What Is an Air Fryer? Here’s What It Really Does to Your Food
Updated: May 12, 2023Air fryer recipes are sweeping the nation, but what is an air fryer and how does it work? Here's the lowdown.
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There’s no question that air fryers are hugely popular. But if you’ve ever wondered, “what is an air fryer?” or “how does an air fryer work?” this guide breaks it down.
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What is an air fryer?
The air fryer is essentially an amped-up countertop convection oven—it doesn’t actually fry your food. (Although, keep in mind that there’s a difference between air-frying and baking.) Patented by Philips Electronics Company, the small appliance claims to mimic the results of deep-frying with nothing more than hot air and little or no oil.
This gadget has surged in popularity over the last few years—nearly 40% of U.S. homes had one as of July 2020, according to the market research firm NPD Group. There are all kinds of things you can air-fry—from frozen chicken wings and homemade french fries to roasted vegetables and fresh-baked cookies.
How do air fryers work?
The top section of an air fryer holds a heating mechanism and fan. You place the food in a fryer-style basket and when you turn it on, hot air rushes down and around the food. This rapid circulation makes the food crisp—much like deep-frying, but without the oil. Bonus: This air fryer cheat sheet will help you master air fryer cooking ASAP.
Here’s how to use an air fryer:
1. Place your food in the basket
Depending on your air fryer’s size, the basket may hold anywhere from 2 to 10 quarts. In most cases, you’ll want to add 1 or 2 teaspoons of oil to help the food get nice and crispy. If you’re in a hurry, you can put foil in an air fryer to make cleanup a bit easier.
2. Set the time and temperature
Air fryer cooking times and temperatures typically range from 5 to 25 minutes at 350° to 400°F, depending on the food you’re cooking.
3. Let the food cook
In some cases, you may need to flip or turn the food halfway through the cooking time to help it crisp up evenly. Once you’re done cooking, it’s important to clean your air fryer.
Want to know the secret to crispy, golden-brown air-fried food? We’ve got air fryer tips that’ll help every recipe come out perfectly—and air fryer mistakes you’ll want to avoid. Home chefs also love this air-fryer grill pan that transforms their air fryer into an indoor barbecue.
What are the best air fryers?
Our Test Kitchen put several models to the test to find the best air fryer, and three brands rose to the top. We’ve been fans of the Philips Avance Turbo-Star Air Fryer for years, and our experts were also impressed by the Black + Decker Purify Air Fryer and the PowerXL Vortex Air Fryer.
These gadgets range in price depending on their size and features. In addition to the appliance itself, you may want to pick up some air fryer accessories.
What can you cook in an air fryer?
While many of the best air-fryer recipes are foods that are typically deep-fried, you can also use this appliance to roast vegetables, cook meat and bake cookies.
Frozen Finger Foods
The air fryer is a star when it comes to preparing frozen foods that are meant to taste deep-fried. Frozen french fries, mozzarella sticks and chicken nuggets are some of the many frozen air-fried foods you can make.
Homemade Finger Foods
If you prefer to make your finger foods from scratch, the air fryer is a great option for making crispy homemade snacks and sides—try air-fryer sweet potato fries, air-fryer pickles or air-fryer potato chips. Don’t miss these addicting air-fryer appetizers like air-fryer ravioli and air-fryer egg rolls, either.
However, while air-fried frozen mozzarella sticks are delicious, fresh cheese melts into a gooey mess (so homemade cheese curds are out).
Chicken, Fish and Meat
You can make air fryer chicken that’s tender and juicy. Try air-fryer chicken recipes, like air-fryer Nashville hot chicken. For a healthier option, air-fryer keto meatballs are a great choice. When it comes to fish and seafood dishes, we love this air-fryer crumb-topped sole and air-fryer cod.
Comforting recipes like air-fryer meat loaf and air-fryer pork loin roast are possible to make with this wonderful appliance, too.
