Last Updated on June 12, 2022 by Ashley Ward
Many of us love fried food, who doesn’t? They are so crispy and flavorsome. But while fried food is hard to resist and incredibly tasty, it is also very unhealthy. Fried food is one of the most significant contributors to obesity and cardiovascular disease. By cutting down on the intake of fried food or by choosing a different frying method, we are still able to enjoy fried food and stay healthy.
I will be discussing the differences between the air fryer vs deep fryer. I will round up all you need to know about air fryers vs deep fryers, the pros, and cons. However, deciding on whether to buy an air fryer or deep fryer can be challenging. You need what can serve your needs better. This article evaluates the difference between the two types of fryers, hence making your decision more straightforward.
How Does an Air Fryer Work?
Air fryers are similar to convection ovens, and they work by using Rapid Air Technology to cook food. A fan at the top of the fryer blows hot air around the food. The hot air produced by the fan cooks the food from all sides, and it results in a crispy exterior and a tender and juicy interior. The good thing about an air fryer is the ability to fry without oil or very little oil.
How Does a Deep Fryer Work?
A deep fryer cooks your food in a bath of hot oil. The fryer has a removable basket with perforated holes that holds the food you are frying. The heating coil heats the oil to the preset temperature. Once the oil reached the preset temperature, you can submerge the basket into the hot oil to cook the food. Deep frying removes the water from the external layer of the food, making it crispy. Deep-fried food is usually more flavourful, but it also comes with more calories.
Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer – In-Depth Comparison
So, what is the difference between an air fryer and deep fryer? Several factors make the two different. Let’s talk about them:
1. AIR FRYER VS DEEP FRYER FOOD Taste
If the taste of the fried food is most important to you, then you may want to get a deep fryer. Although air fryers can give you a crispy exterior similar to a deep fryer, in terms of taste, the traditional deep fryer still does a better job.
Verdict: Deep Fryer
2. AIR FRYER VS DEEP FRYER CALORIES
The usual concern about fried food is health, as having too much oil in our diet is detrimental to our health. The deep fryer must have the food fully immersed in oil to fry the food; hence it always results in excess oil and extra calories in the diet. On the other hand, the air fryer can fry without oil or very little, usually 70 to 80 percent lesser than deep-frying. Therefore, air-fried foods are healthier.
Verdict: Air Fryer
3. AIR FRYER VS DEEP FRYER Versatility
Both the air fryer and deep fryer can fry crispy fried food. But besides air frying food, the air fryer can also bake, roast, grill, and carry out several different functions. Even some of the best small air fryers have these multi-functionalities. You can cook many different varieties of food like steak, potato wedges, banana bread, and more using the air fryer.
However, for a deep fryer, you can only use it purely for deep-frying food that you want crispy deep-fried finishes.
Verdict: Air Fryer
4. AIR FRYER VS DEEP FRYER Cooking Time
The cooking time for the deep fryer is much faster compared to the air fryer. The deep fryer makes use of the hot oil to fry the food and usually takes 3 to 5 minutes to cook the fried food. On the other hand, the air fryer makes use of the hot ail technology to fry the food, and it usually takes 10 to 20 minutes to get the food ready.
Verdict: Deep Fryer
5. Cleaning
Most air fryers come with a non-stick basket which is easy to clean and usually dishwasher-safe. With little or no oil use, cleaning is a breeze. They also have a stainless steel interior that is effortless to maintain. On the contrary, you’ll need more effort to wash your deep fryer due to excessive oil usage. You may also have the clean the kitchen counter due to the oil spill from the frying.
Verdict: Air Fryer
Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer – Which Should You Buy?
Based on my comparison between the air fryer vs deep fryer, the air fryer edges the deep fryer out slightly. The air fryer is an alternative to the deep fryer for frying due to the health hazard produced by food cooked by deep-frying. The benefit of the air fryer is that it can cook without or minimal amount of oil, which makes the food healthier. It also reduces the risk of high cholesterol or heart diseases.
Besides that, the air fryer has more than one function. It can fry, roast, grill, and bake as well, just like convection ovens, which means you can cook a variety of different cuisine and not just fried food.
What Are The Best Ways To Use Your Air Fryer?
Air fryers are great for cooking all kinds of food. Here are some of the best ways to use your air fryer:
1. Cook chicken wings. Chicken wings are a classic air fryer dish. They’re easy to cook and always come out crispy.
2. Make French fries. French fries are another popular air fryer dish. They’re quick and easy to make, and they always come out crispy.
3. Roast vegetables. Air fryers are great for roasting vegetables. They give them a nice crispy exterior while keeping them soft on the inside.
4. Make grilled cheese sandwiches. Grilled cheese sandwiches are quick and easy to make in an air fryer.
5. Cook frozen food. Air fryers are great for cooking frozen food. They can cook it quickly and evenly, without any need to defrost it first.
What Are The Best Ways To Use Your Deep Fryer?
Deep fryers are great for cooking all kinds of food. Here are some of the best ways to use your deep fryer:
1. Fried chicken. Fried chicken is a classic Southern dish that’s best made in a deep fryer.
2. Fish and chips. Fish and chips are a British favorite that can be easily made in a deep fryer.
3. Make donuts. Deep fryers are perfect for making donuts. They give them a nice crispy exterior while keeping them soft on the inside.
4. Make tempura. Tempura is a Japanese dish that’s made by coating vegetables or seafood in a batter and then deep-frying them. It’s quick, easy, and delicious.
5. Make fritters. Fritters are small fried cakes that can be made with a variety of different ingredients. They’re perfect for a quick snack or a light meal.
The Bottomline
When it comes to air fryer vs deep fryer, both have their pros and cons. Cooking with the air fryer gives you flexibility. You can choose to cook more fruits and vegetables when you are on a diet. You can enjoy the irresistible aroma of your crispy fried chicken when you decide to have a cheat day. The air fryer is convenient and simple to use.
Deep fryers can cook food faster, but they use more oil. Air fryers use less oil, but they take longer to cook food.
So, which one is better? It depends on your personal preferences. If you want to cook food faster, then a deep fryer is the way to go. If you want to use less oil, then an air fryer is the better option.
It is my utmost desire that this blog will become a go-to destination for anyone who wishes to use their air fryer more frequently or explore new recipes.
I also trust that my review of the latest air fryer will guide those who are considering purchasing one in making a sensible decision.
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