How does an air fryer work?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that works by circulating hot air. Inside the device is a heating element that warms the air to a high temperature, while a built-in fan forcefully blows this hot air all around the food in the drawer or basket. This powerful airflow heats the food evenly on all sides, making the outside crispy while the inside cooks through nicely.
The big difference compared to a traditional deep fryer is that an air fryer barely needs any oil. A small amount of oil is sometimes enough to achieve a crispy result, which makes the appliance a lot healthier than deep frying in a pan full of fat. Because the hot air reaches temperature quickly and the device needs little preheating, you're also done faster than with a traditional oven. Most models feature an adjustable temperature and a timer, so you can program the cooking process precisely.
What can you do with an air fryer?
An air fryer is a versatile appliance that can do much more than just make fries. Thanks to the combination of high temperatures, hot air and multiple cooking functions, you can prepare all kinds of dishes with it. Below you'll find the most important uses.
Deep frying without a deep fryer
The best-known use of an air fryer is preparing fried food, but without the large amount of oil that a traditional deep fryer requires. Fries, bitterballen, chicken nuggets and other snacks come out crispy and golden brown in the air fryer, with just a small splash of oil or none at all. This makes frying a lot more accessible and healthier for everyday use.
Grilling and roasting
An air fryer is excellent for grilling or roasting meat, fish and vegetables. Chicken, salmon, bell pepper, zucchini or even corn on the cob: you prepare them quickly and evenly. The hot air ensures nice cooking from the inside, while the outside takes on a grilled character. This makes the air fryer a worthy alternative to the grill pan or the oven.
Reheating leftovers
Do you have leftovers from yesterday? With an air fryer you reheat them quickly and effectively, without them turning soggy like in a microwave. Pizza, fried snacks, sandwiches and other dishes become crispy and fresh-tasting again in the air fryer. This saves both time and food waste at once.
Baking and preparing oven dishes
Many air fryers can also be used as a compact oven. You can bake muffins in it, cook a small pizza or prepare a meatball. Models with a larger capacity offer plenty of room for a full meal for the whole family. Thanks to the even cooking and the high temperatures, you get consistent results, comparable to a traditional oven but in much less time.
Defrosting and heating
Besides cooking, you can also use an air fryer to quickly defrost frozen products and heat them up right away. This is handy for busy weeknights, when you want to get a meal on the table fast. The hot air spreads the heat evenly, so the food is defrosted and heated equally well everywhere.
Best-Selling Air Fryers
Xiaomi Smart Air Fryer 4.5L
Compact, slim and healthy. With a handy viewing window, 360° hot air circulation and easy app control, you'll have your favorite crispy meals on the table in no time. The ideal entry-level model for the modern household.
Xiaomi Joyami Air Fryer 5.7 Liter
Family-sized with maximum convenience. Thanks to the generous capacity, intuitive touchscreen and countless automatic programmes, you can effortlessly prepare large, flavourful portions. The perfect balance between space and comfort.
Benefits of an air fryer
An air fryer offers a range of benefits over traditional cooking methods. Whether you want to eat more consciously, save time or use less energy, this appliance fits the needs of a modern household. Below is a rundown of the most important benefits.
- Healthier cooking: an air fryer needs little to no oil to achieve crispy results. This means less saturated fat in your meals, which contributes to a healthier lifestyle.
- Ready fast: thanks to the rapid heating and powerful hot air circulation, the cooking time is considerably shorter than with a traditional oven. That gets your meal on the table faster.
- Energy-efficient: compared to a large oven, an air fryer uses considerably less power. This is good for both your energy bill and the environment.
- Easy to clean: the removable drawer or basket is dishwasher-safe on most models, which makes cleaning a lot easier. This ease of cleaning is one of the reasons air fryers are so popular in Dutch households.
- Compact and space-saving: an air fryer has a compact design and therefore takes up less counter space than an oven. Even so, larger models offer plenty of capacity for a whole family.
- Versatile to use: from frying and grilling to baking and reheating: an air fryer has multiple cooking functions that let you prepare all kinds of dishes, from snacks to full meals.
- Safe to use: because you barely work with hot oil, an air fryer is safer than a traditional deep fryer. This also makes the appliance suitable for use in families with children.
In short: an air fryer is a practical, energy-efficient and multifunctional appliance that belongs in just about every kitchen.