Roasted Vegetables
Since air fryers are essentially small convention ovens, they’re great for roasting vegetables—especially if you’re only cooking for one or two people. Some of our favorite air-fryer vegetable recipes include air-fryer herb and lemon cauliflower, air-fryer red potatoes, air-fryer asparagus and air-fryer garlic-rosemary Brussels sprouts.
However, when you’re using this gadget to cook veggies, skip the leafy greens.
Some Baked Goods
Air fryers can be great for making single-serving desserts, including small baked goods like cookies and apple fritters (here’s how to make air-fryer cookies). You can also try making these air-fryer peppermint lava cakes for the winter holidays or these air-fryer mini Nutella doughnut holes for an indulgent treat any time of year. Don’t neglect the air fryer for the first meal of the day, either: some air-fryer breakfast recipes to try include air-fryer bourbon bacon cinnamon rolls and air-fryer French toast sticks.
However, you can’t make anything that uses a liquid batter (unless you freeze it first).
Air Fryer FAQ
Is air-fried food healthy?
You could argue that air-fried food is healthier than deep-fried food because it uses less oil. Frozen french fries prepared in the air fryer contain between 4 and 6 grams of fat versus their deep-fried counterparts, which have a whopping 17 grams per serving.
What are the pros and cons of air fryers?
Pros: Air fryers make it easy to whip up frozen foods, and they can do so in a way that is slightly healthier than deep-frying. The results are much better than oven-frying, and your kitchen stays cool.
Cons: Even the largest air fryers have a limited capacity, so you’ll likely have to cook in batches—especially if you’re preparing food for a crowd. Bigger than a toaster, air fryers also take up valuable counter space. Finally, they can be pricey, depending on the model you get.
Is it worth getting an air fryer?
With numerous models on the market, this popular appliance has come down in price in the last few years—many models cost less than $200 and some cost less than $100. Springing for an air fryer is worth it if you whip up fried foods—either frozen or homemade—on the regular, reheat leftovers often or like to experiment with new cooking appliances.
Inspired by: Sonic Secret Menu Pickle-O's
Enjoy deep-fried pickles? You’ll love this version even more. Dill pickle slices are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices, then air-fried until crispy. Dip them in ranch dressing for an appetizer you won’t soon forget. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Inspired by: KFC Nashville Hot Chicken
I live in Tennessee and absolutely love our state's famous Nashville hot chicken. To make cooking it easier, I thought I’d try air-frying. I’m so glad I did—this Nashville hot chicken recipe is almost better than the original. —April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee Check out our complete guide to air fryers.
Inspired by: Long John Silver's Pacific Cod and Fries
Looking for easy air-fryer fish recipes? Try this simple air-fryer fish and chips. The fish fillets have a fuss-free coating that's healthy but just as crunchy and golden as the deep-fried kind. Simply seasoned, the crispy fries are perfect on the side. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado
Inspired by: Popeyes Chicken Tenders
Chicken fingers have long been a favorite of mine. Actually, almost any finger-shaped deep-fried goodie seldom escapes my reach. These air-fryer chicken fingers have taken a lot of the guilt out of my guilty pleasure. —Dianne DeGarmo-Carr, Alexander, Arkansas
Inspired by: Subway Chocolate Chip Cookie
I am crazy about chocolate chips, and this chewy cookie has enough to satisfy me. My husband and kids love these cookies. This big batch is perfect for our family. —Diane Neth, Menno, South Dakota
Inspired by: Noodles and Company Korean BBQ Meatballs
I am always on a quest for meatballs that pack a sweet and savory punch. These air-fryer meatballs are a snap to pull together and can be served over rice or buttered noodles.—Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska
Inspired by: KFC Original Recipe
I call this America’s best-loved air-fryer chicken recipe. The secret is in the herby, golden brown breading that makes the chicken super moist and flavorful. —Elaina Morgan, Rickman, Tennessee
Inspired by: Popeyes Popcorn Shrimp
Coconut flakes and panko crumbs give my spicy air-fryer coconut shrimp recipe its crunch. It’s perfect for an appetizer or for your main meal. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
