The Science Behind Air Fryers: How They Work
Are you looking for a way to up your cooking game? Or for a way to cook healthier and tastier meals all while reducing energy costs? Then an air fryer might be the right kitchen gadget for you. With all the hype and social media attention these small appliances are getting, it’s worth it to take a look at how air fryers work, their benefits and how they can help you cook healthier meals every day of the week.
What is an air fryer?
Air fryers are one of the hottest and most popular kitchen gadgets, and for good reason. They are relatively small and can make traditionally unhealthy foods like fried chips and chicken healthier. It’s pretty miraculous, so what exactly is an air fryer?
The name is slightly misleading, because, strictly speaking, an air fryer isn't actually a fryer. It’s more of a high-intensity convection oven. But, whereas convection ovens are big, take a long time to heat up and need to be installed in some sort of kitchen unit, an air fryer is small, takes next to no time to heat up and sits on your countertop.
How does an air fryer work?
By combining radiation and convection, this cooking method efficiently heats your food. A heating element positioned near the top of the fryer generates heat that radiates into the cooking chamber, while a fan swiftly circulates the hot air around the food.
This powerful heat transfer process mimics frying more closely than baking. The technical term for it is RUSH (Radiant UpStream Heating).
What can you cook in an air fryer?
Air fryers are extremely versatile and can be used to cook almost any food! Some foods that come out great in an air fryer include:
- Proteins: chicken, steak, pork chops, fish and seafood, tofu
- Vegetables: potatoes, brussel sprouts, asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, eggplant
- Baked goods: cookies, croissants, brownies, muffins, cinnamon rolls
- Snacks and appetizers: mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, spring rolls
- Frozen foods: pizza, fish sticks, tater tots, breaded chicken patties
While air fryers are multi-purpose, there are some foods that don’t cook well in them. Here are a few things to avoid:
- Foods with wet batters: Because air fryers don’t set the batter immediately like deep frying, wet batters will generally drip and create a mess inside your air fryer. For best results, try pre-coating with bread crumbs.
- Cheese without a coating: Cheese melts quickly and can create a sticky mess if not properly contained, such as in breaded mozzarella sticks.
- Leafy greens: Light greens like spinach or kale may get blown around by the air circulation, leading to uneven cooking or burning.
What are the benefits of air frying?
Haier air fryers offer a multitude of benefits for home chefs seeking versatility and efficiency. Here are the 4 main benefits of Haier air fryers and why you should get one.
1. Healthier meals
Haier air fryers promote healthier eating by reducing fat content by up to 90% compared to traditional frying methods. Because air fryers use significantly less oil than traditional frying, food has less fat content and less calories, helping with weight management. Unlike boiling or deep frying, which can strip away nutrients, air frying preserves vitamins and minerals in foods like broccoli, sweet potatoes, and brussel sprouts.
2. Energy saving
Because air fryers are smaller than traditional ovens, they heat up faster, cook faster and therefore consume less energy. Air fryers preheat quickly and cook food 30%-50% faster than conventional ovens. Haier air fryers boast efficient cooking with up to 70% energy saving.
Haier air fryers also have preset programs to optimise the cook time of different foods so you don’t have to worry about setting the right time and temperature. If you prefer to be more in control, the unique LED-lit double-glass window allows you to check on your dishes without interrupting the cooking process, ensuring optimal results and less energy waste.
3. Versatility
The best thing about Haier air fryers is that they are much more than your classic air fryer. You can really get creative in the kitchen with its 9 cooking functions: air fry, bake, roast, grill, dehydrate, slow cook, reheat, defrost, and yogurt making. The accessories for all cooking functions are included, such as the grill rack and the cooking tins, so you have everything you need to craft your next dish.
4. Easy cleanup
For added convenience, the dishwasher-safe basket and included accessories—such as a baking tray, deep dish, and grill rack—simplify cleanup, making Haier air fryers essential to any kitchen.
Haier Air Fryers: A healthier, smarter way to cook
Air fryers have revolutionised home cooking by offering a healthier, more energy-efficient, and versatile way to prepare meals. With their ability to crisp food to perfection using minimal oil, they provide a guilt-free alternative to traditional frying. Haier air fryers stand out with their multi-functionality, energy-saving capabilities, and easy cleanup, making them a must-have kitchen gadget. Whether you're looking to cook healthier meals, save time, or explore new recipes, a Haier air fryer is a game-changer that simplifies cooking without compromising on flavour.
