3 Incredible Benefits of Air Fry Cooking (And How to Choose the Air Fryer That’s Right for You)
Posted by
RC Willey Community
on September 14, 2021
Air fryers. You might have heard about them before; they've become very popular in the last few years. As an avid home chef, I found mentions of air fryers on my favorite cooking blogs long before I made the leap to purchasing an air fryer for myself. And boy, do I wish I had done so earlier because the air fryer has revolutionized the way I cook.
One of the best things about air fryers is you don’t need to be a Michelin Star chef to use one and reap the rewards. An air fryer is a great tool to have in your kitchen whether you’re an experienced cook or a novice. Air fryers hold numerous benefits for all home chefs, from eliminating the need for additional appliances to enabling you to cook healthier meals without sacrificing flavor. Here are just a few of the benefits of air fry cooking:
1. Healthy cooking made easy (and delicious)
Are you looking for a simple way to eat healthier? So am I! And the air fryer is one tool that can help you reach that goal—without even having to give up some of your favorite “unhealthy” foods.
As its name suggests, the air fryer is designed to “fry” foods using very hot air. This means you don’t need to dunk your food in a vat of oil to get that crispy, crunchy fried finish. French fries, buffalo wings, fried chicken, potato chips, mozzarella sticks, fried pickles, and so much more can be “fried” in the air fryer with either no oil or a LOT less oil than would be used in traditional oil frying. This means you’re consuming less fat and fewer calories.
In addition, research has shown that heating cooking oils to high temperatures can make them release inflammatory compounds that can contribute to chronic disease, including cancer. With air frying, you eliminate the need for these heated oils.
Try out my favorite sweet potato fry recipe if you’re ready to see how the air fryer can fry. Believe me, you won’t miss the traditional fryer at all!
2. Less mess means less cleaning
Traditional oil frying methods are not only unhealthy, but they’re also quite messy. You end up with a pan of used oil that needs to be thrown out, and that oil has usually splattered around your kitchen a bit, too. You also have to let your home-fried french fries, potato chips, or fried chicken drain off excess oil onto a paper towel before serving.
All of that mess is nonexistent with an air fryer. Since you aren’t frying with oil, there’s no oil to throw out, no splatter to clean up, and no need to “drain” your food. If any oil, fat, or water does come off of your food while it’s cooking in the air fryer, it’s contained within the appliance and is collected on a tray or drawer for you to easily clean up. Plus, most air fryers are dishwasher safe, so you can toss the fryer basket or tray into the dishwasher for a fast, convenient clean.
3. All-in-one versatility
If you’re like me, you really enjoy your kitchen appliances. I have several that I feel I can’t live without—the air fryer being one of them. However, it’s easy to gradually acquire a few too many appliances, and pretty soon, your kitchen is cluttered with a dozen little machines that have only one function.
The air fryer, however, does so much more than only fry. Most air fryers can fry, roast (like this fan-favorite air fryer brussels sprouts recipe), toast, broil, dehydrate, bake (did you know you can bake cookies in an air fryer?!), and more. So if you’re looking at an air fryer toaster oven, get ready to get rid of your old toaster, your food dehydrator, and maybe a few other appliances that have been collecting dust under your counter. Plus, air fryers are excellent for reheating food. Are you tired of your leftover pizza getting warm but soggy in the microwave? An air fryer quickly reheats your food while keeping it crispy.
Or you can opt for a range with air frying capabilities and eliminate the need for an additional appliance altogether. Did you ever think the day would come when you could air fry chicken, vegetables, burgers, desserts, and much more right in your oven? That day has come! This makes it easy to declutter your kitchen, knowing you have all of the functionality you need in one place.
Which Type of Air Fryer Is Right for You?
All air fryers work using the same basic concept: they circulate very hot air to cook food. However, as mentioned above, there are a few different styles of air fryers. Here are the three main types of air fryers and some tips for choosing the right one for you:
Basket air fryer
The basket-style air fryer is a countertop appliance that features a drawer with a removable basket (similar to a deep fryer basket). A heating element is positioned above the drawer, and a fan blows the heated air down into the basket to cook the food. Basket air fryers, like this Ninja Digital Air Fryer, are typically cylindrical in shape. The Ninja Digital Air Fryer also has multiple functions, including dehydrate. It features a ceramic-coated basket that is both non-stick and dishwasher safe.
A basket air fryer might be right for you if you want to take up the least amount of counter space, as air fryer ovens (see below) are usually larger. Basket air fryers also heat up the space around the appliance less, making it a great option for cooking during hot weather. A basket air fryer allows you to pause the cooking part way through to shake the food, ensuring even cooking and crisping. Finally, basket air fryers are typically the least expensive style of air fryers, making it a great choice if you’re on a budget.
