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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think that air-fryers are just a passing fad?

322 replies

EeesandWhizz · 06/12/2023 11:26

I know that they are everywhere do everything right now, but I'm sure that they'll soon join the steamers, breadmakers and George Foreman grills living in the back of the kitchen cupboard. The slow-cookers can stay on the worktop.

I bought a second hand Ninja Foodie, and to be honest I don't really get it. Do many people that cook from scratch really use them instead of the oven and hob? Or is it more like Pampered Chef that produced a lot of things for people that are not confident cooks that they didn't really need?

I am going to try cooking a 40 minute meringue in it later today though, so that might make me change my mind - I usually leave mine overnight in the oven for maximum crispy gooeyness, but an almost instant pavlova sounds fab!

OP posts:
User2856948 · 08/12/2023 10:01

I think mine must be just a crap one, it's one of the Ninja ones that has been around for years, its quite old and they cost around £130 but you can often get them in sales, for about £80-£100. Just one drawer, the new ones are probably much improved.

CharityShopChic · 08/12/2023 10:17

I had my first ever air fryer fail last night. Despite following the instructions to the letter, my homemade yorkshires didn't rise and were pancake-y. Just as well we had a bag of frozen in reserve.

phoenixrosehere · 08/12/2023 11:26

For those of you saying it's just a small oven - am I right in thinking that if I have a built-in combination fan oven/microwave/grill (large microwave size) I don't need an airfryer?

That’s what we found. We have the same type of microwave and we use it for about everything. DH bought an air fryer and other than chips and maybe chicken or prawn once, it just sat in the cupboard. We have the regular oven so anything that doesn’t fit in the microwave usually goes in there.

DH and I have different diets, DS 1 is autistic and DS2 usually has something in mind when he wants to eat so there are usually different meals being made. The air fryer just didn’t suit us compared to our combi microwave.

Chocolatepeanutbuttercupsandicecream · 08/12/2023 11:35

I think from a disability perspective they’d be excellent for the elderly mum mentioned! I wish I’d had one when I had my hip injury, as bending and lifting from the oven was a real struggle. The only thing I’d say is make sure they’re comfortable using a touch screen, as I know some older people aren’t, and that could be a downside versus an older style oven with a basic dial. You could definitely cook a ready meal for one though and jacket potatoes are cooked and crispy in 40-50 minutes depending on size.

QuestionableMouse · 08/12/2023 11:41

I live alone and it's miles better than heating up the big oven just for one portion.

QuestionableMouse · 08/12/2023 11:42

Chocolatepeanutbuttercupsandicecream · 08/12/2023 11:35

I think from a disability perspective they’d be excellent for the elderly mum mentioned! I wish I’d had one when I had my hip injury, as bending and lifting from the oven was a real struggle. The only thing I’d say is make sure they’re comfortable using a touch screen, as I know some older people aren’t, and that could be a downside versus an older style oven with a basic dial. You could definitely cook a ready meal for one though and jacket potatoes are cooked and crispy in 40-50 minutes depending on size.

There are plenty of air friers with dials.

Chocolatepeanutbuttercupsandicecream · 08/12/2023 12:06

@QuestionableMouse that’s good.. I think all the ones I looked at were touch screens, so good to know there are other options available.

NChance · 08/12/2023 12:21

Chocolatepeanutbuttercupsandicecream · 08/12/2023 12:06

@QuestionableMouse that’s good.. I think all the ones I looked at were touch screens, so good to know there are other options available.

This is a dial version of the one I have

https://www.very.co.uk/swan-11l-manual-air-fryer-oven/1600632772.prd?cmmmc=google---PLA+-+Generic-----&utmmcampaign=GenericElectricals+-+Generic+-+Major+Domestic+Appliances+(MDA-White+Goods)+-+PMAX&utmmmedium=cpc&utmsource=google&utmmterm=&campaigntype=shopping&gadsource=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD2k1i0k5SJWe505B8bTJbbIniiZ9&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIt4eU5ennggMV4ZJQBh1PkAUtEAQYAiABEgIiHfDBwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#sku=sku24547830

Ejismyf · 08/12/2023 12:53

Il never be getting rid of mine we cook everything in it. Never use the oven anymore, either the hob or Ninja. We cook from scratch every night. A roast chicken in its the best way to cook it.

Lilithlogic · 08/12/2023 13:05

I rarely use my oven now. I have 3 airfryers and they all get used alongside my instant pots.

Squib1066 · 08/12/2023 16:44

I really didn't want one but DH did. Now I use mine daily, and cook from scratch. I make stews, curry, cottage pie, lasagne, fresh fish (sea bass, salmon or tuna) roast dinner, spag bol and lots of other things. Also bake cakes in there too. I haven't used my oven since last Christmas, and just use the hob for stir-fry or similar.

Imisssleep2 · 08/12/2023 20:34

Unless they start catching fire and become a serious safety risk, I can't see them dying out tbh. They cook stuff faster and are cheaper to run than an oven. We got one last year for Xmas and I would say we use it for at least 4 dinners a week. There are some things I still use the oven for a d I do still use the hob and microwave or steamer for veg, beans, mash potato etc. but Def don't see them dying out anytime soon.

GellerYeller · 08/12/2023 21:34

@CharityShopChic I make Yorkshires in individual ramekins/little pie dishes. My ninja fits two dishes per drawer so I have to do them in batches. What I’ve noticed is, by the second or third batch they rise more. I reckon it’s like pancakes, the first one usually fails. Maybe to do with the fryer being hotter when it’s been on for a while?

GarlicMaybeNot · 08/12/2023 21:44

These are good for lifting things in/out of a tiny cooker:
"Cyraeon Two Mini Oven Gloves, Extra Long for More Protection, Silicone Gripper Kitchen Mitts"
https://amzn.to/3GFoPMg
Haven't burnt myself since getting them.

Greekgreens · 08/12/2023 21:47

I’ve had one for a few years, am currently on my third one. My DD also has one in her student house and it’s used on a regular basis.

AuntMarch · 09/12/2023 23:48

There's only 2 of us in my household which may make a difference, but it beats bending down to check food in the oven, easier to check the temperature of meat, quick and easy to clean, and everything I've done in it so far is decent. I'd get rid of the oven before the airfryer.

Pootle23 · 09/12/2023 23:59

There’s only 2 of us, but I could my weekly roast in our ninja. I’ve used the oven twice since December 2022. Saved us a fortune in electricity and also so much time.

Sparklefairy409 · 10/12/2023 00:03

It’s not really frying like that, you don’t have to use much (or any) oil, the air is getting hot enough quick enough you don’t need it. So alot of the time it’s a surly healthier

Sparklefairy409 · 10/12/2023 00:09

CranfordScones · 06/12/2023 11:34

I don't have one. Very few appliances survive the passing-fad-test. Microwaves did because they added something new and useful.

I suspect that air-fryers will be around for a long time. Many people do rave about them in ways they never did for health grills and steamers and spiralisers(!!) and other solutions looking for a problem.

I do wonder if some people like them a little too much so it's easy to go for the fried option instead of something more healthy.

It’s not really frying like that, you don’t have to use much (or any) oil, the air is getting hot enough quick enough you don’t need it. So alot of the time it’s a surly healthier

Honestmama · 10/12/2023 17:12

I mean your not an a hole but you’re a bit judgy and ridiculous! Look at me cooking my overnight meringues 🙄 if you don’t want one smdint buy it and don’t judge it

NeonSoda · 10/12/2023 21:30

I have a gas oven which is cheap anyway, and batch cook for just me. I have no idea what I would use an air fryer for.

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