Last month I received an invitation to try out an air fryer. We’ve all seen them and they’re quite expensive but this one was one of the less expensive versions that people like me can afford. I wasn’t too sure about trying it because when someone sends you something to try out, you want to be able to say something nice, or at least I do. I was raised that if you didn’t have anything nice to say, keep your mouth shut.
So I was a bit anxious about it but I agreed to test the Avancer air fryer. The one I have is a 1500w machine and sells for $89 in Australia. They also have a 2000w machine that’s a lot bigger for $109 and I think that would be a better purchase. The one I have is fine for me but if I had guests it wouldn’t do the job. Avancer has a whole line of affordable kitchen appliances and they offer a 30-day money back guarantee.
Do you have an air fryer or have you tried one out? We don’t eat a lot of fried food but we like it so fried food without all the oil (and guilt) sounded good.
When the air fryer arrived, the question was, “What are you going to cook?”
First I tried frozen spring rolls.” It was a quick test and I didn’t have to mess up the kitchen.
“If the machine could cook those satisfactorily, it might be okay”, I thought. After the fryer pre-heated, I sprayed the spring rolls with oil and then popped them in. Honestly and I’m not kidding about this, in 6 minutes, I was saying, “Wow, these are SO hot!!” They were perfectly crispy on the outside, and hot on the inside – from frozen!
When you’re not used to a new gadget it takes a bit of time to get comfortable with it so my first attempt at real food was potatoes with rosemary and I topped them with Parmesan cheese and a fried egg. It’s my kind of breakfast but I don’t have it often because of the oil.
I peeled the potato and cut it up and drizzled the pieces with oil, tossed in some rosemary and kosher salt and stirred it all together. When the fryer was hot, I poured the potatoes into the little drawer and then I went to make coffee. The potatoes took a little longer than the spring rolls, about 18 minutes or so and at the 14 minute mark, I fried the egg.
When you buy new appliances, would you consider a brand that you weren’t familiar with? I’ll be honest and admit that I probably would have gone for the big brand with the big price tag but now that I’ve tried this one, I’m happy with it.
Thanks for sending the air fryer to test.
I’ve never used an airfryer, but might need to invest in one after seeing these gorgeous potatoes!
I think the Airfryer idea is a fantastic machine for a quick, easy 2 person meal and plus cooking was much healthier. Thank you. Thank for sharing that Airfryer recipes.
I am really intrigued by this gadget. I have a conventional deep fryer but don’t use it much because it uses so much oil and the healthy oils that don’t oxidize when heated up are really expensive to use in that quantity. The Avancer looks fascinating because it uses so little oil but produces the same results. I will most definitely be looking into the option of purchasing one, thanks so much for sharing this review!
This is the first I’ve heard about an air fryer and it sounds interesting – I love fried food, but I don’t make it a lot (such a hassle with the oil, plus not so great health wise). Thanks for the review!
That is a great post, Maureen. I never watch informercials but one day while surfing I got caught up watching one on the air-fryer. I was excited when I saw it was something like…..$49 or some unbelievable price. I ran to the computer to order it only to find that had I watched the informercial a little longer I would have seen that it was ‘$49 in 10 easy payments’….ha, ha…..my bad. The $109 sounds reasonable, I’ll check it out. 🙂
Great — Robert and I both love fried foods, but we don’t need all that oil, either. I’ll check to see if this is available here.
Thanks Maureen – have often wondered about this gadget – now I think I would like it – am going to investigate them. I didn’t realise they were so reasonably priced – let’s hope they are that sort of price here! Your potatoes look so good.
I’ve seen those air fryers advertised on late night television here in Canada and because I DON’T like to fry but DO like fried food, I’d be interested. However, I am unlikely to ever buy one for myself. Though if someone gifted one to me … I’d be quite grateful and would use it. 🙂
I’ve always wondered about the air fryer, your potatoes look mouth watering!
An “air – fryer” I am so fascinated! I just Googled “air fryers” and saw a demo of a Phillips one – my mind is blown! Oh the possibilities! I had not heard of one before – and I might have been skeptical if I did – but, after your review I wish I had one – I don’t think brand name would make a difference – but price most definitely would!
Never ever heard of an air fryer before. Learn something new every day!
The potatoes look delicious. So they must work. Plus you had success with it.
Here’s the thing though. I seldom use gadgets. I used to bit them – use for a month or so – and then let it sit in a cupboard some where. To often I fear, new gadgets are just a way to part me from my money. LOL
Maureen, I am so glad you took the time to try this out- This has been on my to get list but I wanted to get an opinion from someone who has actually tried it and would give an unbiased opinion about it . Thanks for the review.
Am I the only one who has never heard of an air-fryer? I didn’t know there was such a thing. It certainly looks like your potatoes were fried in oil! Amazing. I think this is a terrific gadget for the health conscious xx
My goodness…the things we can do! How fascinating Maureen.
Would love to try the food from there…did it brown as well as crisp? So it’s kinda like a mini oven then?
Must check them out….
Thanks for the introduction :))
cheers Roni xx
Come over and borrow mine and see what you think. 🙂
I’ve always wondered about these things but it sounds awesome. With all the hot chips I’ve been craving recently this would make a rather good addition to my kitchen!
I used to make fries in a saucepan but I recognize that a gadget like that can be fun. your fries looks extra !
I’ve seen lots of things about air fryers and have been mildly curious, but the last thing I need in my kitchen is another gadget taking up space.
I hadn’t heard about air fryers! So of course had to Google and read all about them before I finished your post. Sounds kinda interesting, although I’m not sure if I have room for another single-purpose gadget. But those fries looks great!
