Air Fryer FAQs for Beginners

Air Fryer FAQs for Beginners – All You Need To Know

We're an affiliate
We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate it!

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!

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
Ninja Air Fryer Pro 4-in-1 with 5 QT Capacity, Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate, Air Crisp Technology with 400F for hot, crispy results in just minutes, Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate, Grey, AF141
  • AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
  • LARGE CAPACITY: The 5-QT nonstick basket and crisper plate fit up to 4 lbs of French fries or 5 lbs of chicken wings.
  • 4-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate.
  • GUILT-FREE FRIED FOODS: Up to 75% less fat than traditional air frying methods. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries.
  • FROZEN TO CRISPY: Cook frozen foods in just minutes for an extra-crispy finish.
Bestseller No. 2
COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6 Qt, 5 Fan Speeds with 450F for Crispy, 95% Less Oil, 100+ In-App Recipes with Nutrients, Fast Roast, Bake, Dehydrate, Reheat, Frozen, Broil, Proof, Gray
  • 𝙇𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜-𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙘𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜: Advanced Turbo Blaze Technology boosts your cooking efficiency during busy times, allowing you to prepare a full meal for your family in just minutes
  • 𝟵-𝙞𝙣-𝟭 𝙑𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮: Includes Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Broil, Dehydrate, Frozen, Proof, Reheat, and Keep Warm. Perfect alternative for Oven, Microwave and Dehydrator
  • 𝙐𝙣𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙮 𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨: The 5 Fan speed airflow system ensures golden, crispy, and juicy results for every meal
  • 𝟲-𝙌𝙩 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 & 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣: Enjoy a spacious 6-quart capacity in a compact size, perfect for family meals. Maximize cooking space without cluttering your kitchen, blending convenience with efficient design
  • 𝟭𝟬𝟬+ 𝘼𝙥𝙥 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙉𝙪𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙨: Provides calorie, carb, protein, and fat content per serving, with smart tracking of daily intake to help you manage your diet
SaleBestseller No. 3
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. 4
COSORI Air Fryer 5 Qt, Max 450F for Juicy Meat, Veggies, Frozen Food, Glass Touch Panel, 130+ In-App Recipes, Little to No Oil, Compact for Small Family, Non-Stick Basket for Easy Clean, Gray
  • 𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙨 𝙉𝙤 𝙇𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙖 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚, 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘽𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨: Designed for cooking novices or those new to air fryer with 9 professional presets Chicken, Fries, Frozen, Steak, Seafood, Veggies, Bacon
  • 𝘿𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙁𝙡𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙧 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙀𝙖𝙘𝙝 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙩: Advanced air circulation technology to quickly lock in moisture, ensuring meat stays juicy inside with a perfectly golden exterior.
  • 𝙌𝙪𝙞𝙘𝙠 𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘽𝙪𝙨𝙮 𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨: With industry-leading 450℉ heat, crispy in minutes, no need to search for recipes, significantly reducing meal prep time
  • 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙢𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙁𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘼𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨: 5-QT capacity perfectly suit for 2-3 servings. Its compact design also solves your counter space issues
  • 𝟭𝟬𝟬+ 𝘼𝙥𝙥 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙥𝙚𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙉𝙪𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙁𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙨: Provides calorie, carb, protein, and fat content per serving, with smart tracking of daily intake to help you manage your diet
SaleBestseller No. 5
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 – Grey
  • 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. 6
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
