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Original poster

My dad has offered to buy me an air fryer...

57 replies

lucysmam · 21/04/2023 21:08

Do I want one?

Do you use yours?

The one he's linked is 12L, is that big enough to cook for four?

What do you cook in yours?

Thanks!

OP posts:
NeatCompactSleeper · 21/04/2023 23:48

determinedtomakethiswork · 21/04/2023 22:48

I agree with you, I wish the manufacturers would put Fahrenheit, centigrade and air fryer timings. I go for about 50% of the time and that's been okay so far.

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I use the fan oven instructions on the packet and knock about a 1/4 of the time off.

It's trial and error really but you do get used to it.

Tinkerbyebye · 22/04/2023 00:27

I had a small one from Asda. Now bought a bigger one. Used the oven twice since I had it after Christmas, cooks quicker and better.

DramaAlpaca · 22/04/2023 01:14

I bought a cheap and cheerful one and loved it so much I bought another that has two compartments. I gave my original one to my adult son and he loves it too. We've hardly used the oven since getting it.

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General food
Furries · 22/04/2023 01:31

Definitely look at a two-drawer model. Makes cooking more flexible. Meat in one, potatoes etc in the other. Different times/temperatures and can synch to finish cooking at the same time.

halfsiesonapotnoodle · 22/04/2023 03:25

Lysianthus · 21/04/2023 22:54

I have a tiny one, and love it. Your father is a diamond, don't refuse his lovely offer!

You need to read the OP properly. Hmm

EllandRd · 22/04/2023 03:27

I was gifted one for Christmas, but still ain't used it although I'm looking to cook Salmon in it this weekend.

Fraaahnces · 22/04/2023 05:00

Hi I have a family of 5 (3 x teens) I have a Ninja Dual Zone airfryer which of course allows you to cook two separate things at the same time or different times, but I am not sure I use that option often enough to justify the price of this guy. While I was talked into it (by the teens), we use it most days. It has a capacity of 7.6L (but that is both combined - you couldn’t cook a chicken in it unless you cut it in half). Makes awesome spuds though…It’s size is 32cm (H) x 39cm (W) x 36cm (D)

If I had my choice, I would purchase one that looks like a toaster oven (with racks) and has a rotisserie basket (for evenly-cooked chips), is easier to clean, etc, and I think offers more choice for the style of cooking I do. I am certain that I would never clean my oven again. The one I am looking at has a capacity of 25L, but is not significantly bigger than the Ninja that I already have. 41.2cm (H) x 41.2cm (W) x 38.5cm (D)

Because there are so many choices available now, I wouldn’t spend too much money on one. Just read reviews first.

Fraaahnces · 22/04/2023 05:05

Btw, for those interested in the Ninja Dual Zone, I have had mine for a couple of years and it looks VERY battered around. I look after my things and I am disappointed in the quality of the finish of the product. Also, NEVER put the non-stick plate in the dishwasher. It claims that it is dishwasher safe but it isn’t. I highly recommend buying paper or silicone liners to protect these. Mine haven’t been in the dishwasher, but look like shit. (Actually, can’t promise that the kids have looked after them as well as I have re-scratching them, etc.) (Amazon/Ali Express)

Fraaahnces · 22/04/2023 05:25

* sorry! First one disappeared before I was finished. Cyber gremlins today!

Pubesofsoberness · 22/04/2023 07:01

halfsiesonapotnoodle · 22/04/2023 03:25

You need to read the OP properly. Hmm

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Why do they?

I used to have one, haven't had one for years after it broke but have been looking at getting one again recently. Can't decide which one though!

EricInk · 22/04/2023 07:11

I'm considering one but I have one of those earlier generation actifry thingies that still works, does a similar job but does batter things about so not everything (softer foods) is suitable

Do they smell deep fat fryerish?

ChocolatGateaux · 22/04/2023 07:14

We use our air fryer every day. I've cooked everything in it including cake/bread. Wouldn't be without it now.

Fraaahnces · 22/04/2023 07:34

@EricInk - mine doesn’t smell like a deep fat fryer. When you cook oven fry chips, you do get that chippy smell but it dissipates. It smells delicious.

dumpydiva · 22/04/2023 07:43

I have a 10-in-1 mini oven table top thing. It roasts, grills, air fries, etc. It's okayish. Don't use half the features but my back was hurting bending down to the oven so it helps with that.

It's a bugger to clean though. Virtually impossible. There's a whole ragey facebook group about this! Look up Ninja 10-in-1.

WhatWouldTheDoctorDo · 22/04/2023 07:50

It really depends what you usually cook. When I researched getting one, we ended up getting a ninja 15-in-1 as I thought we'd use the pressure cooker function most of all, and I was right. It's great for stews, soups, risotto, things like chilli and bolognese etc. And we can roast chicken, beef etc. in it. We don't use the air fryer function all that much, but it is great for small things you do in the oven as the air fryer should be quicker and you don't have to wait for the oven to heat up. I bought my mum an instapot which pretty much does the same job.

InSpainTheRain · 22/04/2023 08:11

I am not at all fussed about mine. I honestly don't see the point of them as they don't cook any differently to what you can do with a hob, grill or oven. I know I am in the minority here! The only point in their favour is that if you cook steak it does mean less cooking smells in the house, but that's about it.

Original poster
lucysmam · 22/04/2023 08:22

Thank you all, I'll read everyone's thoughts now with my cuppa. I read the reviews for the one he's offered, last night & they look good. And dd1 has been busily looking at what to cook in it, so I'll make a decision shortly 🙂

OP posts:
TicTac80 · 22/04/2023 08:56

I've got a two drawer Ninja (the slightly smaller one) and the 15-in-1 Ninja (which I'm still figuring how to use!). They're fab! Really efficient and also easy to clean. The only thing I really use my normal oven for is to cook pizza.

Triffid1 · 22/04/2023 09:05

My top tip is think about what you find most difficult/annoying when cooking and ask yourself, "can an air fryer sort this for me?"

For me, I always found the time and effort of putting on the oven for small things annoying. And so the air fryer has changed my life. I can roast veggies for lunch in 15-20 minutes, do chicken nuggets for dd in 10, toss some frozen canapé type things in when friends come over, make a packet of sausages with v little time or effort for kids when entertaining and making food kids don't like, easily let everyone eat at different times when we are all in and out for activities (eg will prepare tacos and air fryer makes the tacos as needed in 2 minutes, or do sides and veg and everyone sticks their own fish cake in when they are ready), cook frozen croissants for breakfast in 11 minutes ... etc.

SIL hates using oil so for her, she loves hers because she can do things with just a tiny spray of oil. So it solves her personal kitchen bug bear.

DSis had a total non-cooking husband but he can manage basic things in air fryer and lieks the gadget so it's been a win for her.

My dad lives alone and hated putting on oven for 2 pieces of chicken or whatever.

halfsiesonapotnoodle · 22/04/2023 09:40

Pubesofsoberness · 22/04/2023 07:01

Why do they?

I used to have one, haven't had one for years after it broke but have been looking at getting one again recently. Can't decide which one though!

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Oh my mistake! Was half asleep, apologies. I thought her dad had passed on but that was a post a bit further down.

LadyEloise1 · 22/04/2023 10:18

@lucysmam What air fryer did he offer to buy you ?

Skybluepinky · 22/04/2023 10:35

If u can get over the smell when it’s in use, it reminds me of my great nans back room fan heater.

OP posts:
LadyEloise1 · 22/04/2023 11:19

Thank you @lucysmam.

I want to get a dual basket one but I have very little countertop or storage space in my kitchen.