Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer: Difference between Air Fryer and Deep Fryer
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You are probably wondering what the difference is between air fryer vs deep fryer every time you want to buy an air fryer or a deep fryer.
This article focuses on the advantages of air fryers over deep fat frying and vice versa. I also go over some other differences between the best air fryers vs deep fryers including their performance, capacity, cost, ease of use, appearance/design, etc.
It’s true that these two appliances are very similar in function: they both cook food by submerging it in hot oil. But there are some differences between them as well as advantages to using both!
Air fryer vs Deep Fryer is a relatively new cooking appliance that has been marketed as an alternative to deep-frying. They are also known as convection ovens, in which the food is cooked with hot air circulating around it.
Deep fryers can be used for both foods that need high-temperature cooking or for foods that do not require being submerged in oil, such as battered fish fillets and vegetables.
The most obvious difference between these two appliances is the type of heat they use: air vs oil. Another difference is how much fat they produce during cooking – air fryers emit less than half the amount of fat compared to deep fryers.
Let’s have a look at the basic information of these devices before figuring out Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer
Air Fryer
What is an Air Fryer?
An Air Fryer is a kitchen appliance that heats up hot air and circulates it around food in order to cook it. This process gives you the fried effect without using too much oil or fat. Actually, an Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer uses 70 – 80% less oil!
And while most people use their oven for baking their favorite treats, smaller ovens are usually not equipped to handle multiple trays of food at once, whereas an Air fryer can accommodate more food in one batch. That’s why it’s so easy to throw together a couple of chicken thighs with veggies for dinner in minutes.
You can make all sorts of meals with it, from fries to cakes. Most models come with a timer and automatic shut-off function, which is very convenient when you’re in a hurry. Some units can be used as a grill or a steamer too! It’s the perfect kitchen appliance for fast-paced lifestyles that still want healthy home-cooked meals.
The price range of air fryer models varies greatly depending on size, brand, features, and wattage. You can find an Air Fryer for less than $70 or up to about $200 for the top-of-the-line models.
How does an Air Fryer work?
As for how an air fryer vs deep fryer works, it is pretty straightforward:
There is hot air that circulates around food and cooks it. The way the unit does this varies by model but some have a function called “circulation cooking” and this allows for even browning and crisping.
A few models use a circulating mesh system to keep food from sticking to the bottom of the basket or container as it cooks. Others just use a metal mesh at the bottom that heats up as well– those do require some oil spray on occasion so not as healthy as those with non-stick baskets/containers.
Another important aspect is temperature– most units heat up to about 400 degrees F, some as high as 450 degrees F, which is important because it’s hot enough to cook and crisp food without drying it out.
Some fryers come with a rotating basket that helps with even cooking and lean meats like chicken don’t dry out and also allowing for fat/juices to drip away from the meat.
The air fryer vs deep fryer usually has a timer and automatic shut-off function so you can set up your food before heading off to work or leaving home in the morning. Simply leave the unit on, set the timer, walk away…and voila! You’ll return home to delicious cooked meals without having to worry about overcooking or burning your food.
Different types of Air Fryer
There’s a wide range of air fryer vs deep fryer models to choose from depending on your home style and budget. The smallest ones are about the size of a coffee mug or a beer stein while some of the larger units take up about the same footprint as some microwaves.
Some air fryers have clear glass lids while others come with silver domes that help retain heat and prevent splattering– though some modern models allow you to remove the dome if desired.
Some air fryers are designed so they can stack vertically for cupboard storage while others will fit nicely on your countertop without taking up too much space…which is nice because it’s the type of appliance meant to be left on your kitchen countertop all the time, ready to whip up a meal at a moment’s notice.
Some models are very powerful with powerful motors that can fry or bake your food in minutes, while others are quite low-powered and will take longer to cook things.
There is compact air fryer vs deep fryer meant for single servings although it’s always nice to have one container that you can use to make more than one serving at a time.
And of course, there are many sizes available with some units being small enough for 1 – 2 servings while others are large enough to cook 3+ servings in one go.
How much does an Air Fryer cost?
As mentioned above when talking about the different types of Air Fryers, the prices vary greatly depending on size, brand, features, wattage/power used by the unit, and if there’s a special offer or sale going on at the time you’re shopping for one.
Some of the most affordable air fryers are those under $55, depending on which brand and features they have.
These units typically have simple functions, may not include some of the more sophisticated cooking functions such as adjustable temperature or pre-set timers/cooking options, and may require manually moving food around to ensure even cooking.
