Air fryers use hot, moving air to create a deliciously crisp exterior on your favorite fried foods. In many ways, they are like a miniature convection oven, but they usually include a fryer-specific design feature: the basket. Air fryers with a removable basket allow the hot air to circulate thoroughly over your dish. In other words, a basket air fryer submerges your food in hot air similar to the way a deep fryer submerges food in hot oil.

Air frying has become a popular alternative to deep frying or pan frying because it avoids excess cooking oil. Air frying French fries, chicken nuggets and other foods eliminates some of the unhealthy chemical processes that happen when frying in oil. It also reduces the overall oil content, which can mean less saturated fat and trans fat. Compared to toasters, air fryers offer more versatility for crisping and reheating.

That said, it is important to remember that using an air fryer doesn’t automatically equal healthy food. The nutritional value of the food still depends on the ingredients you use in the dish, and the high temperatures used to create delicious crispness can diminish certain nutritional elements in food.

Air fryers come in a wide range of sizes, and a good way to shop for the best air fryer for you is by figuring out the best size for your cooking goals. With a double basket air fryer, you can save counter space by choosing a stackable air fryer. In terms of features, consider the interface you prefer and whether you want special features like an air fryer with a removable drip tray.

If you have limited kitchen space, you may want a more oven-based design that covers more meal plans. For example, a convection toaster oven or convection microwave can accomplish some of the same effects as an air fryer while also allowing you to bake a pizza or cook a casserole.

Air fryers make great gifts for foodies. So, you might consider one if you’re shopping for a birthday or housewarming present. Just do a little research into their cooking interests. If you are choosing a new air fryer for yourself, take plenty of time to read the user manual and understand all the perks of your new machine. Fortunately, using an air fryer is pretty simple.