Frying without fat? It sounds like a miracle, but it’s possible. Air frying is not frying. To fry, you need to dip food into oil. You might be thinking if it’s not frying, then why is it called frying? Air frying gives you that crispy, crunchy effect from outside while keeping your food moist from inside.
Air frying is touted as a healthy way of cooking and has created a buzz online. These countertop devices are utilized in the kitchen to fry, grill, or bake using less oil. The good news for health-conscious people is that it has more benefits than other cooking methods. Compared to deep-frying, an air fryer can cut the number of calories, fat, and other harmful compounds from your food.
How Does an Air Fryer Work?
It works by circulating heat at a high temperature around the food to produce the same crunchy, crispy exterior as in traditional fried foods. You can get similar results as a deep fryer with a fraction of the calories and fat by utilizing just one tablespoon of cooking oil rather than multiple cups. Air-frying triggers a chemical method, known as the Maillard effect. This effect occurs between an amino acid and reducing sugar in the presence of heat. It improves the color as well as the flavor of your food.
Benefits of Utilizing an Air Fryer
When used properly, it can have a positive impact on your health. Here are some amazing reasons to switch to air frying method.
1. Promotes Weight Loss
Deep-fried food tends to be high in fat and calories, which may contribute to your weight gain. Higher intake of fried foods is directly associated with greater obesity risk. Switching from deep-fried foods to air-fried foods can promote weight loss by reducing the intake of unhealthy oils.
2. Safer than Deep Fryers
The deep-frying method involves heating a large container full of boiling oil, which can pose a risk of spilling and splashing of oil. Whereas, a hot air fryer possesses no risk of splashing, spilling, or accidentally touching hot oil. Moreover, to ensure safety, you should follow the instructions that come with the machine.
3. Reduces the Formation of Harmful Compounds
In addition to saving you from a high amount of fat and calories, air frying can reduce the likelihood of toxic acrylamide formation by 90%. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, acrylamide is categorized as a “probable carcinogen.” Which means it may be linked to the development of some cancers. Apart from reducing acrylamide, the air-frying method reduces the formation of other harmful compounds as well.
4. Reduces Disease Risk
Cooking with oil and regularly consuming fried foods may result in many adverse health conditions. Switching to air fryers, your probability of getting into serious health problems can significantly reduce.
Summary
Research on the air fried food is limited, but experts suggest that you should limit the intake of fried food. Deep-fried cooking has many adverse effects on your health and lifestyle. The air frying method has proven more beneficial than other cooking methods. Though, it is not considered the healthiest way of cooking, is better than most other methods.
Have you used an air fryer yet?
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Interesting article. I had wondered about air-fryers. I would still be concerned about the type of oil that is used in the them. I certainly would not use “cooking oil” which has been processed. I wander what temperature they cook at because the beneficial fatty acids in some non processed oils are damaged at high temperatures. Many health experts are now saying that if you want the health benefits of olive oil it should not be heated. Avocado or coconut oil are better as they can be heated to higher temperatures.