The air fryer has quickly become a kitchen favorite, hailed for its ability to cook tasty meals with minimal oil.
Yet, a recent report from The Sun suggests that, despite the convenience, an air fryer might not be the best value for every home.
While air fryers use hot air circulation to create crispy, golden dishes without much oil, the same effect can often be achieved with a standard convection oven—without buying extra equipment.
British Heart Foundation dietitian Victoria Taylor points out that the health benefits of an air fryer depend heavily on what and how often you’re cooking. Fried foods, even in smaller quantities, can still be less healthy than other cooking methods if used frequently.
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Compact models, typically priced lower, often have limited space.
This means cooking multiple portions can require multiple batches, leading to longer cooking times and potentially higher energy bills.
Even high-end models (costing around $500) are usually too small to prepare a meal for a larger family, so a regular oven may still be the better choice for those with large households.
Energy Efficiency May Vary
Though air fryers are marketed as energy-efficient, their compact size and limited capacity could actually work against them.
Cooking in batches or relying on an air fryer for full family meals may drive up energy costs, which can outweigh any savings from the appliance itself.
For those new to cooking, it may be better to invest in a reliable oven or kitchen essentials rather than an air fryer, which has limitations in both size and versatility.
While air fryers may still be a great tool for some, especially for smaller households or quick single servings, it’s worth considering the hidden costs and limitations before investing.
As with any kitchen tool, the benefits often depend on how it’s used and whether it fits your needs.
