• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Flavour and Savour
  • About Me
  • Use of Recipes and Images
  • Appetizers
  • Baking
  • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
  • Gluten-Free Desserts
  • Main Dishes
  • Healthy Salad Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Me
  • Use of Recipes and Images
  • Appetizers
  • Baking
  • Breakfast and Brunch Recipes
  • Gluten-Free Desserts
  • Main Dishes
  • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Air Fryer Recipes » Should you buy an air fryer?

    Should you buy an air fryer?

    Published: Nov 12, 2020 by Elaine · This post may contain Amazon affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This blog generates income via ads · 2 Comments

    Image with text overlay for Should you buy an air fryer?
    Image and text overlay for 10 recipes to make in your air fryer
    Image with text overlay for Do you need an air fryer?
    Images with text overlay for Should you buy an Air Fryer?

    Do you need an air fryer? Is it worth buying? What are the reasons for having one? These are all questions I've been asked lately, and they're the same questions I asked myself before I bought one. Here are my opinions about the advantages and disadvantages to consider before buying an air fryer.

    Text and images for Should you buy an air fryer?

    What's all the hype about air fryers?

    Air fryers have become incredibly popular in the last couple of years as more and more cooks discover just what this kitchen appliance can do. But do YOU need one? Is an air fryer worth it?

    For those of you who have asked me, and for those of you wondering if it's worth it, I've written a short guide to help you make your decision. Should you buy an air fryer? Read on for my opinions on the pros and cons of buying an air fryer.

    What is an air fryer? How does it work?

    An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that sits on your countertop. It's like a very efficient countertop convection oven. It cooks food with electric heat that is circulated by fans. Hot air helps to dry and crisp the surface of your food while keeping the inside moist.

    The pros: What are the advantages?

    An air fryer uses a minimal amount of oil to get that same deep-fried flavour you'd achieve using a traditional deep-fat fryer. (I don't own a deep-fat fryer, and I don't eat foods fried in a lot of oil very often, so I when I bought my air fryer I wasn't trying to replace a deep-fat fryer.) The little bit of oil used helps to brown your food and adds extra crispy deliciousness.

    It cooks food faster than using your oven or even your convection oven. It reaches higher temperatures much faster than preheating your oven: 3 minutes as opposed to 10 or 15 minutes.

    It's easy to use. Mine is a basic model so there was nothing confusing at all about learning how to use it.

    Clean up is a breeze! We comment on this advantage almost every time we use it. It's easy to wipe clean. If any food sticks, I let it soak for a few minutes in hot, soapy water, then wipe it away.

    The cons--the disadavantages

    An air fryer takes up space. If you're like me and you like clean countertops, you'll need to assess if you have enough cupboard space to store it. I started by housing it in a cupboard below the counter where I plug it in. Lately, however, I've been using it so often that it seems to have commanded a permanent home on my countertop.

    It's another expense. Air fryers range from less than $100 to several hundred dollars, depending on the features they have.

    You can't cook a large amount of food at one time. Mine (I have the Ninja 3.8L - affiliate link) is perfect for the two of us. If you have a larger family, I'd suggest looking at models with more space or with racks so you don't have to cook food in batches.

    If you already have a convection oven, why would you need an air fryer?

    It cooks food faster. There may be less chance of food drying out and being overcooked.

    You can use it for a variety of non-fried foods, too. It's great for toasting nuts, cooking vegetables, and even desserts. It's also great for reheating leftovers. Reheating leftovers in an air fryer produces food with a better texture than using a microwave.

    You don't want to heat your oven for a quick snack or small amount of food.

    However, if I'm cooking a large amount of food, for example, a couple of trays of roasted vegetables for a family dinner, or a sheet pan dinner, the convection feature on my regular oven is the obvious choice.

    I've heard that it's great for cooking foods like frozen french fries, chicken nuggets, or tater tots. These aren't food that I normally eat, so I'll just have to take others' word for it. However, I have roasted small cubes of potato, sweet potato, and butternut squash and they were absolutely delicious!

    So, the bottom line is . . . ?

    Is it worth it to buy an air fryer? If you have space, like to cook and try new recipes, and can afford another kitchen appliance, you might find using an air fryer is an efficient use of your time. It's perfect for cooking small batches in less time than it takes to preheat your oven.

    Which is the best air fryer to buy?

    I can't advise you with this question! There are so many on the market now, with lots of different features.

    But here are things to consider:

    • How many people will I be cooking for?
    • How much space do I have to store it?
    • What features are important to me? (For example, some air fryers have two levels so you can cook two different foods at the same time. Some work as both a pressure cooker and an air fryer.)
    • How much do I want to spend?

    I bought mine on a whim one day while I was in Costco and noticed it was on sale. It seems to be just right for my needs. Here's a link so you can see if it would work for you, too.

    What can you air fry?

    If you're thinking an air fryer might be right for you, I've included 10 Air Fryer Recipes here to tempt you!

