This article is part of our series Air Fryer Basics.

Can you believe the air fryer has already been on the market for over 10 years? It rose to popularity seemingly overnight but seems to be more popular than ever before. Why is that? Because they take a little bit of the guilt away from our guilty pleasures!

Now we did say it takes away “some” of the guilt. But let’s remember, it’s always about balance. Sure, we know the air fryer uses less oil and on average, reduces calories by 70-80% over deep-frying but it’s still important to be mindful of what and how much we’re eating. How else can you replicate some of your favorite appetizers like potato skins, blooming onions, fried pickles, and donuts?

The air fryer can do a lot more than turn your favorite treats into ones a little healthier. It really can become an everyday appliance used to roast, bake, and cook your favorite foods. (Read More: What Kind of Food Can I Make in My Air Fryer?) So while yes, the air fryer, and foods made in it are healthier, mindfulness of what you eat, how much you eat, and how often you eat it will always be vital for a healthy lifestyle, so that’s why we love using it for more than just snacks.