Air fryers have become very popular in modern kitchens. Many people believe they are a healthy way to cook because they use very little oil. The idea of crispy food with less guilt has made air fryers a favourite choice for those trying to eat better. However, a Mumbai-based doctor says this confidence can sometimes be misleading.
Dr Manan Vora, an orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, recently shared a video on Instagram explaining why air fryers are not a complete solution for healthy eating. While he agrees that air fryers are better than deep frying, he warns people not to depend on them to cancel out unhealthy food habits.
Not a magic solution
Dr Vora clearly says he is not against air fryers. In fact, he uses one himself. He explains that air fryers use 70 to 90 percent less oil than deep frying. They also reduce harmful substances like acrylamide and avoid the repeated heating of oil. Because of this, air frying is definitely a smarter option than deep frying.
But he also makes it clear that an air fryer cannot fix poor food choices. Choosing air frying does not automatically make food healthy. The method of cooking helps, but it does not change the quality of the ingredients. According to Dr Vora, using an air fryer is a good step, but it should not be seen as a shortcut to good health.
The frozen food trap
The main problem, Dr Vora says, is how people use their air fryers. Many fill them with frozen and ultra-processed foods like nuggets, fries, momos, and packaged snacks. People assume that because these foods are air-fried, they are healthy. This is not true.
Air frying does not remove refined starch, preservatives, additives, or excess salt from frozen foods. These unhealthy ingredients remain the same. The air fryer only changes how the food is cooked, not what it contains.
Dr Vora explains that health depends on what you eat and how often you eat it, not on the kitchen gadget you use. An air fryer works best when used for whole foods, such as vegetables, lean protein, and balanced meals made from real ingredients.
His advice is simple: do not throw away your air fryer, but use it wisely. When used thoughtfully, it can support a healthy lifestyle. When used as a tool for guilt-free junk food, it can work against your health.
