Sold as being a guilt-free path to enjoying cherished fried treats without the health risks, air fryers are selling out around the country to the extent that supermarkets have begun adding them to the shelves. They’re the go-to gadget for those hoping to slash the fat content in favourites like chips, chicken wings, pasties, and fish fingers.
But, before we dive into this crispy craze, let’s unpack the air fryer phenomenon. So, what exactly is an air fryer, and how does it work?
What’s the Deal with Air Fryers?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that lets you whip up fried goodies such as meat, pastries, and potato chips without dunking them in a vat of oil. Instead, it claims to use a mere tablespoon (about 15 ml) of oil to give you that deep-fried taste and texture.
The Crunchy Chemistry Behind It
Air fryers work their magic by circulating hot air around your food, creating a crispy, crunchy exterior that mirrors traditional frying. This process also triggers something called the Maillard reaction, where amino acids and sugars in your food react to heat, resulting in delightful changes in colour and flavour.
Slimming Down with Air Frying
But it’s not just about taste; it’s about your waistline too. The hefty calorie count in deep-fried foods isn’t doing your weight any favours. Studies suggest that indulging in too many fried delights can boost your odds of obesity. So, if you’re on a mission to trim down, trading deep frying for air frying is definitely a smart move. It is, however, important to note that airfrying is still considered much less healthy than grilling or even roasting foods, and should therefore not be considered a healthy option for every meal.
Calories and Fats
Fat, in particular, packs a calorie punch, clocking in at a hefty 9 calories per gram. Compare that to the 4 calories per gram for protein and carbohydrates, and you’ll see why cutting down on fat is key to managing your weight. By reducing the oils used, air-fried foods come to the rescue of those who usually eat their foods doused in oil with their lower fat content, helping them save on calories and stay on track.
Dodging Dangerous Compounds
But it’s not just about calories. Deep frying can also generate some nasty chemicals like acrylamide, a potential cancer-causing culprit. Air frying, on the other hand, can cut down on acrylamide formation by up to 90%, according to older research. However, there are still other potentially risky chemicals formed during air-fryer cooking, so we’re not in the clear just yet.
The Pros of Air Frying
By reducing the oils used in frying air fryers can help those who can’t resist fried foods, but there is also an additional benefit. Because they use far less oil, fryers might now be able to consider healthier oils, even if they are considerably more expensive.
The Cons of Air Frying
But, of course, there are cons. Air frying takes longer than traditional deep frying, and the taste and texture might not be identical. Plus, air-fried foods aren’t entirely free from those pesky chemicals you should limit in your diet.
The Final Verdict
So, is the air fryer your culinary saviour? Well, it’s a better option than deep frying if you’re aiming for healthier meals. You can get creative with it, frying up not only meat and chips but also veggies, tofu, and eggs. Just keep in mind that it’s not a silver bullet for perfect health, for which you should much rather be grilling foods. It does, however, make a passable impression of a fried food, for vastly fewer calories, and that can only be a good thing. Enjoy your crispy creations but in moderation, as part of a balanced diet.
