Air fryer vs. deep fryer: The ultimate debate on what to choose!
Recently, air fryers have been all over the internet, with hundreds of recipes from every cuisine.
An air fryer is a healthy alternative to all the deep-fried treats we usually indulge in.
Although deep fryers have played an essential role in our kitchens for years now, we can’t deny that the oil consumption that comes with them is a health hazard.
While some people still prefer deep-fried, oil-soaked goodies, others choose to go for something healthy and delicious.
What is the distinguishing ground of this debate?
Many factors cave in, such as:
- The price point
- The differences between their outcomes
- How much your health is being saved
Let’s find that out by pinning air fryer vs. deep fryer and see which option’s better!
What is the difference between an air fryer and a deep fryer?
Firstly, what is the difference between an air fryer and a deep fryer?
The primary difference between the two is that deep fryers require so much oil that the food completely gets submerged within it.
On the other hand, air fryers require as less as a tablespoon or a spray of oil to none.
Moreover, the food made in a deep fryer has a crispier crust as the oil penetrates deep within the food.
Contrarily, as there is little to no oil used in an air fryer, some of the foods may be a bit dry.
As for the clean-up, air fryers are much easier to clean up as one parchment paper can save you a lot of cleaning.
As opposed to this, deep fryers can be a hassle to clean with all the oil residue.
When talking about their usefulness, air fryers are much more versatile than deep fryers since you can use them for things other than fryings, such as grilling or baking.
While the possibilities are endless with air fryers, the only thing you can do with a deep fryer is what its name suggests – deep fry things.
As you can tell already, both air fryers and deep fryers have positives and negatives.
I think it would only be fair to delve a little deeper to understand these before choosing an air fryer vs. a deep fryer.
Related Reading: The Best Wattage For An Airfryer – Click Here.
Air fryer vs. deep fryer calories
Since air fryers use less to no oil, we already know that the food made in these is fewer calories.
While deep-fried food can contain up to 24% fat, air-fried food contains as less as 3% fat, typically 70% to 80% less than deep fryers.
That is undoubtedly a significant number of calories, which makes air fryers perfect for people trying to lose weight.
Also, if you have Cholesterol issues, then having air-fried food can be a lot better for you.
Air fryer vs. deep fryer time
As compared to an air fryer, deep fryers are much faster at cooking food.
Deep fryers have hot oil, which usually fries up the food in 3 to 5 minutes.
On the other hand, air fryers use a hot and rapid air technology that takes about 10 to 20 minutes to cook your food.
So, if you don’t mind waiting for some time to get your food, then an air fryer should be perfect!
Air fryer vs. deep fryer health
Considering everything we have discussed, we already know that air fryers use less fat.
Using less fat means cutting down on the calories within your body.
Hence, when we come to the health part of air fryer vs. deep fryer, the air fryer takes the win!
After all, air fryers have been introduced as a healthy alternative to cooking food.
Fortunately, they also have been helping fitness freaks worldwide achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Air fryer vs. deep fryer taste
Deep fryers will take the lead when it comes to the taste of food.
Even though air fryers can create crispy exteriors, certain foods tend to dry out when cooked in an air fryer.
On the other hand, deep fryers make them juicier and give them a depth of flavor.
Thus, when it comes to who takes the win between air fryer vs. deep fryer taste, it is the deep fryer!
Air fryer vs. deep fryer temperature
When it comes to the temperature of an air fryer vs. a deep fryer, they go up to the same temperatures.
However, if you’re wondering how the temperature varies when you convert a recipe – we’ve got your back!
If you wish to make a recipe for deep frying in an air fryer, remember what we told you about air fryer vs. deep fryer time.
Due to all the hot oil around, it takes less time for something to be made in a deep fryer.
Therefore, you may need to lower the temperature when it comes to air fryers that take longer to cook.
For instance, if your recipe calls for deep frying a sure thing at 350-degree Fahrenheit, air fry it at 325-degree Fahrenheit.
Remember to lower the suggested deep-frying temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit for air frying.
Air fryer vs. deep fryer fried chicken
This is what we all have been waiting for – the real deal!
What differences between fried chicken made in an air fryer vs. a deep fryer?
First, a deep fryer requires you to submerge the chicken within a pot fully and finish the work in 3 to 5 minutes.
You wouldn’t need a separate machine for deep frying since any significant pot works!
This way, you save up a lot of counter space.
Deep fryers are also great when it comes to cooking in batches.
If we talk about how long it takes to prepare fried chicken, it takes about 12 minutes at 345-degree Fahrenheit.
The only disadvantage is that you can not leave your fried chicken unattended, and you may need to purchase a meat thermometer to ensure a juicy inside.
Comparatively, air fryers can take up extra space on the counter.
It is vital to note that they don’t take as much oil, have a timer for fried chicken, and have a built-in thermostat.
