1 in 4 people have stopped ordering takeaways since they bought an air fryer

Katie Mortram

5 December 2024 at 10:01 am·23-min read

air fryer takeaway — 1 in 4 don't get takeaway since using an air fryer Elena Bondarenko - Getty Images

It’s rare to find a kitchen without an air fryer these days. In fact, they’re so popular that they’re now having an impact on how often we order takeaways.

According to a recent survey from Ninja, known as the “Frynancial Report”, one in four people who own an air fryer don’t order takeaways any more, saving them an average of £200 a year on fast food. However, with 65% using their air fryers to cook comfort foods, such as fries, chicken wings and pizza, are air fryers really a healthy alternative? Here, we take a look into the realities of making the switch.

How healthy are air fryers?

An air fryer is essentially a mini-convection oven. Just like your full-size oven, it uses a fan to distribute the hot air within to create an even browning. That means you’re essentially achieving the same health benefits as you’d get from your oven, but of course, there are other factors to consider, such as oil.

Air fryers don’t require much oil to cook. One tablespoon or 15ml of oil is usually enough and it needs to be applied directly to the food. Adding more than this can create excess smoke, which is why it’s one of the things you shouldn’t put in your air fryer. Your oven recipes will generally require about the same amount of oil, but the air fryer will yield crispier results, which is a bonus.

If you’re swapping takeaways for air fryer recipes, it’s likely to use less oil (versus deep frying), which naturally makes it the healthier choice, but it ultimately comes down to the nutritional value of what you’re cooking.

Ninja’s survey found that 60% of people purchased an air fryer because they believed it to be healthier than other frying methods, and 56% made the purchase to save energy versus other cooking appliances. This shows people are investing in air fryer technology to be healthier as well as to save money, but are we achieving that when 65% enjoy cooking comfort foods in the air fryer?

The good news is, the second most popular type of dish that respondents cooked in their air fryers were healthy versions of their favourite fried foods, at 57%. That means that more than half still want their usual fried foods, but prefer them to be healthier while still achieving the same delicious flavour. So there’s a conscious effort to watch what we eat, even when it’s prepared in an air fryer.

How can you cook more healthily in an air fryer?

The first step is to consider what you’re cooking, as much as the cooking method. While comfort foods won’t need as much oil in the air fryer compared with fast foods, they can still contain high levels of salt and fat. Consider eating such things in moderation and using the air fryer to make nutritious alternatives, such as duck, strawberry and goat’s cheese salad and pickled pepper meatballs. Consider whether you’re using your air fryer to its full potential – air fryers are often advertised for preparing snacks and fried foods, but some of our favourite air fryer recipes may change how you use yours.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with using your air fryer as an alternative to a takeaway. In fact, 26% of Ninja’s respondents replicate their takeaway menu in the air fryer, and it may well be a healthier and cheaper option, while still tasting delicious. But, if you’re using your air fryer as a means of eating more healthily, you might want to reconsider some of your go-to recipes if they revolve around comfort food. There are plenty of air fryer recipes out there if you want something nutritious, but still delicious.

Air-Fryer Spring Galette

Photo credit: Oscar Hather - Hearst Owned

This speedy tart is a celebration of everything Spring has to offer! If you can’t find wild garlic, substitute with 2 spring onions instead.

Recipe: Air-Fryer Spring Galette

Air Fryer Duck, Strawberry and Goat’s Cheese Salad

Photo credit: Kris Kirkham - Hearst Owned

The sweetness of the berries cuts perfectly through the richness of the duck, making for a fantastic summer salad. The quantity of strawberries in the dressing seems like a lot, but the grains will soak it all up.

Recipe: Air Fryer Duck, Strawberry and Goat’s Cheese Salad

Airfryer Lemon Drizzle Cake

A classic bake made super-speedy by using an airfryer - ideal if you only want to make a small cake.

Recipe: Airfryer Lemon Drizzle Cake

Airfryer Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

This easy pasta bake has a simple stir in sauce and can be on the table in just over 30min.

Recipe: Airfryer Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake

Airfryer Carrot Cake

This classic carrot cake is super-speedy because it’s made in an aifryer - perfect when you want a small, quick bake. If your airfryer can’t take two cake tins, you can bake the cake in one deep 15cm tin for 35min or until cooked through, then split the sponge to fill it.

Recipe: Airfryer Carrot Cake

Air Fryer Chocolate Doughnuts

Coating the doughnuts in melted butter and sugar helps to give them that delicious, deep-fried flavour. You can swap the hazelnut butter for any nut butter, or leave it out, if you prefer.

Recipe: Air Fryer Chocolate Doughnuts

Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese and Ham Hock Pie

This pie is made in a flash thanks to the air fryer! It’s the perfect comfort food on a cold day. Simply omit the ham hock if you want to make a vegetarian pie.

Recipe: Air Fryer Cauliflower Cheese and Ham Hock Pie