Air Fryer Benefits: Why This Gadget Became My Kitchen MVP

Let’s be real—when air fryers first blew up, I thought they were just another overhyped kitchen gadget. But after borrowing my mom’s for a week, I was hooked. Now? I use mine almost daily, and here’s why. 

1. It’s Faster Than My Oven (And Doesn’t Heat Up My Whole Apartment) 

• Toast? 3 minutes. 
• Frozen fries? 10 minutes. 
• Chicken wings? Crispy in 15. 
  No more waiting for the oven to preheat while my kitchen turns into a sauna. 

2. Yes, It Actually Makes Food Crispy Without a Ton of Oil 

I’m not saying it’s exactly like deep-frying, but: 

• French fries get that perfect golden crunch with 1 tbsp oil instead of a whole pot 
• Leftover pizza comes back to life with a crispy crust 
• Even veggies taste better with a little char 

3. It Saves Me Money (And Food Waste) 

• Reheating leftovers actually makes them good again (bye, soggy microwave meals) 
• Small batches mean I don’t have to fire up the oven for one potato 
• Forgot about my fries in the oven? Never again—the air fryer timer actually works 

4. It’s Not Just for Fries (My Favorite Unexpected Uses) 

• “Boiled” eggs (11 mins at 270°F = perfect hard-boiled) 
• Crispy tofu (no flipping, no sticking) 
• Reheating takeout (egg rolls, fried rice, even samosas) 
• Roasted garlic (wrapped in foil, 15 mins = no oven smell) 

5. Easier to Clean Than My Baking Sheets 

• Most baskets are nonstick and dishwasher-safe 
• No scrubbing burnt-on grease off sheet pans 

But Is It Worth It? My Honest Take 

Worth it if: 

• You hate waiting for the oven 
• You love crispy food but don’t want to deep-fry 
• You live in a small space (no oven needed) 

❌ Skip it if: 

• You already have a convection oven (it’s basically the same thing) 
• You never cook at home 

Final Thought: I Didn’t Want to Love It… But I Do 

I resisted the hype for years, but now? I’m team air fryer forever. 

Your turn: Air fryer fan or skeptic? What’s your favorite thing to make in it? 

P.S. The best $20 I ever spent? A second air fryer basket so I don’t have to wait between batches. 
P.P.S. Yes, you can bake cookies in it. No, they’re not as good as oven cookies. But sometimes you need a cookie now.