Just like any electrical appliance, there are methods for the airfryer to yield better results. For these methods, Associate Professor Kaan Yılancıoğlu, Head of Üsküdar University's Department of Biosafety, first explained how the appliance works and also discussed cooking techniques from a health perspective. Yılancıoğlu stated that healthier results are obtained due to significantly less oil being used compared to traditional frying methods, and he also underlined that a carcinogenic compound called acrylamide can form in some foods cooked with an airfryer, particularly potatoes and grain products. He drew attention to preparing vegetables to be cooked, regulating frying time, and temperature to reduce this formation.
The airfryer has recently emerged as a practical kitchen appliance developed as an alternative to traditional frying methods. This trendy kitchen appliance stands out for its ability to perform frying with less oil and in a healthier way compared to traditional deep-frying.
Healthier results are obtained due to less oil usage
Associate Professor Kaan Yılancıoğlu, Head of Üsküdar University's Department of Biosafety, who evaluated the Airfryer cooking technique from a health perspective, said, “The airfryer cooks food with air current thanks to its hot air technology. This method makes the outside of food crispy and keeps the inside soft. Thus, it is possible to achieve a fried taste. However, healthier results are obtained because much less oil is used compared to traditional frying methods. It can be used to fry, grill, or cook French fries, chicken wings, vegetables, fish, and many other foods. Furthermore, it is preferred for cooking pre-packaged fried products in a healthier way with less oil.”
Carelessness during use can increase the risk of burns
Yılancıoğlu stated that while the airfryer offers some health advantages due to using less oil compared to traditional frying methods, it can also pose some potential risks depending on its usage and frequency. He warned, “Since the airfryer operates at high temperatures, it generates hot air inside. Carelessness during use can increase the risk of burns. It is important to use the appliance carefully and keep it out of reach of children.”
Soaking vegetables in water before cooking can reduce acrylamide formation
Yılancıoğlu also underlined that a carcinogenic compound called acrylamide can form in some foods cooked with an airfryer, particularly potatoes and grain products, and stated, “Acrylamide is a natural process that occurs at high temperatures and in low-moisture environments. Therefore, when using an airfryer, regulating the frying time and temperature is important to reduce acrylamide formation. To prevent this, using the cooking options recommended in the appliance's user manual, peeling vegetables if possible, and soaking starchy vegetables like potatoes in water before cooking can reduce acrylamide formation. Great care should be taken to ensure that foods are not cooked for too long at high temperatures, do not stick, and do not blacken.”
Nutrient loss can be prevented with conscious use
Yılancıoğlu stated that “cooking at high temperatures and with air current can reduce the nutritional value of some foods,” and he noted that water-soluble vitamins and antioxidants, in particular, might be less effective with this cooking method. Yılancıoğlu added, “When using an airfryer, keeping the cooking time as short as possible and cutting vegetables in a way that preserves their integrity can reduce nutrient loss. If possible, consuming vegetables crunchier and raw is both beneficial for health and preventative against the formation of carcinogenic contents like acrylamide.”
Zero oil consumption will bring harm, not benefit…
Yılancıoğlu stated that the primary purpose of the airfryer is to use less oil than traditional frying methods. He mentioned that some people completely eliminate oil usage with the idea of being healthy, which can negatively affect the taste and textural quality of foods, adding, “Failure to consume some fats required by the body can also lead to health problems. Our body needs essential fats like Omega 3. Zero oil consumption will bring harm, not benefit. Consuming oils like olive oil is healthy for a Mediterranean diet.” He offered this recommendation.
Instead of relying on airfryer use, review your diet
Associate Professor Kaan Yılancıoğlu, Head of Üsküdar University's Department of Biosafety, concluded his remarks with recommendations to minimize potential adverse effects:
“It is important to create a balanced diet plan, use various cooking methods, and carefully monitor foods while cooking with an airfryer. To achieve healthy results, instead of relying solely on airfryer usage, it is important to generally review your diet and focus on healthy lifestyle habits. If you have any health conditions, consulting an expert, especially regarding your diet, would be beneficial.”