The Best Air Fryer Tips For RVers
I know what you might be thinking: “Do I really need another small appliance in my RV?” However, an air fryer is a great asset to any RV. You can provide healthy and tasty meals for your family. Just how good a fit an air fryer is depends on your storage space, counter space, and power requirements.
With a few modifications or a little storage organization, you can probably find a spot to store it when you are on the road. Air fryers are a healthy and delicious way to make meals, so check out a few of our air fryer tips.
RV storage
If you are really tight on space, consider a microwave, toaster oven, and air fryer all in one. This option could make the best use of your space.
If you camp or live in a van or small trailer, an air fryer can replace some of your other appliances if you can purchase a combo unit.
Air Fryer Power Consumption
Power consumption is an important element to consider if you want to use an air fryer in your RV. You don’t want to blow breakers in the middle of cooking your mouthwatering chicken wings for the RV park potluck.
An average air fryer draws about 1500-1800 watts of power or 10-15 amps while in use. You probably don’t want to use several appliances at the same time, depending on if you are plugged into a 30-amp or 50-amp power source, or if you are running your air conditioner or other high-draw appliances.
If you plan to be off-grid, you also want to consider how much your inverter can handle, as well as battery power.
Also keep in mind that while an air fryer is an extra appliance to carry along, it can also cook faster and more efficiently in a small space.
How Does an Air Fryer Work?
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food to create the same crispiness as traditional fried foods. This is accomplished by removing high-fat and high-calorie oils from the cooking process.
The air fryer process takes a small amount of oil, usually around one tablespoon, and produces similar results as a deep fryer with a fraction of the fat and calories. Air frying also triggers a chemical reaction, the Maillard effect, that improves the color and flavor of air-fried food.
The Maillard effect was named after the French physicist and chemist Louis Camille Maillard. It is also defined as a nonenzymatic browning reaction. When foods are processed or cooked at a high temperature, a chemical reaction occurs between amino acids and reducing sugars, which generates different flavors and brown color.
Can an Air Fryer Replace a Microwave in your RV?
I would say that your air fryer probably will not replace your microwave for many foods. An air fryer can replace a regular oven or convection oven, but an air fryer cannot be used to heat liquids or reheat some food. Also, an air fryer can’t compete with a microwave oven for convenience and speed.
What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?
There are tons of foods you can cook in your air fryer. Really, the list is endless. I mean, who doesn’t like deep-fried foods?
An air fryer keeps it yummy without all the oil and mess to clean up. These appliances are really fast too, and the hot air convection cooking will get your chicken crispy and juicy.
Don’t just limit your air fryer cooking to meats only. Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini, and more are great too.
You can also include breakfast, dessert, sides, main meals, and much more. Appetizers are also fast in the air fryer, including stuffed mushrooms, potato skins, and jalapeño poppers, all made in half the time of a conventional oven.
Is an Air Fryer Healthy?
Yes, an air fryer is better than frying in oil and cuts calories by 70-80%. Air frying also cuts down on some of the negative effects of frying with oil.
According to WebMD, the reaction that happens when you fry starchy foods such as potatoes produces a chemical called acrylamide. Research links this chemical to a greater chance of getting cancer. Air frying lowers the amount of acrylamide in fried potatoes by 90%.
Benefits of Using an Air Fryer
If you want crispy food without the mess of oil, then this appliance is for you. As I noted earlier, no oil means a healthier meal. These appliances also preheat and cook faster, which is great when you don’t want meals to take away from family time in your RV. They are also easy to clean, so you can get back to other activities quicker.
Air fryers can also reheat foods such as French fries or other fried leftovers without making them soggy.
Downsides of Using an Air Fryer
Just because you are using an air fryer doesn’t always mean the food you fix is healthy. Fried chicken with batter or French fries and onion rings are not going to be as healthy as marinated chicken breasts or seasoned vegetables.
Air fryers also take up room in your RV, and when in use, the appliance needs space around it to be safe. A smaller model might be beneficial for a couple.
Cooking capacity can also be limited. Some food items cannot be stacked on top of each other. The largest size, a 10-quart capacity, will cook for about six to eight people.
Some foods you will not be able to cook in an air fryer include wet battered food, whole chicken or roasts, cheese, leafy greens, popcorn, and others. Consult your instructions when you purchase your appliance for how to cook and what can be cooked in your air fryer.
The best air fryers
Check out these top-rated air fryers:
- Instant Pot Vortex Mini: This is a great size for an RV. It’s small and easy to store. The Vortex Mini is programmable and has a 4-in-1 functionality. It can air fry, bake, roast, and reheat. The basket and tray are dishwasher safe.
- Cosori Pro Smart Air Fryer 5.8 QT: The Cosori draws up to 1800 watts but will quickly cook whatever you choose. This one provides a professional stage cooking function for more convenient and faster cooking. The smart fryer, powered by the VeSync App, works with Alexa and Google Assistance, and you can control it on your phone.
- Cuisinart Convection Toaster Oven Air Fryer: This is a great combo appliance and could even replace your microwave, oven, toaster, and air fryer all in one. It may be worth the counter space if you’re replacing multiple appliances. It draws up to 1800 watts but comes up to temperature quickly and cooks fast, saving on power usage.
Is an Air Fryer Worth it for Your RV?
If you are like me, the last thing you need is another appliance in your RV. But, the air fryer could be just the thing you are looking for to make meals quicker and healthier with easy cleanup.
A bit of research is needed to find the right size air fryer for a family or a couple. Also, check on the appliance’s wattage so you can use it safely and efficiently in your RV.
Get more air fryer tips
Now, check out some recipes online and get started with some tasty, healthy meals. One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and more.
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