Is it worth buying an air fryer? Analyzing the pros, cons, and hidden dangers

Once, multicookers were in demand, then everyone switched to electric grills and kebab makers, followed by bread makers, and in recent years, the air fryer has become a popular kitchen gadget.

Is it worth buying this device? And is there any benefit from the products cooked in an air fryer? We asked the experts.

"An air fryer will be a good assistant if you want to cook faster than in the oven and get dishes with a crispy crust but without excess fat," says nutritionist Anna Brazhnikova to "Doctor Peter." "This is its main advantage: due to the circulation of hot air, you can use a minimal amount of oil or none at all."

According to the doctor, an air fryer is healthier than frying. When oil is overheated in a pan, carcinogens are formed. An air fryer reduces the amount of fat, meaning the dish will be healthier.

"As for preserving vitamins and minerals, it all depends on the mode: short cooking at moderate temperatures allows for better retention," says Anna Brazhnikova.

However, the nutritionist warns: the air fryer does not automatically make food healthy. Semi-finished products like nuggets or French fries are harmful, even if cooked without oil: they contain a lot of salt and flavor enhancers and few nutrients.

"Moreover, when high-temperature processing of some products, especially those rich in carbohydrates, such as potatoes or baked goods, there is a risk of acrylamide formation—a potentially harmful compound. And this applies not only to air fryers but also to frying or baking in the oven. This risk can be minimized by choosing gentler temperatures and ensuring that the food does not burn," says the doctor.

The expert notes: an air fryer can be considered a more compact and energy-efficient alternative to an oven for everyday use. Both methods use dry hot air, so there is no difference in their impact on food between an air fryer and baking.

"The healthiest way to cook food is one that does not require high temperatures or added fats: steaming, braising with a small amount of water, or simmering. They preserve the natural composition of the products to the maximum," recommends the nutritionist.

"The advantage of the air fryer is that cooking with minimal oil reduces the formation of thermal oxidation products of fats. These substances, when consumed regularly, can negatively affect blood vessels, the liver, and metabolism. Therefore, vegetables, fish, chicken, or lean meat cooked in an air fryer without burning can be considered safe and even beneficial," says toxicologist Mikhail Kutushov.

However, sausages, hot dogs, bacon, semi-finished products, nuggets, and products with high amounts of salt, sugar, and food additives remain potentially harmful even after being cooked in an air fryer. If the product burns, undesirable compounds can form, including pyrolysis and glycation products. This is also relevant for air fryers.

Therefore, an air fryer can be classified as a conditionally gentle method of cooking products if used correctly: without overheating, without black crusts, and without constant use of ultra-processed products.

Chef's Opinion

"The main principle of the air fryer is the circulation of hot air. But, in essence, the same operating methods are endowed to a convection oven, which also circulates hot air with a fan. And if you have a non-stick baking tray or non-stick mold, if you use parchment paper, a baking sleeve, or foil, you can cook without oil in the oven as well," says chef Maria Shelushenko.

Yes, an air fryer saves time. You don’t need to monitor the cooking process—you set it and walk away. But modern ovens also have such a function. In my opinion, all the functions of an air fryer are performed by a convection oven, so I consider the air fryer a duplicate gadget."

Here are a few more downsides of the air fryer, according to the expert:

• You will need to find additional space in the kitchen;

• The air fryer consumes almost as much electricity as a regular oven;

• The size of the air fryer bowl is limited, so you can cook for a maximum of two to three people or in two batches;

• For cooking barbecue ribs, crispy bacon, or battered chicken, it’s better to use the oven.

• Products in liquid sauces or breading/batter may leak and burn, which can create a fire risk;

• The air fryer is not suitable for seafood—due to the dry hot heating, they will become "rubbery."

"I don’t want to seem categorical. Perhaps it’s worth buying an air fryer, but on the condition that you don’t have an oven, you live alone or with one other person, and if you have enough space in the kitchen," summarizes Maria Shelushenko.