Air Fryer FAQs for Beginners

Air Fryer FAQs for Beginners – All You Need To Know

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Air fryers are a kitchen appliance that helps you cook tasty and healthy meals with minimal oil. Here are some frequently asked questions for beginners that will help you get started.

What is an air fryer?

What is an air fryer

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks food using little to no oil, frying without the need for oil or fat. It is a highly efficient and versatile kitchen appliance that can replace your deep fryer, convection oven, regular oven, pizza oven and more. It is a quick and healthy way to cook foods such as French fries, chicken nuggets, chicken wings, fish fillets and fruit slices, the list is endless.

Air fryers are a healthy alternative to traditional cooking methods such as deep-frying or roasting. Air fryers don’t use any oils or fats. They use high temperatures to cook food by circulating hot air around it much like a convection oven cooks food.

The food’s texture retains that of fried foods without the added fat or oil. Air fryers require very little cleaning up because they do not release grease into the air from their cooking process, thus making them healthier frying alternatives.

Why would you want an air fryer?

Air fryers are the latest trend in the cooking world and there’s a reason so many people love them. They’re easy to use, they cook food quickly and you can cook many different delicious foods in them.

Air fryers are so popular because they allow you to cook without having to use grease or oil, which is great for those who need to watch their waistline or don’t want to consume too much fat.

They also make it easy to cook crispy chicken wings, French fries, pizza, meatballs and more. You’ll be able to enjoy all of your favourite foods without putting on any pounds!

You’ll find that an air fryer uses less energy than other types of kitchen appliances too. This makes it a great option if you live in an area with high energy costs. It’s also an environmentally friendly option because it doesn’t leave any oil or grease behind.

5 Best selling Accessories

How to choose the right air fryer for you?

Here are some tips on how to choose the right model for you:

Capacity – The size of your air fryer will depend on how much food you intend to cook at a time. If you think you will be cooking for two or three people, then a small model should suffice. If you will be cooking for four or five people, then a slightly bigger model would be better.

Once you decide on the capacity of your air fryer, then it becomes easier to decide which brand and model to purchase. The larger models tend to be slightly bulkier and can be more expensive than the smaller ones.

Will an air fryer help with weight loss?

Will an air fryer help with weight loss

If you’re looking to lose weight, an air fryer can help. According to The Air Fryer Expert, “An air fried meal gives the look, taste, and feel of a fried meal without all the fat.”

A less obvious benefit of an air fryer is that because it cooks with hot air instead of oil, it doesn’t require much or any oil at all. When cooking in a skillet or wok, you’ll often see people dump in oil to prevent sticking or to help brown meat quickly. That’s not necessary with an air fryer.

Air frying also seals in nutrients and reduces fat by up to 80% compared to other cooking methods. If you’re used to using oil when cooking vegetables or lean meats, you’ll notice the difference right away.

The downside? You do have to watch your portions more carefully because the act of frying food does decrease its volume slightly. But if you’re trying to lose weight, this is actually an advantage because it means you can eat more for fewer calories.

8 Foods to make in your air fryer

Here are some common foods that you can quickly and easily cook in your air fryer:

