Is Air Fried Food Really Healthier? | Talking Point | Full Episode

CNA Insider2 minutes read

Air frying is a popular cooking method that uses hot air to cook food quickly and create a crunchy texture, with claims of up to 90% less fat compared to deep frying. Lab tests show reductions in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol in air-fried food, making it a healthier alternative, although some safety implications like higher acrylamide levels in potatoes are still unclear.

Insights

  • Air frying is a cooking method that uses hot air to cook food quickly and create a crispy texture, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying with significantly lower fat content.
  • Despite the potential health benefits of air frying, challenges in transitioning fully to this method exist due to longer preparation times, especially in commercial settings like hawker centers, although the future integration of larger air fryers is seen as a promising solution.

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Recent questions

  • What is air frying?

    Air frying involves circulating hot air around food.

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Summary

00:00

"Healthier Air Frying: Crunchy, Low-Fat Cooking"

  • Air frying has gained popularity since 2010, with claims of up to 90% less fat compared to deep frying.
  • The technology behind air frying involves circulating hot air around food to cook it quickly and create a crunchy texture.
  • Air frying is similar to baking but with a higher speed of air circulation, leading to a frying effect.
  • Adding a touch of oil to air-fried food can bring it closer to the taste and texture of deep-fried food.
  • Lab tests on air-fried versus deep-fried chicken, fish, and potatoes showed reductions in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol in air-fried versions.
  • Acrylamide levels were significantly higher in air-fried potatoes compared to deep-fried ones, but the safety implications are unclear.
  • Cooking at lower temperatures and soaking potatoes before air frying can reduce acrylamide formation.
  • Air frying can be a healthier alternative to deep frying at home, but it's not widely adopted in commercial settings like hawker centers.
  • Some hawker foods, especially battered items, may not be suitable for air frying due to the lack of oil element.
  • Western stalls using pre-fried frozen foods may find it easier to switch to air frying for healthier options.

19:33

Healthier Air-Fried Food Faces Time Challenge

  • Air-fried food is a healthier alternative to deep-fried options, with a similar taste but less oily, making it a preferred choice for some customers despite being slightly drier due to the cooking method.
  • While customers appreciate the healthier option of air-fried food, the challenge lies in the time it takes to prepare orders, indicating a potential limitation in fully transitioning to air-fried meals; however, the possibility of using larger air fryers in the future for quicker cooking and healthier outcomes is considered.
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