Experts caution against using air fryers instead of ovens

Are Air Fryers Replacing Ovens? Experts Urge Caution

A Kitchen Trend on the Rise

Thanks to modern technology, air fryers have surged in popularity. Many households now use them instead of traditional ovens. These compact appliances, once seen as trendy gadgets, have even pushed slow cookers aside.

Air fryers work by circulating hot air at high speeds. This creates a crisp texture without using much—if any—oil. For many, it’s a healthier and faster way to cook.

But Not Everything Belongs in an Air Fryer

Despite the hype, culinary experts warn: not all foods are air fryer-friendly.

Take broccoli, for instance. Compared to oven-roasting, broccoli in an air fryer often turns out bland and dry. But that’s not the biggest issue.

Popcorn is a major no-no. According to The Mirror, kernels can become lodged in the heating element and may catch fire. That makes air-frying popcorn a serious safety hazard.

Another red flag? Wet batter. Think fried chicken. Air fryers don’t get hot enough to set a traditional batter coating. The result? A soggy, disappointing mess.

Energy Experts Chime In

Money-saving expert Martin Lewis offered a practical take during an appearance on This Morning.

“Air fryers work well for small, quick-cook items,” he said. “But if you need to cook 15 different things separately, you’ll likely use more energy than with a regular oven.”

He added that cooking something like a single jacket potato is more efficient in a microwave. “Keeping the oven on for 90 minutes just for one item isn’t cost-effective,” he explained.

Cooking for a Crowd? Stick to the Oven

Steven Kipling from Which? echoed Lewis’s thoughts. He noted that air fryers have limited space, which means cooking in batches. That added time and energy usage cancels out any savings.

“If you’ve got a lot to cook, your oven or hob may still be the most economical option,” Kipling said.

Devoted Fans Still Swear By Them

Even so, some fans refuse to part with their beloved appliance. “I’m not listening to him on this,” one user joked online. “I’m air-frying everything. I’d air-fry a cup of tea!”