    Air fryer chicken recipes

    Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken
    This easy recipe for garlic parmesan chicken makes the best juicy tender chicken thighs or breasts with a crispy, flavourful coating! This chicken cooks unbelievably quickly in an air fryer.
    Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken
    Two Air Fried Chicken Thighs close up view
    Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thighs on a plate with salad
    Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Wings
    These easy Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken wings are finger-licking good crispy wings with a rich sweet and salty teriyaki sauce.
    Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Wings
    Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Wings in a white round dish
    Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Wings with dipping sauce
    Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Wings
    The best garlic parmesan chicken wings, cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer. These air fryer wings are juicy inside and perfectly crispy outside due to a magic ingredient! An always popular bar or pub snack, now you can make them at home.
    Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Wings
    Overhead view of Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings on a round blue plate
    close up overhead view of garlic parmesan chicken wings on a blue plate

    Appetizer recipes

    Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates
    Sweet dates, smoky bacon and creamy cheese, all in one tasty bite! These Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates make a delicious finger food appetizer.
    Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Dates
    Close up view of stuffed dates wrapped in bacon
    Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Dates on toothpicks
    Prawn and Chorizo Skewers with Lemon Dip
    Skewered shrimp or prawns with spicy Spanish chorizo sausage make a delicious appetizer. Cook these quickly in an air fryer and serve this finger food with lemon dipping sauce for extra flavour and fun!
    Prawn and Chorizo Skewers with Lemon Dip
    Prawn and Chorizo Skewers with lemon slice
    Overhead view of prawn chorizo skewers with lemon dip on the side
    Air Fryer Shishito Peppers with Lemon Aioli
    An appetizer that everyone loves! Air Fryer Blistered Shishito Peppers make a fun appetizer to serve with Lemon Aioli Dip.
    Air Fryer Shishito Peppers with Lemon Aioli
    Air Fryer Shishito Peppers with Lemon Aioli Dip on a serving board
    Air Fryer Shishito Peppers with Lemon Aioli Dip with lemon slices

    Vegetable side dishes

    Air Fryer Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
    Crispy air-fried Brussels sprouts seasoned with balsamic vinegar and bacon make a crave-worthy side dish! This Ninja air fryer recipe makes a gluten-free, keto-friendly side dish you'll want to make again and again!
    Air Fryer Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
    Brussels Sprouts with bacon in serving dish
    Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in a black serving dish with a black and white checkered cloth beside it.
    Air Fryer (or Oven) Roasted Carrots with Feta and Pistachios
    Learn how to cook carrots in an air fryer or how to roast carrots in the oven to make these flavourful Mediterranean Roasted Carrots with Feta and Pistachios.
    Air Fryer (or Oven) Roasted Carrots with Feta and Pistachios
    Roasted Carrots topped with Feta Cheese, pistachios and parsley
    Carrots with Feta and Pistachios sprinkled with parsley
    Sesame Miso Air Fryer Asparagus
    Learn to cook asparagus in an air fryer to make Asparagus with Sesame Miso Sauce. This vegetarian and vegan side dish makes tender, slightly crispy asparagus with amazing flavours.
    Sesame Miso Air Fryer Asparagus
    Roasted Asparagus with Sesame Miso Sauce on a square white dish
    Air Fryer Asparagus with Sesame Miso sauce close up

    Air Fryer Dessert Recipe

    Air Fryer Cherry Almond Crisp
    Cherry Almond Crisp cooked in ramekin dishes in an air fryer makes a delicious, gluten-free mini dessert.
    Air Fryer Cherry Almond Crisp
    Two ramekins with Cherry Almond Crisp with a dish of ice cream
    A spoonful of Air Fryer Cherry Almond Crisp with ice cream
    Image and text overlay for 10 recipes to make in your air fryer

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Elizabeth

      November 24, 2020 at 5:31 am

      Thank you so much. I love my Airfryer and now have these delicious recipes to share with my family.

      Reply
      • Flavour & Savour

        November 24, 2020 at 10:19 am

        You're welcome! I love having an air fryer, too!

        Reply

    Leave a comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    Find the perfect recipe

    Elaine from Flavour and Savour

    Welcome! I'm Elaine

    Gluten-free Made Easy!

    I create delicious gluten-free recipes that everyone can make. I’m here to show you that gluten-free eating doesn’t have to be complicated! I’ll help you make healthy meals that you’ll want to share with family and friends. About Me!

    Popular Posts

    • Two mugs of affogato coffee.
      How to Make an Affogato Coffee Dessert
    • A slice of one-bowl flourless lemon almond cake topped with strawberries and a mint leaf.
      One-Bowl Flourless Lemon Almond Cake
    • two flutes of rhubarb prosecco cocktail
      Rhubarb Bellini Prosecco Cocktail
    • a bowl of roasted rainbow carrots
      Roasted Carrots with Honey-Mustard Glaze

    Spring Favourites

    • Image with text for gluten-free desserts for Easter and Spring.
      Gluten-Free Desserts for Easter and Spring
    • Cherry Crisp with ice cream
      Cherry Crisp with Frozen Cherries
    • pouring honey-lime vinaigrette on kiwi cuc
      Kiwi Cucumber Salad with Walnuts and Fresh Mint
    • strawberry spinach salad with strawberry vinaigrette
      Strawberry Spinach Salad with Strawberry Dressing
    Brands that feature Flavour and Savour.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    About Me

    Privacy Policy

    Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    SIGN UP HERE

    for weekly recipes and tips!

    Contact

    Contact me

    Use of Recipes and Images

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Copyright © 2015 - 2023