Air fryer expert settles debate on whether kitchen appliance could replace ovens

Air fryers have risen hugely in popularity over the years, but expert Clare Andrews has discussed whether she thinks they'll take over the oven for good - or not

Will the popularity of the air fryer spell the end of the road for the conventional oven?

A recent annual survey found the air fryer is now the third most popular kitchen appliance after toasters and microwaves, with many people wondering why it's now used more than conventional ovens.

During the cost-of-living crisis, they were a helping hand to busy families who wanted to save money, thanks to their energy-saving features. But air fryer expert and cookbook author Clare Andrews reckons they're here to stay thanks to their popularity, sharing that "there are lots of other advantages of owning an air fryer which is why they are more popular than traditional ovens".

Clare said: "The main reason why air fryers have soared in popularity is they can cook foods using significantly less oil. Giving food a crispy texture without deep frying appeals to all of us", as it can make our meals healthier, but also way more delicious.

She continued: "Air-fryer ownership has grown from 46% of households a year ago to 58% now according to the survey. I’m sure another reason for this is because air fryers have evolved so much in the last few years. They now have digital controls, pre-programmes and multi-functions.

"There is also a huge choice of single draw, dual draw, mega zones and stacked draws to name just a few! Making it much easier for everyone to find an air fryer to suit them."

However, the big question remains: "Will the conventional oven become extinct thanks to the air fryer?" Clare said: "People thought that conventional ovens would be replaced by the microwave oven, but that hasn’t been the case despite microwave ovens becoming more advanced with multiple functions including grilling.

"I have to say, there’s room for both in my kitchen, I was brought up in the 80s and the microwave was a huge part of the evening meal routine. From heating beans to my mum even cooking bacon in it! I do believe some appliance brands have developed a microwave with an air fryer function built in, so maybe this is the way to go, we then get the best of both worlds!

"I don’t think the air fryer will completely replace the traditional oven either. Ovens do still hold a firm place in my kitchen, when cooking for a large group, or like me I use mine to batch cook to prepare for the week ahead, which helps with our busy schedule.

"I will never put my oven on just to cook one thing, I will make sure I utilise it to its full capacity! If doing a roast, I’ll also make sure I cook some jacket potatoes, ready for some easy mid-week lunches. Or even a cottage pie or lasagne, to cook, cool and freeze, ready for the busy week ahead."

She said she thinks ovens "require careful maintenance and can be slow compared to quicker methods", but noted "air fryers are getting bigger and better". "But I still think that larger families will probably continue to use their conventional ovens. Watch this space, only time will tell," she said.

Clare Andrews' new book 'The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook: One Basket Meals' is available from November 7, pre-order your copy on Amazon now.