  1. French fries: If you’re craving those golden-brown fries, but don’t want to deal with the guilt of deep frying, then an air fryer is what you need. Air frying gives the food a light crisp on the outside, while still maintaining its softness on the inside. This is thanks to all of the necessary oil being blown away from the food by the powerful air blowing out of your air fryer.
  2. Chicken wings: You can get that delicious restaurant quality chicken wing flavour at home with your air fryer. Just toss your wings into the basket and let them cook for around 20-25 minutes to get that nice brown crisp on them while still remaining moist and tender on the inside. Make sure to toss them every few minutes so they evenly cook on all sides.
  3. Deep-fried Oreos: You can make these tasty treats even healthier for you by using your air fryer instead of deep-frying them in oil. Your favourite chocolate cookies will get nice and crispy without all of the extra fat and calories of deep frying them, while still giving them that delicious taste that has made these cookies so popular over the years.
  4. Cauliflower: Cauliflower is one of the most versatile low carb vegetables, great for making risotto, cauliflower pizza crust or even fried cauliflower rice. Using an air fryer to make cauliflower is quick and easy. Cut the cauliflower into florets and put them in the basket of your fryer. Spray them with olive oil or melted butter (or both) and season with salt, pepper, herbs or spices of your choice if desired. Cook for about 20-25 minutes at around 200 degrees Celsius/390 degrees Fahrenheit until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  5. Mushrooms: Mushrooms are great for cooking in an air fryer because they tend to absorb flavour easily, increasing their nutritional value when cooked with herbs like rosemary or thyme, garlic or lemon juice.
  6. Vegetables: Air fryers are great for cooking vegetables because they get crisp without all of the oil. In fact, many vegetables can be cooked in an air fryer without any oil at all. This is ideal for people who want to eat healthier while still enjoying their favourite foods.
  7. Meat: If you love fried chicken, but don’t want to eat it because of the fat and calories, air frying may be a good alternative for you. Air fryers can cook meat quickly and will give it that crispy texture that people love about fried foods. You won’t feel guilty about eating it either.
  8. Pizza: If you’re craving pizza but don’t want to ruin your diet by ordering delivery, you might want to consider making it in your air fryer. There are several brands of frozen pizzas with reduced fat and calories that work well in air fryers and taste great too.

These 8 dishes are just to give you ideas but the list is endless and you will never run out of things to cook from main meals to snacks and even desserts.

Please Note: Different model air fryers can slightly vary on cooking times!

Last update on 2025-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion

Have you enjoyed fried foods in the past but are concerned about the health risks? Or maybe you haven’t tried them before but are looking to give your taste buds an adventure? Air fryers offer a tasty, healthy alternative to cooking with oil while still preserving the crispy goodness of some of our favourite foods.

Love fried food? Wish you could enjoy it even if you are on a diet or watching your weight without feeling guilty about all the extra fats and calories? Then the air fryer may be the cooking appliance you are looking for.

Air fryers have been growing in popularity over the past few years thanks to being able to perfectly cook foods while using little or no oil, but many consumers are confused about which air fryer is the best.

The market is full of so many different products, all boasting healthy cooking capabilities. How do you know which one to choose? Below are 9 of the bestselling air fryers that are on the market now.

