Everything to Know About Air Fryers

Considering purchasing an air fryer? Before you take the plunge, it's important to ask yourself some questions to be sure you make the right choice. Factors like the number of people you'll be cooking for, available kitchen space, desired cooking methods, how you can protect your counter space, and basket style preference can all play a role in your decision-making process. By going over these questions, you can select the perfect air fryer that aligns with your culinary needs and kitchen setup.

Top Questions to Ask Before Purchasing an Air Fryer

• How many people will you be cooking for?

• How much counter space or storage space will you have?

• What kinds of things do you want to cook in the air fryer?

• Do you want the ability to cook other cooking methods in the air fryer?

• What kind of basket style do you prefer?

• Do you want it Teflon-free?

Think About How Many People You Will Be Cooking For

One of the first things you should consider when buying an air fryer is how many people you'll cook for. The size of the air fryer you choose will directly impact the amount of food you can cook at once.

A compact air fryer might be sufficient if you're cooking for a small household or just yourself. These smaller models are perfect for cooking single portions or small batches of food. However, if you're cooking for a larger family or regularly entertaining guests, you may want to invest in a larger air fryer with a larger cooking capacity.

How Much Counter Space or Storage Space Will You Have?

If you have limited counter space, you may prefer a compact air fryer that can easily fit on your countertop without taking up too much room. These smaller models are designed to be space-saving and convenient for everyday use.

On the other hand, if you have ample counter space or don't mind storing the air fryer, you can opt for a larger model. These air fryers provide a larger cooking capacity and may come with additional features or accessories.

Consider how often you plan on using the air fryer. If it's going to be a regular part of your cooking routine, keeping it on the counter can be more convenient. However, if you only plan on using it occasionally or for special occasions, storing it away may be a better option to free up valuable counter space.

What Kinds of Things Do You Want to Cook in the Air Fryer?

• Do you want to cook only proteins? Fish, chicken, and steak?

• Will you be cooking vegetables?

• What about frozen foods?

• Will you be using it to cook your entire meal from start to finish or just a portion of the meal?

• Take that into consideration when picking a size and style. If you’re going to cook the entire meal, there are some with a larger service area.

• Also, others have duel baskets where you can cook 2 different foods simultaneously!

Do You Want the Ability to Cook Other Cooking Methods in the Air Fryer?

Air fryers are not just AIR FRYERS. They also have the ability to toast, bake, broil, and even pressure cook. If you want it to replace all of your other kitchen appliances, consider getting one with all of those features.

What Kind of Basket Style Do You Prefer?

There are wider baskets, deep baskets, and trays. Figure out which one works for you and your family. Do you prefer a wider basket that can accommodate larger portions of food? Or would you like a deep basket for frying items like French fries or chicken wings? Think about that when making your purchase.

Do You Want It Teflon Free?

If you want to go Teflon-free, there are alternatives available. One option is to look for air fryers with a stainless steel basket or tray. Stainless steel is a durable and non-toxic material that can provide a safe cooking surface. Remember that stainless steel may not be as non-stick as Teflon, so you may need to use a little oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Another alternative is to use silicone air fryer mats or liners. These mats can be placed at the bottom of the air fryer basket to provide a non-stick surface and protect the food from direct contact with the metal.

Do I Need a Silicone Air Fryer Mat?

If you're wondering what to put under the air fryer to protect your counter, you may want to consider investing in a reusable air fryer mat. Silicone mats for air fryers are the ultimate kitchen countertop protector for your kitchen space.

Heat Resistance: Silicone mats are heat resistant, withstanding the high temperatures generated by the air fryer during cooking. Placing your air fryer directly on a kitchen counter can expose the counter to excessive heat, potentially causing damage or discoloration. The heat resistant mat acts as an insulating layer, preventing direct contact between the hot air fryer and the counter, saving it from heat-related issues.

Preventing Scratches: Air fryers typically have non-slip rubber feet on their bottoms, which can contain small particles of dirt or debris. Over time, these particles can scratch or scuff your kitchen counter's surface when you move or reposition the air fryer. A silicone mat provides a smooth, protective surface that prevents these scratches and keeps your counter looking good!

Easy Cleanup: Air frying can sometimes result in grease splatters or food residue that may drip from the air fryer basket. Silicone mats are easy to clean and are designed to catch these drips and spills, preventing them from staining or soiling your counter. This makes cleanup after cooking much easier.

Non-Slip Surface: Silicone mats often have a non-slip texture, which helps keep the air fryer in place during operation. This added stability minimizes the risk of the air fryer accidentally sliding or tipping over, which could otherwise lead to spills or accidents on the counter.

Hygienic Barrier: Silicone is a non-porous material, so it provides a thick, hygienic barrier between your air fryer and your counter. This is particularly important when cooking raw meats or handling messy ingredients that can carry bacteria. The mat prevents potential cross-contamination and makes maintaining a clean cooking environment easier.

If you're looking to purchase an air fryer mat, I highly suggest the Anpei Reusable Silicone Air Fryer from Target. Its perforated design helps with airflow to evenly cook your meals, and it's much more cost-effective than buying baking paper or disposable paper liners. Plus, it's dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze after cooking.