At the top end of the price range, you will find models that cost up to $200+ with all kinds of bells and whistles including multiple preset cooking programs (frozen foods, baked goods, fish & chips), “cool-touch” exteriors so they won’t get too hot when in use, and a range of cooking functions from frying to baking to grilling.
Some models have adjustable temperature controls so you can set the exact level you want for your food before starting up the unit while others include pre-set cook/fry times for specific types of food – chicken wings, fish fillets, french fries, etc.
In terms of wattage or power used by pressure fryers, some units use lower watts in the 500 – 800 watts range which tend to be low-powered models that will take longer to cook everything from veggies & potatoes to meat & poultry.
In contrast, top-of-the-line air fryer vs deep fryer typically consume 1000+ watts and offer more advanced cooking functions such as higher heat settings and adjustable cooking times.
Deep Fryer
What is a Deep Fryer?
A deep fryer is a device used for deep frying. This machine is usually electrically or gas-operated and sometimes uses oil to fry food such as French fries, chips, fish, squid, and chicken depending on the type of deep fryer you use. Deep fryers can be found in many homes and many restaurants around the world.
Most people prefer cooking their meals with a deep fryer vs air fryer and any other appliance due to its ability to cook several things at once quickly and perfectly. Cleaning up after using a deep fryer can also be done quickly which makes this machine an automatic favorite among many people.
The fact that it saves time and effort has made it possible for almost all households to own one of these appliances as well as restaurant owners to invest in one. Its ease of use and attractive design has also made it a staple in most kitchens! But the air fryer vs deep fryer is still healthier.
You can cook anything with a deep fryer vs air fryer. Your imagination is the limit! However, it’s important to note that different types of deep fryers have specific uses. For example, an electric deep fryer should only be used at home as it cannot work well in commercial kitchens because they are designed for cooking less food.
The best thing about owning a deep fryer is that you can experiment and try out different things without having to go through the hassle of measuring and cutting all your ingredients before cooking them.
The instructions manual included with each appliance will contain recipes and detailed guidelines on how to use your machine and what kinds of food you can make with it. The price range for a deep fryer can vary depending on the features, size, and brand.
How does a Deep Fryer work?
A deep fryer vs air fryer is a kitchen appliance that cooks by immersing food in hot oil over a period of time. The cooking times involved can range from just a few minutes to hours depending on the type and size of the food items being cooked. Deep frying works by surrounding food with hot fat.
Oil is heated in the Deep fryer until it has reached its boiling point of 392 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Once at the boiling point, food that is placed into the oil will begin to slowly cook rather than immediately burn.
At this stage, it can take up to 20 minutes for some items to fully cook depending on how much they are being prepared and what their overall size and shape are.
The heat conducts through the surface of the food, cooking the inside while the outer layer stays relatively cool. Once the item has been fried long enough, it is then removed from the oil and drained of excess grease on absorbent paper or towels.
In general, if you are looking for a deep fryer vs air fryer that is going to cook your food items quickly and efficiently it is important to look for one that has the ability to heat up its cooking oil very quickly and then maintain an average temperature range of between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit (177 and 191 Celsius).
It should be noted however that while this optimum range does allow for the best cooking times, it is still possible to get satisfactory results with oil temperatures outside of this narrow band (provided you stay within the 392 degrees Fahrenheit/200 degree Celsius boiling point of course).
Many deep fryers will give you a choice of having your oil heated either hotter or cooler depending on what type of meal you plan on preparing. The temperature from air fryer vs deep fryer is usually lower.
This can come in handy for different types of cooking, but be wary if you ever plan on using your deep fryer to cook something that is going to take a long time because the oil temperature will drop significantly when new food items are added.
Deep frying is popular because of how quickly and easily it can cook foods that would normally take much longer to prepare using traditional methods. Some foods are better for deep-frying than others based on their shape and composition. Frying is not limited to just savory dishes either, many sweet treats can also be deep-fried.
Different types of Deep Fryer
Deep fryers are available in three different types namely countertop deep fryer, tabletop deep fryer, and freestanding deep fryer. The differences between the three types of deep fryers are given below
Freestanding Deep Fryer
This type of deep fryer is basically installed beneath the countertop or table which is mounted with a pot for cooking edible oil along with a digital monitor to monitor the temperature setting during frying. The air fryer vs deep fryer doesn’t has this type model.
These kinds of fried require maximum space on your kitchen floor as compare to others so it is used mostly in large-scale businesses serving purposes.
It can be kept on outside the dining area if you have that facility otherwise it needs more space at home. It saves time but is not cheaply justified for home users because these devices are quite costly.
