You must have heard about this ‘wonder’ equipment that fries food without the need to submerge it in hot oil. This appliance is able to make food with the same taste and crisp as that of traditional deep frying. It uses little or no oil. How is this device able to do this? Here is a simple explanation on how the air fryer works.
The Various Parts
There are several parts in an air fryer that enable it to do its job. There is a heating element that is located at the top of the appliance. This serves to heat the air inside the fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Below this is the cooking chamber where the actual cooking is done. This cooking chamber is a bowl with many tiny holes that allow air in and out. To enable this air to move around the fryer, it is fitted with an electric fan. This helps the air swirl around the food cooking it. There is also an exhaust system that has filters to reduce the pressure inside the appliance and absorb the smell of the food. Also fitted on air fryers are controls and timers that can be easily accessed from the front of the appliance. These are used in selecting the desired settings for cooking various dishes.
The Science
All air fryers apply a technology known as the Rapid Air Technology. The heating element releases heat that is then spread throughout the cooking chamber with the aid of the fan. This hot air hits the food from all parts and cooks it. The rapid movement of air is what gives food the crisp finish similar to the one achieved by deep frying. When the timer elapses, the heating element is stopped and the exhaust system removes the hot air. You can now enjoy your tasty food.
Steps in Using an Air Fryer
- Place your food in the food chamber. To get more crispy results, spray the top with some oil.
- Set the time and temperature. This will depend on the food you are cooking. The time can be anywhere between 5 and 25 minutes. It will take a shorter time compared to cooking using other methods.
- Allow the food to cook. Depending on your recipe, you may need to turn the food when it is halfway cooked.
- Clean out the cooking chamber and wash the bowl. Wipe the outside with a damp piece of cloth.
An air fryer makes it possible to enjoy tasty and crispy foods without taking in the many calories deep frying adds to it. You use way less oil and get the same outcome. With an understanding of how air fryers work you can now decide if you want one. Start checking out some recipes you can try.
We also found a decent video on the tubes that showcases it:
