Is The Air Fryer Trend Dying Or Are People Just Getting Smarter About How They Use It

In 2020, air fryers exploded into kitchens across America. Promising crispy food with less oil, fewer calories, and faster cooking times, they became the must-have countertop appliance almost overnight. By 2023, however, social media buzz had cooled. Fewer viral recipes, fewer unboxing videos, and a noticeable silence from influencers suggested the trend might be over. But is that really the case? Sales data tells a different story: millions of units continue to sell annually. The truth may not be that the trend is dying — but rather that people are maturing in how they use these appliances. Consumers aren’t abandoning air fryers; they’re simply moving past the novelty phase and integrating them into realistic, sustainable kitchen routines.

The Rise and Evolution of the Air Fryer Craze

The air fryer’s ascent was fueled by pandemic-era home cooking, health-conscious marketing, and clever influencer campaigns. Brands like Ninja, Cosori, and Instant Pot dominated TikTok and Instagram with quick recipe reels showing golden fries, juicy chicken wings, and even chocolate chip cookies emerging from compact silver boxes. Early adopters praised the speed and ease, often replacing deep fryers or avoiding oven preheats altogether.

But as with any tech-driven kitchen trend, excitement waned once the honeymoon period ended. Many users discovered limitations: small capacities, uneven cooking on dense foods, and the reality that not everything labeled “air fryable” actually delivered restaurant-quality results. Some abandoned their units entirely, tucking them into cabinets after a few failed attempts at frozen appetizers. Others found themselves reverting to ovens or stovetops for larger meals.

Yet, instead of disappearing, air fryers have settled into a new role. They’re no longer seen as magical all-in-one solutions but as specialized tools — much like blenders or stand mixers. Their longevity depends not on hype, but on practical integration into daily life.

Tip: Use your air fryer for tasks where its strengths shine: reheating leftovers, roasting vegetables, and crisping proteins — not trying to bake a family-sized casserole.

Market Data vs. Perception: What Are People Really Doing?

Sales figures suggest sustained interest. According to NPD Group, over 25 million air fryers were sold in the U.S. between 2021 and 2023. While growth has slowed compared to the 2020–2021 surge, ownership remains high. A 2023 survey by YouGov found that 37% of American households now own an air fryer — up from just 12% in 2019.

So why does it feel like the trend is fading? Because cultural conversation shifts faster than consumer behavior. When something becomes routine, it stops being shareable. People don’t post videos of themselves reheating pizza unless it’s somehow revolutionary. The silence online doesn’t reflect disuse — it reflects normalization.

Additionally, early adopters who bought low-quality models during peak demand may have experienced burnout due to poor performance or durability issues. This led to negative reviews and skepticism. But newer models have improved significantly in temperature control, basket design, and noise reduction, making long-term use more appealing.

“People aren’t using air fryers less — they’re using them smarter. The initial wave was driven by novelty; today’s usage is driven by utility.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Consumer Behavior Analyst at KitchenTech Insights

Smart Usage Patterns Emerging Among Experienced Users

Long-term owners have developed nuanced habits that maximize efficiency without over-relying on the device. These behaviors reveal a shift from experimental enthusiasm to intentional application.

• Reheating mastery: Leftover pizza, fried chicken, and french fries regain crispness better in an air fryer than a microwave.
• Veggie roasting: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully with minimal oil.
• Batch prep support: Cooking multiple components (e.g., tofu cubes and roasted peppers) for meal prep bowls.
• Dehydrating function: Some advanced models double as food dehydrators for jerky or dried fruit.
• Avoiding oven use: For small portions, skipping the full oven saves time and energy.

This isn’t about replacing traditional cooking methods but complementing them. The smart user doesn’t ask, “Can I cook this in my air fryer?” but rather, “Is this the best tool for this task right now?” That subtle shift marks the difference between trend-following and functional adoption.

Real Example: How One Household Adjusted Their Approach

Take the Thompson family of four in Denver. In early 2021, they purchased a 6-quart air fryer after seeing dozens of TikTok recipes. At first, they used it daily — sometimes multiple times. But within months, frustration set in. Meals took too long when cooked in batches. Cleaning the basket felt tedious. And some recipes simply didn’t work.

By 2023, their usage had evolved. They no longer attempt full dinners in the air fryer. Instead, they use it strategically: crisping salmon fillets while rice cooks on the stove, reviving leftover burritos, or roasting chickpeas for snacks. It’s now part of a broader toolkit, not the centerpiece. As Sarah Thompson put it: “I don’t love it every day, but I’d miss it if it were gone.”

