How does an air fryer work?
...and what can you cook in an air fryer?
Air fryers, sometimes called health fryers, use rapid air circulation to cook food so they only need a small amount of oil. This means less fat, faster cooking and less clean-up than conventional fryers, but with the same tasty results.
There are many things you can cook in an air fryer: meat, chicken, fish, vegetables, frozen food and more - you can even bake brownies! For more ideas, see the frying section of our Go Get Cooking page.
Features to look out for
Multiple cooking zones
Simply put, these air fryers have different compartments, so you can cook two delicious dishes at once - ideal for a complete meal. Some have two layers, while others have both a pot and a removable basket (ideal for chips).
Cooking programmes
These are pre-set programmes tailored to different recipe types. Place your ingredients into the fryer, choose your programme (for example: chicken) and let the fryer take out all of the guesswork for you.
Automatic stirring paddle
Many air fryers have a paddle which gently stirs the food when in use to ensure it's cooked evenly, so there's no need to shake or stir, saving you time.
Free recipe apps
Some of the higher end air fryers come with a free app packed full of recipe ideas - from healthy snacks to desserts to complete roast dinners.
Digital or mechanical timer
Air fryers either have a mechanical timer, which you turn, or a digital one. Digital timers can be easier to check at-a-glance. Some have LCD displays or touchscreen controls, while some are removable, so you can check wherever you are.
Dishwasher-safe parts
Don't fancy washing up afterwards? Many air fryers have parts which can go in the dishwasher to make cleaning easy - just check the product description before you buy.
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