This AirFryer Actually Makes Fried Foods Healthier (Plus, It's on Sale Right Now)

We know what you're thinking. What will they come up with next? But we could not be more excited for the Philips Twin TurboStar XXL Airfryer ($253, was $350; amazon.com) that’s on major sale right now for Amazon Prime Day (because French fries). While you still shouldn't go overboard on fried fare, this savvy kitchen gadget that’s gained major buzz in recent years can actually make foods like French fries a little healthier, experts say.

Air-frying offers a few surprising nutritional advantages over traditional frying. Because the process requires a lot less oil, you save calories and fat, which supports weight loss and prevents weight gain." Air-frying saves calories because rather than submerging foods in oil, the machine produces a crisp, crunchy texture by circulating hot air that contains fine oil droplets," Health's contributing nutrition editor, Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, told Health in a 2018 interview.

RELATED: The 9 Top-Rated Air Fryers for Healthier Fried Food

According to Sass, air-frying also produces less acrylamide, a substance formed when carbohydrate-rich foods are heated at a high temperature (the substance has been linked to an increased risk of cancer and heart disease, she added). One study found that air frying reduced acrylamide by 90% compared to deep-oil frying.

When air-frying fish or chicken, Sass suggested prepping the protein with a healthy coating, such as egg whites and quinoa, and serve with fresh veggies or a salad. For a snack, try chickpeas or falafel.

But that's really just scraping the surface of what you can do with this device. Amazon reviewers have raved about the different meals and snacks they can make in their own AirFryers. "I use this fryer almost every day. I have cooked a whole 5 pound chicken, chicken legs, chicken wings, roasted cauliflower, roasted broccoli, baked potatoes, wedged potatoes, 3 pounds of french fries, frozen shrimp, frittata, bratwurst, and hot dogs. All cooked perfectly. I mean perfectly.” This model is especially great for those who want to air-fry larger portions at once, since it’s an XXL size. And while this handy kitchen gadget is pricier than some other models (simply because of its large size), there’s no better time to shop it than right now, when you can get it at a heavily-discounted rate.

RELATED: 5 Clever Hacks for Your Instant Pot That You Haven't Tried Yet

Amazon.com
Amazon.com

To buy: Philips Twin Turbostar Technology XXL Airfryer, $253 (was $350); amazon.com

The Philips Turbostar AirFryer even has a coveted Amazon’s Choice recommendation and comes from one of the most trusted brands in kitchen appliances. Just take it from one of the many customers who gave this extra-large AirFryer a perfect five-star review. “Philips is the way to go. I did a lot of research, and finally decided on the Philips XXL Twin Turbo Air Fryer. It is expensive, But it comes with a ONE YEAR warranty. I have made tons of stuff in it, and LOVE everything about this machine!” the reviewer said. “It has a large removable screen base pot above the ‘star’ base. You can comfortably fit a small pizza in it. It makes the best frozen products! Crispy and hot fries, chicken tenders, shrimp, etc., in 10 minutes. It will hold a 5 lb. raw chicken and cook it to the same crispy-skin, tender, juicy meat perfection you get with a rotisserie; all the fat drips below the star and is ready to be drained when you are ready. Steaks, pork chops and hamburgers are a snap and cooked to perfection according to your preference, without splattering grease all over your stove and walls. Toasted subs are great! French bread pizza is perfection. Clean up is a breeze!“

If that’s not enough to convince you that an AirFryer is a kitchen essential that’ll make your life easier, just think of all the recipes you could make with your new AirFryer—it’s like a whole new world of delicious cooking (without all the heavy lifting on your end). And thanks to Amazon Prime Day, you can get the Philips Twin Turbostar model for nearly $100 less today—just remember that Prime Day only lasts until tomorrow night (and the most popular deals sell out quickly), so you’ll have to act fast if you want in on all the air-frying fun.

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