Should You Get an Air Fryer or an Air Fryer Toaster Oven? | Gear Heads

Summary

This video explores the evolution of air fryers, showcasing top models like the Instant Vortex Plus and Breville Smart Oven Air. Experts discuss the pros and cons of different air fryer designs, emphasizing convenience, safety, and ease of cleaning. Viewers learn about versatile cooking options such as roasting, baking, and toasting, with highlights on air fryer performance for items like chicken wings, Brussels sprouts, and even cheesecake. The video compares traditional air fryers with air fryer toaster ovens, helping users choose the best option for their kitchen needs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Air fryers are popular because they cook food quickly and efficiently, offering crispy results without the need for much oil.
• 😀 Air fryers work by circulating hot air (convection) around food, which mimics frying without using much oil, often only a tablespoon or less.
• 😀 Different air fryer designs include drawer style, flip-top style, and mini-oven style, but the drawer style is recommended for ease of use and safety.
• 😀 The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart model is the top-rated air fryer for its compact size, large capacity, and easy-to-clean nonstick interior.
• 😀 Some air fryers can do more than just fry. The Instant Vortex Plus can roast, bake, reheat, and broil, making it versatile in the kitchen.
• 😀 Air fryers like the Instant Vortex Plus preheat quickly (within 2 minutes), which improves cooking performance and consistency.
• 😀 You can cook a variety of foods in an air fryer, from roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts to proteins like chicken wings, all with little to no added fat.
• 😀 Air fryer toaster ovens, such as the Breville Smart Oven Air, combine air frying and traditional toaster oven functions, offering versatility but at a higher price.
• 😀 The Breville Smart Oven Air is large, expensive, but highly effective for both air frying and as a toaster oven. It's ideal for those who need both functions in one appliance.
• 😀 A downside of toaster oven air fryers is that they are harder to clean compared to traditional air fryers due to their non-nonstick stainless steel interiors.
• 😀 For air frying, a dedicated air fryer (like the Instant Vortex Plus) is recommended for compact size, affordability, and ease of cleaning, whereas toaster oven air fryers work well if you need a multi-functional appliance.

Q & A

What is the primary function of an air fryer?

An air fryer uses convection heat to cook food quickly and evenly with little to no oil, giving it a crispy texture similar to deep frying. It's designed as a countertop appliance that serves as a smaller, more energy-efficient alternative to a traditional oven.

Why are air fryers considered better than deep fryers?

Air fryers use significantly less oil compared to deep fryers. Instead of immersing food in hot oil, air fryers circulate hot air around the food to achieve a crispy texture, which makes them a healthier option for cooking.

What type of air fryer style is recommended for safety and ease of use?

The drawer-style air fryer is recommended for safety and convenience. It keeps you away from the heating element and allows easy access to the food without risking burns, unlike models with flip tops or multiple racks.

What makes the Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart air fryer stand out?

The Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart stands out because it offers a compact design with a surprisingly large capacity. It can cook meals for up to four people, features a nonstick interior for easy cleaning, and has quick preheating and user-friendly digital controls.

Can the Instant Vortex Plus be used for more than just air frying?

Yes, the Instant Vortex Plus can also roast, bake, and broil in addition to air frying. This makes it a versatile appliance capable of preparing a wide range of dishes.

What are the advantages of the Breville Smart Oven Air compared to other air fryer-toaster ovens?

The Breville Smart Oven Air combines both air fryer and toaster oven functionality. It has multiple rack levels, making it ideal for cooking larger meals or preparing multiple dishes simultaneously. It's also known for its precise cooking settings and large cooking capacity, though it comes with a higher price tag.

Is the Breville Smart Oven Air easy to clean?

While the Breville Smart Oven Air is made of stainless steel, making it durable, it is more difficult to clean compared to traditional air fryers with nonstick baskets. The perforated trays can trap grease and require more effort to clean.

What is one of the main drawbacks of the Breville Smart Oven Air?

The main drawback of the Breville Smart Oven Air is its high price point. It is more expensive than many other air fryers and toaster ovens, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

How do you ensure food cooks evenly in an air fryer toaster oven like the Breville Smart Oven Air?

To ensure even cooking in an air fryer toaster oven, use the different rack levels to position your food properly and allow for good airflow. The Breville Smart Oven Air also has a convection fan that helps circulate the hot air around the food, ensuring uniform browning and crispiness.

What type of food is ideal for cooking in an air fryer?

Air fryers are perfect for cooking a variety of foods, including crispy snacks like French fries and chicken wings, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, and baked items like cheesecakes or toast. Air fryers excel at cooking foods that benefit from crispiness, with minimal oil.