How Long Have Air Fryers Been Around? A Deep Dive into Their History and Evolution

Air fryers have become a staple in modern kitchens, celebrated for their ability to deliver crispy, delicious meals with minimal oil. But how long have air fryers been around, and what’s the story behind their rise to fame? If you’ve ever wondered about the origins of this game-changing appliance, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the timeline of air fryers, from their conceptual roots to their current status as a must-have kitchen gadget, while shedding light on the technology, inventors, and cultural shifts that brought them to your countertop.

The Early Roots of Air Frying Technology

The journey of air fryers begins long before they earned their catchy name. The foundational concept—cooking with hot air circulation—traces back to the 1940s. During World War II, an American inventor named William L. Maxson sought a solution to feed soldiers nutritious meals on long flights. In 1945, he patented the “Maxson Whirlwind Oven,” a hefty 35-pound device designed to reheat frozen meals using convection technology. This oven relied on a fan to circulate hot air around food, cooking it quickly and evenly—a principle that would later define air fryers.

Maxson’s invention wasn’t intended for home use. It found a niche in commercial aviation, notably with Pan Am, where it heated in-flight meals. However, its 200°F (93°C) temperature limit and bulky design kept it from widespread adoption. After the war, Maxson tried marketing his “Sky Plates” (frozen meals) and ovens to civilians, but the rise of the microwave in the 1950s overshadowed his efforts. Still, the Whirlwind Oven planted the seed for rapid air technology, a cornerstone of today’s air fryers.

The Modern Air Fryer Takes Shape

Fast forward to the early 21st century, when the air fryer as we know it began to emerge. The credit for its modern incarnation goes to Fred van der Weij, a Dutch inventor frustrated with the subpar results of oil-free frying gadgets he’d seen on TV. Starting in 2005, van der Weij spent three years perfecting a prototype that combined radiant heat with high-speed air circulation. His goal? Crispy, flavorful food without the grease.

In 2010, van der Weij partnered with Philips, a global electronics giant, to unveil the Philips Airfryer at the Internationale Funkausstellung (IFA) in Berlin. This egg-shaped appliance promised “fried” food with up to 80% less fat, tapping into a growing consumer demand for healthier cooking options. The patented Rapid Air technology—featuring a heating element and a powerful fan—delivered on that promise, cooking food faster and more evenly than traditional convection ovens. By 2012, van der Weij’s invention had secured a patent, and the air fryer revolution was officially underway.

Why Air Fryers Took Off

So, how long have air fryers been around in the mainstream? Since their commercial debut in 2010, they’ve had about 15 years to cement their place in kitchens worldwide. But their explosive popularity didn’t happen overnight. The 2010s marked a cultural shift toward health-conscious eating, with people seeking alternatives to deep frying’s high fat and calorie content. Air fryers fit the bill perfectly, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy favorites like French fries, chicken wings, and mozzarella sticks.

Their rise also coincided with the home cooking boom, amplified by social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. By the mid-2010s, air fryer recipes were trending, and user-friendly models from brands like Ninja, Instant Pot, and Gourmia flooded the market. The appliance’s versatility—baking, roasting, grilling, and even dehydrating—made it a multi-tool for busy households. Add in the convenience of cooking frozen foods without preheating, and it’s no surprise air fryers became a global phenomenon.

The Evolution of Air Fryers Over Time

Since their introduction, air fryers have evolved significantly. Early models, like the Philips Airfryer, were compact, single-basket units with basic analog controls. Today, you’ll find digital displays, dual-basket designs (like the Ninja Double Stack XL), and capacities ranging from 2 quarts for solo cooks to 10 quarts for families. Features like smart connectivity, multiple cooking presets, and space-saving vertical designs reflect how manufacturers have adapted to diverse consumer needs.

The technology itself hasn’t changed much—rapid air circulation remains the heart of air frying—but refinements have made modern units more efficient and powerful. Temperatures now reach up to 482°F (250°C) in some commercial models, far surpassing Maxson’s original oven. This evolution mirrors the appliance’s journey from a niche gadget to a kitchen essential, with sales projected to grow steadily through the 2020s.

How Long Have Air Fryers Been Around Compared to Other Appliances?

To put things in perspective, air fryers are relative newcomers. Microwaves, invented in 1945 and popularized in the 1970s, have been around for over 70 years. Convection ovens, which share DNA with air fryers, date back to the 1960s in home kitchens. Air fryers, with their 15-year mainstream run, are still in their adolescence. Yet, their rapid adoption—two-thirds of U.S. households owned one by 2024, according to some estimates—shows how quickly they’ve outpaced older technologies in popularity.

What sets air fryers apart is their size and focus. Unlike full-sized convection ovens, they’re countertop-friendly and optimized for quick, crispy results. They’re not just a rehash of old tech; they’re a targeted solution for modern lifestyles, blending convenience, health, and flavor in a way that resonates with today’s cooks.

The Broader Impact of Air Fryers

Air fryers have been around long enough to influence more than just dinner plans. They’ve sparked a wave of culinary creativity, with cookbooks, TV shows (like Jamie Oliver’s Jamie’s Air-Fryer Meals), and online communities dedicated to air fryer hacks. They’ve also nudged the food industry toward healthier options, with brands launching air-fryer-friendly frozen foods.

Economically, air fryers save on oil costs and energy use compared to traditional ovens, appealing to budget-conscious households. Environmentally, their efficiency aligns with sustainable living trends, reducing waste from oil disposal. In just over a decade, they’ve shifted how we think about frying, proving that innovation can transform even the simplest acts of cooking.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Air Fryers

How long will air fryers stick around? If their trajectory is any indication, they’re here to stay. As of March 2025, the air fryer market continues to expand, with innovations like multi-function units (air fryer-grill combos) and eco-friendly designs on the horizon. Their ability to adapt to changing tastes—think plant-based recipes or global cuisines—ensures they’ll remain relevant.

In summary, air fryers have been around in some form since the 1940s, but their modern story began in 2010. That’s roughly 15 years of mainstream presence, built on nearly 80 years of hot-air cooking history. From Maxson’s wartime oven to van der Weij’s health-driven breakthrough, air fryers have come a long way—and they’re still evolving. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newbie, understanding their past reveals just how much this little appliance has reshaped our kitchens.