Fryers and Convection Cooking
Updated: Jan 2
Call me old fashioned but whenever I think about frying, whether it's chicken, fish, or everybody's favorite, french fries, I pull out the cast iron black frying pan, pour in a little canola oil, get the pan good, and hot and wait for the sizzle. However, just having recently read about the new-fangled air fryers on the market, I may never go back.
The air fryer is pretty much like it sounds and then some. It is a miniature oven that sits on the countertop and plugs into a wall outlet. The air fryer works by rapidly circulating hot air so, not only does it fry but depending on the model it can also bake and broil. Not to be totally confused the air fryer and a convection oven, both work on the same principle. The difference is the air fryer uses a perforated tray or basket, exposing the total circumference of the food to the hot air. Hence, the food becomes crispy.
Instant Vortex Plus is the Air Fryer As stylish as it is functional and rated a winner amongst the best air fryers. Why the best? It cooks food quickly, and thoroughly, and fixes enough food for four. The digital controls make timing and temperature a breeze. The slide-in-slide-out basket is roomy enough to cook a small chicken and easy to clean.
According to the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Culinary Innovation Lab, the top air fryers make food crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, have easy-to-read digital controls, a timer, are dishwasher safe, can come in a variety of colors and gee, what's left!
While called fryers, the thing that really makes these units great is that they can also be used to cook salmon, veggies, mini potatoes and so many other combinations of dishes. Before you get carried away, they can't be used for heating liquids, or anything too greasy (why would you?), You may want to bake an apple but you can't really bake a cake.
To be honest, the jury is still out as to whether an air fryer is the be all end all in modern-day cooking. If the whole concept is new to you and you're excited to give it a whirl I definitely recommend getting a cookbook as opposed to winging it.
Click here to choose the one that looks most appealing to you.
If you're still leaning towards the convection oven then don't be afraid to dig in.
The IRIS USA Convection Toaster Oven, Countertop Toaster, 3-Shelve 7-in-1 Air-Fryer Drip Tray Basket and Drip Tray, 24QT, 1500W, Black allows for healthy cooking and variety. It can Air Fry, Grill, Bake, Convection Bake, Broil, Convection Broil, and Defrost, all with a turn of the dial.
Geek Chef Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, 4 Slice Toaster Convection Air Fryer Oven Warm, Broil, Toast, Bake, Air Fry, Oil-Free, Accessories Included, Stainless Steel, Silver (4 Knob 14QT)
Are you hungry yet? You're good to go with either the air fry or convection. Whichever you decide, Enjoy and Mangia