Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years, offering a convenient, healthier way to cook crispy, delicious meals. However, with their rise in popularity, numerous myths and misconceptions about air fryers have also emerged. Some believe air fryers completely replace ovens, while others assume they are only useful for frying foods.
In this post, we will debunk common air fryer myths and uncover the real facts behind these claims. If you are considering buying an air fryer in Singapore or want to make the most out of your existing one, this guide will help you separate fact from fiction.
Myth 1: Air Fryers Are the Same as Deep Fryers
One of the biggest misconceptions about air fryers is that they work just like deep fryers. Many assume that an air fryer will produce the exact same crispy, oil-soaked results as traditional deep frying.
Fact: Air Fryers Use Hot Air, Not Oil, to Cook Food
Unlike deep fryers, which submerge food in hot oil, air fryers use rapid air circulation technology to cook and crisp food. This process is similar to a convection oven but on a smaller, more powerful scale. While air-fried foods can achieve a crispy texture, they do not have the greasy finish of deep-fried foods.
That said, using a light coating of oil can enhance crispiness and help prevent food from drying out in an air fryer.
Myth 2: You Do Not Need Oil for Air Frying
Many advertisements claim that air fryers cook completely oil-free, leading people to believe that they should never use oil when air frying.
Fact: A Small Amount of Oil Enhances Texture and Flavour
While it is true that air fryers require far less oil than deep frying, adding a small amount of oil (typically one teaspoon to one tablespoon) helps food crisp up better.
Here are ideal ways to use oil in an air fryer:
- Lightly coat food with olive oil, avocado oil, or vegetable oil.
- Use an oil spray bottle to apply a fine mist evenly.
- Avoid oils with low smoke points, such as butter or unrefined coconut oil.
This technique is especially useful when cooking vegetables, ensuring they become golden and crisp rather than dry or rubbery.
Myth 3: Air Fryers Can Replace Ovens Completely
With their convenience and speed, some people assume that air fryers can completely replace traditional ovens for all types of cooking.
Fact: Air Fryers Complement Ovens but Do Not Replace Them
While air fryers excel at cooking small portions and reheating food faster than ovens, they have limitations when it comes to larger meals.
Here is how air fryers compare to ovens:
Cooking Time:
- Air Fryer: Faster (due to rapid air circulation)
- Conventional Oven: Slower but better for even cooking
Capacity:
- Air Fryer: Smaller basket (good for 1 to 3 servings)
- Conventional Oven: Large capacity for baking or roasting
Energy Use:
- Air Fryer: More energy-efficient for small meals
- Conventional Oven: Uses more power for large meals
For small kitchens or quick meals, air fryers are a fantastic addition, but they may not be ideal for large roasts or multi-tray baking.
Myth 4: Air Fryers Can Cook Everything
Some users believe that an air fryer can perfectly cook any type of food, from meats and vegetables to soups and stews.
Fact: Air Fryers Work Best for Certain Types of Food
While air fryers are versatile, they are not suitable for every type of dish.
Best foods for air frying:
- Frozen foods (e.g., fries, nuggets, spring rolls)
- Meats and poultry (e.g., chicken wings, salmon, pork chops)
- Vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, asparagus, potatoes)
- Baked goods (e.g., cookies, muffins, banana bread)
Not ideal for air frying:
- Soups or stews (liquids may damage the air fryer’s interior)
- Large cuts of meat (slow roasting is better in an oven)
- Very light foods (such as leafy greens, which may fly around due to high air circulation)
Myth 5: Air Fryers Are Expensive to Run
Some people worry that air fryers consume too much electricity, making them expensive to use regularly.
Fact: Air Fryers Are More Energy-Efficient Than Ovens
Compared to traditional ovens, air fryers use less power because they:
- Heat up faster, reducing preheating time.
- Cook food quicker, using energy for shorter durations.
- Use smaller heating elements, requiring less power.
On average, an air fryer uses about 1.5 kWh per hour, whereas an oven can use up to 2.5 kWh per hour. Over time, this can lead to noticeable energy savings.
Myth 6: Air-Fried Food Is Always Healthier
Air fryers are marketed as a healthier alternative to deep frying, but does that mean all air-fried food is automatically healthy?
Fact: It Depends on What You Cook and How You Prepare It
Air frying reduces oil consumption, making it healthier than deep frying. However, if you are cooking processed frozen foods (like frozen fries or breaded nuggets), they still contain preservatives, sodium, and unhealthy fats.
To truly maximise the health benefits of air frying:
- Cook fresh ingredients like vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains.
- Avoid excess oil and use herbs, spices, and natural seasonings.
- Experiment with healthy food alternatives to make Singaporean favourites guilt-free.
Final Thoughts
Air fryers are an excellent addition to any kitchen, but it is important to separate facts from myths. While they offer a healthier and more energy-efficient way to cook, they have their limitations and work best when used correctly.
Key Takeaways
- Air fryers do not work like deep fryers—they use hot air, not oil.
- A small amount of oil helps improve crispiness.
- Air fryers cannot fully replace ovens, especially for large meals.
- They are not suitable for every type of food, such as soups or stews.
- Air fryers are energy-efficient and cost less to run than ovens.
- Healthy cooking still depends on ingredients and preparation methods.
With the right cooking techniques and accessories, air fryers can help you create delicious, crispy, and healthier meals while saving time and energy.
