How a Dutch Inventor Turned Nothing but Hot Air into a Billion-Dollar Idea

Not long ago, telling someone they were “full of hot air” was an insult. Then a Dutch engineer came along and turned nothing but hot air into a billion-dollar idea.

His invention—the Airfryer, or hot air fryer—has become one of the most successful kitchen appliances of our time. The man behind it was Fred van der Weij. Yet although millions of people use his invention every day, very few know the name of this remarkable European innovator.

How a Dutch Inventor Turned Nothing but Hot Air into a Billion-Dollar Idea

Not long ago, telling someone they were “full of hot air” was an insult. Then a Dutch engineer came along and turned nothing but hot air into a billion-dollar idea.

His invention—the Airfryer, or hot air fryer—has become one of the most successful kitchen appliances of our time. The man behind it was Fred van der Weij. Yet although millions of people use his invention every day, very few know the name of this remarkable European innovator.