This Trendy Appliance Is a More Economical Alternative to an Oven for Cooking Your Meals

Beyond the benefits of quick, oil free cooking, this device has another big advantage: it uses less electricity than a traditional oven.

The Air Fryer has skyrocketed in popularity for good reasons: it's versatile, efficient, and often healthier. By circulating high-speed hot air, it replicates frying without all the oil. Not only can it make crispy fries with minimal or no oil, but it also bakes, roasts, and even grills vegetables, meats, fish, and desserts without the added fats typical of traditional frying.

Air Fryers are simple to use: just place your food in the tray (many models even have dual compartments for different foods) and start cooking. Everything cooks quickly, which has made it a go-to appliance for many, often replacing the microwave or oven. Plus, leading brands like Philips, Ninja, and Instant Pot claim up to 65-75% energy savings compared to a standard oven.

Air fryers are perfect for making crispy, flavorful meals with minimal oil. Popular choices include fries, chicken wings, roasted vegetables, fish, and shrimp, which turn out golden and tender inside. They're also ideal for snacks like mozzarella sticks and egg rolls, breakfast favorites like bacon, and even desserts like cookies or fruit crisps. 

To get the best results, preheat the fryer, avoid overcrowding, and use a light oil spray for added crunch. And for maximum efficiency, avoid opening the drawer mid cooking, don't overload the basket so air circulates well, and cut larger foods into smaller pieces to cook them evenly and quickly. 

Wondering if it lives up to the hype? Consumer reviews and independent tests confirm impressive energy efficiency. Compared to a countertop oven, air fryers can use up to 70% less electricity. For quick dishes like small quiches or bread rolls, they were found to be faster and far more energy saving, making them perfect for solo or small meals. Some users have noted that the air fryer even reduced their monthly energy bills.

Air fryers are widely available across the U.S., with popular options from retailers like Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Walmart. Entry level models start around $40, but higher-end options with extra features (like dual baskets and smart controls) can go up to $150 or more.