Why Air Fryers Are Becoming a Must-Have Appliance in Kenyan Homes

A few years ago, if someone told you they could make crispy chips, juicy chicken and samosas using just a spoonful of oil, you would probably have laughed.

Today, air fryers are becoming a common sight in Kenyan kitchens.

From young professionals living alone to families looking to cut back on unhealthy fats, more Kenyans are turning to the appliance that promises two things many people want: healthier meals and less time in the kitchen.

What was once considered a luxury gadget is increasingly becoming part of everyday cooking and social media conversations, which is helping drive its popularity.

For Lucas Kyalo, the journey started with a recommendation from YouTube. He spent Ksh15,000 on his air fryer and quickly noticed changes in his eating habits.

“It was more convenient than the regular oven. I got to eat less fried foods, and I have been able to explore more varieties of food.”

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Like many air fryer users, he says the appliance has also helped him reduce spending on takeaways.

The health angle appears to be one of the biggest reasons why air fryers are gaining traction.

“They are marketed as a healthier option to deep-frying foods,” Kyalo added.

For Derrick Okubasu, buying an air fryer was part of a broader lifestyle change.

“The air fryer cost me 15K, and it was on a 40% discount when I bought. I bought it as part of my healthy living goals without giving up fried fast food.”

Like many first-time users, the transition was not entirely smooth.

“It was tough at first because I had never experienced it before on any level. So it was a learn-as-you-go experience, and the meals were messy in the beginning, relying largely on tutorials and Google.”

Still, he says the benefits became clear over time.

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“The biggest advantage was reducing cooking time and not necessarily monitoring meals as they cook. Just marinate, throw in the air fryer, set the time and go do other things; you will be alerted when cooking is done.”

Okubasu also says the appliance helped him save money in several ways.

“My expenditure on oil that is used for frying decreased by over 80%. Reducing spending on takeouts when I need fried food. I make fries and a wide variety of fried food at home, so I no longer splurge,” he stated.

The combination of convenience and savings appears to be a recurring theme among air fryer users.

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Vivian Atieno bought hers after hearing positive reviews from a colleague at work.

She spent Ksh22,000 on her appliance and says it has transformed the way she cooks.

“Yes. I have saved a lot of money from ordering chicken and chips from junk food outlets. Nowadays, I just buy the ingredients and cook myself,” Atieno stated.

For her, one of the biggest benefits has been reducing oil consumption.

“I would have used almost 500ml to fry chips or chicken. The oil would become dirty. I used to use 3 litres for 2 months. Now it can get me to 3 months,” Atieno added.

Beyond individual experiences, the rise of air fryers reflects a broader shift in how Kenyans approach food. People are becoming more health-conscious, looking for ways to prepare meals faster, reduce household expenses and cut down on takeaways.

Users believe the popularity comes down to three things. They are cheaper and portable than ovens, save on cooking time and costs and provide one with healthy cooking options 

Research has shown that air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil used in cooking. A review published in the journal Food Science & Nutrition found that air frying uses about 50% to 70% less oil than traditional deep frying. 

Other studies have found that air-fried potatoes can contain up to 70% less fat than deep-fried potatoes.

For many Kenyans, that combination of convenience, lower oil consumption and healthier cooking is exactly why the air fryer is earning a permanent spot on the kitchen counter.