My Favorite Kitchen Companion: A Game-Changing Air Fryer with Yogurt Maker & Food Dehydrator

I'll be the first to admit it - I was a bit skeptical about buying an air fryer, but after using it for a while, I'm hooked. The original title of this review was 'Helps me lose weight,' but let's just say the latest diet didn't quite work out as planned. And when I looked at the food pics I'd taken with my new kitchen buddy, I realized they weren't exactly diet-friendly. So, I'll just share my love for this new gadget instead.

I've been wanting to buy an air fryer since I got my electric grill. I did regret buying the electric one for a bit, but I'd say each has its pros and cons. Anyway, my electric grill came first, and I've left a review for it below. Then, my lovely friend recommended air fryers, and I was hooked. I ended up buying it about a year and a half later, after reading a review that really caught my attention. The review was a great overview, but what really won me over was the air fryer's functionality.

By the time I'd decided if I needed an air fryer or not, I'd been looking at all the available models. One day, I stumbled upon a video review for the Xiaomi air fryer, and I was blown away by the additional yogurt maker and food dehydrator features. I have to admit, it's a bit ironic and paradoxical, since I don't actually use those features (I'm not a fan of yogurt, and I don't dehydrate fruits or veggies). But I decided I needed an air fryer with those features, and that was that.

I was a bit disappointed when I saw the price of the Xiaomi – it was pricey. I started looking for other models and brands, but none of them had the features I needed without breaking the bank or lacking features altogether. I didn't want to go for some random brand I'd never heard of, considering it's a serious piece of tech. But I also didn't want to spend a fortune on it, because, honestly, I already have an electric grill that I've been using for over a year and a half, and it's been collecting dust most of the time lately. I wasn't sure if the same thing would happen with the air fryer, so I was looking to spend around 6,000 rubles.

My grill arsenalAfter scouring all the marketplaces, online stores, and physical stores, I couldn't find anything that fit my requirements. I ended up going back to Xiaomi, thinking that if I was going to spend the money, it might as well be on a brand that's proven itself in the past (and from my experience, it has). And then I stumbled upon an amazing deal – the Xiaomi Air Fryer for 6,500 rubles. I snapped it up immediately and eagerly waited for it to arrive.

While I was waiting, I dived into the world of air fryers, looking for recipes and tips to get the most out of my new purchase. By the time it arrived, I was ready to go – armed with a wealth of knowledge and a desire to cook up a storm.

I've got to admit, when I first bought this air fryer, the one thing that really drew me in was the promise of cooking without oil. But when I actually started using it, I quickly realized that's just not possible with this thing. So, I thought I'd learned my lesson, but then I saw this other air fryer that claimed to do the same thing, and I thought, 'Hey, maybe this one will be different.' But, as it turns out, it's a bit more realistic than the first one I tried.

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What's in the box

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The air fryer itself, the main unit, a 4.5-liter basket, the inner basket, a grill grate, and instructions - that's what you get in the box.

4.5-liter basketThe app

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When you first turn on the air fryer, you've got to set the language - and, lucky for me, Russian is an option. You can control the air fryer in two ways: manually or with the app. One thing to keep in mind is that you need to place the air fryer on a flat surface, ideally 30 cm away from the wall, since the top panel blows out warm air and it needs to circulate. My personal warning: I put my air fryer on the kitchen table near the window, but I had some herbs (mint and rosemary) on the windowsill, and they ended up drying out - I'm guessing it's because of the warm air blowing by. So, either move the herbs or choose a different spot - or, you know, just don't be like me and leave them there.

Now, let's talk about the app. I was surprised to find that there's no clear description of the app in any of the sources I read about this air fryer - just some generic phrases like 'there's an app' and 'you can see something there.' But when I downloaded it, I was taken aback to see that the app's name is in Chinese and the description is in Chinese characters too. I downloaded it on a whim, following the QR code from the air fryer's manual. Here's what it looks like in the app store

But once I downloaded it, everything was fine.

Mi Home appThe interface is in Russian, and everything works smoothly. To connect to the air fryer, you need to find it in the list of devices using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and then add it to your collection. Once you do, it becomes accessible for management.

When you tap on your air fryer, the menu opens up - it mirrors the main functions of the air fryer's menu if you're controlling it manually. There are 11 modes in total:

Air Fryer FeaturesAir Fryer FeaturesThere's also a user mode where you can set the temperature and degrees to your liking. I've got to give a shout-out to the pre-loaded recipes in the app - they're not super complicated, but sometimes you'll come across ingredients you wouldn't normally have on hand, so you'll need to pick those up separately. Still, the recipes look amazing and I found myself wanting to try them all out.

