Is the Rumor that Air Fryers Are More Carcinogenic Than BBQ and Deep Frying True?

In recent years, if there's any cooking appliance that has become a hot new tool in many households, it's definitely the air fryer. Many love it for its ability to cook food with flavors similar to deep-fried dishes without using oil, branding it as a healthy device. However, some merely use it once or twice before relegating it to a corner to gather dust, turning it into a white elephant.

So, is the air fryer really healthy? Does it pose a cancer risk, or is it as experts suggest, that it shouldn't be used frequently? Today's article will delve into the truths and misconceptions surrounding air fryers.

Can Air Fryers Really Make Fried Chicken Without Oil?

What's the core technology behind air fryers?

Many find air fryers miraculous for achieving the cooking effects of deep-frying without oil. The principle is simple: air fryers use high-speed circulating hot air, heating food up to 200°C, which removes surface moisture and gradually makes the outer crust crispy, mimicking the effect of deep-frying.

Simply put, the interior of an air fryer can be thought of as a high-speed, high-temperature "hairdryer" that cooks food through hot air roasting. Thus, there's nothing magical about air fryers; they are like mini ovens that cook food with hot air temperature. Understanding this principle reveals that the "deep-fried" effect is just the hot air rendering the fats within the food.

Is the "Completely Oil-Free" Claim True for Air Fryers?

The claim that air fryers are "completely oil-free" depends on the ingredients. For fatty meats like chicken wings, pork chops, or bacon, it's possible to cook them without adding oil. However, for other ingredients like corn, potatoes, or sweet potatoes, applying a thin layer of oil might be necessary to achieve a roasted or fried texture and to prevent sticking.

Do Air Fryers Cause Cancer? Are They More Carcinogenic Than Actual Deep-Fried Foods?

Why is there a claim that air fryers cause cancer?

Online discussions about air fryers causing cancer abound, yet few delve into the underlying principles and actual risks. The claim stems from the fact that cooking food at high temperatures can cause the Maillard reaction in carbohydrates, producing acrylamide, a Group 2A carcinogen. Excessive intake can indeed increase cancer risk.

Is it a myth that air fryers are more carcinogenic than BBQ or deep frying?

It's crucial to understand that any cooking method, including air fryers, deep frying, BBQ, sautéing, or baking, can produce acrylamide at high temperatures. According to World Health Organization research, a daily intake of up to 180 micrograms/kg of body weight doesn't increase cancer risk. Foods cooked above 120°C inevitably produce acrylamide, but the amount generated under normal cooking conditions isn't sufficient to pose a cancer risk, so there's no need for excessive worry.

Using air fryers, especially for ingredients like fries or sweet potatoes, will unavoidably produce acrylamide. However, the quantity is not greater than that produced by other cooking methods like BBQ, baking, or deep frying. Therefore, while it may be wise to use air fryers moderately, claiming they pose a higher cancer risk than traditional frying is baseless.

What Are the Health Benefits of Air Fryers?

Compared to traditional frying or BBQ, air fryers can reduce or eliminate oil use, offering a healthier cooking method that also avoids the smoke from direct grilling and the carcinogens from high-temperature grilling. When comparing air fryers to low-temperature cooking methods like boiling or steaming, the potential health risks from acrylamide production might be a concern.

As a new alternative to reduce the unhealthy aspects of frying and BBQ, air fryers can help achieve the desired food texture with less fat intake and reduce the risk of carcinogen production. However, due to the potential health risks associated with their cooking method, it's advised to use them moderately and sensibly to reduce frying and grilling frequency, without excessive worry or complication.

Can High-Quality Air Fryers Reduce Health Risks?

It's important to note that air fryers vary in brand, price, and quality. While it's not necessary to pursue the most expensive product, choosing one from a reputable manufacturer with quality assurance is crucial. A study in South Korea measured acrylamide levels in fries cooked by different air fryers and found that four models exceeded the EU safety standards after high-temperature cooking. Therefore, selecting a high-quality product with stable temperature control and even heating is essential for reducing health risks.

As a professional technology brand focused on the development of "safe, non-toxic, and high-performance" home appliances, HYSapientia, a well-known British air fryer brand, has received rare food-grade safety certifications in the industry. Through independent research and development, it has launched ten major innovations in safety, non-toxicity, and heating performance, such as the energy-storing stainless steel heating tube. These advancements have significantly reduced harmful and irritating odors by 95%, improved corrosion resistance and high-temperature durability by 98%, and ensured zero heavy metal pollution, greatly minimizing health risks. The HYSapientia 15L Large Air Fryer Oven With Rotisserie, developed by HYSapientia, combines multiple advantages in one. It not only features a viewing window but is also non-stick and easy to clean, truly making it a kitchen marvel! With a 15-liter capacity, it can undoubtedly meet the cooking needs of large families.

Air Fryer or Oven: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between an air fryer and an oven can be challenging. Air fryers, akin to "mini ovens with circulating hot air," are compact and heat up quickly. However, they have a smaller capacity compared to ovens and can result in significant moisture loss in food due to the circulating hot air. Additionally, air fryers lack the temperature control flexibility of ovens. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual household needs. If you have a small household or limited space, an air fryer is a good choice. For those who prefer juicier textures or have more space, an oven might be the better option.

I hope today's article helps clarify the principles of air fryers and the scientific validity behind the "carcinogenic" claims. In essence, using an air fryer appropriately and occasionally to diversify food textures and enhance enjoyment can indeed be a healthier lifestyle choice.