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Air fryer - investment in wellness or unnecessary expenditure
Table of Contents
1. Operational mechanism of the device for meal preparation without fat addition
The operational mechanism of this device is based on a high-speed hot air circulation method, which allows meals to be prepared in a manner similar to frying without excessive fat content. At the heart of this appliance is a heater that heats the air to a specific temperature, usually in the range of 150-200°C. Adjacent to the heater is a fan that distributes the hot air evenly around the food at a high speed. This enables heat to reach every part of the food, making it possible to achieve an even, golden and crispy finish. The device prepares the meal in a closed chamber, which allows for effective heating of the food while maintaining the required moisture inside the food. This effect resembles that of a convection oven, but thanks to the smaller chamber and the fast airflow, the time of thermal treatment is significantly shorter. Furthermore, some models have additional features such as the adjustment of airflow intensity. This allows for the temperature and flow mode to be adjusted to different types of food – from delicate vegetables to larger pieces of meat. Although the appliance does not require the addition of fat, many people choose to use a light oil spray to achieve an even better crispiness, especially when preparing French fries or breaded chicken pieces (A. Zaghi et al. 2019).2. Air heater - numerous advantages
Acquiring an air heater brings numerous benefits that can significantly improve the daily preparation of meals and add diversity to their taste.3. Healthier method of meal preparation
A device for air frying allows for achieving a starchy, crispy effect with a minimum amount of fat or without it, which aids in regulating the number of calories in the food. This is significant in maintaining a proper body weight and facilitates providing the appropriate amount of calories, which is especially crucial for those who desire to lessen their body weight or maintain it at a consistent level.4. Save yourself a great deal of time and energy
Compared to an oven, a fat-free fryer heats up swiftly and operates in a smaller space, substantially accelerating the meal preparation process and necessitating less power.5. Comprehensive application capabilities
An air fryer allows you to prepare a variety of dishes – from fries to grilled vegetables to juicy meat and sweet treats. It is a multifunctional appliance that can successfully replace the oven or pan when cooking numerous dishes.6. Easy upkeep of cleanliness
The majority of the fat-free fryer models are equipped with detachable baskets or pans featuring an anti-adhesive coating, and certain components are adapted for washing in a dishwasher. Both these attributes render the device's cleaning process genuinely trouble-free.7. The perfect solution for tiny kitchen owners
Thanks to its compact size, the air fryer is a superb option even in restricted spaces, and it can also substitute a number of other, less convenient devices.8. The air heating device exhibits imperfections
Although the fat-free fryer boasts numerous advantages, its drawbacks should not be disregarded and are worth contemplating before proceeding with the purchase.9. Restriction in accommodation capacity
In most instances, air fryers possess relatively limited capabilities regarding accommodation capacity, which signifies that cooking meals for a larger quantity of individuals may necessitate dividing the cooking process into several stages.10. Taste of dishes
Despite the fact that this device can provide a crispy crust, not every dish will have exactly the same flavor as those prepared in a traditional way. For certain individuals, this may be of significance, especially in the context of classic fries or breaded meat.11. Noisy operation of the appliance
Fat-free fryers can produce a significant amount of noise during operation, which can be bothersome in small spaces or during longer meal preparation.12. Price
It is also important to highlight the price - the more advanced models can be costly, which can be a challenge for those with a limited budget. Additionally, it is important to consider some risks associated with using an air fryer. During cooking, there is a risk that the food may be burned, which can lead to the formation of acrylamide, a chemical considered potentially carcinogenic. Although this can be minimized by controlling temperature and cooking time, it is important to be aware of this risk (J. Téllez-Morales, J. Rodríguez-Miranda, R. Aguilar-Garay). Hot surfaces of the device can pose a danger, especially in the presence of children or pets. Despite these risks, the fat-free fryer is a popular device that can significantly simplify the preparation of healthy meals, provided that its limitations and risks are taken into account.13. Crunchy tofu
Components (for 2 servings): 180 g of natural tofu (cubes), 5 g of potato starch (1 teaspoon), 5 ml of sesame oil (1 teaspoon), 1 g of granulated garlic, 1 g of sweet paprika powder, 1 g of soy sauce, a pinch of salt, pepper, dried onions. Preparation1. Drain tofu from the liquid and cut it into cubes. Arrange in bowls. 2. Add potato starch and mix thoroughly. Then add all the spices, sesame oil and soy sauce and mix again. 3. Place tofu in an oil-free fryer, so that each cube has enough space around it. Bake at 200°C for 10 minutes, shake the basket after half the time. 4. Serve with any side dishes. Nutritional value (per serving): – Energy: 144 kcal, – Protein: 10.8 g, – Fat: 9.3 g, – Carbohydrates: 4.2 g.14. The diminutive potato boats
Components (per serving): 180 g of potatoes (2 pieces), 5 ml of olive oil (slice) 1 g of sweet ground paprika, 1 g of dried rosemary, 1 g of salt, a pinch of chili, ground pepper. Preparation method: 1. Wash and cut the potatoes and then cut them into 8 pieces, resulting in 16 pieces. 2. Place the raw potatoes in a bowl, add cold water and a few ice cubes, let them sit for 30 minutes, cut them, and dry them with a paper towel. 3. Mix the potatoes with olive oil and spices. 4. Fry the potatoes in a fat-free fryer for a total of 15 minutes. Shake the baskets every 5 minutes. 5. Serve with your favorite dip. Nutritional value (per serving): – energy: 202 kcal, – protein: 3.4 g, – fat: 5.2 g, – carbohydrates: 36.9 g.15. Oven-baked chocolate oatmeal
Ingredients (for one serving): 50 g of oatmeal, 60 g of banana (half a piece), 100 ml of milk 1.5% fat (2/5 cup), 5 g of cocoa (spoon), 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 50g of vanilla yogurt, e.g. skyru or homogenized cheese (1/3 packaging), 6 g of chocolate (piece), 15 g of nut butter (spoon), 10 g of erythritol (2 teaspoons), a few of any fruits, e.g. raspberries, blueberries. Preparation: 1. Pulverize the oatmeal and then add the banana, milk, cocoa, baking powder, erythritol and nut butter. Mix everything together again. 2. Pour half of the mass into a ceramic dish or small heat-resistant container, place a spoonful of yogurt on top and cover with the rest of the mass. 3. Place a piece of dark chocolate on top and bake in a fat-free oven for 15–17 minutes at 180°C. 4. Serve with your favorite fruits. Nutritional value (for one serving, without fruits): energy: 491 kcal, protein: 21.5 g, fat: 16.2 g, carbohydrates: 65 g.
