Why you should consider using an air fryer in your kitchen.
Are air fryers worth it? Should you clear space on your already crowded countertops for an air fryer? I know that kitchens can easily get cluttered with unused kitchen gadgets, but I am here to encourage you all to consider the air fryer! Many of my clients tell me that it is hard to cook smaller portions, and they are generally tired of cooking. Air fryers offer several features that make them easy to use, easy to clean, and an efficient/safe way to cook smaller portions. Air fryers are actually mini convection ovens that sit conveniently on your countertop and cook with hot air - not oil! You can cook about anything in an air fryer. Check out this site from the Kitchen with 82 fun air fryer recipes! This blog from AARP, "6 Unexpected Things to Make in an Air Fryer," has some great ideas to get you thinking about different ways to use an air fryer!
I have recently been working with a client who is only able to use one arm after a stroke. She has found the air fryer easy to use one-handed. We have even experimented with making brownies and cookies in the air fryer. They turned out great!
Read below 5 reasons I love the air fryer.
Tip #1 - Ease of Use
Air fryers are easier to use and safer than the oven. Air fryers sit on your countertop, which reduces how much you are bending and reaching. Both air fryers (oven or basket) are easy to access. Most air fryers automatically shut off after a specific time, which is nice! You put the food in, set the timer, and you are good to go. If you struggle with arthritis or neuropathy in your hands, I recommend the basket style. The basket style has a nice big handle, making loading the basket or taking food out easier than a traditional oven or microwave.
Tip #2 - Air Fryers Can Be Healthy!
Air fryers make food crispy and delicious, but they do not fry the food. It cooks food using hot air - not oil! Air fryers give you a fried taste with very little oil. You can cook various healthy foods in the air fryer and they can make getting your daily vegetable intake easy and delicious. You can experiment with Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, green beans, asparagus, and more! Toss in some fresh veggies with a spritz of oil and some seasoning, and you will have perfectly crispy and delicious vegetables.
"By most measures, air frying is healthier than frying in oil. It cuts calories by 70% to 80% and has a lot less fat." - Stephanie Watson, WebMD
Tip #3 - Clean Up is Easy
Both types of air fryers are easy to clean. The basket version comes with basket liners that make cleaning even easier! Simply wipe out the basket, and you are good to go! Many air fryer baskets can even go in the dishwasher!
Tip #4 - Basket vs Oven Style
There are two main styles of air fryers: baskets and ovens. Basket-style air fryers have a basket that you open and close using a large handle. They take up less space than oven-style air fryers and heat up quicker! Oven-style air fryers typically take up a little more space and a little longer to heat up, but they often have a larger capacity. Oven-style air fryers can often handle more than one tray or other types of containers. Oven-style air fryers often have a clean door, making it easier to peek in and see how your food looks. Both options are awesome.
Tip #5 - Energy Efficient!
To top it off, air fryers are energy efficient. They use less energy than a typical oven or stovetop. They heat quickly and do not usually require pre-heating. So, you will save time and money!
In Closing
I hope the new year is off to a good start for everyone! It is hard to believe this will mark my 5th year of business for Innovative OT Solutions! It feels like I am looking forward to another year serving the older adult community! I hope you all try to cook something new in your air fryer soon.
Thanks for reading!
Jenny Williams, OTD