Those low-oil fryers

[Teresa Pitman]

My son and his wife suggested that they might like one of those "low-oil" fryers - where you can make a whole bunch of French fries with just a teaspoon of oil. (They are both trying to lose weight and thought this might help.) They are not cheap (they are suggesting I might get this for them for Christmas) and I just wondered if anyone had any experience with them, if they work well, and if you can suggest a brand you like?

 

[wenrob]

I have an Actifry and use it at least twice a week. If it were to quit on me I'd immediately go out and buy a new one.
This is the one I have https://www.amazon.com/T-fal-AirFry...e=UTF8&qid=1479390344&sr=8-1&keywords=Actifry but I have my eye on this: https://www.amazon.com/DeLonghi-FH1...=UTF8&qid=1479390344&sr=8-13&keywords=Actifry. DD has already laid claim to the Actifry should I upgrade.

I make homemade fries (2tbsp oil), tortilla chips (lightly brush tortillas with olive oil), chicken wings and chicken legs (no oil), frozen pot stickers (remove paddle, couple of tbsp water on bottom, spray with olive oil spray) fajitas, stir fry etc.

When I bought this it was with the intention of giving my family their fried foods while saving myself a couple hundred calories. Does it taste deep fried? No, but it gives you that crispy texture and satisfies that fried food craving. My kids all get excited when they see the Actifry out at dinner time, lol.

 

[usnuzuloose]

I have seen them as well. Would love to know someones experience as well.

 

[penn19]

I am thinking of buying one for my husband this year but I keep going back and forth as to whether or not he will like it.

 

[ml sumner]

I too have been curious about these and would love to hear reviews on them!

 

[ronandannette]

I saw the Actifry advertised just yesterday and was captivated. But then I realized we don't eat a lot of fried food, have never once in my life deep-fried anything at home and really don't need a device like this. It sure did tempt me for a minute there, though.

 

[fallonkendra]

We've owned the 2-in-1 T-fal Actifry for a few years now (I traded in credit card points to get gift cards, and then we waited for Boxing Day sales to buy it). We use it a few times a week at least, we love it. I think the little extra money is worth it to get the 2-in-1 as well, since it has a flat plate that rotates, but doesn't have the paddle smashing things around. You can actually cook two different things at the same time, and whatever you cook on the top plate requires zero oil. We've cooked steaks/chicken breasts/pork chops, etc on the top while cooking fries/etc in the bottom. We've also used ours for cooking chicken wings, perogies, home fries, etc, etc, etc - basically we love it. On the weekends when we have time to cook breakfast we cook those frozen hashbrown patties (like you get at McDonald's) on the top plate (seasoned with some seasoning salt and paprika). We use zero oil, and I prefer them to the greasy ones you get from fast food places. If ours broke, there would be zero hesitation in replacing it.

 

[pens4821]

For the people that have one, does it require much more cooking time? Say you make frozen fries or chicken tenders, how long do they usually take?

 

[wenrob]

For the people that have one, does it require much more cooking time? Say you make frozen fries or chicken tenders, how long do they usually take?

I do not use frozen fries but cut potatoes into fries. 2lbs, thick cut takes about 25 minutes. Frozen potstickers maybe 20 mins. Never thought to do chicken tenders. 3lbs of wings thawed takes about 30 mins, just depends on how big they are. You just kind of have to get a feel for it in the beginning. They come with a book and suggested cooking times. I wouldn't say it's any faster or slower than regular cooking methods.

 

[The Princess]

i just purchased the cooks essential one from QVC. We are still experimenting with it but from what we've made we love it

 

[~~Darci~~]

I bought the cooks essentials air fryer from QVC last year and absolutely LOVE it! As another poster stated, if mine died I would immediately go get another.

The food comes out delicious and crispy without being greasy. The great thing is that it's not just for things you would think like fries or mozzarella sticks. Pork chops and steak are great too. It also brings leftover pizza or wings back to as good as when you first had them.

I'll stop gushing. Get one. You won't be sorry.