Can you imagine that there are dishes in the world that do not need to be washed? And it's not a one-off, no. Simply, she washes herself! Are you surprised? Then read this article, we will tell you about the airfryer. What is it, how to use it and what can you cook in it.
How the airfryer works
In essence and in design, it is a convection oven. By the way, this is exactly what the device was called when it was just created. It happened in the 80s, in the USA. But the title was unfortunate. The consumer did not understand what it was and therefore was not particularly interested in the new product.
But, after it was renamed, people began to take an active interest in it and buy it. The name was quite tempting and reflected the whole essence of the functionality: the ability to cook dishes on the grill using the air.
The airfryer device is quite simple. It is made in the form of a large transparent pan made of heat-resistant glass with a volume of 7 to 16 liters. On the bottom of it there is a stand that protects the surface (after all, it can heat up to 260C), and on top there is a special cover, which is quite heavy, weighing about 2.5 kg.
It has such a weight because a heating ten and a fan are attached to it from below, and from above it is equipped with an electronic control panel.
The principle of operation of the airfryer is as follows: when the device is connected to the network, the ten heats up, and the fan begins to "drive" hot air over the container. Due to this, the dishes are very evenly fried, or boiled, or stewed.
Convection grills are equipped with iron or halogen. The latter is much more economical in terms of electricity consumption, and also lasts longer due to the fact that it does not oxidize or deteriorate from corrosion. But such a heating element is also more expensive.
See also - Choosing a good airfryer for your home
How can you use it besides cooking?
Very often you can hear the opinion that the airfryer is able to replace almost all electrical appliances in the kitchen, such as:
- Microwave
- Toaster
- Roster
- BBQ grill
- Double boiler
- Yoghurt maker
- Dryer for vegetables and fruits
- Bread maker
- Multicooker
- Plain stove
In general, if theoretically, then it is so. But in fact, its volume cannot in any way replace the volume of a conventional oven. It will not work to cook a large sheet with baked products, in case guests come to you.
It does not bake as well as a regular oven and, again, it will fit fewer pies. Bread and cakes, he will bake. But, judging by the numerous reviews, even the pies have to be turned over in it, otherwise, uniform baking cannot be achieved.
In general, the airfryer performs the following actions:
- Cooking (usually cooks, steamed, stews, grills, bakes, simmers at low temperatures)
- Defrosts
- Heats dishes
- Sterilizes canned food
- Self-cleaning
And what devices it can replace, you already decide for yourself. As it is convenient for anyone.
The most grateful users of the air heater are students or young families who have not yet acquired the necessary equipment and their own housing.And what is very convenient: I bought one device and carry it with you, in rented apartments. I carry everything with me, as they say.
And the self-cleaning function is simply beyond competition! Well, what a beauty ... I cooked it, then splashed some water, pressed a button and admire how he washes himself.
True, this bonus is not available in all models. Those that are equipped with it cost a little more. But in our opinion, this is worth overpaying.
It should be mentioned that it is very convenient to sterilize jars in it. More of them are placed in an airfryer than in a microwave. And it is much more convenient to get out of it, due to the fact that you can pick them up from above, with special tongs. And in an ordinary oven or microwave, getting hot cans is still a pleasure.
What dishes can you cook in it?
As you understood from the above functions, there is a lot to cook. Starting from ordinary soup and ending with all kinds of grilled meats.
Due to the fact that the temperature is set from 60C, and this is a very low cooking temperature, you can cook in it the same thing as in a multicooker: yoghurts, cereals, like from a Russian oven.
Also, there is the possibility of steaming and baking.
Chicken is very tasty in it. It comes out much juicier than in the oven, but at the same time, its meat is the softest, and the crust is crispy and fried. The same goes for kebabs and other meat.
And the biggest advantage of this device: the ability to cook several dishes at the same time. Of course, odors do mix, despite the manufacturer's beliefs to the contrary. Therefore, you need to prepare dishes that are in harmony with each other. For example, potatoes with mushrooms and fried meat.
If you take a chance and cook fish with compote, then the result will not please you, that's for sure.
As for the cooking time, which can be different for dishes that are cooked at the same time, there is no problem. You can turn it off when one has already been prepared, take it out and then continue on.
It is also important that fried foods in the airfryer are healthier than those cooked in a conventional oven or frying pan. When cooking, you do not need to add oil, and the fat from the meat itself flows down to the bottom, and does not envelop it.
And also, it is very convenient that the cooking process can be easily observed without opening the lid. The flask is transparent! Therefore, there is no chance of burning.
How to choose the right airfryer
As you already understood, be sure to take with the self-cleaning function. But, these are not all the nuances that need to be taken into account. Let us list them for you so that you don't overlook anything in the store:
- Don't forget for self-cleaning
- Try to take a model with adjustable heating element height. This will give you the ability to speed up the process and easily control the dish.
- Take models equipped with a special ring to increase the volume. Since, today you may think that the bowl is sufficient, and later, you may well need large portions.
- Unlike multicooker, an airfryer will be more convenient to use if its lid is not removable. Due to the fact that it is heavy and with a heating element, it is not so easy to lay it when removing it. Special supports, often, do not hold it very tightly and the lid can slip off. And to break it is, consider, to throw away the whole device. Therefore, it is better to take on a special bracket. But pay attention to the material from which the fasteners are made: they should be metal, not plastic.
- The protective grill for the heating element must, of course, be removable. Otherwise, you will have to wash the cover very carefully, trying not to let water get into the electronics, which is completely inconvenient given its weight.
Cons of an airfryer
Of course, despite all the advantages, it is not complete without disadvantages.
The bold minus is the high power consumption.
Reheating ready-made meals in it is not very convenient, since pulling out a plate from a hot pan is not fun for the faint of heart. It is especially dangerous to trust children to warm food in it.
The airfryer starts to work poorly if the power supply is unstable. This means that it is poorly suited for summer cottages and rural houses, since, in such places, this is an eternal problem.
We have told you everything we know about the airfryer. What it is, you now know, and you also know which model is better to choose. The only thing left is to decide on a purchase! After all, this is undoubtedly a useful thing in the household.