An air-fryer? How very interesting! Thanks for showcasing this brand and product, Maureen… I’m off to investigate! Oh, and delicious recipe!
I’ve never used an air fryer either but I’ve been tempted for so long now, because well, I’m trying to make healthier meals for us. I would be like you and go for the big brand, big price, so it’s nice to know that the cheaper ones are good as well. 🙂
I’d bet an email from you to any manufacturer or brand would get you whatever you wanted to test. 🙂 I LOVE your blog.
Thanks for reviewing that! I never fry because of the oul and I have so many things I could make. I have to definitely look into that. Do you have an affiliate link?
No, Marilyn, I got one of the $89 fryers to test out.
I’ve never used an air fryer, but it sounds like a handy thing to have for those nights you’re craving chips but don’t want to drive to the shop. 🙂
Never heard of one before. I’m intrigued ! especially you know, over here sharing stuff from the rustic kitchen where cast iron is king and all other gadgets are considered clutter haha. So is this kind of like a super fast oven ? Sounds like it but then why do they call it a fryer ?
An air fryer sounds intriguing, Maureen; but I’m determined to hold off on another appliance for a couple of months! Your potatoes and egg look lovely! How about an English muffin to go with it?
yum those potatoes look wonderful.. i have never heard of an air fryer. sounds a bit mysterious! clearly you did well with it:)
Oooh, I’ve been considering getting one of these bad boys. The healthy way to fry. 🙂
If it came recommended by someone like you, and I didn’t know the brand, I buy it for sure, but if no one had recommended it, I’d prob give it a miss.
I haven’t heard of this brand before but I have tried out two air fryers. They were like baking something in an oven to me. It sounds like you had great results with this.
Yes! but the oven doesn’t get dirty or heat up the kitchen. 🙂
Appliances might be one of those very few things I go to the brand name for. The potatoes look delightful, and if it works, well, why not.
This sounds fascinating Maureen. I’ve never heard of an air fryer before. Thanks for the info – I will investigate. The potatoes looks wonderful – perfect with an egg 🙂
I’d never heard of an air fryer but I know what you mean about getting to know your gadgets 🙂 You’ve certainly done some awesome stuff with yours!
I recently heard about air fryers and I am so curious about them! The ones I’ve seen here in the US are around $300+ though, so it is definitely a kitchen gadget I would like to do a lot of research on before buying.
So what do you say? If money is not the issue but kitchen space is, is this a worthy gadget? Is it as easy to use, or even easier to use, than other cooking methods? The potatoes looks great, so do you see yourself using this all the time, or would it just take up counter space? I read that the actual frying basket is pretty small – so is it only useful for cooking for 1-2 people?
Have you tested it on other foods in the meantime, something more finicky in texture than potatoes? I am wondering how dough or plantains, or anything else where texture is very important, would turn out in this. Please do more experiments!!
I have never used one before but I do like the idea of cutting down on oil from flying.
Avancer can thank you Maureen for the slew of sales they are about to make. It looks like you had an easy time of it AND the products look and sound deeeelicious!
Gosh, this is new technology to me! And I think I’ll need the super duper size as my family will want loads of your potatoes!
I don’t know anyone who has one of these and wondered would it be just one more gadget for the kitchen. Sounds like it could replace my (strictly rationed) deep fat frier, Maureen.
I felt the same way and did the “WHERE am I going to put it??” Thankfully I found a little spot on the shelves in the storage room.
I have to say I’m not a person into gadgets usually but this looks genius 😀 (spring rolls in 6 minutes!!)
Those fried potatoes with egg look wonderful.
I have been eyeing one of these for a couple of years but wouldn’t buy one because I didn’t think I’d use it enough to warrant the expenditure. We’ve used this one every couple of days since it arrived. Who knew? 🙂
So is this like a roasting oven with convection? how exactly is it different than roasting potatoes in the oven with the convection setting on? Do the potatoes taste fried or roasted? Sorry for so many question, I am a little fascinated with this gadget and have never heard of it before 🙂
No difference, really but for the two of us, I can roast vegetables for the two of us while roasting the meat or baking a crumble for dessert. My husband LOVES it for a quick frozen meat pie or egg rolls.
I have a big oven and a small tabletop oven, so I guess I am good then 🙂 Thanks for your response Maureen!
Marina, I love your blog! You should join the food bloggers central group on Facebook. I think you’d be a great addition to some very clever bloggers.
I was wondering if a convection oven would do the same thing. I just probably need to get an oil sprayer thingie. Yes, that is a technical term.
I don’t think so. I have a convection oven and the result is different.
What a coincidence, I was just testing some recipes for my testing lady with the French brand. I thought I wanted one but to be honest, it’s really just a one trick pony so I’m over it.
Goody, goody….another gadget! Those potatoes look yummy!
I have been keen to try an air fryer! It sounds pretty quick and I am all about no oil! It’s not as drastically expensive as I thought, either.
Mmmm. I love love potatoes.
Those potatoes sound great. I’ve considered getting an air fryer. Can I come borrow yours too? 😉
WOW. This foods are good for health. I was not aware of this cooking method. I love the food at all difficult to handle temptation. This is such a useful tool for writing. It helps me with my story writing. Its always great to find good honest practical content. Thank you so much.
I own a Philips AirFryer and use it often to enjoy French Fries, Fried Plantains, Chicken Wings, Chicken Fried Steak, Homemade Sweet Potato Tater Tots, you name it! IT’S AMAZING! Everybody should have one! Just saying…
My mouth was watering looking at your picture 🙂