Air Fryers: Convenient Kitchen Heroes or Overhyped Gadgets?

In recent years, technological innovation has completely reshaped the way we cook at home. One standout example is the air fryer—a compact appliance that’s been rapidly replacing traditional ovens in kitchens around the world. In fact, its popularity has soared so quickly that it’s even outpaced once-beloved slow cookers.

Air fryers work by using high-speed circulating hot air to cook food evenly, delivering crispy results similar to deep frying but with little to no oil. For health-conscious cooks, that’s a major win—reduced fat content without sacrificing crunch. However, like any trendy gadget, there are both benefits and drawbacks to consider.

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The Good, the Bad, and the Crispy

Take broccoli, for example. While an air fryer can make it tender and lightly roasted, some fans of traditional cooking argue it lacks the depth of flavor you get from pan-roasting or steaming. But beyond taste differences, the real concerns come with riskier food items.

Popcorn, according to The Mirror, is one of the biggest “don’t try this at home” warnings for air fryer users. The lightweight kernels can get lodged in the heating elements, which not only ruins your snack but also poses a fire hazard.

Another common pitfall? Wet batter. For fried chicken lovers hoping to replicate that golden, crunchy coating, air fryers can be a disappointment. The appliance often can’t reach or maintain the exact high temperatures needed to set batter properly, leading to a soggy exterior instead of the crispy bite you were dreaming of.

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Experts Weigh In on Cost and Efficiency

Money-saving guru Martin Lewis has also chimed in on the debate, urging people to think beyond just convenience. Speaking on This Morning, he explained, “Air fryers are brilliant for small, quick-cooking items. But if you’re making a meal that requires multiple batches, you might actually use more energy than simply turning on your oven.”

He gave a cost comparison to illustrate the point: “Cooking a single jacket potato in the microwave for about 10 minutes will cost you far less than keeping an oven running for an hour and a half.”

Steven Kipling from Which? backed this up, pointing out that air fryers simply can’t match the capacity of a standard oven or stovetop. “If you’re batch-cooking or making larger meals, conventional appliances are often the more practical—and economical—choice,” he noted. In other words, air fryers shine in certain situations but are not a one-size-fits-all replacement for every cooking method.

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The Cult Following of Air Fryers

Despite the criticisms, air fryer enthusiasts are a passionate bunch. Many claim the appliance has revolutionized their cooking habits—making meals faster, healthier, and less messy. “I’m not listening to him,” one die-hard fan joked online. “I’m air-frying everything—I’d even air fry a cup of tea.”

Social media is overflowing with recipes for everything from salmon fillets to cinnamon rolls, proving that for many home cooks, the air fryer is here to stay.

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Final Thoughts

Air fryers can be an excellent tool for quick snacks, reheating leftovers, and making healthier versions of your favorite fried foods. However, they’re not without their limitations—especially when it comes to cooking style, food type, and energy use for larger meals.

If you see your air fryer as a supplement to your oven rather than a full replacement, you’ll likely get the best of both worlds: speed, convenience, and a variety of cooking options.