How Air Fryers Affect the Chemical Composition of Food

At HYSapientia, we always believe that technology should serve every detail of life, especially the kitchen, the heart of the home. Imagine if your kitchen tools not only simplified the cooking process but also helped you and your family eat healthier. That’s the revolution brought by our air fryer. It not only makes food less oily and more delicious, but crucially, it reduces the formation of harmful compounds and strives to preserve important nutrients in food. Next, let HYSapientia objectively show you how the air fryer accomplishes all this and why it is an indispensable member of your kitchen.

Air Fryer and Nutrient Retention

Vitamin Retention

Compared to traditional cooking methods, air fryers excel in retaining vitamins and other sensitive nutrients in food. This is because the hot air circulation technology used by air fryers can complete the cooking process at lower temperatures and in less time, reducing the loss of heat-sensitive nutrients. For example, vitamins such as vitamin C and some B vitamins, which are easily broken down in traditional high-temperature frying, are significantly preserved when using an air fryer.

Healthy Transformation of Fats

Another advantage of air fryers is the reduction in the amount of fat used, thereby reducing the risk of fat oxidation. At high temperatures, fats oxidize, producing free radicals, which are culprits in many chronic diseases. Air fryers help maintain the stability of fats by minimizing the time and surface area of fat exposed to high temperatures, making the cooked food healthier.

Air Fryer and Changes in Food Chemical Structure

Reduction of Glycation Reactions — Lower Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs)

In traditional frying processes, high temperatures cause fats and carbohydrates to break down, producing harmful compounds such as AGEs. These compounds are associated with increased risks of inflammation, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. However, studies show that the content of AGEs in foods cooked with air fryers is significantly lower than that in traditionally fried foods. For instance, a comparative study on the cooking methods of fish cakes found that air frying produced lower levels of AGEs than oil frying.

Reduction in the Formation of Acrylamide

Acrylamide is another potentially harmful compound formed when starch-rich foods are cooked at high temperatures, associated with increased risks of certain types of cancer. Research indicates that air frying significantly reduces the formation of acrylamide when cooking similar foods compared to traditional frying, providing a healthier cooking option for air fryer users and reducing potential health risks.

Air Fryer vs. Oven Cooking

Although both air fryers and ovens use hot air to cook food, studies have found that baking in an oven typically retains more moisture, helping prevent the formation of certain compounds, as confirmed by a report published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. However, air fryers have unique advantages in reducing the use of fats and speeding up the cooking process, offering a faster, more energy-efficient cooking method.

Limitations of Air Fryers

While air fryers are superior to traditional cooking methods in many ways, they also have limitations. For example, for foods with high moisture content, such as cheese, or foods that can be easily blown away by strong winds, such as batters, air fryers may not be the best choice. Additionally, due to their relatively small cooking space, air fryers may not be suitable for large-scale family meal preparations. Air fryers can also be expensive, making them unreachable for some.

Beyond Limitations: Choosing HYSapientia 24L Digital Large Air Fryer Oven

Although traditional air fryers indeed have limitations in handling certain types of food, fortunately, HYSapientia's newly launched 24L Digital Large Air Fryer Oven 10-In-1 Toaster Oven resolves these issues! This large-capacity air fryer oven can easily handle large family meals and is capable of various cooking needs, from baking to frying, all-in-one. What’s more exciting is that it is very affordable, and with a two-year warranty, customers can purchase with confidence.

We especially recommend it to those who have already experienced the convenience of ordinary air fryers and are seeking more efficient and versatile options. In other words, if you are already attracted by the convenience of ordinary air fryers, then HYSapientia’s air fryer oven will be an unbeatable choice for upgrading your kitchen! Come and experience the carefree cooking fun brought by its large capacity and powerful functions.

Conclusion: The Impact of Cooking Methods on Health

Dr. Sarah Berry, one of the world’s leading experts on fat, states that it is important not to exaggerate the risks of these compounds. "Most evidence of the harmful effects of cooked oils actually comes from animal studies," says Sarah. Additionally, it may not reflect how most of us use these oils. Sarah explains, "The harmful effects of cooking oils usually only occur at very high temperatures when reused repeatedly. The reality is: the way we cook at home does not produce these compounds." What does this mean for your food? Early studies indicate that air frying may produce fewer potentially harmful compounds than oil frying, making it a better choice for everyday cooking. However, this does not mean you should never eat fried foods again. Unless you reuse the same oil to fry food continuously for several weeks, it is unlikely to produce truly concerning levels of these compounds. However, if you frequently fry, switching to an air fryer might save money, as you will buy less oil. Although frying is not the best idea, how you cook is not that crucial. Therefore, if you are willing, you can use an air fryer for cooking, but know that it is not essential for preparing healthy meals. Ultimately, there is no single best cooking method. What really matters is your overall dietary pattern and the quality of the food you eat.