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Are There Any Environmental Issues With Air Fryers?

Waste and cost of living is a big topic in 2023, but what can we do to cook cleaner whilst saving energy and money?

Mark Hoffman

Managing Editor At Ovenreview.co.uk

January 29th, 2023

3 Minute Read

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Cost of living and household waste are two themes that have blown up in 2022. Consumers are stuck between high energy prices, high monthly shopping bills and more waste than ever before. So how can we as customers reduce our effect on the environment.

Believe it or not air fryers have become a popular appliance in many households due to their ability to cook foods quickly and efficiently, whilst saving money on waste, using on average less electricity and using less oil. However, when it comes to the environmental impact of air fryers, there are a few factors to consider.

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Do Air-Fryers use more energy than other cooking methods?

First, it is important to note that air fryers do use electricity to operate, which means that they do have a carbon footprint. However, they are more energy-efficient than other cooking methods, such as deep frying or baking in an oven. According to some estimates, air fryers can use up to 80% less energy than a traditional oven. This is since air fryers use a high-speed fan to circulate warm air around the food, which helps to cook it evenly and quickly. This means that you can cook a wide range of foods in an air fryer, including meats, vegetables, and baked goods, in a fraction of the time it would take in an oven or on a stove top. The reduction of wasted energy does not only make a significant difference in your carbon footprint but also your energy bills.

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Is it expensive and complicated to clean an Air-Fryer?

Cleaning an air fryer is actually extremely simple, most air fryers come with dish washable removable parts. For the parts which can’t be removed, a simple wipe over with a soapy/warm cloth is more than okay for most of the build up. More expensive machines come with auto cleaning features. They heat up extra hot to burn off any crumbs or greases sticking to the cooking elements. For a step by step guide, we wrote an article on how to clean air fryers effectively.

How does the usage and amount of oil affect the environment?

Another factor to consider is the amount of oil used when cooking with an air fryer. Traditional deep frying requires a large amount of oil, which can be expensive and environmentally damaging. Air fryers, on the other hand, use only a small amount of oil (or none in some cases), making them a more sustainable choice.

You might ask yourself why the usage of oil is affecting our environment. Well, there are several reasons. For example, the oil production and transportation. This can negatively affect the environment by air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and carbon emissions.

You also should not forget that when oil is used for cooking, it becomes contaminated with food particles and other impurities. Disposing of this used cooking oil in the wrong way can have negative impacts, such as clogging sewers and contributing to water pollution. It can also end up in landfills, where it can take many years to break down.

Finally, when oil is burned for energy, it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which also has a significant impact on the climate change.

Overall, using oil can have negative environmental impacts at every stage of its life cycle, from production and transportation to disposable and burning for energy. This is one of the reasons why it is important to use oil wisely and minimize its impact on the environment.

So, what is better than having a quick crunchy meal and saving the world at the same time!

How can I reduce e-waste by using an Air-Fryer?

Did you know that around 50 million metric tons of electric appliances, also called e-waste, ends up in the bin every year? Of course, this is more of an estimated number because it varies widely from country to country, but the point is clear! The disposal of e-waste can have negative environmental impacts, as many of these devices contain hazardous materials that can be harmful if not properly disposed of. In addition, e-waste can also contain valuable materials, such as gold and copper, which can be recovered and reused if the e-waste is properly recycled.

To help that Issue you could use an air fryer. Air fryers can be used to cook a wide range of foods, from meats and vegetables to grains and baked goods. This versatility means that you can use your air fryer to replace multiple appliances, which can help to reduce your overall energy consumption and waste of electronic appliances.

Of course, it is important to note that air fryers are not a completely “green” cooking option. They do require electricity to operate, and they do generate some carbon emissions. However, when compared to other cooking methods, air fryers are more environmentally friendly. If you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint in the kitchen, an air fryer can be an excellent choice.

So are Air-Fryers worth it?

In conclusion, air fryers can be a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional deep frying, as they use significantly less oil. This not only reduces the environmental impact of oil production and disposal, but also results in a healthier cooking method for consumers.

However, it’s important to note that the production and disposal of air fryers can still contribute to pollution and waste. Additionally, the use of air fryers may still lead to increased energy consumption. By using an air fryer responsibly and recycling or properly disposing of it when it is no longer in use, these negative impacts can be minimized.

In summary, the use of air fryers can be a positive step towards more sustainable cooking practices, but it’s important to consider the whole life cycle of the product

Mark Hoffman

Managing Editor At Ovenreview.co.uk

Mark Hoffman has worked as a freelancer and writer for several years. Reviewing ovens, washing machines and any other household items he can get his hands on. When he’s not sitting in-front of a computer he enjoys cycling, climbing and volunteering at charitable health organisations.