Are air fryers actually healthier than deep frying?

Yes — air frying uses 70-80% less oil than deep frying while producing similar crispiness. A batch of air-fried french fries has roughly 70% fewer calories from fat than deep-fried. The health benefit is most significant for foods you'd otherwise deep-fry regularly.

Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Yes, but only in the bottom of the basket — never covering the entire basket or blocking airflow. Foil can help with cleanup for messy foods like cheese-topped dishes. Never use foil in the preheat cycle without food weighing it down, as the fan can blow it into the heating element.

Do air fryers use a lot of electricity?

Air fryers use 1,200-1,800 watts, similar to a hair dryer. But because they cook faster than a conventional oven (which uses 2,000-5,000 watts), they typically use less total energy per meal. A 20-minute air fryer session costs roughly $0.05-0.08 in electricity.

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