Air fryer oven
An air fryer oven also uses a heating element that is positioned above the food and a fan that circulates the hot air. Instead of a drawer with a fryer-style basket, however, an air fryer oven is similar to a toaster oven. It has racks that hold crisper or baking trays beneath the heating element.
Air fryer ovens typically have more functions available than basket air fryers. The Ninja Foodi Air Fryer Oven, for example, can air fry, air roast, air broil, bake, toast, and dehydrate. It also has bagel and keep warm settings. In general, air fryer ovens have greater capacities than basket air fryers, so you can cook or warm more food at once. The rack positions allow you to move your food closer to or farther from the heating element to control the cooking. In addition, you can see your food through the glass door while it cooks, which isn’t possible with basket air fryers.
Range or Wall Oven with Air Fry
Welcome to 2021: we now have ranges with air fry functions! In this air fryer option, your oven comes equipped with air fry functionality. This eliminates the need altogether for an additional countertop appliance. A range with air fry allows you to “fry” foods—in a healthier way—right in your oven.
If you are in the market for a new range or you are choosing appliances for a new kitchen, a range with air fry is an excellent option. Ranges with air fry are available with either gas or electric ranges. For example, you can choose between this GE Electric Range with Air Fry, this GE Gas Range with Air Fry, or this GE InstaView Gas Range with Air Fry. The Samsung Gas Range with Air Fry also offers a larger capacity (6 cu ft) to give you more space to cook more food, faster. (Did I mention that the Samsung Gas Range with Air Fry is smart, too? This enables you to monitor your cooktop and adjust the oven temperature from anywhere.) And of course, these ranges have all of the normal functionality of a range as well.
What Can You Cook in Your Air Fryer?
As I’ve mentioned, air fryers are incredibly versatile, so there are few foods that cannot be cooked in an air fryer. Meats, seafood, vegetables, sandwiches, and even desserts can all be cooked in your air fryer. In the first month of owning my air fryer, I used it to cook: chicken breasts, roasted potatoes, sweet potato fries, zucchini fries, okra, hamburgers, pizza, Chick-fil-A style chicken sandwiches, bratwurst, pork chops, corn on the cob, salmon, chimichangas, and stromboli. (My family didn’t know what hit them!) When I say the sky's the limit when it comes to cooking with an air fryer, I mean it!
Here are a few of my favorite air fryer recipes to get you started:
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
- Air Fryer Carrots
- Air Fryer Italian Sausage with Peppers and Onions
One more benefit of air fry cooking? There are tons of other people out there with air fryers, so recipes are plentiful! If you ever wonder if a recipe can be made in the air fryer, a quick online search will turn up helpful information and probably more than one recipe that’s ready for you to use.
It’s clear to see that air fry cooking holds huge benefits—and frankly, it’s fun to see what you can cook in your air fryer next. Learn from my mistake of putting off adopting air fry cooking, and pick up your air fryer or a range with air fry sooner than later. You’ll be glad you did!
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Living Room Refresh With @simplyminedesigns
Posted by Kelsie on September 24, 2020
This month we teamed up with Shanna from @simplyminedesigns on a living room refresh! "The vision we had for our family room makeover was simple: to create a space for gathering where there would be room for everyone to sit while we enjoy movie nights" she said.
When styling a living room, it helps to pick out the larger furniture items first, like a sofa or sectional. This will be the main focal point of the room. “I knew a sectional would be the perfect addition to this space. So we started there. We chose the Orion brown 4 piece sectional.” This sectional offers a welcoming vibe and will provide plenty of seating for Shanna and her family and friends.
Before:
After:
She completed the room with a distressed white 3 piece entertainment unit, upgraded her 32” TV to a 65” Samsung Smart TV, and added a sound bar. “We now have a space perfect for movie nights and gathering together!”
Before:
After:
We hope this gives you some ideas if you are looking to update your own living room. Thank you Shanna for teaming up with us on this living room refresh, we love how this space turned out!
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Living Room Refresh With @galvanized_chic_boutique
Posted by Kelsie on April 24, 2020
We recently had the opporutinity to collaborate on a living room refresh with Kari at @galvanized_chic_boutique!
"When deciding what we wanted to add to our living room refresh I instantly knew I wanted to add a leather sectional. Leather furniture is my favorite" Kari said.
She chose our Denali steel gray sectional to be the focal point in the room. This sectional offers deep seating, making it the perfect spot to relax with family and friends! "I then added some fun throw pillows, throws and a new rug! I wanted to tie in a pop of yellow so I started with some fun lemon stems, added a little lemon tree, and a yellow knit throw blanket to tie it all in." The gray coloring of the Denali sectional makes is extremely verstille and works well with any color scheme.
