In recent years, the air fryer has become a popular household appliance, trusted by many housewives worldwide. It helps create crispy, healthy dishes without using too much oil. However, deep fryer has the characteristic flavor and crispiness of cooking oil and is still chosen by many housewives. So, which is the air fryer or deep fryer better for your kitchen? In the article below, we will help you find the answer by comparing these two cooking methods!
What is an air fryer?
The air fryer is a smart kitchen appliance that helps to prepare fried dishes quickly and conveniently. Instead of using cooking oil, the air fryer uses hot air to cook food. Therefore, you can comfortably enjoy fried dishes without fear of grease.
The operating principle of the air fryer is also quite simple: hot air will be created by the heating elements and the convection fan will blow this air flow around the food. Thanks to that, the food is cooked from all sides without you having to flip it too many times.
In addition to the frying function, the air fryer can be used to bake, roast, reheat and defrost many types of food, replacing the microwave and oven.
What is deep fryer?
Deep fryer is a popular cooking method worldwide, giving food a crispy crust and a distinctive rich flavor. Deep fryer cooks food by dipping it into hot oil at high temperatures. The cooking oil will penetrate the food, helping the food to cook evenly from the outside.
This method is often applied to popular dishes such as fried chicken, french fries, deep-fried butter, donuts, sausages, etc.
Compare the difference between air fryer and deep fryer
The difference between an air fryer and a deep fryer is the amount of oil used for cooking. Deep frying heats oil at high temperatures, while an air fryer cooks food using a fast-moving stream of hot air. In addition to the difference in oil, air fryers, and traditional fryers differ in the following ways:
About health
Compared to deep fryer methods, air fryers are more competent for those who care about their health. The secret lies in the technology of cooking food with a powerful hot airflow, which significantly reduces the amount of oil needed. Instead of being immersed in 3 cups of oil like the deep fryer method, air fryers only require minimal or no oil.
This not only helps reduce the amount of fat and calories consumed by the body but also significantly reduces the risk of heart-related diseases. You can still enjoy crispy, delicious dishes with an air fryer without worrying about excess oil.
Taste and quality of food
Air fryers are considered healthier than deep fryer. However, many people are still concerned about the taste it brings, so they still prefer traditional frying for fried dishes. In terms of crispiness, deep frying is often more crispy than air fryers.
Hot oil penetrates the food to create a golden, crispy outer layer, which is difficult for air fryers to do. In terms of moisture, deep fryer will help the dish have a natural sweetness, softness and moisture on the inside. On the contrary, air fryers can make the dish a bit dry.
Time and convenience
Compared to deep fryer methods, air fryers often require longer cooking times. The reason is due to limited capacity, making it difficult to cook many foods at the same time.
For example, to have a complete meal, an air fryer usually takes 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, the deep fryer method only takes 3-5 minutes for each frying, however, it will take you 5-10 minutes to heat the oil.
However, air fryers are more convenient than deep fryer. You just need to put the food in the basket, choose the temperature and time, and the machine will automatically do the rest. Meanwhile, deep frying requires the cook to observe and control the temperature to avoid burning the food.
About the cost
Air fryers have a wide range of prices, depending on the brand and features. A mid-range air fryer costs from $90-100. Compared to deep fryer methods, using an air fryer helps you save significantly on cooking oil costs. In addition, thanks to modern heating technology, air fryers consume less electricity than heating a large amount of oil in a pan.
In addition, using an air fryer, you can make many different dishes such as baking, drying fruit, grilling meat, etc. Thanks to that, you will save kitchen space and reduce the use of many other types of cooking utensils.
Safety
Deep fryer always has the potential risk of explosion and oil burns, requiring the cook to be highly focused. On the contrary, the air fryer brings a safer and more convenient cooking experience. With modern air heating technology, temperature control, automatic on/off mode, the oil-free fryer will be safer for users, without worrying about oil splashes or explosions.
Who is the air fryer suitable for?
The air fryer is the perfect choice for those who prioritize a healthy lifestyle, especially those who want to cut down on the amount of fat in their daily diet. This device not only helps you prepare delicious dishes but also minimizes the use of oil, thereby supporting better health.
For busy families, the air fryer brings optimal convenience, allowing quick meals to be cooked without taking too much time and effort, suitable for modern life. In addition, for those who live in a small kitchen space and need a multi-function device, the air fryer is the ideal choice. It not only performs many different cooking functions but is also easy to clean, saving time and effort.
The compact design of the air fryer also does not take up too much space, making storage easier in kitchens with limited space.
Who is deep fryer suitable for?
The deep fryer method is the ideal choice for those who love the rich flavor and crispy feeling that only deep frying can bring. When food is completely immersed in hot oil, not only the surface but also the inside of the dish becomes crispy and retains its characteristic sweetness and aroma.
If you often prepare dishes such as golden fried chicken, crispy fried fish or fried potatoes, and are not too concerned about using a lot of oil, the deep fryer method will definitely bring dishes with excellent flavor and quality that other methods can hardly match.
Both air fryers and deep fryer have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the needs and preferences of the user. If you care about health, convenience, and saving time, an air fryer is a reasonable choice. However, if you want to enjoy the rich flavor and perfect crispiness of deep fried foods, deep fryer is still a choice worth considering.
