Guess the Calories

How to play

Every day you get 5 everyday foods — things you put in or next to your air fryer, like a tablespoon of oil, an egg or a slice of bacon. For each one, pick the calorie count you think is right from 4 options. You'll see the answer and a quick fact right away. At the end you get your score and a shareable result (no spoilers: it only shows green and red squares).

The foods change at midnight, your local time, and everyone gets the same 5 on the same day. Play every day to build your streak. Your streak and best score are saved only in this browser — no sign-up, no cookies.

Why calories matter for air fryer cooking

The biggest calorie difference between deep frying and air frying is the oil. A single tablespoon of oil has about 120 calories. Deep-fried foods soak up oil from the fryer; in the air fryer you usually use a tablespoon or two for a whole batch — or just a light mist. That's how our crispy chicken tenders get their crunch with a fraction of the oil, and why air fryer roast potatoes need only 2 tablespoons for 2 pounds.

Toppings are the other sneaky part. Butter, cheese, maple syrup and honey all add up quickly, even in small amounts. They're also what make food delicious, so the goal isn't to skip them — it's to know what you're adding.

What your score means

• 5/5 — Calorie radar. You know your food. Treat yourself to hash brown egg cups.
• 3–4 — Pretty close. Most people misjudge oils, cheese and sweet toppings. See how little oil crispy roast potatoes really need.
• 0–2 — Surprise! Calories hide in the extras. Start with air fryer chicken tenders — crunchy, no deep fryer.

Easy ways to cut calories with an air fryer

• Mist, don't pour. An oil mister coats food evenly with much less oil than drizzling.
• Toss in a bowl. Tossing vegetables with oil in a bowl uses less than oiling them in the basket.
• Add sweet glazes at the end. A little maple or honey after cooking (like our maple bacon Brussels sprouts) goes further than a thick glaze that burns.
• Choose lean cuts and let fat drip away. The basket lets fat fall into the drawer — just clean it afterward.

Calorie values are rounded estimates based on USDA FoodData Central for typical portions. They vary by brand, size and preparation and are for fun and general information only — not medical or nutrition advice.

FAQ

Where do the calorie numbers come from?

They are rounded typical values based on USDA FoodData Central for common portions. Real numbers vary by brand, size and how food is cooked, so treat them as estimates, not medical or dietary advice.

Does the challenge change every day?

Yes. Every day at midnight (your local time) there are 5 new foods. Everyone gets the same foods on the same day, so you can compare scores with friends.

How does the streak work?

Play at least once a day to keep your streak. It is saved only in your browser on this device — no account, no cookies. Clearing your browser data resets it.

Does air frying really save calories?

Usually, yes, compared with deep frying, because you use a spoonful of oil instead of a pot of it. One tablespoon of oil is about 120 calories, so the oil you leave out adds up fast.