Would You Pay $299 for a "Healthy" Deep Fryer?
Several months ago, I received the T-Fal ActiFry to test. It's described as a low-fat "multicooker" and healthy fryer. It looks a little like those old electric skillets that everyone seemed to have in the 70s (does anyone still use those?) and takes up a fair amount of counter space. Intrigued by the idea of a fryer that can cook with only one tablespoon of oil, I gave the ActiFry a whirl.
Using it is simple. If you want to make "french fries," you flip up the top, scatter in uniformly cut pieces of potato, sprinkle with a tablespoonful of oil, and then let it go for 30 to 35 minutes (there's a built-in timer). A central paddle keeps the food moving constantly, and circulating hot air prevents condensation, which could make the potatoes soggy. I didn't try any of the stir-fry or one-dish-dinner-type recipes that were included with the fryer, since none of them sounded particularly enticing. But I went to town frying potatoes, cubed butternut squash, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower florets--the kinds of things that work well when roasted in a hot oven with a slick of olive oil.
The veggies turned out great, especially the potatoes, which were crunchy and golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and not at all greasy. And the fact that you can throw things in the ActiFry, turn it on, and concentrate on the rest of the meal is incredibly appealing. I actually use the ActiFry all the time to make crispy potatoes, and they are enthusiastically gobbled up by all who try them.
So, yes, I like the ActiFry. In fact, I like it a lot. But would I buy one if the nice people at T-Fal hadn't sent me one?
Don't think so. It costs a staggering $299 (although you can probably buy it for less if you shop around). I love my nice crunchy, greaseless fried potatoes as much as the next person, but I'd have to be eating them three times a day, 365 days a year to justify that kind of money. But if you are a fried potato fanatic and are looking for a way to make them easily without minimal fat, then this gadget might be just the thing for you.
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