AIR fryers are gaining popularity, promising that fitness fans will enjoy unhealthy fried food with no added guilt.
The kitchen-top gadget is a very small cooker that uses roughly half the energy of a regular cooker, making it a bit of a money-saving hack too.
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It does not fry food, despite the name.
It recreates the crispiness of fried food without adding any fat.
Unfortunately, there is not much research on the most popular fryers.
Research has shown that oil frying can lead to the formation of dangerous compounds. Examples include acrylamide.
This compound is found in certain foods that are high-heat cooked, such as deep-frying.
According to theInternational Agency for Research on Cancer, acrylamide may have links to the development of some cancers, including endometrial, ovarian, pancreatic, breast, and oesophageal cancer.
By switching to air frying, people can lower the risk of having acrylamide in their food.
However, experts warn that there may be drawbacks to these magical devices.
According to experts, air-frying food can produce harmful compounds like polycyclic aromatic HCcarbons and heterocyclic aminoamines.The National Cancer Institute.
According to the body, these compounds are associated with cancer.
Medical professionals believe that these devices could be very beneficial – provided they are used properly.
Dr Rachel Ward a GP from Woodlands Medical Centre, Didcot, said one of her “main concerns”Currently, patients can’t afford to heat and feed their families due to the current cost of living crisis.
“One thing an air fryer offers in an energy efficient way of cooking food, so this is positive,”She elaborated.
“It also uses much less fat that deep frying food which is an obvious health benefit.”
Her concern was that those who use air fryers may resort to a “repetitive diet”.
She stated, “It seems obvious that you cook meat and potatoes. However, people may be less inclined towards vegetable dishes and getting their ‘five-a day’ in.
“If you are going to use an air fryer as your main method of cooking, make sure you still have balance in your diet and get all the nutrients you need.”
Dr Sarah Jarvis is a GP and clinical consultant. Patient.infosAccording to the Air Fryer Association, air fryers can be used to help people lose weight or manage their weight.
“The theory of air fryers is that they provide the taste and crispiness of food with up to 75 per cent less oil and therefore fewer calories.”
How does an air fryer work?
The appliance operates a bit like a convection oven.
Hot air is created by a heating element, and this is then circulated around the food by a fan.
The veggies or meat you put in there are held up in the basket, allowing the hot air to cook all sides of the food.
An air fryer is a better option than traditional frying. It will crisp up your food and prevent it from sticking to your basket.