Air Fryer

The air fryer is essentially an amped-up countertop convection oven - it doesn’t actually fry your food. (Although, keep in mind that there’s a difference between air-frying and baking.) Patented by Philips Electronics Company, the small appliance claims to mimic the results of deep-frying with nothing more than hot air and little or no oil.

This gadget has surged in popularity over the last few years - nearly 40% of U.S. homes had one as of July 2020, according to the market research firm NPD Group. There are all kinds of things you can air-fry - from frozen chicken wings and homemade french fries to roasted vegetables and fresh-baked cookies.

How do air fryers work?
The top section of an air fryer holds a heating mechanism and fan. You place the food in a fryer-style basket and when you turn it on, hot air rushes down and around the food. This rapid circulation makes the food crisp - much like deep-frying, but without the oil.