Hot-air fryers, also known as airfryers, are revolutionizing modern cooking. They enable you to prepare crisp, tasty dishes with a minimum amount of oil. But what are they really worth, and how do you choose the right one for your needs? Here’s a detailed guide to how they work, their advantages, and a comparison of the best models on the market.
1. How do hot-air fryers work?
Hot-air fryers use convection technology to circulate hot air around the food. This reproduces the effect of conventional frying, but without the need to immerse the food in oil. The use of a small amount of oil (sometimes just a spoonful) is enough to obtain a crispy texture.
2. Advantages of hot-air fryers
- Healthier cooking: Significantly reduced fat intake, while preserving flavour.
- Versatility: They don’t just cook French fries, but also chicken, vegetables and even desserts.
- Ease of use: Intuitive controls and pre-set programs simplify meal preparation.
- Speed: Cooking time is generally shorter than in a conventional oven.
- Ease of maintenance: Most models feature dishwasher-safe removable parts.
3. Disadvantages of hot-air fryers
- Limited capacity: Compact models may not be suitable for large families.
- Initial cost: Hot-air fryers are often more expensive than conventional deep-fat fryers.
- Variable results: Texture may not be as crisp as traditional fried food.
- Noise and space: Some machines can be noisy or take up a lot of space.
4. Comparison of the best hot-air fryers in 2024
| Model | Capacity | Benefits | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Airfryer XXL | 7.3 L | Large capacity, even cooking, patented technology | $$$$$ |
| Cosori Pro LE | 4.7 L | Compact design, connected recipe applications | $$$ |
| Moulinex Easy Fry 3-in-1 | 4.2 L | Integrated grill function, intuitive touch screen | $$$ |
| Ninja Foodi DualZone | 7.6 L | Two independent zones, fast cooking | $$$$ |
| Tefal Actifry Genius XL | 6.2 L | Inclined bowl for better distribution, including recipes | $$$$ |
5. The best models for your needs
- For large families: Ninja Foodi DualZone, with its double bowl and large capacity.
- For versatile use: Moulinex Easy Fry 3-in-1, ideal for frying, grilling and roasting.
- For beginners: Cosori Pro LE, with easy-to-use guides and a connected application.
- For fans of light frying: Tefal Actifry Genius XL, perfect for limiting fat.
- For optimum crispness: Philips Airfryer XXL, with its advanced air circulation technology.
6. Tips for choosing a hot-air fryer
- Capacity: Check whether it corresponds to your needs (individual, couple or family).
- Additional functions: Some models include roasting or grilling functions.
- Ease of cleaning: Choose models with dishwasher-safe removable parts.
- Energy consumption: Choose an energy-efficient model.
- Price: Set a budget and compare features to get the best value for your money.
Conclusion
Hot-air fryers are an ideal solution for cooking tasty, healthy dishes with great versatility. Whether you’re a fan of golden fries or curious to explore more creative recipes, they allow you to reduce oil use while maintaining a gourmet culinary experience. Thanks to this guide, you’re ready to choose the one that will become your ally in the kitchen!
