How Does an Air Fryer Work?

If you’re considering purchasing an air fryer – or if you already have one – it’s important to understand how they operate. This knowledge will not only help you achieve optimal results by avoiding overcooking or undercooking your food, but it will also assist you in determining when air frying is the best option or if another cooking method would be more appropriate. Understanding how an air fryer functions can also be useful when adapting your favorite recipes.

If you need advice on buying an air fryer, you can explore our top recommendations based on type in our articles on the best dual-drawer air fryers and the best air fryer ovens, check out our top picks for Ninja air fryers and cookers, or peruse our list of the best air fryers overall.

How does an air fryer cook food?

An air fryer can be likened to a mini fan oven, utilizing convection heat for cooking. Unlike a fan oven, where the fan and element are typically positioned at the back, in an air fryer, they are usually located at the top, above the food.

Some air fryers, like the Ninja Double Stack, have two heating coils at the back due to their double-decker design – one behind each drawer.

The air fryer’s fan operates at a high speed, with typical air frying temperatures ranging from 160°C/320°F to 240°C/460°F.

Beneath the coil and fan is a crisper plate where the food is placed. This plate is perforated to allow the heat to reach the underside of the food. The fan circulates hot air around the cavity to cook the food quickly. Because an air fryer’s cavity is smaller than a standard oven, it heats up quickly and can maintain a high temperature with less energy consumption. By lightly coating your food with oil, the hot air from the fan crisps the surface, resulting in a golden-brown finish.

You can enhance the crispiness by shaking the food in the drawer, creating a rougher exterior for a crispier outcome.

Is an air fryer more economical than my oven?

Air fryers are known for their energy-saving capabilities, primarily due to their smaller cavity, which heats up quickly and retains heat efficiently.

While air fryers operate at similar temperatures to ovens, the quick cooking time and efficient heat retention make air frying more economical for most everyday meals. However, when preparing large quantities, such as a family roast dinner, using a standard oven may be more cost-effective than cooking each item individually in a single-drawer air fryer.

A dual-drawer air fryer, on the other hand, can accommodate an entire meal at once and may be a more cost-effective option, depending on the number of servings. Refer to our list of the best dual-drawer air fryers for top recommendations.

To determine the most cost-effective option for large meals or batch cooking, consider the appliance’s wattage to calculate its approximate kWh power consumption. An online electricity cost calculator can assist you in this process.

Is cooking in an air fryer healthier?

Air frying differs from traditional frying methods in that the food is not submerged in oil. Instead, fanned air is used to cook the food, with minimal oil and agitation creating a crispy outer layer. The reduced oil content results in lower fat levels, making the food healthier. Additionally, when cooking high-fat foods like bacon or sausages, the perforated crisper plate allows excess fat to drain away, unlike in a pan where the fat accumulates.

However, air-fried food may become dry if cooked for too long or at a high temperature, as moisture is lost during the cooking process.

Should I always use an air fryer’s programmes?

Most air fryers come with preset programs for time and temperature, often tailored to specific food types or cooking methods. However, you are not obligated to strictly follow these presets.

Experimentation may be necessary to determine the ideal temperature and cooking time for your favorite dishes. Some recipes may yield better results with lower temperatures and longer cooking times, while others may require a quick, high-temperature cook. For inspiration and temperature guidance, take a look at our article on five new things to cook in an air fryer.