Which Airfryer is right for you?

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook by offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying. They allow you to prepare crispy dishes with little or no oil, while preserving flavor and texture. Faced with the wide range of household appliances available, HIFI Luxembourg helps you choose the one that perfectly suits your needs.

A Brief History of Air Fryers
Air fryers were invented in 2005 by Fred Van Der Weij and were first introduced in the early 2010s, thanks to Philips, which launched the first commercial model called the "Philips Airfryer." This innovative device relied on Rapid Air technology, which uses the fast circulation of hot air to cook food. The goal was to reduce oil consumption while providing a practical and healthy alternative to traditional frying methods. Since then, numerous brands like Ninja, Moulinex, and Tefal have expanded the market with increasingly efficient and multifunctional models, catering to the diverse needs of consumers.

1. What is an Airfryer?

The Air Fryer is somewhat like an oven, except that it uses high-speed hot air circulation to replicate the frying effect while significantly reducing oil usage. Thanks to this technology, you can cut down fat content by up to 90% in your dishes while maintaining a crispy texture and delicious taste. To learn more and see how the Air Fryer compares to a traditional oven, check out our full comparison.

2. The Benefits of an Air Fryer

Healthy Cooking:
Significant reduction in oil use, contributing to a more balanced diet.
Versatility:
Beyond frying, air fryers can roast, grill, bake, and even dehydrate a variety of foods.
Speed:
Reduced cooking times thanks to the high-speed hot air circulation.
Easy Maintenance:
Most components are removable and dishwasher-safe, making cleaning a breeze.

3. Criteria for choosing an Airfryer

Capacity: Measured in liters, it should match the size of your household. For example, a capacity of 4 to 5 liters is suitable for a family of 4 people.
Power: High power (generally between 1,400 and 2,100 watts) ensures faster and more even cooking.
Features: Some models offer preset programs, multiple cooking modes, or additional accessories.
Ease of Use: Intuitive controls and easy maintenance are major advantages.
Budget: Prices typically range from €50 for entry-level models to up to €400 for high-performance devices.

4. What size airfryer should you choose?

Choosing the right size air fryer is essential to ensure optimal use without wasting space or energy. Here’s a practical guide:

For 1 to 2 people: Opt for a compact model with a capacity of 2 to 3 liters. These devices are ideal for preparing individual portions or small quantities of food.
For 3 to 4 people: Choose a medium-sized model with a capacity of 4 to 5 liters. These are suitable for cooking enough main courses or side dishes for a small family.
For 5 people or more: Large-capacity appliances, between 6 and 10 liters, such as Ninja air fryers, are recommended.
For festive or social occasions: For gatherings or group meals, consider XXL models with multitasking cooking functions.

5. Comparison of the best Airfryers

Here are the top-performing models on the market:

Ninja Foodi Flex 10.4 L AF500EU

Exceptional capacity of 10.4 liters, perfect for large families.
Option to divide into two independent cooking zones.
Versatile with multiple cooking modes.

Philips Premium Airfryer XL HD9875/90

8.3-liter capacity, suitable for 5 to 7 people.
Rapid air circulation technology for even cooking.
Preset programs for various types of dishes.

Ninja Air Fryer MAX AF180EU

6.2-liter capacity.
6 cooking modes, including dehydration and reheating.
Air circulation technology for crispy results.

Philips Series 3000 HD9255/90

4.1-liter capacity, ideal for smaller households.
Digital interface with 7 cooking programs.
Compact and stylish design.

Preheating: Some models require preheating for optimal cooking results.
Cooking: Stirring the food halfway through cooking ensures even cooking.
Accessories: Using compatible accessories can expand culinary possibilities (molds, racks, etc.).

7. How to clean the inside of your air fryer?

Wait for the appliance to cool down:
After each use, unplug the air fryer and let it cool completely to avoid the risk of burns or damage to the components.
Clean removable parts:
Remove the basket and the cooking drawer (bowl). These components are often dishwasher safe. If not, use warm water and mild detergent for manual cleaning.
Wipe the interior of the appliance:
Use a soft sponge or damp cloth to clean the interior and remove food residues and splashes. Do not use abrasive products that could damage the coating.
Clean the heating element:
If grease or residue has built up on the heating element, gently scrub it with a soft brush once the appliance has cooled. This ensures better long-term performance.
Maintain the exterior:
Wipe the outer surface with a damp cloth to keep it clean and prevent grease buildup.
Check the filters:
If your model has air filters, refer to the manual to learn how to clean or replace them regularly.
Dry thoroughly:
Make sure all parts, including the internal components, are completely dry before reassembling and storing the appliance.

Tip: If an odor persists after thorough cleaning, soak the basket and bowl in soapy water for an hour. If this doesn't help, rub half a lemon inside the bowl and basket, let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse to eliminate stubborn odors.
To ensure that all parts of your air fryer, including the basket and bowl, are completely dry, it is recommended to let them air dry for 30 minutes to 1 hour before reusing the appliance.

Airfryer