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Does an Air Fryer Really Help You Eat Healthier?

An air fryer is surrounded by multiple plates of food.
kamikaze85/Shutterstock.com

When it comes to getting an air fryer, some do it because it’s an easy and quick cooking method. Health, however, is often the prevailing reason people give as to why they got one. But does an air fryer help you eat healthier?

Depending on an air fryer to make all your meals “healthy,” isn’t really going to work. While it can help, there are a few reasons why it’s not the end all, be all of health-conscious consumption.

First, what you cook in your air fryer matters. Popping some salmon in your air fryer is a lot different than making cheese sticks. Then, when comparing the appliance to another cooking method, you have to consider what you’re comparing it to.

Ninja AF101 Air Fryer

The best way to find out is to try it for yourself.

For most people, an air fryer is used in place of traditional frying methods. An air fryer works by circulating hot air around food to cook it, which creates a crispy exterior with far less oil. This means that it can be a healthier alternative to deep frying since it reduces the amount of oil and fat in the food.

But what about compared to an oven? Or grill? That comparison is up for debate. It largely depends on what you decide to cook and how you prepare it. An air fryer is not a magic tool that automatically makes your meals healthier no matter what you eat. If you are using high-fat and high-calorie ingredients in your meals, an air fryer may not have as much of an impact on the overall healthfulness of your diet.

Ultimately, is an air fryer healthier? The answer is that it can be, but in the end, the foods you decide to air fry are what really matter.

Abbey Ryan Abbey Ryan
Abbey Ryan is a storyteller, preferably of stories in written form. Across the 5 years of her professional writing career, her work has been featured in The Chicago Tribune, Amazon, The Medical News Today, and more. When she's not writing (which is rare), she's likely traveling, painting, or on the hunt for a good snack. Read Full Bio »
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