Air Fryer: The New Home Kitchen Best Friend Every Indian Home Is Raving About.

Is Air Frying Actually Healthy? The Honest Truth for Indian Kitchens

If you have been scrolling through Instagram, watching YouTube cooking tutorials, or talking to your friends about the quick recipes, you have likely heard this word numerous times - Air Fryer. Several years back, it sounded like an expensive device that was only used in foreign kitchens. It has gradually made its way into Indian households today, whether it is in the small apartments or the large family homes.

However, what is an air fryer? Why is it that everyone is using it? And does it really come in handy when it comes to Indian cooking? We can discuss it simply and in a friendly manner as one friend explains things to the other over a cup of chai.

What Is an Air Fryer, Simply Stated?

An air fryer is a kitchen gadget that will assist you to prepare food with the assistance of hot air rather than a significant amount of oil. It provides food with a crunchy coating, just like deep frying, but with a lot less oil.

Think of it like this:

It does not actually fry in the conventional meaning. It is more of smart-roasting using hot air, though the end product appears and tastes fried.

Why Air Fryers are so popular in India?

The reasons why air fryers are becoming a household in Indian kitchen are numerous.

1. Health Comes First Now :

Nowadays a lot of us are attempting to eat healthier, less oil, less junk, more home cooked. Air fryers will save you the use of oil without having to forego your favourite snacks such as fries, pakoras or cutlets.

2. Busy Lifestyle

Who has time to be by the stove long when there is office work, studies, traffic, and family duties? An air fryer saves time. You place the food in it, enter the time and sit back.

3. Less Mess, Less Cleaning

No oil spills, no greasy cooker, no big kadai to wash. This in itself is a major reason why it is popular with many.

What is Cookable in an Air Fryer?

There is a lot you can do with this machine. It is not only used to freeze snacks!

1. Indian Snacks

Gobi Manchurian, Paneer Tikka, and even Aloo Tikki can be made in an air fryer. All you need to do is to lightly sprinkle the pieces with a small amount of oil and spices and leave the rest to the machine. I have recently attempted preparing Bhindi Fry (Okra) in mine, and it was crispy without becoming a greasy mess.

2. Main Courses

You may roast a whole chicken, you may cook fish fillets, or you may make tandoori style vegetables. The concentration of the heat makes the meat juicy inside and provides a nice char on the outside.

3. Baking

Yes, you can bake in it! Brownies, muffins or even a small cake can be put in the basket in small batches. That is awesome when you are a little family and do not have to switch on a huge oven to bake six cupcakes.

4. Roasting Nuts and Papad

We Indians are fond of our roasted masala peanuts and papad. You do not have to stand over a gas flame and burn your fingers, you can simply put them in the air fryer and leave them there a minute or two.

Before Purchasing, Things to Keep in Mind.

You should know a few things before you run to the store or open your favorite shopping application.

1. Size Matters

Air fryers are available in various sizes, which are typically measured in litres.

• 2 to 3 Litres: Ideal when there is one or two individuals.
• 4 to 5 Litres: A typical Indian family of four.
• 6 or more Litres: Good when you have frequent guests or a very large family.

2. Space on the Counter

These machines are somewhat bulky. Ensure that you have a specific place in your kitchen where there is a power outlet. It must also have some space behind it since it expels hot air at the back.

3. Electricity Usage

Air fryers consume electricity, but not excessively. Still, it is good to be aware.

The Other Side of Air Fryers: Cons You Need to Know Before Using an Air Fryer.

Now, let's be real for a moment. There is no ideal kitchen appliance. Although there are numerous advantages of air fryers, there are also several significant disadvantages that one should know about it, particularly when it comes to using it on a regular basis.

I think that it is always better to be aware of both sides before trusting any gadget completely.

1. Harmful Chemicals Can be formed during high temperature.

This is not what is discussed by many.

A chemical known as acrylonitrile can be formed when foods such as potatoes are cooked at very high temperatures particularly in air fryers. This occurs primarily in starchy foods including:

• French fries
• Aloo snacks
• Chips
• Frozen fried items

Research indicates that acryamide is unhealthy when taken in large amounts in the long run. What is significant to note is that this chemical is more readily formed in air fryers due to the fact that they apply high dry heat.

In the conventional oil frying, the food is enclosed in oil, which at times minimizes direct contact with the extreme dry heat. In certain instances therefore, deep frying can actually result in less harmful compounds than air frying, particularly when the air fryer temperature is excessively high.

This does not imply that air fryers are harmful but one should not use them recklessly.

2. False Sense of Healthy Eating.

Most people believe that, it is air fried, and I can eat as much as I like.

This is risky thinking.

Junk food is junk food even when there is less oil. The frozen snacks, processed foods, and ready-to-cook foods are still unhealthy when consumed frequently, be it in oil or air fryer.

An air fryer is not supposed to make you eat more, but less oil.

3. Plastic Smell and Coating Concerns (Poor Quality Models)

Cheaper air fryers may have:

• Low-quality plastic
• Wearing-off non-stick coating.

These materials can produce unpleasant smells and potentially dangerous fumes when subjected to high temperatures. This is the reason why it is quite essential to purchase a brand that is trusted and not to buy overly cheap models.

The Safer Way to Use an Air Fryer.

There is nothing to fret about you do not have to quit using your air fryer. All you have to do is to use it wisely.

Here are some simple tips:

• Do not use extremely high temperatures unless there is a necessity.
• Don't overcook or burn food
• Air frying of potatoes should be preceded by soaking to minimize toxic substances.
• Eat fresh food rather than frozen processed food.
• Clean the basket regularly

An air fryer may also come in handy when properly used and sometimes.

Final Honest Advice

Air frying is not superior to oil frying in all cases, neither is it a health miracle. It is merely a contemporary cooking alternative that has its advantages and disadvantages.

Utilized sparingly, mindfully and moderately, it may help lead a healthier lifestyle. Worn out, used carelessly and at high temperatures - it may cause new health risks.

As with all things in life, it is all about moderation.