If you’re planning to buy a new home fryer, you’re probably having a hard time choosing between an air frying and a deep-frying unit.
They may provide relatively the same juicy, crunchy texture that we all love. But some factors make one very different from the other.
Knowing these aspects can help you make the smart choice and decide which fryer is best for you.
What are the differences between air fryers and deep fryers?
Before we get into a detailed comparison of air fryer vs deep fryer, it’s best to understand how both countertop appliances work first.
Air fryers are like conventional ovens that use circulating hot air to cook your food. With these units, food gets a crispy texture with little to no oil added.
On the other hand, you get the same crispy crunch with deep-fat frying by submerging for in oil.
Here are factors that make air fryers and deep fryers different.
1. Flavour
We know that fat gives food flavour. And as deep-frying needs lots of it, we know the finished product will be super delicious.
An air fryer doesn’t produce the same flavourful effect, though. Some food items can even dry out with this appliance.
With deep-frying, you can turn lean meat cuts like chicken breast into a tasty fried chicken dish.
So, if you like oil-fried foods without sacrificing the appealing taste and texture, then a deep-frying unit is 100% better.
2. Nutrition
While they are delicious, eating a lot of deep-fried foods, however, is not desirable for your health.
The excess fat that goes into your food when deep-frying increases your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity.
You can lessen the oil that seeps into deep-fried food, though. For instance, you can cook with the right oil, fry at the ideal temperature and drain the food after cooking.
However, air frying can significantly reduce the amount of oil when cooking, so you can enjoy air-fried foods with fewer calories and fat content.
Check out these tips on how to cook your air fryer recipes and get the best results.
Keep in mind, though, that while this cooking technique is better health-wise, air-fried foods are not exactly the best option.
If you want a balanced diet, fry foods sparingly and eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein instead.
3. Functionality
If you have limited benchtop space and a penchant for multipurpose cookers, then an air frying appliance will not disappoint.
Unlike deep-frying units that can only cook food in oil, air fryers let you roast, grill and bake with the right accessories.
With several cooking modes to try, it’s likely for you to use your air frying unit often, making the most of your investment.
4. Size and capacity
Air fryers tend to be more compact than deep fryers, mainly because deep-frying needs more space to cook the food in a lot of oil.
Of course, the size and capacity of your fryer depend on your household or family needs.
But, generally, a typical air fryer is more space-efficient and cooks for up to four people. You’ll likely need a bigger deep fryer to cook the same amount of food.
5. Cooking time
Deep fryer trumps air fryer when it comes to cooking speed. Cooking heat gets into food faster when it’s totally or partially submerged in hot oil.
Think about the crispy French fries you can get from fast food restaurants. They usually deep fry their fries.
Aside from saving time, you’ll be cutting energy costs from a faster cooker, too. So, if you’re always short on kitchen time or want a delicious quick dinner after work, the deep fryer can be a big help.
6. Safety
Cooking food in a pot of hot oil poses several risks. There are spilling and occasional splatters that can lead to skin burns. It’s generally safer to multitask with the air fryer on, while a deep fryer needs constant monitoring.
Aside from the physical dangers, deep fried food potentially has adverse effects on health. Experts concluded that high-heat cooking methods, like deep frying, can produce acrylamides.
These dangerous compounds can likely increase your risk of cancer development.
While this finding requires more research, a previous study showed that air fry reduces dietary acrylamide content in food.
7. Clean-up time
Not a fan of a time-consuming clean-up? Then an air fryer is your perfect match.
Aside from having dishwasher-safe parts, there’ll be no oil splatters to wipe down on your benchtop or a large amount of fat to drain either.
The cooking odour may stay inside the unit, but proper cleaning techniques should take care of it.
This odour is easier to handle than the lingering smell of cooking oil that a deep fryer leaves on kitchen surfaces.
8. Cost
The price of both kitchen appliances, of course, varies and depends on their brand or features.
But, in general, you are likely to spend more on an air fryer compared with a deep fryer with a similar capacity.
However, keep in mind that air fryers are more versatile and have more cooking technology involved.
In the long run, reducing your cooking oil use can make up for the extra cost. Still, either unit is a good buy for as long as you use it regularly to cook delicious meals.
Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer: The Verdict
Choosing the better kitchen appliance all boils down to your preference.
If you’re not into all-around cookware and like the taste of deep-fried food, then go for a deep fryer.
On the other hand, if calorie intake and health benefits are your priority, pick the multipurpose air fryer.
All appliances have their pros and cons, after all. All we need is to match their unique features with our cooking needs.
The best thing to do before buying is to shop around! Pro tip: It’s easier to make an informed choice with a bit of research.
Keen to purchase a new air fryer? These air fryer reviews of our top picks in Australia might help!