SaleBestseller No. 1
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Fast Turbo Modes, 90°–450°F Even Results With Precise Temperature Control, Up to 95% Less Oil*, Roast, Bake, Dry, Reheat, Frozen, Broil, Proof, 120V
  • 𝙏𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed and temperatures up to 450℉, achieving beyond-crispy, juicy perfection in every main dish
  • 𝙏𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Advanced airflow and precise temperature control deliver evenly cooked side dishes with perfectly balanced texture in every bite
  • 𝙋𝙧𝙤 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Cosori's unique 5-fan speed system and precise 90°–450°F temperature control deliver professional-grade versatility, creating exceptional dishes across all functions with just one basket
  • 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology helps speed up cooking to save time and deliver perfectly crispy family meals, even on busy weekdays
  • 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: The 6-quart square basket offers a wider, deeper design for family meals in one go while saving kitchen counter and storage space
SaleBestseller No. 2
Ninja Air Fryer, Roast, Bake, Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Reheats, & Dehydrates, 4-in-1, Fries, Frozen Food, Veggies, and Juicy Meat, Less Oil, Easy Meals, Healthy Meals, Compact, 4 QT, Grey, AF101
  • LESS FAT: Now enjoy guilt-free food. Air fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
  • WIDE TEMPERATURE RANGE: 105°F-400°F allows you to gently remove moisture from foods or quickly cook and crisp foods with convection heat.
  • FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: 4-quart ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate fit 2 lbs of French fries.
  • 4-IN-1 VERSATILITY: Includes 4 versatile cooking programs: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
  • DEHYDRATE: Create flat, chip-like dehydrated foods for fun, homemade snacks. The combination of low fan speed and low temperature enables thorough dehydration.
SaleBestseller No. 3
CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket, Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Digital Timer and Shake Reminder – Black
  • FAST AND EASY: This small air fryer comes prepared for any culinary challenge. The capacitive touch screen display can customize your cooking time and temperature up to a maximum of 400°F! Cook food fast up to three times quicker than an oven.
  • HEALTHY COOKING: Say goodbye to excess oil and fat, and hello to healthy cooking. This mini air fryer uses little-to-no oil to make delicious meals that are good for you, too.
  • SUPREME SPACE-SAVER: The square basket maximizes its 2-quart capacity. Housed in a sleek, narrow design to keep its countertop footprint small, this airfryer eliminates clutter and extraneous appliances.
  • SHAKE NOTIFICATIONS: Halfway through cooking, the TurboFry Air Fryer automatically notifies you with an audible alarm that it’s time to shake your food for the crispiest results possible.
  • COMPACT STORAGE: This 2-quart air fryer is perfectly sized for healthy meals for 1-2 people. It fits in perfectly as a mainstay on your countertop, or its small frame fits perfectly in your cabinets.
SaleBestseller No. 4
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven, 17 Touch Screen Presets Fry, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, XL 10L Family Size, Auto Shutoff, Large Easy-View Window, Black
  • Versatile countertop cooking: Air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, or roast to crispy perfection in one convenient appliance
  • Cook faster: No need to preheat like traditional ovens. This all-in-one convection oven uses rapid air heating elements to cook fast, even, and crispy food
  • Healthy cooking made easy: Make healthy meals using 98% less oil than traditional fryers
  • Simplified set-up: Anyone can cook perfect meals in minutes with 17 preset options and an easy-to-use capacitive touch control screen
  • All-inclusive: Includes three air flow racks, stainless steel rotisserie oven spit with retrieval tool, and a drip tray
SaleBestseller No. 5
Simple Deluxe Air Fryer - 6.34 QT Digital Airfryer with Visible Window, 12 Presets Functions, Nonstick and Dishwasher-Safe Basket, 1700W, Gray
  • Fast Cooking & Simplified Set-Up : With advanced rapid air circulation technology and 12-in-1 preset modes, makes you prepare meals quickly and easily. From crispy fries and juicy wings to roasted veggies and desserts, it’s your all-in-one kitchen solution for busy days
  • Family-Size Meals & Compact Design : Featuring a generous 6.34-quart capacity, this air fryer is perfect for family meals or multiple servings. The compact design (10.5" x 12.9" x 13.6") maximizes cooking space, while its compact footprint keeps your kitchen organized
  • Healthier Frying with 95% Less Oil : Enjoy all the flavor of fried foods with up to 95% less oil. Perfect for guilt-free meals like fried chicken, crispy fries, and roasted snacks, making healthy eating both easy and delicious
  • Visible Window with Oven Light : The built-in viewing window allows you to monitor your cooking progress without opening the fryer, ensuring consistent temperatures and perfectly crispy results every time
