Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in South African homes, and the health claims surrounding them are hard to miss. Less oil. Fewer calories. Crispier food without the guilt. But how much of that is marketing and how much is actually true?
Here is an honest look at what air fryers do, how they compare to other cooking methods and whether the health benefits are real.
What You Will Find in This Article
- How air fryers work and why they use less oil
- A comparison of air frying versus pan frying, deep frying and oven cooking
- The genuine health benefits of air frying
- What air fryers are not so good at
- Which Bennett Read air fryer suits your household
How Air Fryers Actually Work
An air fryer is essentially a compact convection oven. A powerful heating element and a high-speed fan circulate hot air rapidly around the food, cooking it evenly on all sides and creating a crispy outer layer through the Maillard reaction, the same browning effect you get from frying or roasting. Because the hot air does the work, you need very little or no oil to achieve a crispy result.
That reduction in oil is the core of the health argument. Less oil means fewer added calories, less saturated fat and significantly less of the compounds associated with high-temperature deep frying.
Air Fryer vs Other Cooking Methods
Air frying uses little to no oil and works well for chips, chicken, roasts and snacks. Deep frying requires a large volume of oil and is best suited to battered foods and doughnuts, while pan frying uses a moderate amount for foods like steaks, eggs and vegetables. Oven roasting generally needs only a small to moderate amount of oil and is ideal for larger cuts, casseroles and baking, while grilling uses little to none and works especially well for meat, fish and vegetables.
Air frying compares most favourably to deep frying and pan frying, where the oil volume is highest. Compared to oven roasting and grilling, the health difference is more modest, though air fryers cook significantly faster and use less electricity.
The Real Health Benefits of Air Frying
Significantly Less Oil
Air fryers use up to 80% less oil than deep frying, directly reducing fat and calorie intake on foods like chips , crumbed chicken and spring rolls. From crispy bacon and perfectly cooked eggs to golden French toast with a fraction of the oil, an air fryer makes it just as easy to start the day as it does to end it.
Fewer Harmful Compounds
Deep frying at high temperatures produces acrylamide, a potentially harmful compound formed when starchy foods are cooked in oil at very high heat. Air frying produces considerably lower levels.
Retained Nutrients
Because cooking times are shorter and no water is involved, air frying tends to retain more nutrients and minerals than boiling.
Less Mess and Splatter
No hot oil means a safer, cleaner cooking environment, which encourages more home cooking overall.
What Air Fryers Are Less Good At
Air fryers are not a magic solution for every meal. They are not well suited to dishes that need liquid, like soups, stews or curries. Very wet batters do not crisp up as well as in a deep fryer. Large cuts that need slow, low-temperature cooking are better suited to a conventional oven. And like any cooking method, air frying unhealthy foods does not automatically make them healthy. Reducing oil is meaningful, but the nutritional quality of the ingredients still matters.
Which Bennett Read Air Fryer Is Right for You?
Bennett Read 6.6L Digital Air Fryer
Ideal for smaller households cooking for two to three people.
- 1600W
- 8 presets
- Temperature range of 80°C to 200°C
- Dishwasher-safe non-stick drawer for effortless clean-up
A practical, well-priced entry into healthier everyday cooking.
Bennett Read 10L Digital Air Fryer
Steps up to a 2.3kg food capacity for growing families.
- 1800W
- 24-hour timer
- Preheat function
- Reheat function
- Keep-warm function
- Dehydrate function
- Temperature range starting at 30°C for maximum versatility
Bennett Read 11L Digital Air Fryer
The flagship model for larger households.
- 2.5kg capacity
- 2000W
- Full suite of cooking functions
- Free five-year warranty with online registration
One of the best-value large-capacity air fryers available in South Africa.
Are Air Fryers Actually Healthier?
Air fryers are genuinely healthier than deep frying and pan frying for the foods they are best at, particularly anything that would traditionally need a lot of oil to get crispy. They are not a replacement for every cooking method, but as a regular part of your kitchen routine, they make it significantly easier to prepare lower-fat, home-cooked meals without sacrificing flavour or texture.
Browse the full Bennett Read air fryer range at bennettread.co.za to find the right size for your household and register your product online to extend your warranty at no extra cost.
FAQs
How Do Air Fryers Work?
Air fryers work by circulating hot air rapidly around food using a powerful heating element and fan. This creates a crispy outer layer through the same browning process as frying, but without the need for large amounts of oil. The result is food that is crispy on the outside, cooked through on the inside and significantly lower in added fat than deep-fried equivalents.
What Is Unhealthy About an Air Fryer?
Air fryers are not inherently unhealthy, but they are not a guaranteed health solution either. Cooking processed or high-fat foods in an air fryer reduces added oil, but it does not change the nutritional profile of the food itself. Overcooking starchy foods at very high temperatures can also produce some acrylamide, though at lower levels than deep frying. Used sensibly with whole, nutritious ingredients, an air fryer is one of the healthier cooking tools available.
Are Air Fryers Healthier for Weight Loss?
They can support a weight-loss goal when used as a substitute for deep frying or heavy pan frying. By using up to 80% less oil on foods like chips, chicken and vegetables, air fryers meaningfully reduce calorie intake from added fats. They also make home cooking faster and more convenient, which helps reduce reliance on takeaways and processed foods. Combined with balanced eating, an air fryer is a practical tool for anyone managing their calorie intake.
