Experts caution against using air fryers instead of ovens

“Air Fryers vs Ovens”: What’s the Debate?

 

In recent years air fryers have boomed in popularity. They promise crisp texture, quicker cooking times, less oil, and convenience. Many people use them instead of ovens for many tasks. But experts are warning: while air fryers have definite advantages, they’re not a perfect replacement for ovens. Over-reliance on air fryers can lead to inefficiencies, safety risks, and compromises in cooking quality — depending on what you’re cooking, how often, and how you use them.

 

Let’s break down the pros first, then dig into the cautions, expert concerns, trade‑offs, and best practices.

 

What Air Fryers Do Well

 

Understanding strengths helps us see where the cautions come from. Here are things air fryers tend to do well:

 

Speed / Quicker Preheat: Because of their smaller chambers, air fryers warm up quickly and cook small batches faster than large ovens.

 

Crispy Finish with Less Oil: Circulating hot air helps crisp food (especially frozen foods, fries, breaded items) using relatively little oil.Groceries

 

Efficiency for Small Portions: If you’re cooking for one or two, or small items, air fryers can be more energy-efficient and convenient.

 

Less Heat Output to the Room: Using a countertop air fryer tends to heat up the kitchen less than turning on a large oven.

 

Lower Fat Alternatives to Deep‑Frying: For people who like crisp textures but want to reduce fat / oil, air fryers are often seen as healthier than deep frying.

 

Given those strengths, many people assume they can phase out use of a conventional oven. But experts caution that this replacement strategy has trade‑offs. Let’s look into those.Kitchen supplies

 

Expert Warnings & Cautions

 

Here are the main concerns experts raise when people use air fryers instead of ovens, especially for many or all cooking tasks.

 

1. Energy Use & Cost Efficiency

 

While air fryers are efficient for small amounts of food, the cost and energy savings diminish or disappear for larger batches or for certain types of dishes.

 

Martin Lewis (Money Saving Expert, U.K.) has cautioned that air fryers may be cheaper than ovens for small jobs — but not always. If you need to cook many items in multiple batches (because the air fryer basket is small), the cumulative energy use can match or exceed what an oven would use.

JOE.co.uk

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