Recipes from the AppWhen the air fryer finishes cooking, the app sends you a notification and a sound alert. After the timer goes off, the air fryer switches to a hold temperature mode (80 degrees) to keep your food warm for 30 minutes. It then shuts off automatically. It seems like you can change the time and temperature settings to your liking.

Recipes from the app I've only tried cooking remotely a couple of times - just out of curiosity to see how it works. Normally, I do install software manually and usually stick to the user mode.xa0

I also noticed there's a delayed start function, which would be super helpful if you want to have food ready at a specific time, like when you get home from work or in the morning when you wake up. To be honest, I've never used this feature and haven't even looked into how it works, but for some people, it might be useful.

Cooking food.

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To start cooking with this assistant, you just need to turn on the machine by pressing the sensor button above the rotary switch. And with the switch itself (which has a pension screen), you can set the desired mode or time/temperature. That's it - the machine starts working. Some modes come with a reminder to stir or flip the food. For example, if you're making French fries weighing over 300g, the air fryer will remind you halfway through the cooking time to shake the basket so the fries cook evenly.

First up, I made some potato wedges on the grill - a classic combo, right? I mean, if you Google 'aerogrid recipes,' potato fries and grilled chicken are always the stars of the show. So, I decided to stick with tradition.

Potato wedges and a toasted sandwich What's interesting is that the sandwiches always turn out so fluffy, even with a light layer of cheese. It's like the cheese is inflated or something! And the bread gets toasted to perfection, just like a toaster or panini press. So, yeah, the sandwiches are a real winner.Toasty sandwichesAfter that, I got the hang of how the grill worked, so I started cooking up a storm. First things first, I realized how valuable this thing is for making breakfast. I've got these small silicone muffin molds that I use to cook eggs in the grill - it takes about 10-11 minutes. Meanwhile, I'd throw in some toast, a meat snack, or some sausages. I'd get up, toss the food in the grill, and then get on with my morning routine: washing up, feeding the cat, getting ready for work... By the time I'm done, my breakfast is ready and hot, straight from the grill.

Breakfast: two poached eggs, patties, and roasted tomatoI've been experimenting with recipes, and I stumbled upon poached eggs. What drew me to this recipe was how easy it was to make: just add a little water to the baking dish before and after adding the egg, and you're done in 9 minutes with perfectly cooked eggs and a runny yolk. I've also tried baking eggs without water, mixing them with veggies – it's always a winner, and I love how healthy and filling it is.

Poached eggs and sausagesThe next experiment was chicken: I baked different parts of the chicken. Chicken breast needs to be marinated well before baking, and you need to keep a close eye on the cooking process to avoid overcooking. But thighs and drumsticks are a breeze – they're always juicy, with a nice crispy crust and tender meat. I really want to try baking a whole chicken, but I'm worried it won't fit, and it'll take too long to cook. That's where the air fryer comes in – it's all about saving time.

I've got to say, the air fryer has really won me over when it comes to making casseroles. I'm not usually a huge fan of casseroles, especially cheese ones, but this air fryer has changed my mind and now I'm hooked. My go-to casserole recipe is a simple one: I blend cheese, egg, and herbs in a food processor, add a pinch of salt, and sometimes I'll sprinkle some extra cheese on top. The result is a delicious casserole every time. You can do a sweet version as well, but I'm not a fan of sweet cheese.

Cheesecakes I have to give a shoutout to the cottage cheese - I made the most divine cheesecakes in this air fryer. I mean, these were the fluffiest cheesecakes ever, with cottage cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, egg, and coconut flour. I baked them for 15 minutes and got this heavenly treat with a delicate, crispy crust and a creamy, almost melt-in-your-mouth center. I was amazed I managed to make four cheesecakes in one go, but unfortunately, I've been unable to replicate this recipe since, even when following the exact same steps and ingredients.Fluffy cheesecakes When it comes to healthy eating, this air fryer has been a lifesaver. I was on a diet when I first got it, and it's been my go-to for quick, healthy meals. The included basket and grill are super convenient - I love cooking veggies in the bottom basket while grilling meat on the grill. The juices from the meat infuse the veggies, making them tender and flavorful. For example, I made a frozen chicken and veggie mix, and it turned out amazing.

Grilled Veggie Packs and Chicken DrumsticksI've made some amazing burgers here: both chicken and a mix of beef and pork from my own meat grinder. The chicken ones turned out a bit dry, so I'd recommend adding some veggies to the mix - zucchini and carrots work great.