Tabletop Deep Fryer
This type of deep fryer is relatively more compact than freestanding devices, some models are also designed with storage options to store the cord when not in use. This device can be kept on the dining table or cabinet top it saves space but doesn’t give you the liberty to place the device anywhere according to your need.
This device is easily affordable for home users due to its size and budget-friendly price range, don’t expect high performance from this small machine as compare to bulky countertop deep fryers.
These kinds of deep fryers require less amount of oil so don’t expect too much oil fried food taste, they are only suitable for cooking a smaller quantity of food items especially if you are fond of steamed or grilled food.
Countertop Deep Fryer
These types of deep fryers are suitable for home users because you can keep them on the dining table, don’t need to keep them beneath the countertop so they save space too.
These types of deep fryers are available in two different styles, one is drawer style and the other is an open style which works by keeping the pot on top of the heating element box with a glass door that allows users to monitor the cooking process without opening the lid.
The main drawback of this kind of deep fryer is its oil capacity as compare to tabletop ones, these kinds of devices require more amount oil means more frequent refills during frying sessions but these devices are designed with a cheaper price range compared to the freestanding devices.
How much does a Deep Fryer cost?
For those that like to indulge in fried food and do it at home, a deep fryer is an economical way to satisfy your frequency. The price of air fryer vs deep fryer is much higher because of the healthiness.
Prices vary depending upon features and make/model, but typically you can find a decent deep fryer for as little as $25 (check out our full list of the Best Deep Fryers Under $50 here). You will easily pay upwards of $100 or more for higher-end models.
I highly recommend purchasing one with adjustable thermostat control so you can better regulate your cooking temperature.
Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer
Pros and Cons of Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer
Air Fryer
The air fryer is a new invention in the field of cooking. It has recently become very popular among people who love fried food but don’t want the unhealthy oil that comes with it.
It looks like an advanced version of the conventional ovens that we use at homes for baking or roasting. The only difference between air fryer vs deep fryer and other appliances is that this one does not need any oil to be used which makes it unique from anything else available out there.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of using air fryers:
Pros of Air Fryers:
Healthy cooking: This type of frying uses little to no oil so you can enjoy your meals without worrying about all those extra calories! Also, the food prepared by this method is cooked evenly and tastes delicious because of the even circulation of hot air inside.
Easy to clean: The fact that it does not need oil makes it very easy to clean. Food particles do not stick on the surface of the fryer because there is no oil or grease involved. If you are tired of scrubbing your oven after every use, then this one might just be perfect for you! Also, using little water helps in cleaning it faster and without much hassles.
Cooking options: Conventional frying pans or deep fryers don’t allow you to cook other types of food apart from fried ones but with air fryers, you get a wide range of cooking options including steaming, grilling, and roasting means healthier choices for your entire family.
Healthy environment: Instead of adding oil to the food, the air fryer uses little to no oil which means it does not emit harmful gases as a result of cooking. So you can feel good about using this appliance at home and your family would remain healthy as well!
Versatile: This kitchen appliance actually acts as a conventional oven but it works efficiently for frying purposes alone making it a versatile product that every kitchen should own.
Fast Results: Cooking with conventional methods often takes longer times than expected so you have to wait for hours before your food gets ready. But with an air fryer, you get faster results without compromising on taste! It can cook most dishes within minutes so it’s very convenient during busy days.
Size: Air fryer vs deep fryer usually comes in a compact size so they can fit anywhere from your kitchen counter to your cabinet so you don’t have to worry about the space anymore!
Ease of use: Just like any other modern appliance, this one is also easy to operate and doesn’t require a lot of effort on your part. Just put the food inside and enjoy the benefits that come with using an air fryer at home.
Pricing: Compared to other traditional frying methods, the price range of air fryers is considerably lower which makes it a more attractive option for many people around the world. Most models cost under $100 which makes them affordable too! This appliance would be great even as a gift for your family members!
Appearance: The design is one of the most attractive features this appliance offers because it comes in varieties like silver, red, black, and many more. The modern look makes it suitable even to use at restaurants, cafes, or canteens. This also ensures better hygiene when compared to its competitors.
Easy storage: Unlike other cooking appliances that take up lots of space when not in use, air fryers can be easily stored when not required which keeps your kitchen clutter-free without compromising on the fun part of cooking! Also, you can keep it inside cabinets instead of placing it on top of counters so it keeps the surroundings neat and clean always!
Quiet working: Many people prefer using this appliance at home because it is very quiet while operating which can provide a peaceful environment for everyone around. The sound it produces is less than what you hear from your conventional oven or stovetop making it suitable even if you are working inside the kitchen during the day.
