It can be found on more and more kitchen worktops, works quietly and efficiently and promises nothing less than a small culinary revolution: the air fryer. What was considered a short-lived kitchen trend just a few years ago has long since established itself as a permanent fixture in modern households. Current market figures show that around one in three households in Western Europe already owns a hot air fryer – and the trend is rising sharply. The reason: less fat, shorter cooking times, amazingly good results.
How the Air Fryer works
The technical principle is as simple as it is effective. A powerful heating element heats the air in the cooking chamber to between 80 and 200 degrees Celsius, while an integrated fan distributes this heat evenly and at high speed. This so-called Rapid Air system ensures that food becomes crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside – an effect that comes surprisingly close to classic deep-frying, but without the usual oil bath.
While conventional deep-frying requires several liters of fat, the Air Fryer often only needs a few drops of oil or none at all. The hot air does the main work.
French fries without a guilty conscience
The advantage is particularly clear with the classic par excellence: French fries.
Deep-fried fries contain an average of 15 to 17 grams of fat per 100 grams. Prepared in a hot air fryer, this value drops to 3 to 5 grams – depending on the type and preparation. This corresponds to a fat reduction of up to 80 percent, with a significantly lower calorie content.
Why the Air Fryer* is considered healthier
In addition to the lower fat content, the Air Fryer also stands out from a nutritional perspective. Studies show that cooking with hot air can produce up to 90 percent less acrylamide compared to traditional deep-frying.
Acrylamide is considered potentially harmful to health and mainly forms in starchy foods that are heated at high temperatures.
In addition, shorter cooking times help preserve more vitamins and minerals.
Time, precision and suitability for everyday use
Another success factor is the enormous efficiency in daily use. While an oven often needs 10 to 15 minutes to preheat, the Air Fryer is ready to use almost immediately. Many dishes are on the table in less than 20 minutes.
Thanks to the constant air circulation, the temperature remains stable and the food requires little attention. No splattering of fat, no constant turning, no readjusting, no tedious cleaning. Especially in hectic everyday life, this is a clear advantage for anyone who wants to cook fresh food but has little time.
The portion size can also be precisely controlled. Instead of filling a large baking tray, exactly the amount that is actually needed is prepared. This saves energy and reduces food waste – an increasingly important aspect in modern households.
Surprisingly versatile
Anyone who associates the Air Fryer* exclusively with fries underestimates its potential. In fact, the air fryer is one of the most versatile kitchen appliances of recent years. In addition to potato dishes, it can be used to prepare:
- Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower or cabbage sprouts – roasted on the outside, juicy on the inside
- Fish fillets that cook with pinpoint accuracy without drying out
- Chicken pieces with crispy skin and tender meat
- Baked pastries such as croissants or rolls, which crisp up faster than in the oven
- Leftovers from the previous day – pizza included
Two uncomplicated Air-Fryer recipes
Crispy sweet potato fries with paprika & rosemary
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes and cut into even wedges. Mix in a bowl with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, smoked paprika powder, coarse salt and fresh rosemary.
Cook in the Air Fryer at 180 degrees for about 15 to 18 minutes, shaking once in between.
Lemon chicken with oven vegetables
Season the chicken drumsticks or chicken breast fillets with lemon zest, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Loosely add the zucchini and bell pepper pieces.
Cook at 190 degrees for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.
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FAQ: Air Fryer
No – a touch of oil often improves texture and taste. Usually ½ to 1 teaspoon is enough.
Yes. Thanks to the small cooking space and short heating-up time, it consumes up to 50 percent less energy.
Yes. Muffins, small cakes or cheesecakes turn out particularly well – ideal for small households.
Silicone molds, grid inserts and baking paper make cleaning and handling easier.
Yes. Models* with a capacity of 4 to 6 liters are practical for everyday use and versatile.
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