Baked eggs with mint under 'hrenader' sauce I have to say, while on a diet, I discovered a new favorite dish: the nut flatbread. Now, this isn't exactly a diet food, but it's incredibly filling and made with nut flour, so it's a great option for those with gluten intolerance. To make it, you mix a cup of nut flour with 3/4 cup of warm water, add 1-2 tablespoons of oil and your choice of spices (I used some herbs de Provence), and a pinch of salt. You let the dough rest for 30-60 minutes, then cook it in a dry pan on both sides. The result is a really unique-tasting flatbread. But, you might be wondering, what does this have to do with the air fryer? Well, I took it a step further and turned the flatbread into a complete meal, kind of like a pizza: I added some cooked chicken and cheese on top and cooked it in the air fryer for about 6-8 minutes. This pizza is super interesting and way less calorie-dense than the real thing, and you can only eat so much because it's incredibly filling.Nut flatbread with chicken and cheese, chicken brothAnd finally, when it comes to cooking food (although I could go on forever), I want to say that the air fryer really shines when it comes to cooking pre-made meals. I mean, frozen, pre-cooked products come out amazing when cooked in the air fryer. I've tried some great options, like the Corndon Blue from Miratorg.

Kordon Blu by Miratorg: I'm obsessed with the juicy beef-filled cheburek from Kordon Blu - it's a game-changer. The meat is cooked to perfection, and the aeration on the grill gives it a crispy, golden crust that's just amazing.

CheburekWhat I love about using the aero-grill is that it cooks the cheburek evenly, without any hotspots or undercooked areas. The result is a perfectly cooked, fluffy interior that's just divine.

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About the oil.

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When I was researching recipes online before my grill arrived, I was a bit worried that I'd need to use a ton of oil to get that crispy, golden crust. But after experimenting with different methods, I'm happy to report that it's not necessary. In fact, using oil is actually a thing of the past when it comes to cooking on the aero-grill. Of course, there are some dishes where a bit of oil is necessary, but for the most part, you can get away without it - especially when cooking meats with a natural fat content. And even when you do need to use oil, the amount used is significantly less than when cooking on a skillet, where the food is literally soaking up the oil. This not only reduces the calorie count, but also makes the dish much healthier overall.

French Fries I rarely add vegetable oil, only when food can stick to the grill or basket, and even then I use it sparingly with a spray bottle. More on that later.xa0

What I had to buy to get the most out of my air fryer and make cooking easier.

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First off, it's silicone cookware: tongs and spatula. Both from Fix Price for a few bucks. The inner coating of the pan is non-stick, and to avoid scratching it, I only use silicone utensils. Very practical and convenient

Silicone Tongs and Spatula from Fix PriceI want to give a special shoutout to these kitchen tongs: they're collapsible and easily transform into two spatulas, which are also super handy for mixing and flipping food. Overall, I highly recommend them. Plus, they're mini, fit comfortably in your hand, and don't take up much space.

TongsSecondly, a small ceramic cookware, mini cocottes. I quickly realized that the silicone muffin tin I had wasn't enough for me to make breakfast in the air fryer every morning, so I went on a hunt for some larger cookware.

Cupcake MoldsThe best choice for me were these silicone molds from magnetic cosmetics: 2 round ones for 299 rubles and rectangular ones for 119. Magnetic Cupcake MoldsI wanted both to fit easily in the pot at once (in case I'm cooking breakfast for more than just myself). These molds work great for baking, minus one thing - food tends to stick and there are some issues with cleaning afterwards. But the sticking issue is easily resolved by spraying the surfaces with vegetable oil, but then you're increasing the calorie count. So, you've got to make a choice, but I'd still recommend the molds. Ceramic Baking FormIf you dig around on marketplaces, you'll find a huge selection of silicone molds in all sorts of shapes and sizes: for grilling sausages, for meatballs, for pies, and so on. The only question is how often you'll actually use them. I'm still browsing. Thirdly, the oil sprayer and olive oil. The sprayer, or atomizer, is a really useful thing. I've never needed one before, so I never thought to buy one, but after reading about air grills, I realized how much I need it. I bought it for 130 rubles, deciding to see how often I'll actually use it and whether it's worth it in the long run.

I ended up splurging a bit on this purchase.

Oil sprayer and olive oil But to my surprise, this purchase turned out to be a really great one, and I realized that even if the sprayer clogs up over time and stops working properly (I've read that this happens to most sprayers eventually, regardless of price), it's not worth worrying about and I'd be happy to replace it. I did end up replacing it a few months later, but not because it stopped working - my mom accidentally broke it. All in all, it's a great value for the price. As for the oil, I picked up some refined olive oil for cooking in my air fryer. The price for refined olive oil is ridiculously low, so I'm really happy with this purchase and my dishes are turning out great.Another great purchase for my air fryer is these paper liners. I picked up 50 of them for 300 rubles, and immediately after buying them, the price tripled.

