The air fryer works like a convection oven and sits on your countertop. It uses circulating hot air - and some oil if you choose - to cook and crisp the food in the basket inside. You can use it without adding any oil, or you can add a little, which Plotkin says generally amps up the flavor.

You'll also want to be careful not to overdo it. The air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep frying, but that doesn't make it the healthiest cooking method around. Cleveland Clinic cautions that air frying might result in people thinking it's okay to eat fried food more frequently than they should.

In this wonderful guide, you will find many delicious and affordable recipes to take the advantage of your fantastic appliance.