Air fryer
A small convection oven with a basket. It is not a deep-fryer and it is not a wok. Hot air crisps surfaces and reheats leftovers without lighting the big oven for a single tray. That is the honest job.
When you need it
Crisping leftovers, small trays of vegetables, reheating fried food so it is not sad. Optional. A croissant recipe that mentions one is talking about a reheat or a small bake, not laminated dough magic. If you already own a fan oven, you own the same physics in a larger box.
What to look for
A basket you can actually clean, a temperature that matches doneness cues rather than a single 'fries' button, and enough height for the food you cook. Liners that block airflow defeat the machine. Look at wattage if your kitchen electrics are fussy.
Alternatives
Oven with a fan and a preheated tray. A skillet for shallow frying when the recipe is frying. Do not 'air-fry' a braise and expect sauce.
Care
Empty crumbs. Wash the basket. Do not line every surface with mystery paper that blocks the fan. If it smells of last week's fish, you skipped the wash.
Recommended products
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No catalog recipe lists this as required kit yet.