Are air-fried foods healthy? Top US doc explains

Air fryers have become a kitchen staple. The idea that you can enjoy crispy fried foods with little to no oil has made them a household favourite. Imagine golden French fries without a drop of oil or perfectly broasted chicken that isn’t dripping in grease - it’s too good to be true. So, does air-frying automatically make a meal healthier? Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist, says the answer depends on how you use the device. Take a look. Does air frying make food automatically healthyPeople often have a misconception that air frying food makes it automatically healthy. But is it true? While it's true that air frying can help reduce the oil content, that alone does not make a meal healthy. “If you're still using ultra-processed frozen snacks or inflammatory refined seed oils, you're not doing your gut any favors,” Dr. Sethi explained. Should you avoid oil altogether while using an air fryerMost people cut oil altogether while making meals using an air fryer, hoping to make it healthy. Though this is a great aspect, Dr. Sethi says, a little oil goes a long way. “A little avocado oil or ghee actually helps absorb nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K. Just skip the refined seed oils, they're high in omega-6s and can fuel inflammation if overused,” he says. Can you prepare any vegetable in the air fryer Well, you can cook any vegetable in your air fryer, but not all produce responds the same. For instance, leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli burn fast. “Use a light coat of oil and parchment paper or silicone liner to crisp, not char,” Dr. Sethi advises, because burnt food means inflammation. Can you reuse the same oilSome people reuse oil, but the gut doctor warns that this can backfire. “Old oil plus high heat equals oxidized fats. That means harmful byproducts your liver and gut don’t love,” he explains. Instead, he suggests cleaning the tray and changing the oil. Which is the safest air fryer liner Air fryer liners can come in handy when you want to roast or cook something. They can be real lifesavers, because they prevent the food from sticking in the basket, and also save you from the tough cleaning. But are the air fryer liners safe? Dr. Sethi suggests food-grade silicone that is BPA-free, FDA-approved, and has heat resistance up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. These are also reusable, free of microplastics and PFAS, dyes, and coatings. Another safe option is unbleached, perforated parchment paper without wax or chlorine.Are all air fryers healthy Well, this really depends; some air fryers have Teflon (PTFE)-coated baskets that may degrade at high temperatures. Dr. Sethi advises picking an air fryer with ceramic-coated or stainless steel interiors. Because they are good for your health and last longer. “The air fryer can be a gut-friendly game changer, if you use it right,” he reveals. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Readers should consult their own health care providers before making changes to their diet or cooking habits.