Air fryer french fries

Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you air fryer french fries something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication. Air fryer recipes are sweeping the nation, but what is an air fryer and how does it work?

There’s no question that air fryers are hugely popular. What are the best air fryers? What can you cook in an air fryer? The air fryer is essentially an amped-up countertop convection oven—it doesn’t actually fry your food. Although, keep in mind that there’s a difference between air-frying and baking. Patented by Philips Electronics Company, the small appliance claims to mimic the results of deep-frying with nothing more than hot air and little or no oil.

The top section of an air fryer holds a heating mechanism and fan. You place the food in a fryer-style basket and when you turn it on, hot air rushes down and around the food. This rapid circulation makes the food crisp—much like deep-frying, but without the oil. Bonus: This air fryer cheat sheet will help you master air fryer cooking ASAP. Place your food in the basket Depending on your air fryer’s size, the basket may hold anywhere from 2 to 10 quarts. In most cases, you’ll want to add 1 or 2 teaspoons of oil to help the food get nice and crispy.