Air fryers emerged as one of the standout devices of last year, praised for their versatility and ease of use. Their appeal lies in the broad range of healthy cooking options they enable, making them one of 2021’s best-selling products. A notable challenge has always been cleaning, but a simple trick can make this task essentially automatic: it cleans itself.
Air fryers work by circulating hot air, functioning much like a compact convection oven. The key advantage is energy efficiency paired with rapid heat, letting meals cook quickly while using less power. Many models push temperatures up to 250 degrees Celsius, delivering crisp results without deep-frying.
This method offers numerous benefits, especially the ability to achieve a texture similar to fried foods with far less oil. Foods can be prepared healthier without sacrificing taste or mouthfeel, broadening dinner possibilities for busy households.
Yet cooking at high heat can create domestic hiccups. Food scraps often cling to the basket, making cleaning seem daunting. The good news is that maintenance can be straightforward. One reliable routine leverages the machine itself to simplify the process.
To clean effectively, fill the basket with water and add a gentle detergent. Set the air fryer to about 180 degrees and run a short cycle, roughly 15 minutes. After the cycle, pour out the soapy water and rinse the basket and pan. The residue will loosen and wash away, leaving the unit ready for next use.
Air fryers: A Dutch pioneer’s idea becoming a global sensation
The modern air fryer owes much to the ingenuity of a Dutch innovator, Fred van der Weij, who sought a way to make crispy fries without dunking everything in oil. The goal was to keep kitchens cleaner and healthier while preserving flavor.
In 2005, after experimenting with convection ovens and microwaves for fries, van der Weij pressed forward. By 2010, Philips unveiled a compact fryer under its brand, presenting it as a magic machine capable of delivering excellent fries with less effort, cleaner handling, and improved health benefits. The original technology has since been patented by Philips, a testament to its enduring influence. Today, many major appliance brands offer their own versions, and some ovens now include built-in air fry functions.
Air fryer adoption and its momentum in recent years
The air fryer boom accelerated in 2017 and surged further during the pandemic, turning home kitchens into hubs of culinary experimentation. Market data shows that by late 2020, a significant portion of households in the United States already owned an air fryer, with the percentage continuing to rise as more people discovered convenient, quick meals. This growth reflects shifts in cooking habits and the appeal of quick, satisfying dishes that fit busy schedules. Critics note that the texture and taste of crispy dishes, achieved with far less oil, align with evolving consumer preferences for healthier living. In spaces where countertops are abundant, the appliance often sits within easy reach, becoming a daily helper in meal preparation.
Experts point to several factors behind the trend: the desire for faster cooking without sacrificing flavor, improved kitchen layouts that accommodate more gadgets, and the social surge of sharing air-fryer recipes online. The result is a broad range of dishes—from vegetables to proteins—prepared with a familiar fried-crisp outside and a lighter inside. The phenomenon has also spurred a wave of creativity across social platforms, where recipes and techniques circulate in vast numbers, inspiring everyday cooks to experiment and adapt.
As the category matures, more households across Canada and the United States are treating the air fryer as a staple rather than a novelty. The shift reflects a broader move toward convenient, healthier cooking solutions that still deliver the satisfying textures people crave. Market watchers expect continued growth, driven by ongoing product innovations, improved energy efficiency, and the expanding library of compatible accessories and recipes. The air fryer is no longer a niche gadget; it has become a mainstream tool in casual home kitchens. [citation]
Join the community of home cooks exploring quick, delicious meals with this practical appliance. [citation]
So, while air fryers were once seen as a novelty, their reach has grown to a staple status. The rise mirrors a larger shift toward speed, simplicity, and healthier cooking options that fit modern life. The dialogue around air frying continues to evolve as new models and features hit the market, inviting more households to experiment and share their best results. [citation]
It’s remarkable how a trend once considered peripheral now commands a central place in many kitchens. The air fryer story is a testament to how thoughtful engineering paired with user-friendly design can reshape everyday cooking, encouraging creativity while keeping meals approachable for families and singles alike. [citation]