Air fryers have gained popularity for their ability to cook a variety of dishes, from fries and chicken to cakes and bread. However, some people have reservations about this kitchen appliance and consider it a “blacklisted” item. But why is that? Let’s explore the four main reasons behind this sentiment.
1. Sensory Discrepancy
Air fryers are marketed as a healthier alternative to deep frying, but they don’t always live up to expectations. While they use hot air circulation to remove moisture from food and create a crispy exterior, the results can vary significantly from traditional frying methods.
Visually, air-fried foods may look similar to their deep-fried counterparts, but the cooking medium is air instead of oil. The hot air stream quickly dries the surface of the food, creating a golden, crispy texture through the Maillard reaction – a chemical reaction involving amino acids and reducing sugars in the food. However, this process is much slower compared to deep frying.
Deep frying has the advantage of enveloping food in oil from all angles, resulting in a crisp exterior and moist interior. In contrast, air frying at high temperatures for extended periods can lead to dry, flavorless food, or even burnt or bitter-tasting dishes. As a result, users often need to add a layer of oil to the food’s surface before cooking.
Additionally, some air fryers struggle with temperature control and even heat distribution, leading to unevenly cooked food. This issue contradicts the appliance’s reputation as a “miraculous kitchen tool” and falls short of consumers’ expectations.
2. Limited Capacity
Many air fryers on the market today have a capacity of just 3 to 5 liters, which is designed for efficiency and space-saving. However, for larger families, this capacity can be inadequate.
The design of the air fryer only allows for a single layer of food to be cooked at a time. This limitation makes it challenging to prepare meals for a big family, as users have to cook in batches, requiring more time and effort. Cooking a whole chicken or a large pizza can also be a tricky task.
3. Cleaning Challenges
Even though air fryers don’t require the use of oil, food cooked in them can still release oils and liquids that stick to the pot and the body of the appliance. If not cleaned promptly, the fryer may develop an unpleasant odor and become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Cleaning an air fryer is no easy task, especially when it comes to the fan and coil at the top. While it may look clean on the outside, the interior can be a different story. Only those with technical skills can disassemble and properly clean it, but most users are unaware of how to do so or don’t realize the buildup of dirt in the crevices.
4. Long Waiting Times
The waiting time associated with air fryers is significantly longer than that of deep frying or conventional stovetop cooking. This can test the patience of many users.
Due to these challenges, some people who purchase air fryers end up using them less frequently, eventually leading to the appliance being neglected or resold in the second-hand market.
While air fryers may not be perfect, they are still considered an essential kitchen tool by many. Manufacturers have taken note of these shortcomings and introduced improvements, such as larger capacities and advanced features. One such feature is the “moist grilling” function, which requires adding a small amount of water before cooking. This helps address the issue of dry food.
During operation, the water quickly evaporates from the bottom of the pot, forming a thin film of moisture on the food’s surface. This results in a crispy exterior while retaining moisture inside, delivering a taste similar to traditional fried foods. With capacities of up to 6-8L, air fryers can cater to the needs of a family of five and even accommodate a whole chicken.
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