What is an air fryer and why should you buy one?

Air fryers are some of the most popular kitchen appliances of late. Social media is full of mouth-watering dishes cooked in air fryers, and it seems everyone is raving about them. Their compact size, versatility and energy-saving potential make them seem almost magical. If you haven’t committed to the air fryer movement just yet, you might be asking yourself, are these popular, potentially energy-saving gadgets actually worth the hype?

An air fryer is a countertop kitchen appliance that uses convection technology to cook food. It circulates hot air around the food and can mimic the results of deep frying, but with significantly less oil, or sometimes none at all, making it a healthier alternative.

Advantages of air fryers

1. They’re convenient

One of the biggest advantages of owning an air fryer is the convenience it brings. Like any kitchen appliance, the goal is to simplify your life, and there’s no denying that traditional frying can be both messy and potentially dangerous.

Air fryers function like mini ovens, capable of handling nearly anything you’d cook in a standard oven or deep fryer. Their compact design allows them to heat up quickly and circulate hot air more efficiently, which means your meals are cooked faster and with less hassle.

One of the reasons air fryers are so popular is because they are so easy to use: just a couple of button presses and off you go. Advanced models like the Haier I-Master Series 5 air fryers have a digital countdown timer & an audio alert reminding you to check progress and give your ingredients a shake or turn, ensuring they cook evenly.

2. They’re energy-efficient

With an air fryer, there’s no need to heat up a large oven every time you want to bake something. Because air fryers are more compact than traditional ovens, they are able to preheat faster and reduce cook times. Air fryers can use up to 70% less energy than a traditional oven, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective choice for smaller meals or frequent use.

The Haier Series 7 also has a window and LED light that allow you to view cooking progress without opening the basket – saving time and energy.

3. They’re versatile

Air fryers are extremely versatile and suitable for a wide range of foods and recipes. Haier air fryers combine up to 9 different preparations in one appliance, for example slow cooking and baking. Depending on which model you choose, your Haier Air Fryer offers different functions that allow you to roast, grill, defrost, reheat or even make your own yoghurts and dried fruits.

4. They promote healthy meals

Air fryers use significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, reducing calorie and fat intake. This makes air fryers ideal for people looking to enjoy crispy foods without the guilt.

In addition to using less oil, air fryers cook food quickly and evenly, helping retain more nutrients compared to some traditional cooking methods like deep frying or boiling. Vegetables roasted in an air fryer, for instance, maintain more vitamins and minerals than when cooked in excessive oil or water.

Lastly, air fryers make it easier to cook meals at home instead of relying on processed or fast foods, which are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium. With an air fryer, you can prepare healthier versions of your favourite meals with fresh ingredients.

5. They’re easy to clean

Not only do air fryers make your food healthier, they also require less cleanup. Forget greasy pots and pans and stubborn charred messes in your oven. Haier air fryers have dishwasher-safe parts, making cleanup a breeze.

Disadvantages of air fryers

1. Most are small

In general, air fryers are better suited for cooking in small batches. However, some bigger and newer models like Haier air fryers have an internal capacity of up to 7L, big enough to feed a family of four.

2. They have a learning curve

Because air fryers cook differently than traditional ovens or hobs, you may need some trial and error to get the temperature settings and timing right. Foods like breaded chicken breasts, lean meats, and vegetables with low water content can dry out faster in an air fryer. This is because the circulating hot air can evaporate moisture in these foods too quickly.

Pro tip:

To avoid drying out your food, you can add a thin layer of oil to preserve moisture, lower the temperature settings, and cover with tin foil. With the hOn app, you can get new recipes and expert tips on how to use your Haier air fryer!

3. They take up counter space

Air fryers are countertop appliances. Even though you can put it away in a cupboard every time you are done using it, it will probably be sitting on your counter for quite some time. This can be inconvenient if you have little counter space.

If you’re thinking about getting an air fryer, it’s best to get one that you like looking at. Our air fryers have an elegant, minimalist design with clean lines and classic colours like grey and black. A premium brushed metallic finish gives a luxurious feel to your kitchen.

Are air fryers worth it?

Overall, our answer to this question is yes! Air fryers have revolutionised the way we cook by combining convenience, efficiency, and versatility in one appliance. They make it easy to prepare healthier meals with less oil, save time and energy, and simplify cleanup—all while delivering delicious results.