I think the popularity of hot air dryers also from the current "go green" movement around the world where using paper towels is considered bad for the environment.
I usually avoid air dryers. I've been led to believe that the hot air that is blown may not necessarily be that clean? Regardless, I always find my hands to still be a little damp no matter how long I dry them, so I just use paper towels instead. I don't waste them mind you, I use just enough to get my hands dry.
If paper towels aren't available I actually just dry my hands off by shaking them off in the sink and wiping them on my shirt or pants 😂