Once Kari had selected her new sectional, she wanted to update the T.V. in her living room as well. Kari updated her old T.V. with a LG 4K Smart TV!
"I'm absolutely loving the transformation! Thank you @rcwilley for the fun room refresh!"
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7 Tips for Online Shopping
Posted by
RC Willey Community
on April 16, 2020
Many people love the ease and convenience of online shopping, but it can often be nerve wracking purchasing a large household item without ever seeing the product in person. We have teamed up with KSL to highlight 7 tips to help put your mind at ease when making an online purchase.
When making an online purchase, we recommend that you do the following steps:
1. Check the measurements
Items can appear bigger or smaller in pictures online, so double check its measurements in the description to make sure it is the size you are wanting. Also, don’t forget to make sure the item can fit through your front door or hallway if needed!
2. Get a second opinion
Ask a friend or family member for their opinion on the item you want to purchase to help prevent buyers remorse.
3. Look for multiple pictures
You can always check a brand’s social media to see if someone has shared a picture of the item you want in their own home.
4. Read the reviews
See what other customers have to say about the item. This will help you weigh the pros and cons.
Sometimes once you receive your purchase, you discover it might not be the best fit for you or your space. We offer a 14-day return policy if you aren’t happy with your purchase, so no need to stress!
6. Research fabrics beforehand
If you are purchasing a fabric-based product, do some research and decide what fabric best suits you and your lifestyle.
7. Buy from an established company with local retail stores
With 88 years of sales excellence and superior customer service, we have been providing countless homeowners with the world’s finest merchandise at the absolute lowest prices.
Click here to read the full article. During these uncertain times while we are staying safe at home, online shopping is an amazing option. You can still shop and create a functional home office, at-home gym, or cozy living room- all from the comfort and safety of your own house. By following these simple tips, you can rest easy knowing your new purchases will be the perfect fit for you and your home.
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The Perfect Patio
Posted by Kelsie on March 9, 2020
Spring is just around the corner and warmer days are ahead- YAY! As winter nears its end, now is the perfect time to start thinking about your outdoor living spaces. If you are wanting to give your patio a refresh, start with the furniture. Your furniture is the main focal point of your outdoor living spaces, so make sure it consists of pieces that are both beautiful and practical.
Photo by @fancyfixdecor via our Instagram.
There are a few key elements to consider when picking out patio furniture. First- consider the size of your patio and the amount of space you can utilize. There are so many furniture options for small patios, large patios, and everything in between. Make sure your furniture doesn't make your space feel too cramped or look odly small in comparison to the rest of the patio. When shopping, keep in mind how many people you want to accomodate. Also, consider what area of your patio you want to place your furniture based on the amount of direct sunlight it receives.
Photo by @lindsarnold via our Instagram.
Once you have picked out your furniture, don't forget to accessorize! It is amazing how much coziness can be added to your patio with an outdoor rug, a few throw pillows, and a cute planter to add some greenery. If you really want to add some extra ambiance, add a firepit to your patio!
Photo by @citygirlmeetsfarmboy via our Instagram.
Check out our 2020 Patio Catalog and start creating your perfect patio to enjoy the sunny days ahead!
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Farmhouse Inspiration
Posted by Kelsie on February 27, 2020
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Living Room Refresh With @greybirchdesigns
Posted by Kelsie on February 17, 2020
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Ring Doorbell
Posted by Alyssa on November 5, 2019
Ring Doorbells
With the holiday season approaching and boxes arriving at your door, a Ring Doorbell is exactly what you need to up the security around your home. By simply replacing your current doorbell with a Ring Doorbell, you’ll be able to monitor who comes to your door on your mobile device. Not only will you be able to see and hear who is on your front porch, you’ll be able to talk to them as well - even if you aren’t home!
I can’t wait to install a Ring Doorbell at my home. Instead of waiting all day for a package to arrive, I’ll be able to know exactly when it gets to my porch and can either hurry home or make arrangements for it to be picked up without worrying it’ll be stolen while I’m gone.
Do yourself a favor and order a Ring Doorbell from RC Willey today!
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Dining Room Colors
Posted by Alyssa on October 30, 2019
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White Bathroom Ideas
Posted by Alyssa on October 24, 2019
Is there anything cleaner or more relaxing than a white bathroom? There are a lot of bold, patterned bathroom ideas out there, but if you’re not sure you’re ready to take that big of a step, you can’t go wrong with white. Check out some white bathroom ideas below and get inspired!
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