  • Now enjoy guilt free food; Air fry with up to 75 percent less fat than traditional frying methods; Tested against hand cut, deep fried French fries.Special Features: ‎Programmable
  • Wide temperature range: 105 degree Fahrenheit to 400 degrees Fahrenheit allows you to gently remove moisture from foods or quickly cook and crisp foods with convection heat
  • 4 quart ceramic coated nonstick basket and crisper plate fit 2 pounds of french fries. Cord length (feet)- 2.6
  • The unit will need time to preheat before coming up to temperature. We recommend that you preheat the unit for 3 minutes before adding your ingredients to achieve the best results
  • Dehydrate: Create flat, chip like dehydrated foods for fun, homemade snacks pounds; The combination of low fan speed and low temperature enables thorough dehydration
SaleBestseller No. 7
COSORI 2.1Qt Air Fryer, Small 4-in-1 Air Fryer Perfect for Simple Meals and Snack, Easy to Leftover Food to Crispy, 97% Less Oil, 30 In-App Recipes, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket
  • Compact and Portable: Weighing in at less than 5 pounds, this sleek and compact air fryer is ideal for dorms and RVs, also easy to store
  • 4 Cooking Functions: Choose from Air Fry, Roast, Bake, or Reheat, you can easily customize your cooking for your favorite foods
  • The Quietest Operation: This airfryer cooks with noise levels less than 48dB, which is quieter than any other COSORI model. You can now cook your favorite foods without the distraction of annoying or disruptive noise
  • Fast & Convenient: Even with no preheating needed, this air fryer cooks frozen food to crispy perfection in a matter of minutes at temperatures ranging from 170–400°F
  • Up to 97% Less Oil: Enjoy crispy textures with up to 97% less oil than traditional frying
Bestseller No. 8
Tastee Air Fryer, 8-in-1 Compact 5.5QT AirFryers, 450°F Digital Airfryer Dehydrator with Dual-sensor Smart Probe, 24 Presets One-touch Cooking, In-app Recipes with Window, Dishwasher-safe & Non-stick
  • [High Performance] Cooks up to 450°F, 50F higher than most other air fryers can go. Prepares well-browned and crispy food evenly in minutes. With a high-speed 2800PRM motor, our air fryer speeds up the heating process by 40%.
  • [Perfection Consistency ] Equipped with a dual-sensor thermometer and see-through window, our SensorMagic smart air fryer automatically monitors the meat temperature to deliver perfect results every time. The 3-speed fan airflow system ensures every meal is golden, crispy, and juicy, delivering delicious food faster.
  • [8-in-1 Cooking Function] With 8-in-1 versatility and 24 cooking presets, our multi-function air fryer can air fry, slow cook, dehydrate, and more. It caters to various diets, whether you're preparing steak, fish, chicken, pork, or French fries. Plus, the one-touch presets let you easily cook bacon, chicken wings, popcorn, and more.
  • [Easy Cleaning] Featuring a PFOA/PFOS-free, non-toxic, and non-stick coating, our dehydrator air fryer is easy to clean and dishwasher safe. Spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meals.
  • [Tasty Made Easy] The intuitive all-digital control panel and presets make selection fast and easy. Our digital air fryer also has an app offering over 60 recipes, ensuring you always have meal ideas at your fingertips.
Bestseller No. 9
Kitchen Elite Air Fryer Oven 5.28 Qt, 7-in-1 Digital Display Compact Cooker with Easy View Windows,Space-saving, Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket, Black
  • Fast & Convenient: Even with no preheating needed, this air fryer cooks frozen food to crispy perfection in a matter of minutes at temperatures ranging from 150–400°F
  • Compact & Portable:Weighing in at less than 8.5 pounds, this small air fryer is designed to be easily stored and carried with its sleek, compact design
  • 5.28 Qt Capacity:This small air fryer is perfect for fries, snacks, chicken wings and other single-serving foods
  • Up to 97% Less Oil: Enjoy crispy textures with up to 97% less oil than traditional frying
  • Warranty & Specifications:One year warranty-email.Power:AC 120V, 60Hz.Power:1700W.Temperature range:150-400°F.This voltage is only applicable to the United States and Canada
Bestseller No. 10
Instant Vortex 6QT XL Air Fryer, 4-in-1 Functions that Crisps, Roasts, Reheats, Bakes for Quick Easy Meals, 100+ In-App Recipes, is Dishwasher-Safe, from the Makers of Instant Pot, Black
  • 4-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, broil, roast 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 120 to 400° F.
  • EASY CLEAN-UP: Non-stick, dishwasher safe air fry basket and tray.

Last update on 2024-09-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

You can also view all of our recommended Air Fryers Here