Air frying has emerged as a revolutionary cooking method, offering the tantalizing crunch and crispiness of traditional frying without the burden of excessive oil and messy clean-up. Recent research in the journal Indoor Air highlights a surprising new benefit: air frying significantly reduces indoor air pollution compared to other cooking methods. The study, published in November, reveals that air frying creates the least indoor air pollution, with a peak concentration of just 0.6 micrograms per cubic meter of air, markedly lower than pan frying and other common cooking techniques.
This study underscores the advantages of air fryers as contained cooking vessels that prevent the release of harmful particles into the air. Unlike pan frying, which recorded a peak particulate matter concentration of 92.9 micrograms per cubic meter, air frying only reached 0.6 micrograms per cubic meter. To put this in perspective, stir-frying measured at 26.7, deep frying at 7.7, and boiling at 0.7 micrograms per cubic meter. These findings highlight the potential health benefits of switching to air frying in reducing exposure to indoor pollutants.
“For particulate matter, the team measured peak concentrations in micrograms per cubic meter of air. For pan frying, the peak concentration was 92.9; for stir-frying, it was 26.7; for deep frying, 7.7; for boiling, 0.7; and for air frying, it was 0.6,” – Pfrang
The mechanics behind air fryers involve a high-speed fan that distributes hot air evenly around foods, facilitating quicker and more even cooking than traditional ovens. This method requires only a small amount of oil—typically a teaspoon or two—compared to the tablespoons or cups used in conventional frying techniques.
“Air frying achieves the crunch and crispiness of frying without the excess oil or messy clean-up,” – Moore
Air fryers have gained popularity as a simple and speedy way to prepare a variety of foods, from french fries to fish. They are celebrated not only for their efficiency but also for their ability to produce lower-calorie foods due to decreased oil usage. Moreover, they reduce levels of potentially inflammatory compounds that arise when oil is heated to high temperatures.
“Compared to deep frying, air frying usually results in lower-calorie foods (due to less oil) and lower levels of potentially inflammatory compounds released when oil is heated to high temperatures.” – Moore
Financial considerations should not be overlooked when discussing air fryers. While some models can be quite expensive, costing hundreds of dollars, there are more affordable options available for around $25. Regardless of price point, all models share the common benefit of reducing indoor air pollution.
The study's findings are particularly significant in light of the health risks associated with particulate matter (PM) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), key indoor air pollutants that can harm the lungs and heart. The Indoor Air Hygiene Institute deems levels above 35 micrograms per cubic meter of air unhealthy over a 24-hour period—a threshold well above what was measured for air frying.
“Switching from pan-frying and stir-frying to air-frying will substantially decrease indoor air pollutant exposure.” – Pfrang
“Air fryers are contained cooking vessels that physically help keep particles from being released into the air.” – Moore
The research team employed an optical aerosol spectrometer and a proton-transfer-reaction time-of-flight mass spectrometer to measure concentrations of PM and VOCs during their experiments. Their motivation stemmed from a desire to educate people about how home cooking affects air quality.
“There is only a very limited understanding in the general public of how strongly different cooking methods affect indoor air quality, so there is definitely a need for more awareness,” – Pfrang
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, around 3.8 million people worldwide die annually from illnesses linked to harmful indoor air produced by dirty cookstoves and fuel. The study's findings could potentially influence cooking habits globally, encouraging healthier methods that also promote better indoor air quality.
In addition to its environmental benefits, air frying can contribute positively to dietary habits. A diet high in saturated fats has been linked to higher LDL cholesterol levels, heart blockages, weight gain, and an increased risk of certain cancers. By reducing oil use and promoting healthier cooking practices, air fryers can play a role in mitigating these risks.
“A diet high in saturated fats has been linked to higher LDL, heart blockages, weight gain, and increased risk of certain cancers.” – Kolesa
“Vegetables are not only a great way to start air-frying food more often but to increase the amount of vegetables in your diet,” – Kolesa
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