Have you discovered "oil-free fryers" but don't know if they really work? Many users have doubts about its benefits, if they are really effective frying, if they are healthy and even if they are dietary.
In this article we clarify all doubts analyzing how they work, what results they offer and much more. Discover its advantages and disadvantages!
▷ Can You Fry Without Oil?
It is the first thing that came to mind when they told me about these Deep Fryers, because frying without oil sounds contradictory, and it really is.
For fry properly, food must be fully immersed in very hot oil, and there is no other way to achieve the same result. So do not expect to buy a hot air one and that your food will be the same as in the electric fryers conventional, because you will be disappointed.
However, if you like to take care of your diet and you don't want to give up croquettes or chips altogether, they can be a very good option. Read on and find out how they really work!
▷ Operation of Hot Air Fryers
Although they are called oilless fryers, yes they use it, usually about a tablespoon. Each model has different specifications and functions, but the basic principle of operation is the same for all.
An electrical resistance heats the air, It is circulated with fans among the foods impregnated in a thin layer of oil. With this system it is achieved that the food remains golden on the outside, as if they were fried, but they do not get the same flavor or texture as crunchy.
As you can see, it would be more correct to say that they are mini convection ovens or even hot air fryers. It really is not a revolutionary new technology, but It has its advantages and there are people who are delighted with this small appliance.
▷ Advantages of Fryers without Oil
Like everything in life, these new fryers have their advantages but also weak points. Let's see the most outstanding ones:
✔ Meals less fat than in conventional fryers.
✔ You save money on Oil, since they only use one tablespoon.
✔ They are cleaner: They avoid splashes, fumes and odors.
✔ They are easy to use: They do not require attention while filling.
✔ They are easy to clean: Most are dishwasher safe.
✔ They are versatile: They can be used to prepare hundreds of recipes.
▷ Disadvantages of Air Fryers
⚠ Price superior to Conventional Fryers
⚠ Food less crunchy than in normal frying
⚠ In general they are somewhat slower (Varies between models and depending on load)
⚠ Needs adaptation period to get the point
Some believe that they consume more electrical energy because they are slower than conventional ones, but this is not entirely correct. Keep in mind that the power is usually lower than conventional fryers and ovens, which makes up for the time.
Video about its Operation
Although it is in English, in this video you can clearly see how fryers cook with hot rapid air technology.
▷ Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most frequent doubts that arise when it comes to Consider whether an oil-free fryer is worth buying.
✅ How are Hot Air Fryers used?
One of the virtues of this type of fryer is the usability, although it is true that at the beginning you have to get the point with the times and the temperature. Beyond this, all you have to do is put the food soaked in a little oil, set the time and temperature and wait. In most models you must stir the food halfway through cooking, but there are fryers with rotation system where it is not necessary and are usually more effective.
✅ Are they healthier and more dietary than the conventional ones?
We have already seen that the type of cooking is more similar to baking than fried. It has always been said that fried ones are more fattening than dishes prepared in the oven, but for us it is an exaggeration to call it a Healthy Fryer.
It is likely that if you regularly eat normal fried foods lose weight with these new healthy fryers, but it is not recommended that they are the basis of your diet. It seems that they had so many virtues that we no longer know what to call them: dietary, steam, with hot air ... what a madness.
As in everything, there are different opinions, and for the OCU They hardly have advantages and yes many drawbacks.
✅ What can be cooked in them?
I still remember the first time they spoke to me, it was a colleague who showed me it just bought to make French fries. It wasn't until quite some time later that I discovered that you could cook a lot more food. Among the most common that you can do are:
✔ Croquettes
✔ Chicken wings or thighs
✔Nuggets
✔ Dumplings
✔ Bacon
✔ Milanese
✔ Pizza
✔ Peppers
✔ Etc ...
To help you get the most out of your hot air fryer, several brands include a recipe book with the purchase. A good complement to not run out of ideas and take better advantage of it.
If it has convinced you, do not miss our oil-free fryers comparison to choose the model that best suits what you are looking for.