Air-Fryer Popularity Soars: A Look at the Kitchen Appliance's Rise
The once-novel kitchen gadget, invented just 20 years ago, is now found in approximately two-thirds of UK households.
The air-fryer, a kitchen appliance invented only two decades ago, has rapidly become a staple in homes, with an estimated two-thirds of UK households now owning one. Despite its considerable size, often leading to storage in places like lofts due to limited counter space, the appliance has seen a resurgence in use.
Air-fryers operate by circulating extremely hot air around food, mimicking the function of high-powered fan ovens. This process dries the surface moisture of ingredients, accelerating the crisping process. Certain foods are noted to be particularly well-suited for air-frying, including salmon fillets, which achieve a golden exterior while remaining tender inside. Aubergine caramelizes beautifully with minimal oil, and Brussels sprouts prepared in an air-fryer are described as a significant improvement.
Tenderstem broccoli and tofu also perform exceptionally well in air-fryers. The broccoli develops a pleasant smoky char while maintaining its crunch, and tofu achieves a desirable crispness, a feat that can be challenging with other cooking methods.
For those preparing broccoli and tofu noodles, a specific recipe involves preparing tofu cubes seasoned with soy sauce, salt, pepper, and a neutral or toasted sesame oil. The tofu is then air-fried at 200C (392F) for 10 to 12 minutes, with occasional tossing, until golden and slightly crisp.
Concurrently, noodles are cooked according to package instructions and tossed with a little oil to prevent sticking before being divided into bowls. Broccoli, cut into manageable lengths and tossed with salt and oil, is air-fried separately at 200C (392F) for 3 minutes. The pre-cooked tofu is then added back to the air-fryer with the broccoli for a final 1 to 2 minutes of cooking.
The finished broccoli and tofu are served over the noodles and are recommended to be drizzled generously with a miso dressing. Adding chili crisp is also suggested as an optional enhancement.
The appliance's rapid adoption highlights a significant shift in home cooking habits over the past 20 years.