  • Dishwasher Safe & Nonstick Coating : The non-stick basket and dishwasher-safe accessories make cleanup a breeze. Making the post- meal cleanup quick and hassle- free. Spend more time enjoying your meals and less time scrubbing
SaleBestseller No. 6
Instant Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer with Odor Erase Technology, 6-in-1 Functions that Crisps, Roasts, Broils, Dehydrates, Bakes & Reheats, 100+In-App Recipes, from the Makers of Instant Pot,1700W,Black
  • 6-in-1 air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat or dehydrate
  • clearCook window and internal light to easily monitor cooking progress without opening the basket
  • OdorErase built-in air filters to remove odors during cooking
  • 6 customizable cooking programs for quick one-touch meals
  • EvenCrisp air flow technology for the crunch and tenderness of deep-frying with 95% less oil
Bestseller No. 7
bella 4Qt Slim Air Fryer, Fits-anywhere™ Kitchenware, EverGood™ Ceramic Nonstick Coating, Adjustable Temperature, 6 Preset Cooking Options, 60 Min Auto Shutoff w Audible Tone, 3.3lb Capacity, Oatmilk
  • Fits-anywhere kitchenware: The bella 4qt Air Fryer features a sleek, space-saving design, perfect for fitting into any kitchen while providing enough room for big batches of your favorite foods. Save up to 50% more space compared to prior models!
  • EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating: Our proprietary coating ensures easy cleanup without PFAS, PFOA, PTFE, lead, or cadmium. Enjoy healthier cooking and hassle-free maintenance, making every meal prep a breeze!
  • XL Basket Capacity: The innovative XL basket of the air fryers holds up to 3.3 lbs of food, perfect for family meals. Cook up large batches of fries, chicken, salmon, and more, all at once, making mealtime faster and more efficient
  • Digital Controls: With adjustable temperature and 6 presets - air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat, dehydrate - preparing quick and tasty meals has never been easier. Enjoy crispy food fast with 1300 watts of power and circular heat technology
  • Modern, Subtle Fluting: Designed with stylish rounded corners, a soft matte finish, and subtle fluting, our premium quality, small kitchen appliances add a touch of modern elegance to any home, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics
SaleBestseller No. 8
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer, 6-in-1, Broils, Dehydrates, Crisps, Roasts, Reheats, Bakes for Quick Easy Meals, 100+ In-App Recipes, Dishwasher-Safe, from the Makers of Instant Pot, Black
  • 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, broil, roast, dehydrate, bake and reheat
  • EvenCrisp TECHNOLOGY: Advanced technology that drives air flow top down for a perfect golden finish and crispy, tender results every time!
  • ONE-TOUCH SMART PROGRAMS: Customizable programs for one-touch wings, roasted veggies, garlicky potatoes, cookies, cinnamon buns and more!
  • FAST PREHEATING: Little to no preheating time, from frozen to golden in minutes! Create gourmet meals with the versatility of a temperature range of 95 to 400° F.
  • EASY CLEAN-UP: Non-stick, dishwasher safe air fry basket and tray.
SaleBestseller No. 9
Gourmia Air Fryer Oven Digital Display 4 Quart Large AirFryer Cooker 12 1-Touch Cooking Presets, Black and Stainless Steel Accents Fry Force GAF486
  • GOURMIA is the #1 BESTSELLING Airfryer Brand in the USA in 2023! Gourmia delivers value and quality you can trust for your home essentials
  • THE PERFECT KITCHEN COOKING GADGET - Multicooker Combo Electric Oven for French Fries, Wings, Fish Fryer, Bacon, Seafood, Vegetables, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate, Toaster, Reheat, and Keep Warm
  • HEALTHIEST WAY TO FRY - All of the flavor and none of the guilt! Fat removal technology in the air fryer basket removes up to 90% of fat through the cooking process
  • DISHWASHER SAFE: Cook Fast and Clean Fast! - Quick and easy cleanup, air fryer accessories go straight into the dish washer for cleaning bringing convenience to your appliance kitchen must haves
  • COMPREHENSIVE WARRANTY: All air fryers from Gourmia include a 1 Year Comprehensive International Warranty for your peace of mind
SaleBestseller No. 10
Cuisinart Air Fryer Oven, 6-Qt Basket Stainless Steel Air Fryer, Kitchen Dishwasher-Safe Parts with 5 Presets Roast, Bake, Broil, Air Fry and Keep Warm, Quick & Easy Electric Fryer, AIR-200
  • Versatile Kitchen Appliance: This large-capacity air fryer has 5 air fry presets - French Fries, Wings, Frozen Snacks, Vegetables, & Leftovers – to cook any meal quickly and easily for the whole family
  • Healthier Home Cooking: Get the great taste you love from fried food without the excess oil using the electric air fryer’s even hot-air-powered cooking for a healthier way to eat
  • Precise Controls: The digital display and large viewing window allow you to closely monitor your food and know exactly when to pull it from the fryer basket, while the toss reminder helps you flip food for perfect crisping every time
  • Perfectly Warm Every Time: Eliminate cold spots and burning with adjustable temperature settings up to 450°F and an automatic warming mode post-cook
  • Limited 3-year Warranty: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies

Last update on 2025-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

You can also view all of our recommended Air Fryers Here