People all over the world are trying to eat healthier by using air fryers to cook their meals. However, picking the right air fryer can be tricky, especially if you don’t know all the options out there. With so many different types of air fryers available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
In this article, we’ll break down seven types of air fryers, highlighting their features, benefits, and downsides. Keep reading to learn more about these handy kitchen gadgets and find out which one is the best fit for you!
* What Is an Air Fryer and How Does It Function?
Air fryers are kitchen gadgets that use hot air and heat to cook food. They let you make meals without the need for oil or fat, which makes your dishes healthier while still being delicious. Despite their name, air fryers don't actually fry food. Instead, they rely on a powerful fan to circulate hot air evenly around the food, ensuring it cooks thoroughly.
* 7 Distinct Air Fryer Models
- Paddle Air Fryer- generally comesin square, cylindrical, or round shapes and shares a resemblance with basket air fryers, as it also includes a removable basket. The key difference is that paddle air fryers feature an internal paddle that automatically stirs the food, simplifying the cooking process. In addition to air frying, these appliances provide various functions, such as baking and reheating, adding to their convenience. They are versatile cooking tools that operate quickly and eliminate the need for oil.
Overall, paddle air fryers are an outstanding choice, although they tend to be on the pricier side due to their wide range of features.
- Basket Air Fryer- is a popular choice due to their versatility and affordability. Typically cylindrical in shape, it can also come in round or square designs, and all feature a removable basket. This basket has holes that enable proper air circulation, ensuring that your food cooks evenly.
Unlike paddle air fryers, basket air fryers lack an internal paddle, which means you’ll need to stir or toss the food manually. Fortunately, the basket is usually equipped with a handle, making this part of the cooking process much easier.
- Oven Air Fryer- has gained significant popularity, primarily due to their versatility, which varies by model. Resembling a toaster oven, they are typically square or rectangular in shape. These appliances come equipped with additional features like baking trays and racks, enabling you to air fry, bake, warm, roast, or dehydrate your food. While oven air fryers are larger than most other types and require more countertop space, they offer the advantage of preparing multiple meals simultaneously, making them very practical.
One downside to consider is the cost, as oven air fryers tend to be on the pricier side. However, they can be invaluable during meal preparation, making them a worthwhile investment.
- Air Fryer Lid- classified as a type of air fryer, although it functions as an accessory rather than a standalone appliance. This innovative technology enables you to transform any pressure cooker or instant pot into an air fryer. This is especially convenient for those who wish to save money and avoid investing in a full-sized air fryer. Air fryer lids are budget-friendly, user-friendly, and, most importantly, they don’t occupy much space in your kitchen.
You can easily purchase a single air fryer lid to use as needed or store it alongside your other kitchen essentials.
- Air Fryer Pressure Cooker- blends the features of an air fryer and a pressure cooker. While they can be a bit pricey, they’re quite versatile, depending on the model you pick. Most air fryer pressure cookers come with options for air frying, baking, slow cooking, roasting, and more, making them perfect for whipping up larger meals. Just remember that you won’t be able to stir the food until it’s completely cooked. These appliances are fairly bulky, so you'll need to set aside some space in your kitchen to fit one in.
- Halogen Air Fryer- is quite popular because it comes with a glass body, letting you watch your food as it cooks. These air fryers use halogen lights to create heat, which helps cook food evenly. They’re moderately priced and offer various cooking functions, but they really shine when it comes to steam cooking. While you won't find a paddle for stirring, you can easily flip your food yourself since the heating element is positioned at the top.
Keep in mind that halogen air fryers are on the larger side, so they take up more space than some other options. However, this size is perfect for cooking up a whole turkey or chicken!
- Air Fryer Microwave- is a fusion of an air fryer and a microwave. It resembles standard microwaves but comes equipped with air fryer capabilities and usually offers multiple functions depending on the model. You can quickly roast, boil, steam, and air fry your food, making them super convenient. Just keep in mind that they tend to be on the pricier side!
All in all, you’ll find a variety of air fryers available, each with its own set of features that help you whip up delicious meals in no time. Before you settle on one, take a moment to explore the different options and make sure the air fryer you pick has all the functionalities you’re looking for.
