Review: BlitzHome BH-AF2
Probably everyone has this one friend who raves about their hot air fryer. As soon as there are fries fried in oil on the table, the discussion starts. One argument after the other puts the classic deep fryer in the shade. Fans of the low-fat preparation literally adore their "hot air frit". I myself always listened quietly to these discussions. So far, I've only had chips from the oven or fried from the shop.
Finally, I had the opportunity to let the low-fat hot air fryer convince myself. Strictly speaking, it's about the BlitzHome BH-AF2 AirFryer from Banggood's own brand BlitzWolf / BlitzHome. One thing should be said. There are many advantages, but also some disadvantages!
Design and workmanship
The BlitzHome BH-AF2 is one of the models with a closed cooking drawer (20,5 x 20,5 x 11 cm) that you simply pull out to fill. The capacity is 5 liters, which roughly corresponds to a portion size for 3-4 people. There is no rotating element that turns the food during preparation. Instead, an insertable grid is included in the scope of delivery, which should enable even hot air circulation. So hot air comes in from below.
With a height of 36,10 cm, a width of 27,10 cm and a depth of 30,60 cm, the BlitzHome hot air fryer does not take up too much space in the kitchen. The total weight of the hot air fryer, made almost entirely of heat-resistant plastic, is just under 6 kg. The interior is completely clad with metal, which, according to BlitzHome, should ensure better heat reflection. The build quality of the device is okay for the price.
Finally, on the top, we have the digital control panel, which can be conveniently operated by touch. The control panel only becomes visible when the deep fryer is switched on. More about the functions and setting options later.
Functions & app
Strictly speaking, the BlitzHome BH-AF2 works on the same principle as a convection oven. Just in mini format. Warm air is generated by a heating coil and distributed evenly in the cooking space with the help of a fan. With a maximum power consumption of 1500 watts, the maximum temperature of the BH-AF2 hot air fryer is 200 ° C. All functions here at a glance:
- Preparation programs:
- French fries (200 ° C - 20 minutes)
- Cake (160 ° C - 40 minutes)
- Sweet potatoes (200 ° C - 30 minutes)
- Steak (180 ° C - 13 minutes)
- Drum sticks (200 ° C - 20 minutes)
- Chicken wings (200 ° C - 20 minutes)
- Fish (180 ° C - 10 minutes)
- Shrimp (160 ° C - 10 minutes)
- Timer: 0 - 60 minutes
- Temperature: 80 - 200 ° C in steps of 5
A small "highlight" of the BlitzHome BH-AF2 AirFryer is the app support, with which the hot air fryer can be conveniently operated from a distance. The connection between the app and the deep fryer is established via WiFi. The BlitzHome app is available for Android and iOS devices in the respective app stores.
Note
The setup did not work straight away in the test because the deep fryer was not recognized by the app. The problem was that you first have to set the deep fryer to WiFi connection mode (hold down the power button) and then repeat the connection step again.
Only then will the BlitzHome BH-AF2 be recognized by the app and set up. This second step was not explained in the operating instructions.
All functions that can be carried out directly on the control panel of the hot air fryer can also be controlled via the app. You can select the preparation program, set the timer, regulate the temperature, pause preparation or switch off the device completely.
Preparation & taste
Preparation with the BlitzHome BH-AF2 is easy. Place the grid in the cooking basket, fill the fries, chicken wings, schnitzel or whatever your heart desires into the container, select the program and press start.
You can then hear the fan picking up speed. The air fryer has reached the temperature quickly. Hot residual air is released towards the rear. The deep fryer can be heard during operation, but the volume is by no means uncomfortable.
The preparation time is shorter than in the oven, but slightly longer than in the classic deep fryer. Chicken nuggets, which according to the packaging take 15 minutes, were evenly golden brown on all sides in the BlitzHome hot air fryer after about 10 minutes. The grid used actually ensures even air circulation, provided the container is not packed to the top.
If you have a large serving of French fries, you will notice the lack of a rotating arm. You can only achieve an even tan if you mix several times by hand or shake the cooking drawer well. If you remove the cooking drawer, the preparation program is automatically paused and restarted when you insert it again. This is practical and saves fiddling with the control panel afterwards.
The safety button on the handle offers protection from eager children's hands. The drawer can only be removed when you press it. When inserting the drawer clicks into place and there is a short beep, which signals the continuation of the automatic program.
Some dishes do not work entirely without fat. Depending on whether fresh or frozen fries, you should mix in a few drops of oil. Then the fries turn out much better and come closer to fries from the oil fryer. But only almost. Well fried it tastes different again, because oil is known to be a flavor carrier. French fries fried in oil are a bit more flavorful and crisp. In terms of crispness and taste, I would classify the fries from the hot air fryer between the oven and the classic deep fryer.
In the test, however, not only French fries were prepared. Schnitzel, chicken nuggets, but also frozen dishes that are normally intended for the oven, such as oven cheese or gourmet fillets, can be cooked in the BlitzHome BH-AF2 hot air fryer. The cooking time is a little shorter for these dishes than in the oven. Unfortunately, a conventional frozen pizza does not fit in the cooking basket. However, piccolinis can be prepared very well in it. So that nothing burns, the cooking basket is provided with a non-stick coating. Unfortunately, there is no keep warm mode (40 ° C) that many competing models have.
Another aspect where I would prefer the air fryer to the classic deep fryer is the smell. Although there is a smell from the hot air fryer, it does not produce the typical oily French fries smell that lingers in the kitchen for several days.
CLEANING
After cooking, as always, there is cleaning, which one usually does not like to do. However, the BlitzHome BH-AF2 can be cleaned quickly. Thanks to its non-stick coating, the cooking drawer can be cleaned quickly under water and with a little washing-up liquid. Theoretically, you can also let the drawer and the grille run in the dishwasher.
The interior of the air fryer was quickly rubbed with water. But there is hardly any dirt there anyway. The same applies to the heating coil, which can be easily reached and rubbed off in no time at all.
