Dietitians love air fryers. It’s simply because that it aids in healthy cooking.
But don’t be surprised if these nutritionists have their favorites.
With their own go-to brands and models in mind, let’s take a look at those which nutritionists praise the most.
Why Dietitians Love Air Fryers
Really, why do nutritionists rave about air fryers?
Well, compared to traditional frying methods, air fryers use less oil.
That’s about 70-80% reduction in oil use, according to recent stats.
It also helps that air fried foods can have up to less than 80% calories compared to deep fried ones.
That’s a huge win for the waistline and the heart, one that the American Heart Association approves.
Top Air Fryer Models Dietitians Swear By
Now, let’s look into the dietitian-approved air fryer models.
1. Philips Air Fryer
This bad boy is a favourite among health pros.
It’s not just with its sleek looks. It also delivers consistently crispy results.
Don’t believe us? Even Dr. Oz praised this with its capability to deliver guilt-free food.
2. Ninja Foodi Air Fryer
Want a versatile model? Ninja Foodi is for you.
It’s also a pressure cooker, slow cooker, and more aside from being just your basic air fryer.
No less than Rachael Ray loves this multi-function beauty.
3. Cosori Air Fryer
A budget-friendly option.
Cosori boasts of a spacious basket. It also has easy-to-use controls.
It’s no surprise that Consumer Reports gave a lot of praise on this one.
Health Benefits of Air Frying
Now let’s take a look on why air fryers are a nutritionist’s dream:
• Reduced oil use means fewer calories and less fat
• Air-fried foods retain more nutrients than deep-fried ones
• They’re great for portion control
• Make crispy foods without the guilt
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics are up in arms for air fryers for promoting heart-healthy cooking.
Cooking Tips from the Pros
Take it from top chefs and dietitians on how to better use your air fryers.
• For best results, Preheat your air fryer
• Don’t overcrowd the basket – give your food room to crisp
• Use a light spray of oil for extra crispiness
• Experiment with different seasonings for flavor without added calories
Chef George Purton who specializes in air fryer recipes said be daring. He suggested trying unexpected foods like roasted veggies or even baked goods in your air fryer.
Healthy Air Fryer Recipes to Try
Listen to the dietitians for recipes which they pledge by.
• Air Fryer Chicken Breast: Lean but juicy stunner.
• Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Even picky eaters would love this.
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: A classic favorite with a healthy twist.
Look at the Food Network for inspiration as it has a whole section dedicated to healthy air fryer recipes.
Remember, air fryers are just another weapon in your battle for healthy cooking.
It certainly can help you make more nutritious but still tasty meals. That with less oil and fewer calories.
So for those who want to up their kitchen game with dietitian-recommended air fryers, you’ve got plenty of great options to choose from.
Comparing Air Frying to Other Cooking Methods
Now let’s look at how air fryers match up with other cooking methods.
Air Frying vs. Deep Frying
This one’s clear. Deep frying drowns your food in oil. Air frying does not, and instead uses hot air circulation with minimal oil.
• Calorie content: Compared to deep frying, air frying can reduce calorie content by 70-80%.
• Oil usage: It also uses 70-80% less oil than traditional deep frying methods.
• Nutritional value: More nutrients are retained in air frying due to shorter cooking times and less oil absorption.
Air Frying vs. Oven Baking
While both methods use less oil and are healthier options, air frying has some edges.
• Cooking time: Speed favors air fryers as they cook faster than ovens.
• Energy efficiency: They also use less energy, especially for small portions.
• Crispiness: Crispier foods come out from air fryers, among them fries and breaded items.
Air Fryer Safety and Usage Guidelines
It’s always better to be safe, and as user-friendly as air fryers are, you should still know how to use it correctly:
1. Always place on a heat-resistant surface
2. Don’t overfill the basket
3. Clean after each use to prevent grease buildup
4. Keep the air fryer away from walls and other appliances while in use
The Future of Air Frying
Approximately 60% of U.S. households own an air fryer in September 2024.
And don’t expect that number to drop down soon with more and more joining in this craze to eat healthier.
And companies have also adapted with the times:
• Smart air fryers with app connectivity
• Larger capacity models for family-sized meals
• Multi-function air fryers that can also dehydrate, rotisserie, and more
Air Fryer Cookbooks and Resources
Want to expand your air fryer repertoire? Check out these resources:
1. “The Air Fryer Cookbook” by George Purton – packed with creative, health-conscious recipes
2. The American Heart Association’s guide to heart-healthy air frying
3. Dr. Oz’s air fryer recipe collection on his website
Final Thoughts from Dietitians
Dietitians and nutritionists are in unison: air fryers should be the way to go. It’s a useful addition to any kitchen’s arsenal of healthy cooking tools. Never have there been a time that you can enjoy crispy and tasty while cutting back on calories and oil than now.
But also know that portion control and balanced diet are just as important as the appliances you use. While air fryer helps, it’s only one factor in the solution.
A dietitian-recommended air fryer could be a terrific addition to your kitchen, whether your goal is to make more nutritious meals, lose weight, or enhance your heart health.
