Over the last number of years, air fryers have become the ultimate cooking accessory for the modern kitchen. Why? Well, it is an inexpensive, quick, convenient, and healthy alternative to a typical fryer. So today, we will look at how a typical air fryer works, how to clean it, what features it has, and maybe even a recipe or two.

If you enjoy using your air fryer regularly, then you will know how important it is to clean it to keep yourself safe from a build-up of old food and bacteria and keep your fryer in good working condition.

To begin, unplug your air fryer. It may seem obvious, but you would be surprised at how many people forget this step. Then remove any loose parts that can be cleaned or scrubbed once they have cooled down (leave fryer to completely cool before attempting to clean). The tray, basket and pan can be washed with soap and warm water. Some models will have dishwasher-safe parts but you should always refer to the manual for recommended cleaning techniques.

While your removable parts are drying off, look to clean the main unit. One thing to note is that the main unit of your air fryer should never be immersed in water. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe down the entire unit and the control panel to eliminate any food splatters or grease residue. If you notice any food stuck on the heating coil, use a soft dish brush to remove it.

After this, you will want to check and clean the heating coil attached to your fryer. If there’s oil or residue on the heating coil, let the unplugged machine cool, then wipe the coil with a damp cloth or dish brush—just like you would with the heating element on an electric stove.

After this, simply dry and reassemble.

There are pros and cons to any electrical or cooking device. The thing is, an air fryer does not have many cons attached to it. Why? Because they can cook many different items at once, they are not hugely expensive and they are healthier than a conventional fryer. These beauties use hot air to fry the food (hence the name) with minimal or no oil, so that will save you money from having to buy oil and save you having to clean up any unwarranted mess. It also means you don't have the messy job of trying to dump used cooking oil.

One of the best things about the air fryer is its versatility. You can cook nearly anything in it, and there are a host of different settings and features that optimise the cooking of beef, fish, poultry, chips, and vegetables. Not only that, but with built-in timers and temperature monitors too, the air fryer is the ultimate home cooking accessory.

Many people assume that an air fryer can only cook chips or conventional products that would normally be cooked in a fryer. But that could not be further away from the truth. One of the main selling points attached to the air fryer is the fact that it is so versatile. Here are a couple of ideas that will give you some ‘food’ for thought:

• You can boil eggs in an air fryer – yes, you have read this correctly. If you like your eggs hard-boiled, then preheat your fryer to 180 degrees Celsius, add your eggs, cook for 14-15 minutes, and cool them off right away with cold water.
• You can make delicious roasted vegetables with your air fryer, and you don’t even need oil. Just chop up your favourite seasonal vegetables, from peppers to courgette, to carrots or turnips, and add them in for 25-30 mins at 180 degrees (shaking occasionally, and voila, delicious roasted vegetables. Just don’t forget to add your seasoning before or after to add that little bit of flavour.
• No toastie machine? No problem – with an air fryer, you can even make your favourite toasted sandwiches in a flash. Simply get your bread, add your fillings, butter the top and bottom, and fry each side for 3-4 minutes. You won’t be disappointed.
  

Looking to buy an air fryer for yourself? Why not browse our selection of fryers in-store or online, where we are sure you will find something to suit your budget and your needs.

A: An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air and a small amount of oil to cook and crisp food. It is similar to a convection oven, but it is typically smaller and more compact.

A: An air fryer works by using a heating element to heat the air inside the appliance to a high temperature. The hot air is then circulated around the food using a fan, cooking and crisping it as it goes.

A: You can cook a wide variety of foods in an air fryer, including French fries, chicken, vegetables, and even baked goods like cookies and bread.

A: Air fryers can be a healthier alternative to deep frying, as they allow you to cook with less oil. However, it's important to remember that all fried foods should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

A: There are many different air fryers on the market, and the best one for you will depend on your needs and budget. It's a good idea to read reviews and compare features before making a decision.

A: Some pros of using an air fryer include the ability to cook with less oil, faster cooking times, and the convenience of a compact appliance. Some cons include the need to preheat the appliance, the potential for uneven cooking, and the limited capacity of some models.

A: Cleaning an air fryer is generally easy and straightforward. Most models have a removable basket that can be washed in the sink or dishwasher. The interior of the air fryer can also be wiped down with a damp cloth or sponge.

A: Whether or not an air fryer is worth the money will depend on your personal needs and preferences. If you enjoy fried foods and want a healthier cooking option, an air fryer may be a good investment. However, if you rarely eat fried foods or already have a convection oven, it may not be worth the cost.

A: It is generally not recommended to use aluminum foil in an air fryer, as it can block the hot air from circulating properly and result in uneven cooking. Some air fryers may also have specific instructions about using aluminum foil, so it's a good idea to check the manual before using it.

A: There is no evidence to suggest that air fryers cause cancer. However, it's important to remember that all fried foods should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

A: The cooking time will depend on the type and quantity of food you are cooking, as well as the desired level of doneness. In general, an air fryer will cook food faster than a traditional oven, but it is still a good idea to refer to the recipe or the manual for specific cooking times.

A: You can use any type of oil in an air fryer, although some may be more suitable than others depending on the recipe and the flavor you want to achieve. It's a good idea to use a high-heat oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or coconut oil.

A: Some air fryer models may require preheating, while others may not. It's a good idea to check the manual or the recipe for specific instructions. Preheating can help to ensure that the food cooks evenly and to the desired level of doneness.

A: Yes, you can put frozen food in an air fryer. However, it's important to note that it may take longer to cook than fresh or thawed food. You may also need to increase the cooking time or use a lower temperature to ensure that the food is cooked evenly.

A: It is generally not recommended to stack food in an air fryer, as it can block the hot air from circulating properly and result in uneven cooking. If you want to cook multiple items at the same time, it's a good idea to use the basket and tray that came with your air fryer and arrange the food in a single layer.

A: Yes, you can use parchment paper in an air fryer. Parchment paper can help to prevent food from sticking to the basket and make cleaning up easier. Just be sure to use a piece of parchment paper that is large enough to cover the bottom of the basket and does not block the hot air from circulating.