I Must Confess: I’m in love with my new air fryer.
The hubster has wanted one for a long time, but then, he is the King of Kitchen Gadgets.
I wasn’t so keen, especially when I saw the price tag. Depending on the type and brand, an air fryer can set you back a couple of hundred dollars or even more.
To me, it just looked like another gimmick – more kitchen clutter, that only manages one task – making chips. And chips without oil – yuk. No thanks!
As luck would have it, we were actually given one a couple of months ago. And I’ve changed my tune.
Why I love my Air Fryer
Ever since I was a kid, one of my favourite comfort meals has been a good steak, chips and a tin of beans.
Now I’m not talking about just any old chips. I’m talking about when you go to the trouble of peeling the potatoes, cutting them into chips and then cooking them in a frypan of hot oil.
In the interests of good health and my waistline, I haven’t made them in years; and oven baked chips just aren’t the same.
But according to the literature that came with my new Tefal ActiFry, I could now make crunchy home made chips with just one spoon of oil. I was skeptical I admit – it sounded too good to be true – but I’m here to tell you this is one product that actually delivers!
Now I can enjoy home made chips whenever I want, without feeling guilty.
And because there’s virtually no oil, cleaning up afterwards is a breeze. I simply wipe out the pan with some paper towel. That’s it!
Turns out my air fryer is also great for cooking other foods as well. So far we’ve made potato wedges, sweet potato chips, zucchini chips, grilled capsicum, whole button mushrooms and corn on the cob. All have been absolutely delicious.
My air fryer came with a recipe book for making chicken and other meat recipes, but I haven’t explored that side of things just yet. I’ve been giving my Tefal ActiFry a workout as it is!
We’re eating a lot more vegetables which has got to be a good thing, and they’re easy (though not necessarily quick) to cook. Simply chop up the vegies into uniform size pieces, put in the air fryer, add a teensy bit of oil, turn it on and set the timer. It beeps when the time is up – unfortunately it doesn’t turn itself off, but that’s okay, by the time your food is ready it smells so good you’ll be there to flick the switch yourself.
Chips take about 40 minutes in the ActiFry, but you can read a book, do the washing up or cook something else during that time. Unlike a pan of chips frying, it doesn’t need your constant attention.
On the downside – and I can only think of one – it makes a loud humming noise while it’s cooking which takes a bit of getting used to.
I know this probably comes off as a sponsored post (and Tefal, you’re welcome to pay me if you want!), but I just wanted to share how surprised I was by my newfound love for my air fryer.
Do you have an air fryer – or have I convinced you to put one on your wishlist?!
Amy @ Three Little Honeys says
You have me sold! I need an actifry! Im very intrigued with how the whole little bit of oil works!
Janet Camilleri says
I don’t understand the science of it Amy, but it blows hot air as it rotates all the food, so a little bit of oil goes a loooong way!
Mystery Case says
Just out of interest, how expensive are they and what’s stopping you or me making our own crispy chips from scratch and putting them in the oven?
I think I’m almost convinced I need a Thermomix but the cost factor is putting me off. I think I need to work out all the things I would make using one and then find ways to make the goods with existing appliances I already own.
Janet Camilleri says
We just bought one for the outlaws (F-I-L is a diabetic so great for him!) and we managed to get it for $170. There are cheaper brands/versions around but we wanted to get them one just like ours :-). BTW I find chips in the oven just aren’t the same.
I keep hearing great things about Thermomixes but have never actually seen one and yes, the cost does seem excessive …
Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
Now this is cool – you might as well go one step further and tell me how much it costs, HATE fatty chips, I just put mine in fan bake oven but they ages!
Janet Camilleri says
We got one for $170 for the outlaws, but I’ve seen ones in other brands on special for around $100 or so.
Tegan says
One of my friends has one and she loves it. I must admit it’s pretty cool that it cooks crispy chips with so little oil.
Janet Camilleri says
I really thought it’d just be a gimmick Tegan, but now I find I use it nearly every day 🙂
Kirsty @ My Home Truths says
My husband has banned all further appliances in the kitchen but I would love to be able to make truly crunchy chips again. You’re right, oven chips just don’t cut it!
Deborah says
Am intrigued cos I LOVE hot chips!
Steve Puu says
I use it often to enjoy French Fries, Fried Plantains, Chicken Wings, Chicken Fried Steak, Homemade Sweet Potato Tater Tots, you name it! IT’S AMAZING! Everybody should have one! Just saying…
Janet Camilleri says
I agree Steve!
Julie says
I do admit how great it is. Quick and fast cooking. No food flipping. Very safe without worrying about electric shock or gas explosion. No odor or smoke of burnt food. Very comfortable for clean. Able to cook a wide range of fried food with less oil, less grease and less calories of course. Nothing to say but must have one at home.
Ellen Scott says
I’m having an air fryer. The most advantage of the appliance to me is that I’m on diet therefore I bought it right after attending the product launch. I don’t add oil to any food made through this air fryer even for french fries, chicken or prawn. The food is still tender and some is still crispy especially for chips. I also make cake with the air fryer by buying a caking pan in the kitchenware store.
Christina says
I’ve just been trying the Philips air fryer for the past few weeks and I couldn’t be happier. The French fries come out golden and crispy and the fried chicken has come out even better. I can’t believe it’s healthy!!
Janet Camilleri says
I know! Yummy but health for the win!