An air fryer is a benchtop kitchen appliance that cooks food by circulating hot air around it, much like an oven. It usually looks like a large rice cooker (or a mini-oven, if it’s an air-fryer oven) and contains a removable tray that can be filled with food and easily put back inside. Dual air fryers (otherwise called twin or double air fryers) are available for households wanting the convenience of cooking two dishes at the same time, including at different temperatures. These typically come with 8L-9L capacities (including twin baskets).

　　One of the main benefits of air fryers is that they’re claimed to use significantly less oil than other appliances, such as deep fryers (about 70%-80% less), to cook similar foods, resulting in healthier meals. They are also easy to use and should require little to no maintenance. In addition, they make the process of frying less messy because there are no grease spatters escaping an open pan.

　　An air-fryer oven is a small benchtop oven that works the same way as a regular air fryer, but offers more versatility in cooking method options (similar to multi-cookers). Air-fryer ovens can usually function as an oven, rotisserie and dehydrator, in addition to air-frying. They differ to a standard, full-size convection or fan-forced oven that would typically offer additional cooking modes, including air-fry.

　　Air fryers use rapid air technology, another term for the circulation of hot air, to cook foods that would otherwise be dipped in oil, such as chips and chicken. With the help of an exhaust fan that sits above the cooking chamber, plus a perforated basket or cage, the appliance circulates hot air (up to 200°C) throughout the cavity and heats the dish from all angles at the same temperature, allowing the dish to cook evenly and become nice and crispy.

　　Air fryers additionally come with an internal cooling system that includes a fan mounted on the motor axis to control the internal temperature and makes sure that fresh air passes through the filters.

　　Since air fryers have many of the same features and settings, cost and size will ultimately be your biggest considerations. Our survey found that price swayed most of our respondents (31%), followed by ease of use (22%) and size (11%).

　　Here are some must-have features and attachments to look out for in an air fryer:

　　Drawer and frying basket: Air fryers typically have a removable drawer and perforated basket to hold food, which allows hot air to circulate and so cooks the food from all sides.

　　Adjustable temperature: Air fryers usually have a temperature range of 30°C-200°C and can be adjusted in 10°C increments.

　　Built-in timer: Most air fryer models feature either a dial or digital controls to set cooking periods.

　　Additional cooking settings: Extra pre-set modes available on air fryers often include reheat and keep-warm. Some air fryers also allow toasting, grilling, roasting and baking .

　　Drip tray: This collects any excess oil and fat created during cooking.

　　Dishwasher-safe parts: Air fryers often have multiple parts that can be washed in a dishwasher, as well as non-stick coatings to prevent food residue sticking to the basket and drawer.

　　Air fryers can cost anywhere between $60 and $700. Our latest survey results found many consumers stuck towards wallet-friendly models, spending an average of $132 on a new air fryer. Keep in mind that air-fryer ovens tend to be more expensive than basket air fryers because they usually have a much larger cooking capacity.

　　How much food you can fit in an air fryer might be less than is claimed by the manufacturer, particularly because air fryers can’t be packed to the brim otherwise the food won’t cook thoroughly and evenly. For example, a 3.8L model may only fit up to 700g of chips. As such, opt for at least a 4.2L model that can handle a wide range of food options.

　　Air fryers are worth purchasing if you’re looking for a simple way to cook small batches of food, such as snacks and side dishes, fast. They’re not a perfect substitute for deep fryers because air fryers don’t work well with ‘wet’ food such as battered items. Here are a few advantages and disadvantages of buying an air fryer:

　　Over one- third (36%) of consumers we surveyed said their air fryer was their favourite appliance in the kitchen, and almost half (47%) also found that they used their other cooking appliances less since having bought an air fryer . Most respondents bought an air fryer as a healthier alternative to frying because it uses less oil (33%), and because it was quicker than other cooking methods (24%).

　　There are a range of food items that can be easily cooked in an air fryer, including frozen foods, raw meats, vegetables, baked foods and nuts.

　　Almost any frozen food you would put in an oven can be cooked in the heat air of an air fryer. The most common one is chips but you can also do snacks such as chicken nuggets, fish sticks and potato gems. Cooking times vary but tend to be around 10 minutes.

　　Some air fryers come with accessories such as a baking cage or grill pan that allow the cooking of meat in your air fryer. A whole roast chicken can be done in about 30 minutes, while some cooks say roast pork and BBQ ribs can done in as little as 10 minutes. Other popular meats that can be cooked in an air fryer include burger patties, steaks and lamb chops.

　　Vegetables you’d typically grill can also be cooked in an air fryer, with common choices including capsicum and cauliflower can be grilled in the machine. Some models come with a round ceramic bowl with a stirring paddle that allows you to fry green vegetables like you would in a skillet. Other veggies you can cook in an air fryer include peppers, corn, zucchini, kale and asparagus.

　　You have the option to cook using non-stick baking dishes in your air fryer, which can be very useful for baking small items like cupcakes, muffins and even lasagnes. Small baked goods can be cooked in as little as 10 minutes. If you plan on baking with your air fryer, look for a model that comes with a baking dish.

　　Roasting peanuts, almonds and any other type of nut can be done with your air fryer. Peanuts and almonds take about 10 minutes, whereas walnuts will be ready to go in less than eight minutes.

　　Despite their many uses, there are still a lot of foods and snacks that you shouldn’t put in an air fryer. This includes wet battered-coated foods, certain vegetables and pasta and rice.

　　Batter-coated food is generally not suited for air frying, since the fast-moving air can push away the wet batter from the food and spray it all the interior of the air fryer. Some cooks have had success by frying the batter-coated pieces in a pan first and then frying them in an air fryer once the exterior is sealed, but this will make the cooking process longer.

　　Vegetables that are usually steamed, such as beans, may not fare so well in an air fryer but carrot, which is often steamed, could be roasted in an air fryer.

　　Since their primary function is frying, it goes without saying that foods you generally boil, such as pasta and rice, aren’t suitable for use in an air fryer. For these, the old-fashioned way of boiling water is still best. Alternatively, you can get a rice cooker.

　　There are several attachments that can help you make the most of your air fryer. Here are just a few:

　　Reversible air-fryer rack: These racks allow the hot air to circulate around the food, similar to baskets, as well as cool your dish once it’s done cooking.

　　Reusable silicone pots: While you can use aluminium foil to prevent food and residue from cooking into the air fryer cavity, you can find plenty of reusable pots and liners that are just as easy to remove for cleaning.

　　Air- fryer grill pan: These pans usually have a perforated or pierced non-stick surface to take advantage of the rapid air technology when searing or grilling food.

　　Baking pan: There baking pans and other bakeware such as ramekins available specifically for baking cakes, bread or pizza in an air fryer .

　　Rotisserie set: A rotisserie cage can be used in some air fryers to achieve a crispy and juicy chicken or roast.