HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR AIR FRYER?

This super quick, convenient cooking fad may not be the diet solution you thought it was...

- SU KARNEY

Loved by celebrity chefs and social media fans alike, it’s no surprise that the air fryer has become the must-own kitchen gadget of the decade. A third of all UK households have one* – including Gordon Ramsay’s – and by the end of last year, demand for air fryers had rocketed by 3,000% as Brits sought ways to save up to 80% on energy costs**.

Easy dinners and cheap running costs aside, this wonder appliance has been lauded for its health benefits too, as it works by circulating hot air to achieve a fried finish without all the oil. But just how healthy is it really? Our experts give us the lowdown.

Lower fat method

Compared to deep-frying, the benefits of air-frying are undeniable. ‘Combining a powerful fan with high heat, an air fryer only requires small amounts of oil to cook food, while still retaining the crispy effect of deep-frying,’ says registered nutritional therapist Thalia Pellegrini***. In fact, there can be up to a 90% reduction in the amount of oil left in food after air frying, compared with deep-frying, she adds.

That said, if you mainly oven-bake your food, there’s less of a difference when it comes to health – though the budding chef may miss that delicious air-fried crunch, and cooking time will be longer.

When to watch out

Before you rush to buy your machine, consider these cons:

THEY CAN DRAW OUT HEALTHY FATS