Despite its name, an air fryer does not actually fry. It is a mini convection oven that operates by circulating superheated air at cyclonic speeds. Its ability to extract surface moisture and distribute heat 360 degrees allows this appliance to offer many benefits beyond traditional kitchen limits.

Here are five smart applications, backed by scientific principles, to help you maximize the utility of this household appliance.

'Boiling' eggs without water

Air-fried eggs are a popular trick highly praised by Western culinary websites. You do not need to monitor boiling water or worry about cracked eggs. The method is simple: place cold eggs (taken directly from the refrigerator) into the air fryer. Set the temperature to 120-130 degrees C for 10-12 minutes for soft-boiled eggs, or 14-15 minutes for hard-boiled. Afterward, immediately transfer them to an ice water bath.

The circulating hot air penetrates the tiny pores in the eggshell, causing the inner membrane to contract. This makes the shell incredibly easy to peel, without the whites sticking, unlike traditional boiling methods.

Air-frying eggs is a trending technique among Western home cooks. Photo: Foodnetwork

Air-frying eggs is a trending technique among Western home cooks. Photo: Foodnetwork

Reviving leftovers, repurposing bread

Microwave ovens heat water molecules with microwaves, often leaving old food, especially fried items and pizza, soggy and chewy. Conversely, an air fryer excels at activating the Maillard reaction, which creates crispiness and a golden-brown color, even at lower temperatures.

Cooking for just 3-5 minutes at 160 degrees C, the hot air stream evaporates excess moisture, restoring perfect crispiness. You can also dice stale bread, toss it with a little olive oil and garlic powder, then bake at 160 degrees C for 4-5 minutes to create crispy bread crumbs for soups or salads.

Making detox tea and premium dried fruit

You do not need to spend millions of dong on a specialized dehydrator; you can make soft dried fruits or detox tea at home. Low-temperature dried fruits retain all their vitamins and are free from chemical sugars or preservatives.

To make them: Slice fruits like apples, oranges, dragon fruit, and pineapples thinly (3-5mm). Use paper towels to pat the surface completely dry. Arrange a thin layer in the air fryer basket and dry at 80-100 degrees C for 30-45 minutes, remembering to flip them halfway through. You can also dry strawberries or grapes to create healthy, premium snacks for your family.

Roasting nuts and drying herbs

When roasting nuts like peanuts, cashews, and sunflower seeds in a pan, they often burn on the outside while remaining raw inside, requiring constant stirring. With an air fryer, simply set it to 160 degrees C for 10-15 minutes, depending on the nut size. The evenly distributed heat ensures the nuts are perfectly golden and crispy throughout.

Additionally, if you have excess scallions, cilantro, or dill, dry them at 80 degrees C and store them in a glass jar. Dried herbs can be preserved for an entire year, offering convenient seasoning.

Delicious soft dried strawberries made in an air fryer. Photo: 163

Delicious soft dried strawberries made in an air fryer. Photo: 163

Deodorizing and diffusing essential oils

During rainy or humid seasons, homes often develop unpleasant musty odors. Instead of using chemical air fresheners, transform your air fryer into a natural scent diffuser.

To do this: Chop orange, tangerine, pomelo, or lemon peels (you can also add lemongrass or holy basil) and place them in the air fryer. Dry them at 100-120 degrees C for 10-15 minutes.

The mechanism: Hot air stimulates the essential oil sacs in the fruit peels to burst. The convection fan then powerfully disperses the aroma, eliminating fishy and greasy smells from the kitchen. You can place the air fryer in an open area near the living room to bring a natural, relaxing fragrance to your entire home. Remember to thoroughly clean the air fryer basket of food grease before drying fruit peels.

Bao Nhien (According to Foodnetwork/ Birmingham)