I don’t mean to toot my own self-proclaimed ‘busy horn’, but I work two jobs (writer and Pilates instructor), so when it comes to cooking, I need dinner on the table in 20 minutes or less. My general rule is, the less faff, the better.
When the Braun MultiFry 5 Air Fryer arrived on my kitchen bench, I was impressed right away by its size and sleek appearance. But after using it for a few weeks, it’s gone beyond looks. This three-in-one oven is the missing link in my kitchen, the third member of our household. If my house were ablaze, it’s probably the thing I’d grab on the way out the door. Photo albums be damned.
I’ve put it through its paces over the last couple of weeks, and here are my thoughts.
Purchase the Braun Multifry 5 3-in-1 Air Fryer from Braun Household for $199 (usually $399).
The Braun MultiFry 5 Air Fryer features at a glance
- 20 automatic cooking programmes – no time or temperature guesswork
- 3-in-1: Air fry, grill, and Fast Oven
- Dual heating elements – one over food, one under
- No preheating required
- Glass door for visibility
- 6L capacity
- Dishwasher-safe parts
What’s so special about the Braun MultiFry 5 Air Fryer?
To explain the magic of the Braun MultiFry 5, you’ve got to understand the beauty of air frying. Happily, this is a topic I’m particularly passionate about. When someone tells me they don’t have an air fryer, they should prepare themselves for a 20-minute TED Talk on why they need one. (I’m a hit at parties.)
In short, an air fryer is a countertop appliance that uses convection to create a crispy, fried-like texture with far less oil than deep frying. Most people think they’re just for frozen food : fish fingers, chicken nuggets, hash browns. But as a long-time air fryer devotee, I’m here to tell you: with enough gumption, you can cook just about anything in there. Roast chicken and potatoes? Easy. Steaks? Absolutely. A cake? You betcha.
Despite my obsession, I’ve long struggled with my current model from a competitor brand that shall remain nameless. It’s large, bulky, heavy, expensive… and frankly a hazard. It’s so oversized that I may have melted the plastic edge of it onto the stove one day.
In comparison, the Braun MultiFry 5 Air Fryer is a timesaver, bench saver, and money saver. It’s currently retailing for under $200 – a whopping $500 less than the model-that-shall-not-be-named I bought five years ago.
This compact benchtop whiz has a 6L capacity, big enough to cook snacks, sides, and full meals. And it’s not just an air fryer – this three-in-one appliance can air fry, grill, and bake using its “Fast Oven” function, which gives you traditional oven heat in a fraction of the time.
Results from our trial
This section could also be named: “Sarah’s favourite features of the MultiFry 5”, which gives you an indication of how this is going to go.
Visible cooking
The standout feature for me? The glass door.
My old air fryer has a solid plastic face, meaning the oven basket is basically a black box. The glass door on the Braun MultiFry 5 Air Fryer allows me to check on my food without opening the drawer. And when I say “check,” I mean: stand one millimetre from the glass, fogging it up with my breath, watching my food turn golden and crispy.
Automatic programming
Not a MasterChef? Don’t worry. If cooking feels so foreign that even setting the time and temperature feels overwhelming, the MultiFry’s got you.
There are handy little symbols to help you choose the right programme. Just two taps and the time and temp are set for you. The geniuses (genii?) at Braun have even differentiated between homemade chips (a Monday–Thursday task in our house) and frozen ones (Friday–Sunday fare). They just get me.
No preheat time
When the craving for frozen chicken tenders hits, I don’t want to wait 100 years for the oven to reach 180°C. Braun’s RealOven technology features dual heating elements – above and below – ensuring evenly cooked, crispy results without the need for preheating.
Cutting the fat (but not the flavour)
Thanks to RealAir Technology, hot air circulates rapidly to create crispy outsides and tender insides, with 90 per cent less fat than deep frying.
To test it, I used the Braun MultiFry to cook up the holy grail of fried food: fried chicken. Normally, I deep fry my signature fried chicken in canola or rice bran oil, but to really put the Multifry through its paces, I attempted to make it entirely oil-free. I marinated the chicken in buttermilk, dipped it in my spice mix, and air-fried it for 15 minutes.
The result? Crispy, golden perfection. I won’t be winning any food-styling awards soon, but the melt-in-your-mouth texture was medal-worthy.
Easy cleaning
After a day juggling the aforementioned two jobs (toot toot), the last thing I want to do is scrub every nook and cranny of an air fryer. Thankfully, the MultiFry has removable parts that can be washed in the dishwasher. Hallelujah.
Are there any cons?
Even with 6L capacity, it’s on the smaller side. You may struggle to fit a whole roast chicken for a family of four. But for my DINK (dual-income, no kids) household, it’s the perfect size for cooking enough for dinner – occasionally with enough for lunch leftovers.
Where can I buy the Braun MultiFry 5 Air Fryer?
The Braun MultiFry 5 Air Fryer is currently on sale for $199 (usually $399). Shop for it here and browse the full range of kitchen appliances on the Braun website.
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