Getting an air fryer is absolutely worth it if you want faster cooking, crispy textures, and a cooler kitchen during the summer. However, it may not be necessary if you already own a convection oven or have limited counter space.
While air fryers offer a quick and healthy alternative to deep-frying, they come with several notable disadvantages. These include severe size constraints, a high risk of burning certain foods, tedious cleaning, potential health considerations regarding non-stick coatings, and counter space consumption.
While air fryers surged in popularity during the pandemic, many people are ditching them due to the realization that they are essentially glorified, downsized convection ovens. Common complaints include bulky counter footprints, limited capacity that makes cooking for families difficult, and safety concerns over cheap plastics, off-gassing, and fire hazards linked to faulty wiring.
An air fryer is a great, heart-healthy alternative to deep-frying. Because it uses hot circulating air instead of gallons of oil, it helps reduce your intake of unhealthy fats, lower daily calorie consumption, and decrease harmful byproducts like acrylamide.
Unlike conventional frying, food is coated in only a little oil to boost the crunch (or may need none at all), so it can also be a healthier way of cooking. “Air fryers are quick, convenient and relatively cheap to run compared with conventional ovens,” says Natalie Mathie, energy expert at Uswitch.
“Capacity is the key factor when it comes to air fryer size,” says Forgione. “There's no one right answer. It depends on your household and how often you'll use it. If you're cooking most meals in it, or you've got a larger family, going bigger makes life a lot easier.
While air fryers are incredibly versatile, they are essentially miniature, high-powered convection ovens. Because they circulate air at high speeds, you should avoid cooking foods with wet batters, excess liquids, or loose, lightweight ingredients.
Air fryers may be better for you than deep fryers, but they're only as healthy as the food you put inside. They won't magically remove the saturated fat from bacon or the trans fats from a bag of processed chicken wings. To reap the benefits, reach for better-for-you options like vegetables and lean proteins.
Cardiologists consistently advise avoiding processed meats (bacon, sausage, hot dogs), sugary drinks (soda, sweetened coffee), and fried foods (french fries, fast food) to protect heart health. These items are high in saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars, which elevate blood pressure, raise bad cholesterol (LDL), and promote inflammation.
The air fryer 20/20 rule is a, roughly, 20-25% reduction in both cooking temperature and time when converting standard oven recipes. Specifically, it means reducing the temperature by 20–25°F (or 15−20∘𝐶) and reducing the cooking time by 20% to avoid overcooking and burning food due to rapid air circulation.
Gordon Ramsay has a complicated, often comical relationship with air fryers. While he acknowledges they are practical countertop tools for home cooking, he frequently mocks the appliance's simplicity, famously stating that writing an entire air fryer cookbook is a waste of time.
An air fryer is useful, but not healthy. Acrylamide is a cancer-causing chemical that can form on high-heat starchy food, even in air-frying. Oil is a moisture buffer that protects the surface. In an air fryer, that buffer isn't there, there's only high heat.
The "Rule of 25" is a golden rule of thumb for converting traditional oven recipes to your air fryer. Because air fryers are essentially high-powered convection ovens, they cook food faster and at higher heat.
Air fryers are generally safe, but they carry risks including severe burn injuries from hot surfaces, fire hazards from trapped grease, and toxic exposure from damaged non-stick coatings. Additionally, high-heat air frying can produce harmful chemical compounds like acrylamide if starchy foods are overcooked or charred.
The best air fryer depends on your cooking style and space. For the best overall performance, the Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart is top-rated for its even crisping and clear cooking window. If you have a large family or meal prep, the Ninja Foodi 6-in-1 DualZone 10-Quart allows you to cook two different foods simultaneously with its independent baskets.
The healthiest way to cook depends on the food, but the overall best methods are steaming, baking/roasting, and stir-frying. These techniques minimize added fats while maximizing flavor and preserving essential vitamins and minerals.
Cardiologist Tip of the Day: Avoid Potato Chips and Other Packaged Snacks. Don't eat chips and other ultraprocessed foods sold in vending machines, says Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado.
What Are the 5 Worst Foods for Memory Loss in Seniors?
The #1 worst drinks for your heart are sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), such as regular sodas, sweetened fruit juices, sports drinks, and energy drinks. Cardiologists and medical bodies consistently rank these highest in danger due to their ability to drive up inflammation, blood pressure, triglycerides, and heart disease risk factors.
The safest air fryers ditch conventional Teflon/PTFE coatings for completely non-toxic alternatives made of ceramic, stainless steel, or heat-tempered glass. Top-rated, thoroughly vetted, PFAS-free options include the COSORI TurboBlaze (ceramic), the Ninja Crispi Pro (glass), and the Fritaire (glass bowl).
Yes, you can absolutely use aluminum foil in an air fryer to make cleanup easier. However, because an air fryer relies on rapid air circulation to cook and crisp your food, you should use it carefully to avoid blocking airflow.
Air fryers are generally safe, but they require proper handling to avoid hidden hazards. Key warnings include fire risks from poor ventilation, toxin exposure from damaged non-stick coatings, burns from extreme internal temperatures, and chemical risks like acrylamide from overcooking.
"You run the risk of drying your chicken out before the inside is even safe to eat." While air fryers are capable of creating some impressively crispy skin, the lack of oil interacting with the meat as it cooks leaves it drier and lacking the signature fried chicken juiciness.
You can prevent stubborn grease from forming
Air fryers accelerate this process because of the high heat and circulating air, creating tough layers that get harder to remove each time you cook. Use protective liners like parchment paper or silicone mats in the basket to catch grease before it hits the surface.
Yes, you can absolutely fry an egg in an air fryer! Because of the circulating air, it cooks more like a sunny-side-up egg or a poached egg. To prevent the egg from blowing around or sticking to the basket, you will need to cook it in a small, greased container.