Air fryer sizes
Air fryers come in several sizes, tailored to different household situations and kitchens. The capacity of the drawer and the dimensions of the appliance help determine which model suits you best. Below we explain the most common sizes.
Small air fryers (up to 2 liters)
A compact air fryer with a capacity of up to 2 liters is ideal for a single-person household or for someone with limited counter space. Its space-saving design fits easily into a small kitchen, while you still get to enjoy all the benefits of an air fryer. These models are often more affordable too, making them a great choice for the budget shopper who wants to get acquainted with this type of appliance.
Medium air fryers (2 to 5 liters)
The medium air fryer is the most popular category and offers the best balance between capacity and compactness. With a capacity of 2 to 5 liters, you can prepare enough for two to four people, which makes this size suitable for small families or couples. Most models in this segment feature a digital control panel, multiple programs and an adjustable temperature for optimal control.
Large air fryers (5 liters and up)
For larger families or people who like to prepare big portions, air fryers with a capacity of 5 liters or more are the obvious choice. In a spacious air fryer you can easily fit a whole chicken, a large portion of fries or several dishes at once. Models with a dual drawer offer extra convenience because you can cook two dishes at the same time, each at its own temperature and with its own timer. This makes large air fryers especially practical for a busy household that wants to cook quickly and efficiently every day.
What to look for when choosing an air fryer
There's a wide range of air fryers on the market, which can sometimes make choosing the right model tricky. To help you make the best choice, we've listed the most important points to consider below.
- Capacity: choose a capacity that suits your household. For one or two people, a 2 to 3 liter model is enough, while a family is better off with a capacity of 5 liters or more.
- Power: the power determines how quickly the air fryer heats up and how evenly the food cooks. Models with higher wattage are generally faster and more powerful.
- Temperature range: a wide temperature range gives you more flexibility when preparing different dishes. Check whether the model supports the temperatures you need for your favorite recipes.
- Controls: choose between manual or digital controls. A digital display with pre-programmed settings makes it more user-friendly, while manual models are often simpler and more affordable.
- Number of programs: models with multiple pre-programmed settings make preparing specific dishes easier, without you having to set the temperature and time yourself.
- Ease of cleaning: check whether the drawer, the basket and other removable parts are dishwasher-safe. This saves you a lot of time when cleaning.
- Size and dimensions: keep in mind the space available on your counter. A compact model fits better in a small kitchen, while roomier models offer more cooking options.
- Value for money: compare models based on features, review score and price. A reliable brand with a good warranty and strong ratings generally offers the best value for your money.
By thinking carefully about your needs in advance and taking the points above into account in your choice, you'll easily find the best air fryer for you. At TechPunt, our team is ready to help you with expert advice.
Buying an air fryer at TechPunt?
Are you looking for a reliable air fryer with great value for money? At TechPunt you'll find an extensive range of air fryers, from compact models for a small household to spacious appliances for the whole family. As an official distributor of Xiaomi and a specialist in consumer electronics, we offer you a carefully curated selection of high-quality models, tailored to a wide range of wishes and budgets.
Thanks to our lowest price guarantee, you always pay the sharpest price at TechPunt. Order before 8:00 PM on a business day and you'll have your new air fryer at home the very next business day. View our full air fryer range and order today at TechPunt.
FAQ About Air Fryers
What is an air fryer?
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a compact kitchen appliance that cooks food using hot air circulation. It heats air to a high temperature and blows it around the food, so it turns out crispy and thoroughly cooked with little to no oil.
What shouldn't go in the air fryer?
What shouldn't go in the air fryer?
Liquid batter, unwrapped cheese, and vegetables with a high moisture content aren't suitable for the air fryer. It's also best to avoid spray cans with chemical non-stick spray, as these can damage the coating of the tray. Always check the manual for your model for specific recommendations.
Is an air fryer healthy?
Is an air fryer healthy?
Yes, an air fryer is generally healthier than traditional deep frying, because it needs hardly any oil. As a result, the end result contains less fat and fewer calories. Keep in mind, though, that the health value also depends on the ingredients you use.
What's the difference between an air fryer and an oven?
What's the difference between an air fryer and an oven?
An air fryer is more compact, heats up faster and uses less energy than a traditional oven. The hot air circulates more powerfully, giving you an extra crispy result. An oven has more capacity and is handier for large dishes or several trays at once.
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