Kitchenaid's Air Fryer: Is It Worth The Hype?

KitchenAid offers a range of air fryer options, including countertop ovens with air fry settings and wall ovens with air fry mode. These appliances use hot air circulation to cook food with a crispy texture and golden-brown finish, all with little to no oil required. The KitchenAid air fryer line promises to deliver the same results as deep frying without the need for a pot or pan full of oil, making it a healthier alternative.

KitchenAid Air Fryer Oven Features

KitchenAid offers a range of air fryer ovens with various features and functions. Here are some of the key features of KitchenAid Air Fryer Ovens:

No-Flip Air Fry Basket:

The No-Flip Air Fry Basket feature ensures even cooking without the need to flip ingredients halfway through the cooking process. This makes air frying easier and more convenient.

360° Air Fry System:

The 360° Air Fry System circulates hot air around the basket from all angles, eliminating the need to flip or shake the basket during cooking. This results in crispy, browned dishes without the hassle.

Even-Heat™ Convection Technology:

KitchenAid Air Fryer Ovens use Even-Heat™ Convection Technology to ensure even heat distribution. The top and bottom heating elements, along with the convection fan, maintain the desired temperature throughout the cooking process.

Large Capacity:

These air fryer ovens offer a large capacity, accommodating a 9x13-inch baking pan. This allows you to cook a variety of dishes, from sheet cakes to full one-pan dinners, and even two full-size chickens (3.4 lbs each).

Multiple Cooking Settings:

KitchenAid Air Fryer Ovens come with a range of cooking settings, including proofing, dehydration, toasting, baking, roasting, and of course, air frying. This versatility allows you to create a wide array of dishes with just one appliance.

Fast Preheat and Quick Cooking:

Select KitchenAid Air Fryer Oven models offer fast preheat and quick cooking features, helping you save time in the kitchen. You can also shorten the cooking time for non-air fryer recipes, as air fryers typically cook food faster than conventional ovens.

Dishwasher-Safe Parts:

The air fry basket, drip tray, and other removable parts are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

Compact Size:

KitchenAid Air Fryer Ovens are designed to be compact and convenient, fitting easily on your countertop without taking up too much space.

Temperature Control:

These air fryer ovens allow you to precisely control the temperature, giving you the flexibility to cook a variety of dishes at their optimal temperatures.

Easy-to-Use Controls:

KitchenAid Air Fryer Ovens feature user-friendly controls, making it simple to select the desired cooking settings and temperature.

With these features, KitchenAid Air Fryer Ovens offer a convenient, versatile, and healthy way to cook your favorite dishes, all while saving valuable counter space.

Air Fryer vs. Oven

KitchenAid air fryers are countertop ovens that offer air fry along with other functions to help you broil, bake and dehydrate your favourite ingredients.

The most obvious difference between a standalone air fryer and an oven is size. An air fryer is a compact, countertop appliance that can usually cook one dish at a time, whereas an oven is a full-sized appliance that can handle multiple dishes or larger portions.

The second major difference is function. An air fryer rapidly circulates heated air to cook and crisp up a range of foods. A conventional, non-convection oven uses still air to cook food. Different types of ovens may offer various functions like broil, bake, roast and even air fry.

An air fryer can help add air frying or convection baking capabilities to your kitchen and offers a convenient size when preparing a single batch of chicken wings, bacon, salmon, zucchini fries or other fried favourites. However, a full-sized oven with air fry capabilities can let you air fry large amounts of food, which can be helpful when serving up platters of crispy hors d'oeuvres during dinner parties.

An air fryer rapidly circulates heated air throughout the cooking cavity, helping to remove surface moisture from food and create a crispy exterior. Conventional, non-convection ovens use heating elements on the top and bottom of the cooking cavity, leaving the air fairly static. These ovens are better suited for baking delicate items and recipes that call for liquid batters.

Air fryers use a perforated basket to help expose all sides of your food for a nice, all-around crispy finish. While some air fryers come with a bake option, not all ovens feature air fry capabilities.

Air fryers are usually limited to the convection-like air frying function, while a toaster oven or countertop oven can offer a wider range of functions such as broil, roast and bake. Some countertop ovens even feature an Air Fry setting, maximising your appliance’s functions.

Air Fryer vs. Convection Oven

KitchenAid does make air fryers, and they can be a great addition to your kitchen. Here is a comparison between air fryers and convection ovens to help you decide which one suits your needs:

Air fryers and convection ovens have some similarities and differences in terms of functionality and performance. Both use fans to circulate hot air around food, but there are key distinctions to be aware of:

Size and Capacity:

• Air fryers are typically smaller, more portable, and countertop appliances. They can cook about one to two servings at a time, making them ideal for individuals or small households.
• Convection ovens, on the other hand, are larger and have a bigger capacity. They can cook multiple servings at once, making them suitable for bigger families or when cooking for a larger group.

Cooking Time and Speed:

• Air fryers usually preheat faster due to their smaller size, and they can cook food more quickly since the fan is closer to the food, focusing more heat on a smaller area.
• Convection ovens may have slightly longer cooking times, but they can still accelerate cooking compared to conventional ovens due to the convection effect.

Cooking Settings and Versatility:

• Air fryers are designed to create a crunchy, crispy exterior similar to traditional frying, making them perfect for dishes like chicken wings, French fries, and onion rings.
• Convection ovens are more versatile and better suited for a wider range of cooking tasks, including roasting, baking, and toasting. They often have multiple settings, such as bake, roast, and broil.

