When a new kitchen appliance hits the scene, it’s often hyped as a life-changer—and it’s easy to believe the claims. The air fryer, for example, promises to deliver the crispy texture of fried foods without all the fat and calories. But is it really a healthy alternative to frying, baking, and roasting? We took a closer look at the trendy gadget to see how it works, what foods it’s best for, and whether it’s worth the investment and counter space (or, in many cases, lack of) in your kitchen.

Air Fryers

The air fryer—also called an airfryer, hot air oven, or rapid air cooker—is a small, electric appliance that cooks by blowing hot air around the food placed in a perforated basket. The heat causes the food to crisp up as it bakes and browns, just like a conventional deep fryer or even a toaster oven. It also does this much faster than a traditional oven, meaning you can get meals on the table in less time and with less effort.

Manufacturers of the appliance tout it as a way to enjoy fried foods, such as chips and chicken wings, with up to 90% less fat. It’s also great for reheating, and produces results that are more crisp than a conventional oven or microwave.

But is an air fryer really a healthier option than frying, baking, or roasting? The answer to this depends on what you’re cooking, how much oil is used, and the other ingredients in your meal.

For example, if you’re cooking fries in an air fryer, it’s important to use a high-quality, low-fat oil to avoid saturating the food with saturated fat. Even if the total amount of fat in the dish is lower, it can still contribute to your overall cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

The same goes for other fatty foods, including fried chicken, frozen chicken tenders, and mozzarella sticks. They might be less calorie-dense than a comparable batch of fries or tater tots, but they’re still not as healthful as grilled or roasted options.

As an alternative, a few spritzes of cooking spray—such as La Tourangelle Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray—or a coating of melted butter or avocado oil can help foods in an air fryer crisp up and brown. The same applies to vegetables, such as green beans or potatoes, which will dry out if you don’t add any fat.

You can also use an air fryer to make other fried foods, such as frozen French fries and tater tots, and it will brown them nicely, with no or very little added oil. It’s also possible to use the device to air-fry baked goods, such as cakes and muffins, which will be light and fluffy on the inside, with a golden crust on the outside. But as with any fried food, it’s best to eat them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.