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By Julie Murphree, Arizona Farm Bureau Outreach Director

If you don’t have an air fryer, you’re probably thinking of purchasing one. According to Grand View Research, the global air fryer market size was valued at $658.9 million in U.S. dollars in 2018. The market is estimated to expand further, averaging just under 10% through 2025 (some suggest that the pandemic shot these numbers up even further because of more cooking at home). “The introduction of innovative products with improved designs is the key factor driving the growth of this market,” explains Grand View Research. “Also, rising health consciousness and awareness about following a healthy diet are projected to drive the product demand, thereby supporting market growth.

The research firm also suggests high demand from restaurants, hotels, and hospitals is also expected to continue boosting market growth. Moreover, the high demand for energy-efficient products is expected to have a positive impact on market growth.

A colleague of mine swears by it. “The reason I got an air fryer is reviews posted by others saying it’s so easy to use,” said Christy Davis, Arizona Farm Bureau Outreach Manager in charge of programming. “I use mine a couple of times a week, at least. Plus, the best part in Arizona, the air fryer won’t heat up my entire kitchen. Just the other day in 20 minutes I had 5 chicken thighs fully cooked, nice and crispy. Any grease from the chicken thighs went to the bottom. I’m sold on mine making healthier, quicker meal.”

Dietitians do highlight just a few drawbacks to Air Fryers. Resistant starches in sweet potatoes, legumes, beans and yams become easier to break down for a lot of people when cooked with traditional ovens, which then enhances their nutrients, says registered dietitian (RDN) Ella Davar, while the nutritional value of meat and cheese can be diminished when air fried.

RDNs also say the trick to make any food prepared via an air fryer is to use minimal amounts of cooking oil. But that’s the point most customers suggest. When using an air fryer, they don’t need to use oil at all.