Some people can’t live without their air fryers, while others consider them to be glorified convection ovens. First things first, air fryers aren’t deep fryers. Many people use them as an alternative that can have similar results, but they’re just not the same. Air fryers circulate very hot air around your food, and that heat penetrates the food, achieving crispiness without a lot of or any oi at all.
Why do some people choose not to hop on the air frying train?
Some experts have identified cancer risks related to high levels of certain chemicals found in some air fryers. Consumer Notice reported that Several models of air fryers contain polyfluorinated molecules, also known as “forever chemicals,” in the nonstick coating of the basket. They also mention that scientific studies have established the health risks of exposure to high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), showing links to health problems including infertility, hormone disruption, and some types of cancer.
They do suggest purchasing an air fryer with stainless steel or glass coatings to reduce PFAS exposure.
WebMD reported that in one study air frying fish raised the amount of a substance called “cholesterol oxidation products” (COPs). COPs form when the cholesterol in meat or fish breaks down during cooking. Studies connect these substances to coronary heart disease, hardening of the arteries, cancer, and other diseases. But there is a workaround. You can lower the amount of COPs when air frying fish by adding fresh parsley, chives, or a mixture of the two. They said that these herbs act as antioxidants to reduce the COPs in air-fried foods.
Then some people may avoid air fryers altogether due to mess and buildup that’s hard to clean or get to, uneven cooking, limited food space, or the fact that there are better or more efficient ways to cook.
On the other hand, many people love air fryers because they are quick, easy to use, and use less oil than deep frying.
If an air fryer is the latest addition to your kitchen appliance lineup, you may want to skip using it with certain foods.