as low in calories as possible, you can opt out of oil altogether and let the hot air do the trick.
Use the built-in timer to ensure precise cooking. You may need to flip, shake, or move the contents around periodically so your food cooks evenly.
Air fryers work best with dry items. Wet batter or soggy vegetables do not play well in an air fryer. You can pat food dry prior to air frying so marinades and sauces don’t splatter inside.
Air fryers use air circulation to cook food. Overcrowding your appliance will leave you with less than ideal results. We recommended cooking in smaller batches to provide plenty of space for the hot air to circulate.
Air fryers are incredibly versatile. Some models will come with recipes for you to experiment with. Try different cooking methods like grilling, baking, or roasting. Not just for hot chips, you can prepare an entire meal with this handy appliance, from starters to dessert.
Capacity and kitchen space
0.5L - 2L
This capacity is suitable for single-person households or for kitchens with limited countertop space. These models can also fit in an RV or motorhome for easy cooking when you’re on the road. Thanks to rapid cooking capabilities, this capacity may be enough for small families if you cook in multiple batches.
2L - 4L
This capacity is ideal for couples or small families. This is also suitable for one-person households that will be using the appliance frequently. This is a good medium-sized capacity for those who don’t want their appliance to take up too much counter space.
4L - 6L
This is the ideal option for families with three to five people and is suitable for larger kitchens with a generous counter space. If you like to prepare meals in batches for the week, this is an excellent option. For those who like to entertain, this is a great capacity for preparing snacks or appetisers for your guests.
Air fryer features
Drip tray for fat
A drip tray collects excess fat from meat during the cooking process for hassle-free cleaning.
Keep Warm modes
This is a handy feature if you are entertaining or if you like to prepare food in advance. This setting keeps your food at the perfect serving temperature, so it’s ready when you are.
Dishwasher-safe parts and easy-clean design
For hassle-free cleaning, look for models with dishwasher-safe components. Non-stick coating in the drawer or basket makes cleaning a breeze.
Additional accessories
You can maximise the space of your air fryer with a double-layer tray, allowing you to stack foods on top of each other. You can also attach accessories that are tailored to individual cooking methods such as grilling.
Multiple cooking functions for versatility
Some air fryer models are capable of a wide range of cooking methods. You can roast, bake, toast, grill, reheat, or slow cook.