Drew Barrymore Air Fryer: Why the Beloved Actress Swears by This Kitchen Gadget (and How You Can Too)
When Drew Barrymore steps into her kitchen, you won’t find her fussing over complicated recipes or wrestling with bulky appliances. Instead, the two-time Emmy winner and mom of two often reaches for a trusty air fryer—one that’s become such a staple in her home, she’s repeatedly gushed about it in interviews, on her talk show, and across social media. For Barrymore, this compact, versatile tool isn’t just about convenience; it’s about redefining how her family eats: healthier, faster, and with more joy. If you’ve ever wondered why the Charlie’s Angelsstar and E.T.alum is such an outspoken fan, or if you’re considering adding an air fryer to your own kitchen, this deep dive into the Drew Barrymore air fryer phenomenon will answer all your questions—and maybe inspire you to grab one for yourself.
Why Drew Barrymore Calls Her Air Fryer a “Game-Changer”
Barrymore first shared her air fryer love in a 2021 episode of The Drew Barrymore Show, where she joked, “I used to think I hated cooking. Then I got this thing, and now I’m like, ‘Where have you been all my life?’” Since then, she’s mentioned it in countless interviews, from People Magazineto Today, often highlighting three key reasons: its simplicity, health benefits, and ability to bring her family together.
For Barrymore, who describes herself as “a busy mom with zero patience for fussy gadgets,” the air fryer’s ease of use is non-negotiable. Unlike ovens that take 20 minutes to preheat or deep fryers that require monitoring oil levels, her air fryer heats up in minutes and demands minimal oversight. “I can toss chicken wings in, set the timer, and walk away to play with my kids,” she told InStyle. “When the buzzer goes off, they’re crispy—no greasy mess, no stress.”
Equally important is the health angle. As a parent, Barrymore prioritizes feeding her daughters, Olive and Frankie, nutritious meals without sacrificing flavor. Air frying, which uses hot air circulation instead of submerging food in oil, cuts fat content dramatically. “I used to make French fries with a cup of oil,” she admitted. “Now? A light spray, and they’re just as crispy—with 80% less fat. The girls don’t notice the difference, and I feel good about what they’re eating.”
Lastly, the air fryer fosters connection. Barrymore often involves her kids in meal prep, letting them press buttons, season veggies, or watch their food transform. “It’s a small thing, but having them help in the kitchen makes dinner time feel like a project we’re all part of,” she said. “Plus, they’re more likely to eat what they helped make!”
The Specifics: What Makes the Drew Barrymore-Endorsed Air Fryer Stand Out?
While Barrymore hasn’t explicitly named a single brand (she’s mentioned using models from both Ninja and Cuisinart in different interviews), her praise aligns with features common in high-quality air fryers. Here’s what sets her go-to model apart:
1. Capacity for Family Meals
Barrymore’s family of four needs a fryer that can handle more than a single serving. Most models she’s referenced have a 5–6 quart capacity—large enough to cook 3–4 chicken breasts, a pound of fries, or a whole head of cauliflower at once. “I hate having to cook in batches,” she noted. “This size means I can make enough for everyone without waiting.”
2. Adjustable Temperature and Preset Functions
From roasting veggies at 400°F to dehydrating fruit at 115°F, Barrymore loves that her air fryer offers precise temperature control. Many models she’s used also include preset settings for fries, chicken, fish, and even desserts—perfect for busy nights. “If I’m short on time, I just hit ‘frozen fries’ and walk away,” she said. “It takes the guesswork out.”
3. Easy Cleaning
Let’s be real: no one wants to scrub a greasy appliance after dinner. Barrymore raves about the non-stick coating inside her fryer basket, which wipes clean with a damp sponge. “I put the basket and tray in the dishwasher sometimes, but even hand-washing takes two minutes,” she shared. “That’s a huge win for someone who dreads cleanup.”
4. Safety Features
As a mom, Barrymore prioritizes safety. Her air fryer includes a cool-touch exterior, automatic shut-off if tipped, and a secure basket handle that stays cool during cooking. “With little ones running around, I need to know it’s not going to burn anyone,” she explained.
Healthier Eating, Simplified: How the Air Fryer Fits Into Barrymore’s Lifestyle
Barrymore’s commitment to wellness—whether through her sobriety journey or her advocacy for mental health—extends to her diet. The air fryer, she says, is a tool that aligns with her values without feeling restrictive.
