Why are Air Fryer sales on the rise?
Suddenly, it seems like everyone has an air fryer. Air fryer enthusiasts are everywhere, singing the praises of this small appliance, and touting the benefits of using it. In fact, air fryers have become so popular that they are flying off the shelves to the point that there is an air fryer shortage in the UK. Are you on board? Or are you confused about why air fryer sales are on the rise? Here, we will take a closer look at this trendy item and tell you when to buy one should you decide it is right for you.
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a device about the size of a coffee machine, that sits on your counter and offers an oil free cooking option. When you put food into an air fryer, a fan pushes heated air around it, somewhat like a convection oven. That hot air cooks the outside of the food first, for a crispy brown coating that mimics fried food, and a soft inside, much the same way fried food is served. If there is any grease on the food, a container beneath the air fryer basket catches the grease that drops. You can cook just about anything in an air fryer, but it is important to note that, while it has the look of fried food, air fried food will not have the same mouth feel that comes with frying foods in oil.
With the cost of living impacting the price of electricity, it is logical that people might turn to small appliances
According to a recent study, 18% of people in the UK have stopped using their ovens entirely. Think about it, and you might agree that this makes sense. Ovens use a lot of electricity, and they heat your home so that you have to use even more energy just to keep it cool. This might be why the popular Ninja brand air fryer had a 220,000% rise in clicks in 2022 on Price Runner, and this may be part of the reason.
Are air fryers economical?
They are, indeed. They offer a low-energy alternative to an oven, with the average air fryer costing only about £52 annually to operate, while an electric oven costs about £316 to run.
Are air fryers really a healthier option, or is this just hype?
Any time you cook something in air instead of fat, you are reducing the caloric load of the food. In fact, using an air fryer cuts calories in your food by 70 to 80 percent while also avoiding the fat of frying. Additionally, when you fry potatoes and other starchy foods in oil, the chemical acrylamide is created, and this chemical has been linked to a higher risk of cancer. Recent research indicates that air frying reduces the amount of acrylamide in fried potatoes by 90 percent. However, by other metrics, air frying may not be as healthy as proponents claim. One study of air-fried fish showed an increase in substances called cholesterol oxidation products (COPs), which form when cholesterol breaks down during cooking. COPs have been linked to coronary heart diseases, cancer, hardening of the arteries, and other health risks. Adding parsley and/or chives to the air fryer when you fry fish can supply antioxidants that reduce the food’s COPs levels. Unfortunately, the same study showed that air frying may reduce the benefits of fish by counteracting the effects of omega-3 fatty acids.
If you are going to buy an air fryer, make sure your timing is right
You might be trying to wait for a major sale day like Black Friday to purchase your air fryer, but you should be aware that on big sale days, those are the days when air fryers are most likely to sell out. If you want to purchase an air fryer for a good deal, keep an eye on prices and wait until you see a drop. You can also frequently check the stock levels at your local retailer, to make sure they have some for sale when you need one. Be careful to only buy an air fryer from a trusted retailer, though. Ninja has reported an uptick in fraudulent sites claiming to have air fryers in stock that are hard to find everywhere else.
Give Forge & Fig a visit!
No matter how you cook your food, you will want to serve it with style, on tableware that reflects your personality and aesthetic sensibilities. When you’re ready to invest in timeless quality and value that is nevertheless at the cutting edge of trend, trust Forge & Fig to deliver exceptional items to grace your home.
Thoughtfully designed to be treasured by each generation, our carefully sourced luxury cookware and tableware collections are inspired by kitchen designers and innovators across the globe. Beautifully stylish, our products are also entirely practical and created with a focus on sustainability. Come, explore our collections for yourself by visiting us at Scorton Road, Brompton on Swale, Richmond DL10 7EQ or shopping through our website. You can also call us at (01748) 811030 or contact us online for more information.
