Camping Air Fryer – Can You Have Air-Fried Food Outdoors?
Camping is a great way to get away from it all and enjoy some time in nature. But just because you’re roughing it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your usual comforts. So, can you bring your air fryer with you on your next camping trip? The answer is yes! But there are a few things you need to consider before packing up your air fryer and hitting the road.
How Does an Air Fryer Work?
Air fryers use a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air over the food. This fast air circulation over the food will make the surface crisp without using oil. The air fryer uses electricity to power up the appliance. This means you will need a power outlet for the air fryer to work.
The hot air within the air fryer will further be released through vents, causing the air fryer to emit heat. For this reason, you must ensure it has enough space on each side. It is recommended to place it on a stable and heat-resistance surface, so it does not become a fire hazard.
Things to Consider
It would help if you kept several things in mind to determine the right air fryer capacity and size for your needs.
The Space in the Travel Vehicle
Air fryers can be large, depending on their capacity. The size of the unit should complement the size of the vehicle. This applies even more if you are carrying a lot of camping gear with you. If you have a small car, you should get a smaller air fryer (or at least one that can fit the available space).
Number of People
The number of people should also help you choose the best camping air fryer. A small air fryer should be enough if you are camping alone. If there are more than 3-4 people on the camping trip, you will need an air fryer with a bigger capacity.
Power Supply Available
The power supply will also influence your decision. A low-wattage air fryer may be more appropriate if you are camping outdoors with a smaller generator. A family-sized air fryer might be more efficient if you are camping in an RV or where power is not an issue.
Air Fryer Weight
Depending on the transportation means, campers should also consider the weight of the air fryer. An average-weight air fryer might not be an issue when you travel only by car or camp. However, a smaller unit would be easier to carry if you are hiking.
Air Fryer Capacities and Sizes
Air fryers come in different sizes and capacities, based on your needs:
Smaller air fryers can cook, on average, 2 quarts (1.8 liters) of food, weighing around 5 pounds. These air fryers usually have fewer features and functions, but it is still a luxury as you will get crispy and tender food at a campsite.
Medium (or family-sized air fryers) can cook up to 6 quarts (5.6 liters) of food. On average, such a unit weighs between 8 to 10 pounds (3.6 to 4.5 kilograms), but a higher-performing one can weigh as much as 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms).
Extra-large air fryers can cook up to 16 quarts (15 liters) of food, although the average unit holds around 10 quarts (9.5 liters). These air fryers weigh about 15 to 16 pounds (6.8 to 7.3 kilograms).
Which Air Fryer Is Best for Camping?
The air fryer you choose will depend on your preferred camping method. Consider the following:
Outdoor Camping
It would be best to find a power supply when camping outdoors with a tent. This is usually a portable generator, so you must bring the lowest-wattage air fryer. This unit will help you even if you use the camping ground facilities, as you may never know what power supply you will get access to. Also, check with the camping of choice to see if they allow electrical cooking appliances.
Camper Van
Camper vans are smaller vehicles, often with very little counter space (if any). When choosing an air fryer for a camper van, ensure you have the necessary storage space. These vans also have a low power supply, so you should select a low-wattage air fryer. This applies even more if you use other appliances, such as a mini fridge, that will use part of the total power supply.
Motorhome
Motor homes are more significant than the average camper van, so that you can bring a family-sized air fryer with medium wattage. It is recommended that you look at your vehicle’s total power supply and ensure it can withstand your needs. Similar to camper vans, it is essential to consider your other appliances when bringing an air fryer in a motorhome.
RV
RVs top range travel vehicles, so you may get a larger air fryer. Even so, you still need to check if the daily power supply can accommodate your other appliances. A family-sized air fryer for RV is a suitable solution if you have the storage space.
The Bottom Line
Air fryers are portable and can quickly be taken on a camping trip. It would help if you did some research first to ensure you can use it. See if you have the necessary storage space and the appropriate power source.
