It is not yet a very well-known cooking method, but little by little the use of this type of fryer, which can also bake, roast, and steam, is expanding in kitchens. The advantages of this type of kitchen tool are both health-related and logistical, as it saves us from oil changes and cleaning.
Regular fryers are not recommended for health for several reasons: we usually use low-quality oil; we heat the oil again and again to very high temperatures; the food becomes very high in calories as it absorbs a large amount of oil, which can hinder weight loss.
On a logistical level, a conventional fryer is usually more cumbersome: oil that splatters and makes a mess; changing the oil every few uses, which increases cost and work (the WHO recommends changing it every four uses, at most); the time spent cleaning the fryer; and the odors that can permeate the kitchen.
What is an oil-free fryer?
Frying and oil go together in its definition: to make a raw food ready to be eaten by keeping it in boiling oil or fat for the necessary time. In this case, we would modify the end of the definition, eliminating the oil or fat, and introducing here the kitchen utensil we are talking about: the air fryer.
The air fryer, as it is also known, allows us to simulate french fries, but cooked with a cooking method using hot air that is close to frying. In some cases, you can add a tablespoon of oil, but we won't have the logistical and health drawbacks mentioned earlier.
Giving credit where credit is due
The air fryer can simulate the type of cooking of a conventional fryer, but we should not expect exactly the same result. Starting with the flavor, a food that has absorbed oil has a different taste than one cooked in the air fryer.
That is why adding a tablespoon of oil can give a touch of flavor, and thus get closer to that oil-free fried food. But it's not necessary, as the appliance cooks with a blast of hot air at high temperatures so that foods achieve a texture similar to frying.
The texture can indeed be closer, and it gives us a cooking method that we can use to make vegetables also have a more attractive texture and touch for those who don't meet the recommended five daily servings, to which we add two portions of fruit.
Basic features to look for
Dimensions it takes up
There are large and wide fryers, or on the contrary, low and narrow ones. Depending on our countertop space, it is one of the first features to look at, especially if we have little space.
Dishwasher safe
Most oil-free fryers are separated into different parts to make cleaning easier. They also usually are designed to be placed directly in the dishwasher, but it is always advisable to read the manufacturer's manual.
Dial or digital
Dial controls are more basic and less precise, with a wheel to adjust the temperature and another for the timer. Because this type of control is usually slow, it is preferable that the timer can be set for more than 30 minutes.
Digital controls are more advanced and precise, allowing you to program several options that come pre-installed. The vast majority now have digital controls, with few having dial controls.
Three different types of oil-free fryers
Fryer with sliding drawer or front-removable basket
This type of hot air fryer requires more control and our presence, as we must pull out the drawer frequently to stir the food so it cooks evenly.
It is the most commercialized type and offers a wide range of prices. It is suitable for foods you would normally fry or grill, such as fish, chicken, meatballs, vegetables, and shredded grilled foods.
Fryer with auto-stirring and top opening
If you have used or know about food processors, you will have seen how they have a paddle that moves the food around, so it cooks evenly without us having to stir it. This type of oil-free fryer saves us from having to keep an eye on it every few minutes while our food cooks.
They usually have a higher price than the previous ones, and the number of models is smaller. But even so, there are countless options to choose this type of oil-free fryer.
Multifunction fryer with oven
These are usually the most versatile, as they perform the function of the stirring fryers, and also have rotating baskets where we place the food, where we can cook foods like a whole chicken. It's another good choice if you want a versatile type of fryer that doesn't demand our attention, allowing the food to cook independently.
Recommendations for some oil-free fryer models
Princess Aerofryer Deluxe 182033
This oil-free fryer has large dimensions that allow you to prepare up to, for example, six servings of fries at once. It has a screen where you can choose one of its pre-programmed settings, or set up your own program.
It is a removable basket type, dishwasher safe, and easy to clean. It allows you to roast, toast, and bake your favorite dishes, with the option of "keep warm" to prevent food from getting cold while we wait for someone or set the table. Its price is €112.68.
Princess 182033 Digital Aerofryer Deluxe – Easy-to-Clean Hot Air Fryer, Capacity 4.5 liters, Stainless Steel
Princess 182050 Family Aerofryer XXL
This oil-free fryer is another model from the Princess brand. Thanks to its large volume and power, we can fry, roast, bake... enough food for the whole family, or for several days. Its parts are removable and easy to clean, also in the dishwasher. Its price is €114.99.
Princess 182050 Family Aerofryer XXL, family digital hot air fryer, 1700 W, 5.2 liters, Black
Philips Essential HD9252/90
With Philips Rapid Air technology, this oil-free fryer lets us cook foods that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with up to 90% less fat. Its options range from frying and baking to roasting or grilling, and it's also useful for reheating already prepared food.
With its large digital screen, we can program the setting according to our dish, activate the timer, and simply take a quick look every so often so everything cooks evenly. It has a price of €129.99 €104.13.
Philips HD9252/90 Airfryer - Original hot air fryer (1400 W, for 2-3 people, 800 g/4.1 l, digital screen), black
Philips HD9200/10
This Philips model is the little sister of the oil-free fryer described in the previous section. It uses the same Rapid Air technology and has similar features, but with more compact dimensions for kitchens with less space. It has a price of €99.99 €89.99.
Healthy Philips HD9200/10 oil-free fryer with Rapid Air technology
COSORI Oil-Free Fryer 5.5L
This large-capacity oil-free fryer is ideal for families of four to six people, or for making our meal prep. Its large dimensions are accompanied by great power that allows the air to heat up quickly.
It has 11 preset programs with which we can preheat or keep warm as basic programs, or use others without worrying about cooking, as it has a shake reminder function so all parts cook evenly. Its price is €159.99 €139.99.
Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated
Our testing team has hands-on reviews of cart locking device, fairway wood shafts, joint supplement german shepherd, gym timer, and ab roller wheel. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.
Our testing team has hands-on reviews of posture corrector, grip strengthener, mini stepper, squat pad, and dip belt. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.
Product Reviews
Best Toys for Dogs With High Prey Drive |
Best Outdoor Toys for 3-4 Year Olds |
Best Outdoor Toys for 6 Year Olds |
Best Harness for Poodle |
Best LEGO Sets for Adults |
Best Travel Toys for 4 Year Olds on Airplane |
Best Toy Stores in Washington DC |
Best Potty Training Toys |
Best Toys for Tripod Dogs |
Maillot equipe de france