Cons of Air Fryers:
Weight: Some air fryer vs deep fryer are heavier by design compared to conventional methods because they have a good amount of metal inside that makes them solid. It’s not easy for elderly people or those who experience body pain to move this appliance around.
Power consumption: Cooking with air fryers requires more power which often results in higher energy bills at the end of the month. However, it is still considered economical as it uses less oil so you do save some money on that part but the power bill remains high if you are someone who cooks regularly.
Aerated oil: Most people prefer using this appliance at home because they feel like there is no oil involved at all which is not 100% true as some air fryers use aerated cooking oil for providing results similar to deep-fried foods minus all the extra pounds on your body! If you do choose an air fryer with aerated oils, make sure it doesn’t contain too much oil which will make your food unhealthy.
Size: Most models of air fryers are designed for small families or individuals because they do not offer much capacity for larger batches! They also come with smaller baskets which means you cannot cook large quantities at once.
Deep Fryer
Deep frying is a cooking method in which food is submerged in hot oil or fat. The food is typically fried with just enough oil to cover it, but deep frying can also involve submerging the food completely covered in oil. Deep frying may seem simple, but proper temperature control and an understanding of the ingredients are important for best results.
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of a deep fryer:
Pros of Deep Fryers:
Easier Frying: A good deep fryer takes some of the guesswork out of controlling temperature and makes frying easier for beginners.
More experienced cooks tend to prefer traditional pots because they offer more control over temperature and you can see what’s going on inside them – plus, they’re great if you want to make a big batch of fries or doughnuts at once.
Consistent Results: Even if you don’t have experience using a deep fryer, they generally provide faster and more consistent results than pots filled with oil.
The design of most deep fryers forces heats down into the oil inside them, making sure it gets to the right temperature quickly and staying in range. A deep fryer also helps prevent food from sticking or browning too much on one side, which is less of a problem in pots with spouts.
Frying Ability: Depending on your needs, you may want to consider how large the frying basket is when buying a deep fryer. The air fryer vs deep fryer is much smaller frying ability.
If you’re cooking for just yourself or two people at most, then you can probably get away with a small-to-medium size, but if you regularly cook meals for more than that it will be hard to cook them all at once. Some larger models can even hold an entire chicken!
Low Cleanup: As long as you choose the right oil (more on this later) and use your deep fryer correctly, it should be relatively easy to clean. Some models even have dishwasher-safe parts which make them more convenient than pots that may require some scrubbing by hand.
Cons of Deep Fryers:
Oil Usage: The main drawback of using a deep fryer over other frying options is the amount of oil you’ll use up in the process.
Depending on its size and how often you use it, you could easily go through several cups or more per meal – with each cup costing around $5 at least! On the bright side, most modern models can be drained so you can save the oil for later if necessary.
Easier to Burn Yourself: It’s easier to burn yourself when dealing with heated oil instead of a pot of boiling water. Be extra careful when using your deep fryer if you have kids or pets running around the kitchen, and always leave it out on the counter so you can keep an eye on it.
Temperature Control: Having consistent control over temperature is important for cooking any type of food, but especially things like fries and doughnuts which rely on frying at just the right temperature to get the best results.
Most models claim to be within +/- 10 degrees Fahrenheit of desired temperatures, but this doesn’t mean they will be perfect all the time. It’s also more difficult to tell what’s going on inside a deep fryer than with pots or pans, so some trial and error may be necessary in order to get cooking times and temperatures just right.
Best Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer
Philips Premium Air Fryer XXL HD9650/96
The Philips Air Fryer vs deep fryer offers up to 90% less fat with 100% taste satisfaction. The Philips Premium is the only air fryer with this added feature of removing excess fat, which is more than any other contender on the market. These fryers can handle frying your favorite foods while maintaining an oil-free surface for cleanliness and healthier eating options!
Nowadays, our lives are so demanding that many people don’t have time to plan dinner, let alone cook it. That’s why they would rather reach for their air fryer when cooking fries or oven-free chicken wings at home.
You can now make delicious meals four times faster than an oven with no preheat needed and all removable parts are dishwasher safe. With its large cooking capacity of 7 quarts, this small appliance is perfect for up to 6 people per day by providing a healthier way of frying foods.
With your Philips Air Fryer, cooking healthy meals for the whole family is easier than ever! Download the free Philips Kitchen+ app to get exclusive access to monthly virtual cooking classes with celebrity chef Donatella Arpaia.