Paper liners I needed these for one simple reason: to avoid making a mess with grease and liquids on my aerogril. The paper absorbs everything, and it's a total game-changer. Plus, when I cook food on the grill, these liners prevent it from sticking to the grates. They're not essential, but they do make life easier sometimes. Paper liner Another benefit is that the liners keep the inner bowl relatively clean, so I can cook multiple meals in a row without having to wash the bowl each time. Plus, they're easy to replace with foil, and they don't absorb grease or liquids. Speaking of maintenance, cleaning my aerogril is a breeze compared to my electric grill. I can wash all the bowls in the dishwasher, but since I don't have one, I have to do it the old-fashioned way.

One of the things that's really impressed me about this grill is how easy it is to clean. The non-stick coating makes a huge difference - food just wipes right off if you catch it before it sets. Of course, if I'm cooking something super greasy, or if food's stuck to the grates or pan, I'll run a cleaning cycle after cooking. I fill the grill with water, add a bit of dish soap, crank the heat up to max for 10-15 minutes, and let it steam clean itself. It's a breeze, and the grill comes out looking like new. So, all in all, the Aero Grill is a total winner when it comes to maintenance.Are there any downsides to this fantastic machine ?

So, my verdict isn't a straightforward one. I'll start by saying that I'm partially to blame for my initial disappointment. I was trying to stick to my budget, so I opted for the 4.5-liter grill pan. Thankfully, the larger models with 5.5 and 6.5-liter pans are available, but I have to say, I wouldn't even consider the 3.5-liter option. Some people claim it's enough for a family of three or four, but I think that's just not realistic. Our family has big appetites, and the 4.5-liter pan just isn't enough for us. If I were to buy another air grill in the future, the pan size would be my top priority – I'd want at least a 6- or 7-liter model. That being said, it's all about perspective and what you're planning to cook. If you're just making a snack like chicken wings, the 4.5-liter pan is plenty big enough for 1-1.5 kg of food, which would feed a small group of people. However, if you're cooking a full meal with veggies and meat, you'll barely have enough space for two people. So, if you want a grill that can handle bigger meals, I'd recommend splurging on a larger pan. Sure, you could argue that it's not a big deal to cook in batches, but the air grill is actually quite energy-efficient, and it's not like you're wasting a ton of electricity. Still, if you're not trying to pinch pennies on your electricity bill, it's worth considering the bigger pan.

Pastry Pinwheels I've got to say, one of the minor downsides for me is that food cooked in the convection grill is best devoured straight away, while it's still fresh. Once it's been sitting around for a bit, it loses its unique flavor and texture, and becomes a bit mushy. I guess that's just the way it goes with any food, though - there's no beating the taste of a freshly cooked meal.

Another minor gripe of mine is that when the grill switches to its keep-warm mode, you can't just jump straight into adjusting the settings if you realize the food isn't cooked to your liking. You have to turn it off and back on again. It's not a huge hassle, but it would be nice if there was a smoother transition.

How about the dehydrator and yogurt maker, then?

I have to admit, I was really excited to try out the yogurt-making feature on this air fryer, just out of curiosity. I've already mentioned I'm not a huge fan of yogurt, but I was wondering if I could make some. When the air fryer arrived, I started browsing through some recipes, but being a perfectionist, I quickly realized that to make these yogurt, I'd need to buy a starter culture, some jars for storage, and a yogurt maker – and that would be an extra expense. Since I'm on a budget, my enthusiasm quickly fizzled out and I put it on the backburner for now. The yogurt-making function involves setting the temperature to 40 degrees Celsius and leaving a mixture of milk and starter culture in the jars overnight at that temperature to thicken and develop beneficial bacteria in a warm environment. I have to say, I was a bit worried that it would be running up my electricity bill all night, and to be honest, I'd just buy yogurt from the store if I ever get a craving.

I'm not a huge fan of using my air fryer, but when I do, temperature control is key. I've used it a few times to dry out nuts overnight, and then air fry them - it makes them so much crunchier and more flavorful. I was also amused by a recipe for dried meat in the Mi Home app, but it's only suitable for pets... I guess people don't enjoy dried meat, or is it just for our furry friends?

I was thinking about drying veggies and fruits, but the small basket size limits what I can dry at once. It's not like a regular oven, where I can fit multiple trays - but I'm sure resourceful cooks will find a use for this feature, like making fruit or veggie chips.

Check out my reviews for other kitchen gadgets and related topics:

My review of the GFGrill electric grill - my previous favorite. I'll share my experience, pros and cons, and some of my recipes

My review of the Pioneer planetary mixer - high expectations, major disappointment

Cooking as a lifestyle and a way to express myself

Slow Carb Diet Tim Ferriss and My Own Results on It