An air fryer is basically a small convection oven, I think. So a minimal amount of oil combines with hot air circulation to create a crisp exterior.
I wondered about this. We have a convection oven and get great results when roasting veggies inc potatoes especially, so I think I'll pass on an air fryer for now.
As for other appliances, to each his own. I have a crock pot that over the years is down to one use: chili. I have a mini crock pot that I like for hot dips or other warm appetizers. I had a food processor but gave it away as we never used it.
OTOH, my cheapo
rice cooker was probably the best thing I've bought in years as we use it several times a month and the results are fabulous. Couldn't be easier, cleans like a dream. Also love love love my little
egg cooker. Sure, I could boil them on the stove, same with rice, but why? After going through too many cheap blenders I finally broke down and bought a
Vitamix, excellent investment for smoothies, cocktails and the occasional other use. Got an
immersion blender thanks to FSU recommendations, and will never go back - nothing like it for soups and some sauces. And one thing I will never part with, appropriated from my mother who never used it, is her 70s era
Moulinex multigrater - thing has an engine like a Rolls Royce and is the best for grating cheese as well as carrots and radishes. I broke the plunger for it years ago, lamented to a carpenter who happened to be working in our house at the time, so he replicated it in hardwood and I've been using that ever since. And I have a
bright red stand mixer named Betty 