The SPOT.ph Guide to Air Fryers

(SPOT.ph) Trends come and go, an adage that applies in practically every possible context—the kitchen included. We're sure you remember the different fads of recent times (dalgona coffee ring a bell?) but there is one relatively new entry that appears to be more than just a trend: the air fryer. We're sure all your friends and their mothers have bought one of these seemingly magical devices in the past few years and if you're still not on board, we're here to lay down the deets for you. 

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Table of Contents

• What is an air fryer?
• The history of an air fryer
• Things to look for when buying an air fryer
• Popular brands of air fryers and how much to shell out

What is an air fryer?

The major selling point of an air fryer is that you get all the crisp goodness of a deep-fried treat minus oil and its bad rap. And yes, minus the pains of battling hot oil flying about.

The thing about air fryers is that it doesnt actually "fry" food how we've come to know the cooking style. Instead, it goes the convection route. To put it simply, you place whatever it is you're cooking into the perforated tray and the device blows hot air all around it, resulting in an even crisp all-around. You might remember how turbo broilers were once all the rage. Well, you can think of the air fryer as its sleeker and more improved descendant. Evolution, baby. 

The air fryer started out as in the name, a straightforward fryer for things meant to be fried. But now that the device has been upgraded with many different functions, people have begun using it in very creative ways, as an oven replacement for baking cheesecakes to even creating new dishes like corn ribs. We know you see them on TikTok. 

The history of air fryers

The first home-kitchen ready air fryer was released by Philips in 2010 at a European consumer electronics convention. This egg-shaped device came courtesy of Fred van der Weij, an inventor from the Netherlands who had been trying to make deep-frying at home easier since 2005. His main focus? The perfect french fry. Anyone who has ever tried to make fast-food resto standard fries at home know how hard it is, and how many steps are involved, in transforming the humble potato into the coveted crisp golden sticks. 

“It was kind of a holy grail that many companies were looking for—to make better French fries,” Van der Weij is quoted as saying by the NY Times. “To find a way to make the handling much easier and the results much better would be a very big potential, that was clear. But I did not expect it would be as big as it is right now.”

It was at the 2010 Internationale Funkausstellung, a major fair in Berlin, that Philips debuted the device. The report states that Philips still owns the patent to Van der Wiej's technology—but that clearly hasn't stopped other companies to create their own versions of the now multi-use device. 

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Things to look for when buying an air fryer

Size

Counter space is prime real estate in the Metro, especially in condos, so think twice when you head out to buy an air fryer. Most air fryers come in cute robotlike shapes, kind of like mini refrigerators with a pull out drawer for your food. They might also open from above so make sure you won't be placing it under any overhead cabinets. Plus, make sure it's near enough to a power outlet, and it's got the right power supply, too.  

Cooking capacity

Next up, you have to note how many people you'll be cooking for on the regular. Air fryers come in a different range of cooking capacities, typically measured in liters. If you fly solo, then a small one with up to two liters should work fine; if you plan on cooking full meals for several people, then one that's up to 2.5 liters is good; if you're the type to cook up whole chickens and the like then a five-liter capacity is the one you need. 

Function

Next up, check the temperature range of the device you're looking at. A range of around 100°C to 200°C should be good enough to cook a all sorts of food. Different machines can also have multiple functions, from a straightforward air fryer to one that can also broil, toast, bake, and more. You can match the device you buy to how many functions you want or need it to have. 

Ease of cleaning

Now depending on the device you get, the tools that come with it also differ. An air fryer typically comes with a drawer and a perforated tray; that latter bit is what you can chuck into the kitchen sink for a thorough wash. The rest can usually be wiped down to get rid of the grease. Be sure to take into account how you'll be able to wash your device and care for it before heading into a commitment. 

Also read: Different Air Fryers and Their Features: Which One Should You Get?

Popular brands of air fryers and how much to shell out

NTM AF4 (P3,498) from Tough Mama

If all you need is a no-frills air fryer, then this might just be the one. Tough Mama is known for its dependability and longevity so this is bound to keep on your kitchen counter for quite a while. This one's got a four-liter capacity cooker, a detachable basket and pot for you to cook in, plus two control dials. This will work well for quick and easy meals. And the sleek no-nonsense black design isn't bad either.

Available on Abenson.

AF-4LM 4 Liters Non-stick Air Fryer Cream White (P3,999) from 3D

Now if your kitchen's got a lighter, more retro theme going on, then take a look at this device. 3D keeps things old school with a light beige colorway, a bit of a step away from the usual black (though we will mention this specific one's available in black, too). The rounded device has dials to add to the nostalgic feel. When it comes to actual cooking, it's got a detachable tray and grill, a 30-minute timer, and can cook at temps from 90°C to 200°C.

Available on Ansons.

Easy Fry Deluxe Digital Air Fryer XL Size (P14,995 ) from TEFAL

This smart device in all its stainless steel glory will keep things looking well, smart, in the kitchen. And yes, the form comes with function. TEFAL loaded this air fryer with a large touchscreen control panel to keep things easy, plus its got eight cooking modes (fry, cutlet, shrimp, cake, pizza, fish, grill, roast), a 60-minute timer, and temps from 80°C to 200°C; you know you'll be getting a lot of use from this one. 

Available on Lazada. 

BOV860BSS Smart Oven Air Fryer (P29,995) from Breville 

Now if it's range and versatility you want, this Breville one has got your back. It's got a total of 10 different smart cooking functions, air frying being the main one alongside preset functions like Toast, Crumpet, Bake, Roast, Grill, Pizza, Reheat, Warm, and Slow Cook. Plus, it's got a massive 22-liter overall capacity. Yup, get ready to roast some chickens. Best part? It comes with accessories like an air frying basket, an enamel roasting pan, a grill and wire rack, and a 30cm non-stick pizza pan. 

Available on Shop SM.