An air fryer is not typically used for making toast. Toast is traditionally made using a toaster or a toaster oven, while an air fryer is designed to cook food by circulating hot air around it, creating a crispy texture without the need for deep frying.
When it comes to healthiness, the impact of making toast in a toaster versus using an air fryer for other cooking purposes depends on the type of bread you use and your overall dietary choices. Here are some considerations:
Caloric content: The healthiness of toast depends on the type of bread you use. Whole grain or whole wheat bread is generally a healthier option than refined white bread, as it contains more fiber and nutrients. Using the same type of bread in both the toaster and the air fryer would yield similar caloric content.
Fat content: If you're using an air fryer for other dishes that require oil, there might be a slight difference in fat content. In the toaster, you generally don't use oil, while an air fryer may require a small amount of oil to get a crispy texture. However, the amount of oil used in an air fryer is significantly less compared to deep-frying, making it a healthier cooking option in that regard.
Nutrient retention: Both toasting and air frying are considered dry cooking methods, so they can help retain more nutrients compared to methods like boiling or deep-frying, which can lead to nutrient loss.
Acrylamide formation: When starchy foods like bread are exposed to high heat, they can form a compound called acrylamide, which has been associated with health concerns in large quantities. Both toasting and air frying can lead to some acrylamide formation, but the differences in levels between the two methods are minimal.
In summary, using an air fryer for its intended purpose (cooking other dishes) can be a healthier option compared to deep frying. However, when it comes to making toast, the healthiness depends more on the type of bread you use rather than the cooking method. Opting for whole grain or whole wheat bread will generally make your toast healthier, regardless of whether you use a toaster or an air fryer for it.