Despite the name, an air fryer doesn't fry anything. It's basically a compact convection oven. A heating element and a strong fan blow hot air around the food, which crisps the outside quickly, often at higher temperatures than a toaster oven reaches. A light mist of oil gets you close to that golden fried look. The flavor isn't quite the same as deep frying, but for weeknight fries, wings and roasted vegetables, it gets you most of the way there.
Pod or oven?
There are two main styles. Pod-shaped basket models are compact, use less energy and often have dishwasher-safe parts. The tradeoff is that you usually can't see the food, and you'll need to shake or flip it partway through. Air fryer toaster ovens take up more counter space, but they can hold full trays and even a roast, and they work with regular bakeware. Dual-basket models suit big households, while a small two-quart unit is fine for one or two people in a tight kitchen.
- Spray food lightly with oil and add a little more when you flip it
- Use the manufacturer's cooking chart as a starting point, then adjust
- Check big cuts of meat with a thermometer, since the outside can brown first
Cleaning is simple if you stay gentle. Unplug the unit and let it cool, then pull out the basket and trays. Put them in the dishwasher if the maker allows it. Otherwise, wash them with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Skip harsh cleaners and scouring pads, which can wear down nonstick coatings. For baked-on grease, a baking soda paste works well. Keep it away from the electrical parts. Give yourself a few meals to learn the timings.
Source: Engadget
