Market development of Air Fryers in Europe
Recently, the market for kitchen appliances in Europe has been characterized by an ever-increasing demand for products that are both effective, user-friendly, and support a healthy lifestyle. Air fryers have been one of the biggest winners in this development. According to statistics from Norges Elektrohandelsselskap, sales of air fryers have increased by over 30% in the last two years. This is partly due to the fact that air fryers offer a practical solution for Norwegian households, both in terms of time saving and cooking.
How Does an Air Fryer Work?
An air fryer works on the basis of the principle of hot air circulation. Within the appliance there is a heat source, usually an electric heating tube, and a motor-driven fan. When the air fryer is on, the heating tube heats the air within the appliance, and the fan ensures that this hot air circulates quickly around the food. This circulation of hot air ensures that the food is cooked evenly on all sides, while the outer layer of the food is crushed in the same way as with traditional deep frying.
Unlike traditional deep frying, where food is bathed in oil, an air fryer uses only a small amount of oil (often just a couple of splashes of oil gun), or in some cases no oil at all. This means that the food stays longer in calories and fat, while still retaining its good taste and crunch.
Benefits of Air Fryers for Norwegian Households
1. Healthier cooking
For Norwegian households, where there is a great emphasis on a healthy and sustainable lifestyle, air fryers are an excellent choice. By using the air fryer to cook, one can significantly reduce the intake of fats and calories. For example, when making fried potatoes in an air fryer, one can reduce the oil intake by up to 80% compared to traditional deep frying. This means that you can still enjoy your favorite dishes, but in a healthier way.
2. Time saving
In a country where many people have a hectic everyday life, time is of the essence. Air fryers are known to be very efficient when it comes to cooking. They can cook food significantly faster than traditional ovens or hot plates. For example, while it can take up to 30-40 minutes to cook some fried pre-cooked fish fillets in a regular oven, you can do it in just 10-15 minutes in an air fryer. This allows you to cook quickly and easily, without having to wait a long time to get dinner ready.
3. Easy to clean
Air fryers are also very easy to clean. Most air fryers have a design where the lid and frame are made of materials that are easy to clean, often with an anti-stick surface. This allows you to easily wash off the appliance after use, without having to spend a lot of time cleaning.
4. Flexible use
Air fryers aren't just made for making fried dishes. They can also be used for grilling, roasting, browning, and even baking food. This makes them a very flexible kitchen appliance, which can be used to cook a variety of different dishes, from meat and fish to vegetables and desserts.
What can you cook in an Air Fryer?
1. Meat and fish
Air fryers are perfect for cooking meat and fish. You can make everything from grilled meat, fried fish fillets, chicken breast, and even hamburgers. For example, if you want to make fried fish fillets, you can simply put the fish fillets in the air fryer, splash a little oil over them, and add salt, pepper and other spices to taste. Then set the temperature to around 180-200 degrees and let the fish cook for 8-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish fillets. The result is a beautiful, crunchy outer layer on the fish, while the inside is juicy and full of flavor.
2. Vegetables
Air fryers are also an excellent way to cook vegetables. You can cook anything from cooking broccoli, cress, peppers, and even potatoes. For example, if you want to cook broccoli, you can cut the broccoli into small bellies, splash a little oil over, and add salt, pepper, and a small handful of Parmesan cheese. Then set the temperature to around 180 degrees and let the broccoli cook for 10-12 minutes. The broccoli will then be crunchy on the outside, while remaining juicy and neutral on the inside.
3. Desserts
Air fryers can also be used to make a variety of different desserts. You can make everything from boiling oranges, berry roots, and even small cakes. For example, if you want to make boiling oranges, you can cut the oranges in half, spread some sugar and cinnamon on top, and put them in the air fryer. Then set the temperature to around 160 degrees and let the oranges boil for 10-12 minutes. The result is a beautiful, browned outer layer on the oranges, while they remain juicy and sweet on the inside.
What Should You Consider When Choosing an Air Fryer?
1. Size and Capacity
When choosing an air fryer, it's important to think about its size and capacity. If you are an individual or a small family, a smaller air fryer with a capacity of 2-4 quarts may suffice. If you have a larger family or often teach food to guests, you should consider a larger air fryer with a capacity of 5-8 liters.
2. Temperature setup and timer
Another important factor to think about is the temperature setup and timer. A good air fryer should have a variable temperature setup, so you can adjust the temperature according to what you're learning. It should also have a timer, so you can set a specific time for the food to cook.
3. Design and features
When it comes to design and features, it's important to choose an air fryer that is user-friendly and easy to use. Some air fryers have additional features, such as automatic setup for different rights, or a built-in sensor to monitor the temperature and the kitchen.
4. Price and quality
Finally, it is important to think about price and quality. Air fryers come in a variety of different price categories, and it's important to choose one that fits within your budget. But also keep in mind that you often get what you pay for, and that a more expensive air fryer often has better quality and more advanced features than a cheaper one.
Conclusion
Air fryers have become a very popular kitchen appliance in Europe, thanks to their combination of healthy cooking, time saving, ease of cleaning, and flexible use. By understanding how they work, what they can be used for, and what to consider when choosing one, you can easily find the air fryer that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Regardless of whether you're an experienced cook or a newbie in the kitchen, an air fryer is an excellent investment for any household.