What is the difference between an air fryer and a deep fryer? What are the reasons you would purchase either a deep fryer or an air fryer? Which one is best for you?
Is an air fryer replacement of a deep fryer, or both have their own places in the kitchen?
These questions are spinning in your head, and you are becoming impatient to get answered. Because a few years back, we were happy with our deep fryers. But the appearance of air fryers on the scene has gone crazy. If so, you are in the right place. Let’s get straight on to the topic.
Air fryer vs Deep fryer: which one is better? In this article, we will first discuss the working of an air fryer and a deep fryer. Next, we will get into air fryer vs deep fryer health, air fryer vs deep fryer calories, air fryer vs deep fryer time debate, and other differences between both fryers. In the end, you will know the reasons you would purchase either a deep fryer or an air fryer.
So, here all the differences between an air fryer and a deep fryer will be discussed. Your all queries will be precise. It will become more comfortable for you to make a decision about which fryer to buy.
Working
How do deep fryers work?
Let’s put a light on the working of deep fryers. There are two parts to deep fryers. One is a heating element, and the other is a cooking pot. A lot of oil is needed for deep fryers. This oil is heated to a high temperature, and then the food is entirely immersed in oil for even cooking. Soon the bubbles will appear. The moisture turns out to be steam to begin the formation of crust. You have to maintain a high temperature of 400°F during cooking to get a crispy golden brown texture in a short time. This is how it works. We tried to explain it simply and easily.
Now you are curious about the working of air fryers.
How do air fryers work?
Go ahead, and you will learn.
Air fryers use rapid air technology. The built-in fan circulates hot air to cook food. Due to their small and compact size, the desired cooking time is achieved shortly. Their small size also reduces the risk of hot spots that overcooks and over crisp your food.
Both of them produce the Maillard effect, using their own technologies, which gives a golden brown color to fried meats.
Now you have understood the working of deep fryers as well as air fryers.
Which one is a healthier fryer?
You should definitely take care of your health. Your concern is absolutely right here, which one of them can provide you with healthy food? Let’s get into the air fryer vs deep fryer health debate.
Well, as we already know that deep fryers use a lot of oil. You need at least one to four quarts of oil for a home deep fryer. The food is immersed deeply in tons and tons of cooking oil when fried in deep fryers. How can such fatty food be healthy? In fact, it is full of calories and poses a real threat to your health, especially if you are already a heart patient.
Now come to the air fryer. Air fryers use just a few teaspoons of oil and provide you the same delicious, crispy, fried food. If you compare with deep fryers, air fryers use 85% less fat.
Eating low-fat food is always better. So, it is clear that the air fryer wins this argument. Air fryer cooked food is healthier as they use a fraction of oil and protect you from life-threatening diseases.
It can be concluded that deep fryers can never be your best friends if you are health conscious. So, say no deep fryers.
Despite all this, still, if you favor deep fryers because of their perfect deep-fried taste, we can help you to lessen the amount of fat in your food. For this, first of all, make sure that the cooking oil is heated to an appropriate temperature before you dip food in it. If the oil is not that hot, the outer layer will not be crispy, and it will not allow the oil to get into the inner layer. On the other hand, if it gets too hot, the outer crisp will worsen, making it harder for the inner layer to cook. There is one more tip. Do not dip the food too long in the oil. Remove it immediately after it is cooked.
Which fryer cooks tasty food?
If your primary concern is tasty food, then a deep fryer is your best pal. Deep-fried food is heavenly. Nothing can beat the taste of deep-fried meals. As there are fats in the oil, food cooked in a deep fryer enhances the taste of your meal to another level. But a lot of oil is not very good for your health. In a word, you have to compromise either on your health or your taste. Still, deep-fried meals are popular all across the world. If you have a yen for the perfect, crunchy, fried food with a full flavor, you should go for the deep fryer.
On the other hand, you cannot deny that air fryers cannot cook fried food. Even they provide crispiness to your meal. They are delicious though they cannot cook perfect, deep-fried food aroma and taste. You will definitely agree if you have a deep fryer in your home.
Cutting short, it is concluded that deep fryers cook more delicious and tastier food than air fryers. Air fryers lose this race.
Size
Now let’s compare the sizes of both of them. There are apparent differences in their sizes.
Air fryers are small as compared to deep fryers. Air fryers appear to be large, but their capacity is relatively less than deep fryers. The larger ones can hardly prepare food for five to six people, and smaller air fryers can prepare food only for a single person. So they are meant for small families. But, wait, don’t they provide you fried but healthy food? You can not ignore them because of their small size—one more thing. As air fryers take less space, you can easily take them anywhere and are portable devices.
