Air Fryer Myths Busted!

1. It fries your food

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As the name is Air Fryer, you'd probably assume that the cooking method used is frying. But it's false. The main method of cooking is actually baking, with an element of frying too. The air fryer uses a convection current which creates the outer crispy texture which is similar to the result from frying, but it's a different process from a frying technique.

2. They use no oil

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False! The Aur Fryer does actually use oil, albeit it is a LOT less than conventional frying methods. In fact, it is thought that an air fryer uses 75% less oil which is a massive reduction. But it is not true that it doesn't use any, they do use a little bit of oil which is necessary to get the crispy texture that has become synonymous with air frying.

3. You can't use them for wet foods

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It's a complete myth that air fryers can only be used for dry foods. That's not true whatsoever. In fact, you can to an extent cook the majority of foods in an air fryer. For example, people don't realize that you can put a curry straight into the air fryer and it will cook it! The liquid is completely fine to be cooked in the air fryer, despite the common misconception that it's not.

4. They're only good for frying

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'They're only good for frying' is a myth that has to be busted because it's not really true. For one, we've already debunked the myth that the air fryer is just an air fryer. And two, the air fryer cooks things that would never fry. For example, things you would usually put in the oven you can instead put it in the air fryer. It will provide more of a baked texture for certain foods, such as potatoes and veggies.

5. They're super expensive

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Air fryers are NOT super expensive. There are all different kinds of brands out there so they can vary massively in price. But there are some very inexpensive or affordable options out there. In fact, air fryers are considered one of the cheaper ways to cook in comparison to things such as an oven! You can easily find a whole range for under 100 dollars.

6. They're a fad

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There was so much in the media about air fryers that it led to a lot of people questioning whether it was just a fad that was being pushed onto customers. But this is a myth because air fryers genuinely do work. In fact, many people now rely predominantly on, or in some cases solely on air fryers and continue to do so even after the hype has died down.

7. They're hard to keep clean

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Some people say that air fryers are super hard to clean. Yet this is a complete myth. In relation to other cooking equipment, they are actually relatively easy. The baskets and air fryers are often dishwasher safe meaning that there's no fuss in cleaning them up. Plus, you can insert reusable liners into the trays to be washed so that any grease or sauce isn't dripping into the internals of the air fryer.

8. They remove all the fat from foods

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So there's a myth that when you eat food that has been prepared in an air fryer that there's no fat. Now this is a myth! But, it does reduce the fat content of food. So although it's not true that there is no fat in the food, there is some truth in the myth in the fact that the fat content is reduced. This means that it's a hugely appealing selling point to many people.

9. They're for people who can't cook

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There was initially some stigma around the idea that air fryers are for people who can't cook and don't know how, or for people who are really bad at cooking because air fryers make it very easy. But this isn't the case. Air fryers are quicker, and have less fat content so they appeal to all kinds of chefs. And air frying doesn't take away from the quality of the food.

10. They're hard to use

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Air fryers are NOT hard to sue. This is absolutely a myth. They're by no means foolproof contraptions, they may take some time to learn which setting and timings are best to suit what food. But in comparison to other kinds of cooking, they are much easier because you put the food into the fryer, and then often there is a setting where you can select the time. Then, voila...it's done!

11. They produce the Maillard reaction

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The Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction that occurs between amino acids when they become exposed to heat. The reaction is what causes the golden/ crispy texture and color of foods. So it is true that air fryers cause this reaction and this is what gives the iconic crisps of an air fryer. This reaction is very natural and it is not thought to be a harmful process.

12. They make everything super crispy

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They can make things very crispy, yes! And because we often see foods in the air fryer that are crispy, this is because people like the texture that the air fryer gives to these kinds of foods which is why people specifically choose foods that can crisp. But they don't make everything crisp, it completely depends on what you are cooking. If you're cooking something in sauce it will not. But, in general, it does give that iconic crispy texture.

13. It's super healthy

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Air fryers reduce fat content and so in some regards, it can be seen as a healthier option. But air fryers cannot make unhealthy food healthy. It totally depends on what you are cooking in your air fryer. If you are cooking junk food in an air fryer then yes, it may be healthier than cooking it in a  conventional deep-fat fryer, but is it healthy? No.

14. It can cause cancer

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You may have heard of recent claims suggesting that air fryers can cause cancer. Air fryers themselves do not cause cancer. However, there's a process that happens in the air fryer which forms certain chemicals that have been deemed possible carcinogens that have been linked to cancer. And so recent studies have picked up on chemicals in the air fryer which may be harmful to our health.

15. It's just like using a microwave

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There has also been a stigma around the fact that using the air fryer is like microwaving food. This is false. The processes of an air fryer and a microwave are not the same. And air frying is much more like using other methods of cooking. However, because it's a lot faster than some other forms of cooking. The reason people assume it's similar is simply because it is deemed fast and easy!