Food Arrangement:

• In an air fryer, you may need to stack food items due to the smaller basket size, which can impede the flow of hot air and affect even cooking. You also need to shake the basket periodically for even cooking.
• Convection ovens allow you to spread food out on a rack, ensuring even cooking without the need for constant intervention.

Cleanup:

• Air fryer cleanup can be more involved as you need to clean the perforated basket and the bucket. There may be more dripping, especially when cooking items like chicken wings.
• Convection ovens are generally easier to clean, as you only need to clean the pan or tray.

Cost:

Air fryers tend to be more expensive than comparable convection ovens. A top-of-the-line air fryer might cost more but cook less food and fewer varieties.

Space:

• Air fryers are more compact and can be stored in a cupboard when not in use, although their height may not fit in all cupboards.
• Convection ovens typically live on the countertop full-time due to their larger size.

In conclusion, the decision between an air fryer and a convection oven depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritise speed, crispiness, and don't mind the smaller capacity, an air fryer could be ideal. However, if you cook for a larger group and want a more versatile appliance, a convection oven might be the better choice.

Air Fryer vs. Toaster Oven

KitchenAid does make air fryers. They are countertop ovens that offer air fry along with other functions to help you broil, bake, and dehydrate your favorite ingredients.

Now, when it comes to choosing between an air fryer and a toaster oven, it depends on your specific needs and cooking preferences. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide:

Cooking Mechanism:

• Air Fryer: Air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food. They have a fan that circulates hot air around food placed in a perforated tray or basket, resulting in crispy food without the need for deep frying.
• Toaster Oven: Toaster ovens cook food using concentrated radiant heat. They are like mini ovens and are good for cooking items that need to be laid flat.

Design and Features:

• Air Fryer: Most air fryers have a basket drawer, making it easy to shake or flip food for even cooking. They are equipped with powerful fans and some have non-stick interiors for easy cleanup. Air fryers may or may not have a glass window to see inside during cooking.
• Toaster Oven: Toaster ovens typically have a glass door that lets you monitor the cooking process. They often have adjustable racks and can be a good option if you want to cook items that need to be laid flat, such as cookies or puff pastry.

Performance and Versatility:

• Air Fryer: Air fryers are excellent for reheating leftovers and making them crispy again. They are ideal for cooking frozen foods, meat, fish, vegetables, and chicken. Air fryers are generally faster and produce crispier results.
• Toaster Oven: Toaster ovens are well-suited for making toast, bagels, and open-faced sandwiches. They are good for baking and broiling. Toaster ovens heat up faster and are perfect for small tasks like baking a few cookies.

Suitability:

• Air Fryer: If you prioritize speed and want crispy foods without deep frying, an air fryer is a good choice. It's ideal for those who want to cook frozen foods, meats, and vegetables with minimal oil.
• Toaster Oven: If you're looking for a mini oven that can heat things up without warming your entire house, a toaster oven is a better option. It's also a good choice if you want to bake, broil, or toast and don't mind the slightly slower cooking times.

Storage and Capacity:

• Air Fryer: Consider the countertop space available and the number of people you're cooking for. A larger air fryer (6-quart or more) is recommended for reasonable batch sizes.
• Toaster Oven: Toaster ovens can vary in size, so choose one that fits your needs and available space. Some can fit a whole chicken, while compact models are suitable for toasting, reheating, and cooking smaller portions.

In conclusion, both appliances have their strengths and weaknesses. If you're a beginner cook, a toaster oven might be a gentler introduction, especially if you want to bake bread and toast. On the other hand, an air fryer is excellent for crispy foods and reheating leftovers. If you have the space and budget, getting both can give you the best of both worlds!

Air Fryer vs. Deep Fryer

KitchenAid offers a range of countertop ovens with air fry settings, which can also be used for baking, roasting, toasting, dehydrating, and more. Air fryers are a popular alternative to deep fryers, as they are considered healthier, safer, and more cost-effective. However, some people still prefer deep fryers for the superior taste and texture of the food.

Preparation

Air fryers require less preparation than deep fryers. For example, when cooking fries, the potatoes must be soaked to remove starchiness before cooking in a deep fryer, whereas this step can be skipped when using an air fryer.

Cooking Process

Deep fryers can produce crispier food, especially for recipes that require double frying, such as fries. However, air fryers are more convenient as they require less monitoring during the cooking process, and some models even have self-stirring functions.

Clean-up

Air fryers are much easier to clean than deep fryers. The latter requires disposing of oily tissues and bowls, as well as dealing with the strong smell of fried food.

Taste Test

Deep-fried food has a crispier texture and fluffier interior compared to air-fried food. However, air-fried food absorbs more flavour and seasoning, resulting in a better taste.

Other Fried Treats

Deep fryers are necessary for recipes that involve wet batter, such as fried chicken. Air fryers are more suitable for breaded foods, such as chicken coated in an egg wash and panko breadcrumbs. Chicken wings also turn out well in air fryers as the fat drips away, ensuring crisp skin all over.

Price

Deep fryers are generally cheaper than air fryers, but the latter can often be found on sale. Air fryers can also substitute other appliances like microwaves and multi-cookers, making them more versatile.

Health

Air fryers are considered healthier than deep fryers as they require little to no oil, resulting in food that is lower in fat and calories.

Both air fryers and deep fryers have their pros and cons. Deep fryers produce crispier food and are more affordable, but they are less convenient, messier, and less healthy. Air fryers, on the other hand, offer a healthier, safer, and more versatile option, but the taste and texture may not always match up to deep-fried food. Ultimately, the decision between the two depends on personal preferences and specific cooking needs.

Frequently asked questions