As it is common knowledge that any kind of food dipped in so much oil is unhealthy, many people who love deep fried treats have been looking for healthier ways to prepare them. One of the devices that have come up in the past decade is the Air Fryer, which allows almost oil-free frying. However, the question remains; is it healthier than traditional oil frying?
According to compiled studies, the device is both healthier and not. The main reason it is healthier than traditional deep-frying is the fact that it does not use as much oil. Instead, the way air fryers work is by using superheated air to fry the food instead of relying entirely on boiling oil. A batch of fries can be made with just half a spoon of oil. Most other food products do not even need any oil.
However, according to The Alternative Daily, while science does say that air fryers offer less of the unhealthy substances found in deep-fried food, it does not automatically mean that it makes food healthier. Apparently, the superheated air in air fryers strips food of its vitamins and minerals, leaving less for the people eating it. Some minerals that are lessened include calcium and potassium, fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, and water-soluble vitamins C and B-complex.
As for whether or not this air fried food can cause cancer, there is currently no tangible proof for that claim. The issue first rose because food that is superheated, like potatoes, can contain acrylamide, which is found in plastics and paper. However, this issue is also found in food cooked in oil. So for now, using air fryers greatly lessens the chance of getting cancer associated with acrylamide.
That said, people looking to become healthier are advised to instead look for better food options rather than spending money on air fryers.
