Tech innovation has transformed the way we cook, with air fryers rapidly replacing traditional ovens in many households. These compact appliances have surged in popularity, outpacing even slow cookers. Using high-speed circulating hot air, air fryers offer a healthier alternative to deep frying, delivering crispy results with little to no oil.
Take broccoli, for instance—its flavor can fall flat compared to when it’s cooked traditionally. But the bigger concern lies with riskier items. Popcorn, for example, is considered a major no-go, according to The Mirror. The kernels can become lodged in the heating elements, posing a potential fire hazard.
Wet batter is another problematic ingredient. While fried chicken lovers crave that crunchy coating, an air fryer often doesn’t reach the temperatures needed for the batter to set properly—leading to a soggy, disappointing dish.
Money-saving expert Martin Lewis also weighed in on the debate, highlighting efficiency concerns. Speaking on This Morning, he said, “Air fryers are great for small, quick-cooking items. But if you need to use your air fryer multiple times to cook different components, it might be more energy-efficient to simply use your oven.”
He added, “Cooking a single jacket potato in the microwave for 10 minutes will cost you far less than keeping an oven running for an hour and a half.”
Steven Kipling from Which? echoed this sentiment, noting that the cost-saving benefits of air fryers quickly diminish when batch-cooking is necessary. “Air fryers lack the capacity of a standard oven or hob, so for larger meals, conventional appliances may still be the most practical and economical choice,” he said.
Still, many air fryer devotees remain fiercely loyal. “I’m not listening to him. I’m air-frying everything—I’d even air fry a cup of tea,” joked one user.
What do you think? Are you a die-hard air fryer fan or do you still stick with the oven?
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