Do’s and Don’ts: A Practical Guide to Smarter Air Fryer Use

Do	Don’t
Preheat when crisping proteins or reheating oily foods	Overcrowd the basket — leave space for airflow
Use parchment liners with perforations for easier cleanup	Put wet batters directly in the basket (they’ll drip and burn)
Shake or flip food halfway through cooking	Use aerosol non-stick sprays — they damage the coating
Cook frozen items straight from freezer	Ignore manufacturer cleaning instructions
Experiment with small batches before scaling up	Expect it to replace your oven for large meals

Step-by-Step: Building a Sustainable Air Fryer Routine

If you're reconsidering your air fryer — whether it's collecting dust or you're thinking of buying one — follow this timeline to integrate it meaningfully into your kitchen:

1. Week 1: Audit Your Current Cooking
   Track what you cook most often. Identify repetitive tasks: reheating, roasting veggies, cooking frozen items.
2. Week 2: Test High-Value Uses
   Pick three applications where the air fryer excels (e.g., crispy tofu, roasted broccoli, reheated pizza). Run side-by-side tests against your usual method.
3. Week 3: Optimize Workflow
   Time each task, including prep and cleanup. Does it save effort or energy? Adjust temperature settings and basket placement based on results.
4. Week 4: Define Its Role
   Decide whether it’s a primary tool, secondary support, or occasional gadget. Store it accordingly — on the counter if used weekly, in a cabinet if monthly.
5. Ongoing: Maintain and Reassess
   Clean regularly. Every few months, ask: Is this still adding value? Replace only if functionality declines.

Tip: Label your air fryer’s power cord with masking tape and a marker to avoid confusion with other kitchen appliances.

Expert Insight: Why Functionality Trumps Hype

Kitchen innovation often follows a predictable arc: excitement, overuse, disillusionment, refinement. The air fryer is no exception. According to culinary technologist Mark Rivera, the key to lasting appliance success lies in alignment with real human behavior.

“The appliances that endure aren’t always the flashiest. They’re the ones that solve specific problems efficiently. The air fryer wasn’t going to revolutionize dinner every night — but it’s brilliant at solving the ‘soggy leftover’ problem. That’s enough.” — Mark Rivera, Culinary Technologist & Author of *The Smart Kitchen*

Rivera notes that many modern kitchens now operate on a “modular” principle — combining tools for optimal outcomes. An air fryer might sear the steak, while the stovetop handles the sauce, and the microwave steams the rice. This hybrid approach reflects greater kitchen intelligence, not diminished interest.

FAQ: Common Questions About Air Fryer Longevity and Use

Are air fryers worth it if I already have an oven?

Yes, for certain tasks. If you frequently reheat fried foods, roast small portions of vegetables, or want faster cooking without heating a full oven, an air fryer adds convenience. It’s not a replacement but a supplement — especially useful in hot climates where minimizing oven use keeps the kitchen cooler.

Why did my air fryer stop working after a year?

Lower-end models may fail due to overheating, poor ventilation, or worn-out heating elements. Regular cleaning and avoiding continuous back-to-back cycles can extend lifespan. Units with digital controls tend to be more sensitive than mechanical dials.

Can I cook everything in an air fryer that I can in an oven?

No. Dense dishes like casseroles, large roasts, or multi-layered bakes won’t cook evenly. Baking delicate items like cakes or custards is also challenging due to rapid air circulation and limited space. Stick to foods that benefit from convection-style crisping.

Checklist: Is Your Air Fryer Still Earning Its Space?

Before donating, selling, or relegating your air fryer to storage, assess its value with this checklist:

• ✅ Have you used it at least once in the past month?
• ✅ Does it perform a task better or faster than your oven or stovetop?
• ✅ Is cleanup manageable and consistent?
• ✅ Do you find yourself reaching for it instinctively for certain foods?
• ✅ Does it fit comfortably in your kitchen workflow without causing clutter?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, it’s still serving a purpose. If not, consider storing it seasonally or repurposing it for specific needs (like camping prep or dorm room cooking).

Conclusion: From Trend to Tool

The air fryer was never going to stay a viral sensation forever. No kitchen appliance does. What matters is whether it transitions from a fleeting fad to a functional fixture. Evidence suggests it has. People aren’t using air fryers less — they’re using them more thoughtfully. The initial wave of experimentation has given way to informed, efficient use.

The real story isn’t decline — it’s maturation. Consumers have learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to integrate the technology without letting it dominate. That’s not the end of a trend; it’s the beginning of lasting utility.

🚀 Ready to rethink your air fryer? Pull it out, clean it, and try one smart use this week — whether it’s reviving last night’s takeout or roasting a handful of veggies. Share your experience or favorite tip in the comments below.