16. You can't put frozen foods inside

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You can't put frozen foods inside an air fryer to cook - MYTH. You absolutely can do it. In fact, it cooks frozen things very well. It cooks them through very thoroughly and also gives them that outer crisp that people love. You can put almost anything from the freezer right into the air fryer and there's a setting for each thing. You simply press and take it out when it's done!

17. They're very energy inefficient

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The idea that they are very energy inefficient is actually not true. Of course, there are not many current cooking methods that are super energy efficient and widely available on the market. But, the air fryer in comparison to other methods such as an over actually uses a lot less energy. So in comparison to standard methods of cooking, it is actually one of the more energy-efficient options available.

18. They don't last long

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Another myth is that air fryers do not last long. People believe that the longevity isn't guaranteed and that they have a short life span before having to buy a new one. But this also is not true. Air fryers can last for many, many years. Especially if they are kept well and are cleaned effectively after being used, they will last a very long time.

19. They cook everything the same

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So there's a misconception that you may have heard that when you cook with an air fryer it makes everything taste the same. And while it does cook with the same method and technique, the air fryer doesn't alter the flavor of the original food. So to say it makes all food taste the same would be a big myth. To say it gives food a similar texture would be more accurate.

20. They're only for savory dishes

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Not many people have released that air fryers are not just for savory foods. You can cook all sorts of desserts in the air fryer. For example, you can cook frozen desserts or fresh desserts. So you can use the air fryer for starter, main, and dessert, they are super flexible. In fact, there are more air fryer desserts becoming trends on social media as people start to discover the dessert possibilities too!

21. They're just a passing trend

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Air fryers did blow up in the media in the last couple of years. But, they are not just a passing trend because air fryers have actually been popular for several years. It seems that they are definitely here to stay because people have adjusted to the new, easy cooking style. And contrary to belief they are not a new thing. They just gained more traction and popularity.

22. They're unsafe to use

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Air fryers are not generally unsafe to use. Of course, all ways of cooking have some safety concerns or potential for injury. But in general air fryers are very safe contraptions. They are actually safer to use than other forms. Because the food is in the air fryer and you press a button, there is less chance to burn yourself. With frying or cooking the food is more exposed.

23. They dry out food

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There is a concern for some people that the air fryer saps all of the moisture out of your food. This is also a big myth and not the case at all. If the food is overcooked the food may dry out. But if the air fryer is used to the best of its ability the food will still be moist on the inside and perhaps nice and crispy on the outside. So no, it should not dry out your food!

24. They are super loud

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Air fryers do make a distinctive noise but it is relatively quiet and on a scale of loudness it is definitely on the low side. So it is a myth that air fryers are loud and disruptive. In comparison to oven cooking, it is more loud as the oven is usually silent. But, air fryers are not loud and they make a steady sound while they are being used but it is by no means disruptive.

25. They're for simple meals

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Nope, air fryers do not have to be for simple meals only. They certainly CAN be. Just as they can also be used to show off your cooking prowess and make a complex meal that you then cook in the air fryer. The method of cooking does not have to affect the kind of thing you choose to cook, it's simply an alternative way to cook it once the preparation has been done.

26. They can make you sick

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There are people who have restrained from buying an air fryer because they think that the food it cooks will make them sick. This stems from a  disbelief that the air fryer can cook and heat things thoroughly, but this is false. Of course, there is the ability to cook things wrong in the air fryer which can make you sick - as with any cooking device. But the air fryer if used properly will not!

27. You can't cook multiple foods

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You absolutely can cook multiple foods. The idea that an air fryer can only cook one food type at a time is a huge myth. In fact, you can use different compartments of the air fryer for different foods all to cook at the same time. If they have different cooking times you simply take one thing out first and allow the rest to keep on cooking for longer!

28. They're only for one person

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Air fryers are by no means only suited to a one-person household as some people believe. It has been said that air fryers are for people alone or for people only cooking for one. But this is simply not true. You can cook for an entire family using an air fryer, as many actually do! You can fit multiple things in at once to achieve whatever kind of meal you want to prepare for family or friends.

29. You can't cook meat safely

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There have been some voices concerning cooking meat in the air fryer and whether you can manage to do it safely, for example, if it reaches a temperature where the meat is fully cooked and can be deemed safe enough to eat. People are unsure whether the bacteria are killed effectively. But this is all a myth and meat absolutely can be safely cooked in an air fryer.

30. They require a special kind of oil

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Some people think that to have an air fryer it takes some special kind of oil or special ingredients to make it work. But that's not true at all. You can use any kind of oil and it will work with pretty much any ingredient which is the beauty of the hassle-free air fryer! Once you buy it, you don't need anything else it's just as easy as putting your food in and pulling it out.