To cook and eat healthily, many consumers are boycotting fast food outlets in favor of homemade cooking. And to achieve this, the air fryer has become an indispensable ally in almost every kitchen. However, it’s important to remember that air fryers are electronic devices, and they all have their limitations.
For those concerned about their nutritional health, it’s natural to ask several questions: is the air fryer healthy? Are there any dangers involved? Rest assured, using an air fryer has never caused cancer in a user. Risks may arise from improper handling, but the device remains safe for human health.
If that last sentence exudes real assurance, it’s simply because this guide has solid arguments on the subject.
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Is an Air Fryer healthier than a deep fryer?
When you compare an air fryer to a conventional deep fryer, the difference is obvious. The former is a healthy option, particularly when it comes to the amount of oil used.
Let’s take a simple example. Everyone knows traditional deep fryers need a lot of oil to cook food. Moreover, it doesn’t take a seasoned nutritionist to understand that such cooking increases fat content. The same applies to calories.
At the same time, you have the magic of air fryers on the other side. These modern appliances require little or no oil to operate. The principle of hot air alone is enough to cook or grill food. With this new way of cooking hot food, you have every chance of eating healthily, i.e. with less saturated fat. The immediate consequence is a balanced diet and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
What are the risks of the air fryer?
The air fryer is a healthy device. Nevertheless, it can entail certain risks when used in the wrong way.
One of the most common is overcooking. When food is overcooked, it can produce harmful compounds such as acrylamide. For those who can’t remember their biology lessons, acrylamide is a chemical substance that can be carcinogenic.
In concrete terms, it is formed mainly in carbohydrate-rich foods. This is the case with potatoes when fried at very high temperatures.
Coating deterioration
Another potential problem is the coating of the appliance. If the inner layer is of poor quality or made of plastic, particles can mix with the food. This not only alters the taste but also represents a health hazard.
Burns
We all know that air fryers work with very hot air. So when you’re handling the appliance, it’s easy to burn your fingers after just a second’s inattention. Specifically, this can happen when removing the basket or checking the cooking process.
Other risks: smoke and odors
Even if it’s a rare occurrence, your machine may produce smoke and unpleasant odors. This is certainly due to food residues burning inside the appliance.
Air fryer health hazard: how to get 100% around it
Still in doubt that the air fryer is a leaky machine? Don’t jump to conclusions. Like any electronic appliance, the air fryer needs to be used properly to give you the best results. Here are a few tips to help you avoid any potential hazards.
Think about protective equipment
We start with burns. To minimize burns, don’t hesitate to wear insulated gloves. Pliers are another option. They will prove useful for handling hot preparations without direct physical contact.
Don’t forget ventilation
No one wants to choke on odors while preparing their favorite dish. The best way to prevent this is to ensure good ventilation in the room. The aim is simple: to allow fresh air to circulate and eliminate any build-up of smoke. Better still, you can invest in an extractor hood to expel fumes.
The food thermostat for control
It’s an open secret: overcooking is dangerous. And when you think about it, it’s not the air fryer that causes this on purpose, but rather our lack of attention. To avoid the formation of harmful compounds, we recommend the use of an adjustable thermostat. It will help you monitor the cooking temperature with precision.
Regular maintenance of the interior lining
The first rule of thumb: no plastic inner surfaces. Next, take care to regularly check the condition of the lining. When it comes to maintenance, each manufacturer has its methods. If you still have the box, simply consult the instructions in the user manual. And if you’re about to buy a new hot-air fryer, look for a food-grade stainless steel model.