Deep fryers are more extensive than air fryers. Definitely, it has more capacity and can cook more food than air fryers. If your family is large, you should go deep fryers. They come in a range of sizes, from 2 cups to 12 cups. You can choose according to your needs. They are serviceable in restaurants and more significant events. However, they are also becoming popular in homes. Family gatherings and more prominent feasts also call for deep fryers.
Now the choice is yours.
Which one is easier to maintain?
We know you were waiting for this. Generally, it is not really tough to clean and maintain them. But an air fryer is easier to clean. You just remove the basket and clean it with regular soap and water. You do not have to deal with oil drippings throughout your air fryer. A detachable basket collects all the waste, and you are good to go. You can even use the dishwasher for cleaning purposes. Also, the air fryer has a nonstick pan. So you do not have to deal with the sticky foods at all. All these make the cleaning of air fryers relatively more comfortable and faster.
Talking about deep fryers. They are a bit difficult to maintain because things get a little complicated. First, you have to wait for years and years to let the oil cool down, as dealing with boiling oil could be dangerous. Then you can only discard fat and clean it. You have to wipe and wash it well. However, it is safe to wash deep fryers in the dishwasher.
Air fryers are small, so you do not need to put a lot of energy. Dealing with air fryers is effortless.
Which fryer is budget-friendly?
Pricing: This is an essential factor when deciding to buy anyone. What is the difference between an air fryer and a deep fryer in terms of the prices? Both are available in a range of prices.
However, air fryers are more expensive than deep fryers. Air fryers start from $100, and you can get the best one for $350. In contrast, deep fryers are cheaper. It starts from only $50, and you can get a good quality deep fryer for $250. Generally, both are available at comparable prices, and you can get them within the budget of $150 to $300.
But here is a point to ponder. Although air fryers are more expensive than deep fryers, they cost you less in the long run. You do not have to spend much on oil; their maintenance and cleanliness are also budget-friendly. And have you thought air fryers are not only fryers? You can even grill, bake, and roast your food. In contrast, deep fryers are meant only for frying. So which one of them actually saves your money? You are intelligent.
Which one is safe to use?
Generally, an electric appliance or an appliance involving heat is not absolutely safe to use. But we can find which fryer is comparatively safe.
Well, air fryers are more secure than deep fryers. They have a timer. You set the timer required for the food to cook and just leave it. It will prepare the meal on its own. You do not have to keep an eye. Also, they are covered with lids, which reduces the risk to a great extent.
But the scenario is the opposite in the case of deep fryers. You have to keep standing during the cooking process. You are exposed to the hot oil as they are not covered, which is quite dangerous.
So, an air fryer is safer to use than deep fryers. You do not need to worry if your thirteen-year-old child operates it.
Final words
We have discussed the differences between an air fryer and a deep fryer in detail with you. Both of the appliances have pros and cons. Which one is for you? It totally depends on your preferences. Your budget, space in your kitchen, what type of foods you want to cook, and other personal factors will help you make a final decision.
Why this or that?
Following are the reasons you would purchase either a deep fryer or an air fryer.
Why buy a deep fryer?
- Cooking time is less.
- It cooks tastier and crispy food.
- Cheap in price.
Why buy an air fryer?
- Cooks healthy food.
- It is safer to use.
- It is easier to clean and maintain.
- It has multiple uses other than frying like roasting, grilling, baking, etc.
Best air fryer
Which is the best air fryer? Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer is the best air fryer available in the market presently. Crux 2.6 touchscreen air fryer and Ninja Air Fryer are among the best ones. You can buy any of them.
Best deep fryer
Which is the best deep fryer? Presto Dual Basket Pro Fry Deep Fryer is the best deep fryer available in the market presently. Cuisinart 3.4-Quart Deep Fryer is also a good choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is a better deep fryer or air fryer?
A: None is better than the other. Both appliances have their pros and cons. It totally depends on preferences.
Q: Can an air fryer replace a deep fryer?
A: Air fryers can replace deep fryers to some extent but not wholly. Air fryers can cook fried food. Even they provide crispiness to your meal. They cannot cook perfect, deep-fried food aroma and taste. Additionally, with an air fryer, some meals get dry after cooking. This is not the case with deep fryers. So, deep fryers have their own place and advanced air fryers could not replace it.
Q: Does an air fryer food taste like deep fryer food?
A: No, not at all. Air fryer food does not taste like deep fryer food. Deep fryers cook more delicious and tastier food than air fryers. Deep-fried food is heavenly. Nothing can beat the taste of deep-fried meals.
Leave a Reply