These immersive menu recipes will give you the skills and techniques needed to create mouthwatering entrées that are sure to be loved by everyone at home. Unleash your creativity in these video lessons while discovering all of the features of your new Philips Air Fryer to find out which meal options suit you best.
Features:
- Large cooking capacity with 7 quarts
- LED display with 5 cooking options
- Nonstick basket and accessories
- Include a 1-year assurance from Philips
Pros:
- Cook faster and enough for up to 6 people
- Chances to learn with famous Chef and from Kitchen App
- Sturdy and fancy construction
- Convenient, easy to use and clean, whereas run very quietly
Cons:
- Quite smoky when cooking
KRUPS KJ502D51 Electric Deep Fryer
The Krups Deep Fryer is perfect for big families. Whether you are frying up chili cheese fries, chicken nuggets, onion rings, donuts, or your own secret recipe or ingredients at adjustable temperature with preset options or not, the fryer always tells you when the oil is hot enough to minimize fat absorption.
With a 4.5 liter reservoir and odor filter, it’s easy to do all your frying without absorbing unhealthy fats! With three different food basket sizes inside of your deep fryer, you’re sure to cook the perfect amount every time!
The cool-touch handles on each basket ensure easy removal and don’t get too hot while cooking. With a removable pot and entirely dismantles design for clean up and storage, Krups has made life in the kitchen easier with this triple basket deep fryer.
This large Krups deep fryer is perfect for frying chicken, fish, and more. The stainless steel triple baskets were designed for quick clean-up as they fit easily in the dishwasher. The added convenience of cooking two batches at once makes this an excellent choice if you’re looking to please a crowd with your fried food.
Features:
- Family size cooking capacity of 4.5 liters
- 3 frying baskets with 1 large and 2 smaller
- 4 presets cooking options with preset time and temperature
Pros:
- Fit 5 pieces of chicken easily, perfect for families of 4 or 5
- Safety check with a large see-through window
- Easy to use and maintain the product
Cons:
- Don’t have an eductor fan
FAQs about Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer
Which is better air fryer or deep fryer?
It depends. There are so many different types of fryers nowadays. Depending on what you need, an air fryer or a deep fryer might be the best choice for you. If you want to know more about both and find out which one is better in general, read the sections above in this blog.
Does an air fryer taste like a deep fryer?
The answer’s complicated. In a word, the taste of food cooked by air fryer vs deep fryer is different. In an air fryer, food is cooked by hot air that whirls around it at high speed.
If you were to put a piece of chicken in the fryer and leave it sitting there for five minutes while the fan run, you’d come back to find a lukewarm mess where your dinner used to be-the flavor compounds in your meat would have evaporated away into nothingness.
So unlike a deep fryer or pot of oil on a stovetop, an air fryer doesn’t actively cook your food with its own vapors.
Is air fryer healthier than deep fryer?
That’s a great question and I’m sure you would like to know the answer. The best solution is that each appliance has its own pros and cons. Therefore, you should choose one depending on your needs or preferences.
If you want to make this comparison more accurate you need to focus on the similarities and differences in technologies, features, and performance levels of Aar fryer vs deep fryer.
What are the disadvantages of air fryer?
Air fryer works best with a constant temperature between 180-200 degrees Celsius, so the food needs to be cooked for a longer time than in a conventional oven. If you are expecting crispy or crunchy foods then it is recommended that you cook the items separately on tray or bakeware and not directly in the air fryer basket.
Is it worth getting a deep fryer?
I know what you are thinking. I am a healthy, fit person and the last thing I would do is purchase a deep fryer for my home. But truth be told, many people make this same assumption without ever truly understanding the benefits of owning a deep fryer.
And with most things in life, there are advantages and disadvantages to owning something that fits into the “unhealthy” category. However, with that being said, it’s important to look at all angles when deciding whether or not purchasing an appliance like a deep fryer is worth it for your lifestyle.
Read the sections above to get more information.
Final Thought about Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer
The air fryer vs deep fryers debate has been around for a while. What are the pros and cons of each device? Which one should you invest in to cook your food? Make sure to take a look at both options so that you can make an informed decision on which cooking technique is best for your kitchen needs.
Air fryers use hot air instead of oil, making them great for people who want to cut back on their fat intake or those with dietary restrictions like diabetes.
Deep fryers, however, require more time and energy because they need to be filled with oil before frying anything; therefore it may not be cost-effective if you’re trying to save money by using less electricity.
I hope our comparison of these two devices has helped illuminate some important considerations so you can make a more informed decision on which one will work best for your needs!
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