This means you can leave your chicken in there, and the air fryer does its job.
However, as compared to the 12 minutes of cook time within a deep fryer, your fried chicken may take approximately 20 minutes in an air fryer.
The results are the same crispy and golden fried chicken.
Turkey air fryer vs. deep fryer
When Thanksgiving is just around the corner, we tend to question how to cook a turkey.
While some people like to deep fry their turkey within oil-filled pots, others question whether air frying turkey would be a good choice.
Deep frying Turkey is a typical Sothern style of having turkey at Thanksgiving.
However, it isn’t as easy as frying a chicken.
Since turkey is comparatively a big bird, it requires unique pots that can fit the whole bird inside and other preventive measures.
The pot is so big and contains vast amounts of oil, so it can be very unsafe to cook inside the kitchen.
Therefore, you may need to make a whole set-up outside, which includes a propane tank and a burner.
Adding to the safety measures, everyone dealing with the turkey must wear gloves and cover their whole body with clothes.
The turkey is then carefully lowered into the oil, typically Peanut, Sunflower, or Canola oil, since they have a higher smoking point.
Remember that deep frying this way wouldn’t allow you to stuff your turkey, so if that is your family tradition, deep frying isn’t for you.
On the other hand, air fryers save you from all the extra steps and preventive measures.
All you need to do is place your turkey, preferably small enough to fit, into the air fryer and let it cook.
The air-fried turkey looks beautiful with crispy skin and a juicy interior.
You can even season or stuff this and allow it to cook.
If you don’t wish to cook the whole bird, you can cut it and cook it in batches.
Finally, when it comes to deciding which method is better for cooking turkey, it depends on your preferences.
If you already have all the extra equipment, you shouldn’t have a problem sticking to deep frying.
However, if you are new to frying turkey and need a healthier alternative, air frying is your way!
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Air fryer vs. deep fryer – FAQs
1. Can an air fryer replace the deep fryer?
While air fryers can create a good crust, they cannot replace deep fryers regarding taste.
2. What is the disadvantage of an air fryer?
Sometimes the food you make in an air fryer can be dry.
3. Does air-fried food taste as good as deep fried?
Deep-fried food tastes better than air-fried food since it gets submerged with oil, which seeps into it and makes it juicy.
4. Is the air fryer cancerous?
No! Air fryers are made up of safe materials and designs.
5. Is it worth buying an air fryer?
If you have a small living space, air fryers are worth buying!
Especially considering that they not only fry food but also cook, grill, and bake them.
Therefore, air fryers can potentially replace conventional ovens.
6. Can you put raw meat in an Air fryer?
Yes! It’s safe to put raw meat in an air fryer to cook.
Just remember to line the base of your air fryer with foil or a tray to catch all the juices.
7. Is it healthy to eat food from an air fryer?
Yes! Air-fried foods only have 3% fat which is 70% to 80% less compared to deep-fried food.
Therefore, food from air fryers is healthy.
8. Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer?
Yes, you can put aluminum foil in an air fryer!
9. Can an air fryer fry have battered food?
No! Battered foods like corndogs should not be placed in an air fryer.
10. What does an air fryer replace?
An air fryer replaces the oil from a deep fryer with rapid hot air, which cooks the food more healthily.
1. Can you cook raw fish in an air fryer?
Yes! You can cook raw fish in an air fryer.
12. Can you fry an egg in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! You can cook one or two eggs in the air fryer.
If your air fryer has more racks, it means more egg space.
13. Can you boil eggs in an air fryer?
Yes, you can boil eggs in an air fryer!
All you need to do is pre-heat the air fryer to 270 degrees Fahrenheit.
Add the eggs to the basket and cook for 15 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
14. Do air fryers toast bread?
Yes, air fryers can toast the bread.
If you pre-heat the air fryer to 400-degree Fahrenheit.
Place the bread pieces inside and cook for 2 to 4 minutes at 400-degree Fahrenheit.
15. How long does it take to air fry potatoes?
It can take your potatoes up to 30 minutes at 400-degree Fahrenheit to cook within an air fryer.
16. Can you air fry cod frozen?
Yes, you can air fry a frozen cod!
Related Reading: Best BPA-Free Airfryer- Find Out More.
Summing Up
To sum up, both air fryers and deep fryers have advantages and disadvantages.
While deep fryers can cook juicy food, air fryers can give you the same exterior to enjoy.
Also, air-fried foods are healthier than deep-fried foods due to less fat content.
If you are all about that healthy lifestyle, then air fryers are your way to go, but if you are only here to have a good time, deep fryers should be fine!
We prefer air fryers over deep fryers since there are so many good recipes to make good air-fried food.
Moreover, air fryers have various uses, from cooking to grilling and baking, making them all-in-one!
What do you think about air fryers vs. deep fryers?
Which one of them caters to your needs in a better way?