Less Oil, More Flavor
Traditional deep frying requires drowning food in oil, which adds empty calories and saturated fat. Air frying uses just a spritz or brush of oil, locking in flavor while keeping meals light. Barrymore’s go-to example? Crispy tofu. “I toss tofu in soy sauce and cornstarch, air fry it, and it’s just as satisfying as fried tofu—with a fraction of the fat,” she said.
Retaining Nutrients
Air frying preserves more vitamins and minerals than boiling or microwaving, thanks to its quick cooking time and dry heat. Barrymore often air-fries veggies like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, which stay crisp and nutrient-dense. “My kids used to hate veggies,” she laughed. “Now they beg for ‘Drew’s crispy broccoli’—which is just broccoli + olive oil + garlic powder, air fried for 10 minutes.”
Reduced Guilt, More Joy
For Barrymore, healthy eating shouldn’t feel like punishment. The air fryer lets her enjoy “comfort foods” without compromise. “I make air fryer mac and cheese bites, jalapeño poppers, even chocolate chip cookies,” she revealed. “They’re healthier, but they still taste indulgent. That balance is everything.”
From Breakfast to Dessert: Drew Barrymore’s Favorite Air Fryer Recipes
Barrymore’s air fryer isn’t just for weeknight dinners—it’s a breakfast, snack, and dessert machine. Here are a few of her tried-and-true recipes, shared in her own words:
Morning Quick Fix: Cinnamon Sugar Breakfast Potatoes
“I wake up early, chop Yukon gold potatoes into cubes, toss them with olive oil, cinnamon, and a little sugar, then air fry at 400°F for 20 minutes, shaking halfway. They come out fluffy inside and crispy outside—perfect with a side of eggs.”
After-School Snack: Crispy Chickpeas
“Drain a can of chickpeas, pat them dry, toss with smoked paprika and sea salt, then air fry at 375°F for 25 minutes. My kids inhale these—they’re crunchy, salty, and way better than chips.”
Weekend Treat: Mini Apple Pies
“I use store-bought pie crust, cut it into circles, fill with apple pie filling, seal them into mini pockets, brush with butter, and sprinkle with sugar. Air fry at 350°F for 12 minutes. They’re like warm, gooey little desserts—so much easier than baking a full pie.”
Cleaning and Maintenance: Drew’s Pro Tips to Keep Your Fryer Like New
Barrymore admits she’s not the most meticulous cleaner, but she’s developed a routine to keep her air fryer in top shape:
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Wipe the Basket Immediately After Use: Letting grease sit makes it harder to remove. A quick wipe with a paper towel and soapy water does the trick.
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Soak Stubborn Bits: If bits of food are stuck, fill the basket with warm, soapy water and let it soak for 10 minutes before scrubbing.
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Avoid Abrasive Scrubbers: Steel wool or harsh sponges can scratch the non-stick coating. Stick to soft dish brushes or sponges.
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Dry Thoroughly: Trapped moisture can lead to mold. After washing, dry the basket and tray with a towel or let them air-dry completely.
Addressing Common Concerns: What Drew Wants You to Know
Even with all its perks, air fryers aren’t perfect. Barrymore has heard (and debunked) the critics:
“Doesn’t It Dry Out Food?”
“Only if you overcook it,” she said. “I set the timer 2–3 minutes less than the recipe suggests, then check. A little undercooked is better than dry!”
“Is It Only for Frying?”
“Absolutely not!” Barrymore exclaimed. “I roast, bake, dehydrate—you name it. Last week, I made kale chips and garlic bread in mine. It’s the most versatile gadget I own.”
“Aren’t They a Waste of Counter Space?”
“For me, it’s worth it,” she said. “I use it multiple times a week. If you cook at home even a little, it pays off fast.”
Final Thoughts: Why the Drew Barrymore Air Fryer Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen
Drew Barrymore’s love for her air fryer isn’t just about celebrity endorsement—it’s about a tool that genuinely improves daily life. It’s simple enough for busy parents, healthy enough for wellness-focused eaters, and versatile enough to keep meals exciting. Whether you’re looking to cut down on oil, spend less time cleaning, or bond with your family over cooking, this gadget delivers.
As Barrymore puts it: “It’s not about having the fanciest kitchen tools. It’s about having ones that make you want to cook. And this air fryer? It makes me excited to be in the kitchen again.”
If you’re ready to experience that excitement for yourself, it might be time to join the club—and let Drew Barrymore’s favorite gadget transform the way you eat.