A look at why this novel kitchen appliance has skyrocketed in popularity.

Air-fryers are a form of countertop convection oven that uses hot air and a minimal amount of oil to mimic the results of deep-frying. Over the last few years, they have become a cooking fad, taking over kitchens everywhere.

A study done by market research firm NPD Group states that nearly 40 percent of homes in the United States featured the air-fryer as a staple in their kitchen by July 2020, and it seems obvious that Canadians are following that trend. But what exactly is it about air-fryers that has made them a rapidly growing commodity?

Many people have been drawn to the appliance due to its affordability and faster frying time compared to other convection ovens. 

This is also paired with an increase in health awareness over the last few years, particularly concerning levels of fat in foods. Air-fryers use less oil, making the food prepared in them potentially healthier than food prepared in a deep-fryer. 

Using less oils when cooking allows for less fat to be absorbed into the food. Studies have shown that a high concentration of fat in one’s diet can lead to a greater likelihood of developing heart conditions, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

However, while using air-fryers to cook your food is healthier than deep-frying it, it does not completely eliminate the use of oil, so it is not a perfect solution. The health benefit is relative; air-fryers may be a better alternative, but that doesn’t make them a pillar of a healthy diet.

Air-fryers also rose in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, when there was a rise in home cooking. Most households participating in social distancing missed fried food, but didn’t want the hassle and mess of a full-blown deep-fryer within their homes.

The air-fryer is really just an oven with a fan inside.The fan circulates hot air around the food rapidly, causing the outside of the food to crisp, similar to the effect that deep-frying has. 

Using this heat and air, the appliance cooks food evenly and quickly. The use of higher temperatures allows the fryer to cook food with less oil than deep-frying. 

While the full-blown fad of air-fryers may not last forever, they could still remain as a mainstream appliance for years to come, even as the world is opening up again.

Air-fryers can be utilized for cooking all kinds of food, from typical deep fried dishes to roasted vegetables, cooked meats, and even small desserts and baked goods.

The air-fryer achieves all of this without the extensive use of oil, but also without sacrificing any delicious flavour.

Some air-fryer recipes are simple, such as preparing garlic bread. However, you can also prepare more complex meals with the fryer, like a delectable chicken Parmesan. These culinary masterpieces can all be prepared with the use of a single, versatile convection oven. No wonder they’re becoming so popular.

If you’re looking for a way to change up your kitchen routine in an efficient but delicious way, air-fryers might just be the tool for you.