Fried foods have always been an irresistible treat for everyone. The crispy golden-brown fries or the delicious chicken wings, these foods have always been special to many people. But as the people are getting more health conscious, they are now rethinking their choices. In this realm, a common question arises that should you invest in an air fryer or stick to your old deep fryer?
While both these appliances achieve the same crispiness, they do it in a very different ways, becoming the base of this question. We have been using deep fryers for a long time now and it has been a cornerstone in our kitchen. We have been enjoying the treats that we make in this appliance but now the air fryer promising the same crisp with added health benefits. In this blog, we will discuss how each of these appliances works, what is the difference between them to help you find a better option for you. So, let’s explore which appliance deserves to be in your kitchen.
How Does an Air Fryer Work?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that is designed to cook a healthier alternative of your favorite fried treats. This appliance can cook your favorite crispy fried treats but in a healthier way by using less oil. It functions by using a heating element and powerful fan and blowing hot air at high speeds. This ensures the food is cooked evenly, getting the crispy texture on the outside while remaining tender from inside.
Instead of traditional frying method where food is submerged in oil, an air fryer uses only a small amount of oil. The food is then placed in a perforated basket that allows that air to flow, making the cooking process more efficient and quicker. The air fryer comes with different features such as adjustable settings and timer, helping the users to achieve the level of crispiness they want and cook a variety of dishes. Overall, an air fryer offers a healthier way to enjoy all your fried snacks without the guilt that comes after. By using a small amount of oil, it makes the same dishes even more enjoyable and healthy.
How Does a Deep Fryer Work?
A deep fryer is a kitchen appliance used to fried food by submerging it in oil. It has been around for quite a while and is used to cook all our fried snacks. It consists of a large pot to hold large amount of oil and heating elements to heat the oil to a high temperature, typically around 350°F to 375°F.
It functions by heating the oil to a high temperature in the oil pot. The food is then placed in the fryer basket and lowered in hot oil and is kept submerged in the oil throughout the cooking process. This rapidly cooks the exterior of the food achieving the crispy golden-brown crust while locking in the moisture, keeping the food juicy.
Just like air fryers, deep fryers also feature an adjustable temperature control and timer options. This allows the users to set their ideal cooking temperature and duration, giving them the flexibility to cook at their preferred settings. Overall, a deep fryer is the traditional way to fry your preferred snacks by submerging it in oil.
Difference Between Air Fryer and Deep Fryer
Though both of these appliances are intended to do the same task, the method makes a lot of difference. The air fryer circulates hot air to cook the food, achieving a crispy texture while using very less oil. On the other hand, you have to submerge your food in a large amount of oil in order to cook in deep fryer. This cooking method results in a higher fat content as compared to the air fryer. Moreover, the deep fryer takes slightly less time to cook as compared to air fryer due to direct contact with hot oil.
Another difference that you can spot is between the texture and taste of the food. The texture and taste achieved by the air fryer can be slightly different to what you achieve by deep frying the food. While with air fryer you can achieve a less greasy feel, you can achieve a richer more traditional fried taste with the deep fryer.Â
Another key difference that you can notice is the versatility of the air fryer. Though an air fryer is largely used to fry food, it can also bake, roast, and grill food, making it a multifunctional appliance. Additionally, an air fryer is easier to clean due to minimal oil use and its removable and non-stick basket that can be washed using a dishwasher. Deep fryer on the other hand, is a bit difficult to clean as it requires to first filtering and draining the oil before washing.
Which One Should You Pick?
Now that you know the key differences between the air fryer and deep fryer, considering one of these appliances is totally on your preferences, health consideration and kitchen needs. If you prefer a light and healthy choice that uses significantly less oil, then air fryer is what you need. On the other hand, if you prefer a traditional fried taste and texture, then you should consider purchasing a deep fryer. A deep fryer cooks your food by submerging it in hot oil achieving a crispy texture with a slightly greasy touch to it.
Additionally, an air fryer can roast, bake or grill your food, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen. Moreover, an air fryer is easier to clean than a deep fryer due to its non-stick and removable basket that can be washed in a dishwasher. In short, if you need a versatile appliance that can cook healthy food, then an air fryer is ideal for you, but if you want to get the traditional taste and crispiness, then a deep fryer can be good for you.
Planning to purchase your next appliance that is light on pocket? Then Al Fatah Electronics is the place to go. We have a wide range of appliances including deep fryer and air fryer, that is of the highest quality and light on pocket. So, visit your nearest outlet or visit www.alfatah.com.pk to shop online. Happy Shopping!
