Once seen as a novelty, the air fryer has quickly become a staple in South African kitchens, revolutionizing the way we cook. From crispy fries to gourmet dishes, this versatile appliance will take centre stage on MasterChef South Africa, Season 5, where contestants will craft high-end bistro meals, showcasing its impressive capabilities.
Initially popularized in the early 2010s, air fryers emerged as the must-have appliance for healthier cooking without compromising on flavor. Their ability to prepare a diverse array of dishes efficiently, all while using less electricity than traditional ovens, has solidified their status among busy home cooks and creative chefs alike.
Pick n Pay highlights that as disposable incomes tighten, there is an increasing demand for fast and easy cooking solutions, driving home cooking trends and the popularity of efficient appliances like air fryers. “With more households prioritizing convenience, air fryers have transitioned from a luxury to a necessity,” they affirm.
Reflecting this trend, Pick n Pay has observed a notable increase in air fryer sales. “We’ve identified a shift in consumer behavior, with customers choosing larger models. First-time buyers and smaller families typically opt for 4 to 5.5-litre sizes, while larger families or those upgrading lean towards models between 6.5 and 10 litres.”
This growing preference is further supported by the latest BrandMapp survey, which reveals that air fryer ownership in middle-class South African homes surged from 26% in 2022 to 41% in 2023. “Air fryers consistently rank among our top-selling items, particularly during Black Friday and Christmas,” notes Pick n Pay. “Their widespread appeal underscores their versatility and efficiency, as more South Africans seek out time- and energy-saving appliances.”
The impact of air fryers reaches beyond sales figures, influencing product packaging to include air fryer cooking instructions and culinary trends as well.
- COMPETITION Details
WIN a Defy air fryer, valued at R1 700
Air fryers are revolutionising how South Africans prepare meals, but do you really know what yours can do?
This Saturday, August 31st , the MasterChef South Africa Season 5 contestants are about to find out…
In this week’s episode, they are challenged to use an air fryer to create a modern, bistro-worthy dish using potatoes as the hero ingredient.
The winner will go head-to-head with food personality Herman Lensing, well-known for his air fryer recipes, to win an immunity pin.
MasterChef South Africa Season 5, sponsored by Pick n Pay, airs on Saturdays at 7.30 pm on SABC 3. Tune in to see how passionate home cooks rise to the challenge each week, crafting dishes around unique themes using ingredients from the Pick n Pay Pantry.
Competition Question
Name one recipe that was cooked using the air fryer during MasterChef South Africa Season 5 Saturday 31st episode?
Submission: Follow@sa_masterchef / @picknpay and @glamour_sa on Instagram and in your story tag all 3 with your answer with hashtag #GlamourxMastercherSA
