How to use an air fryer: A beginner’s guide to crispy, healthy meals
As more Kenyans embrace healthier cooking methods, the air fryer is proving to be more than a trend, it is fast becoming a staple in modern kitchens.
Until recently, air fryers were an unfamiliar concept in many Kenyan homes, particularly among those wedded to traditional deep-frying methods using sufurias or pans of oil.
However, with nutritionists, food bloggers, and social media chefs championing their convenience, these appliances are rapidly becoming must-have kitchen gadgets.
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How does an air fryer work?
An air fryer is a compact countertop appliance that cooks by circulating superheated air around food at high speed. The result? A satisfying crispy texture similar to deep-frying—but with a fraction of the oil.
In essence, it functions as a mini convection oven, capable of roasting, grilling, baking and frying —all with minimal fat and faster cooking times than conventional methods.
Getting started: Simple setup
Setting up an air fryer is straightforward. Immediately after you unbox it, users are advised to wash the removable basket with warm soapy water, dry it thoroughly, plug in the unit, and preheat it at 180°C for five minutes, an essential step that ensures even cooking from the start.
A trial run with classic chips (fries) yielded impressive results:
Soak potatoes for 30 minutes (reduces starch for crispiness).
Pat dry, then toss with 1 tsp oil and a pinch of salt.
Cook at 200°C for 18 minutes, shaking halfway.
The outcome? Golden, crispy chips rivalling those from kibandaskis or fast-food outlets—without the greasiness.
Some people attest that leftovers like mandazis are reheated to fluffiness in just three minutes, proving the air fryer can be a better alternative to microwaves for certain foods.
“If you want to reheat, it’s better than a microwave for pizza, sausages, or even ugali,” Kimani, a Hotpoint representative, said.
Vegetables such as broccoli, terere, and carrots also cook beautifully in under 10 minutes, retaining their colour and texture. A drizzle of olive oil and preferred seasoning to your stir fry enhances flavour while preserving nutritional value.
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Cleaning an air fryer
Cleanup is notably easy, thanks to the non-stick nature of most air fryer baskets.
Users can handwash them with warm soapy water or pop them into the dishwasher if they have it.
The appliance also keeps kitchens free from the lingering smell of hot oil after cooking since cooking is done in an enclosed space with minimal splatter, making the air fryer a cleaner and more odor-free alternative to traditional frying.
On the health front, nutritionist Wincate Wangari, based in Nanyuki, says air frying reduces calorie intake by up to 70% compared to deep frying.
“For people managing weight, blood pressure, or cholesterol, it’s one of the best modern kitchen inventions. But balance is key; don’t use it to cook everything,” she advises.
“It’s a great tool for reducing oil intake and making healthier versions of fried foods, but it shouldn’t replace whole, fresh meals like salads, steamed vegetables, or whole grains. Variety and moderation are still essential to a well-rounded diet.”
To prolong the appliance's life, it is recommended to use perforated parchment paper or reusable silicone liners. This protects the non-stick surface and makes cleanup easier.
For deep cleaning, soaking the basket in a mix of warm water, vinegar, and baking soda for 20 minutes helps lift grease and oil.
For beginners, experts advise starting with basic items like chips or sausages.
Most air fryers come with preset cooking modes for chicken, fish, cake, and chips, along with manual controls. And for any uncertainty, platforms like Google, YouTube, and TikTok provide countless recipes and tutorials.
As more Kenyans embrace healthier cooking methods, the air fryer is proving to be more than a trend, it is fast becoming a staple in modern kitchens.
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