Air Fryer vs Frying: Pros and Cons

What is air frying?

Air frying is a cooking method that uses hot air circulation and a small amount of oil to cook food. It’s a popular alternative to deep frying because it produces a crispy exterior similar to frying but uses significantly less oil.

An air fryer has a heating element and a fan. The heating element heats up the air, and the fan circulates this hot air around the food. The circulation of hot air creates a convection effect, which cooks the food evenly from all sides. This helps in achieving a crispy exterior.

Advantages of air frying

1. Healthier option: air frying is often considered a healthier cooking method compared to deep frying because it significantly reduces the amount of oil used. This can result in lower fat and calorie content in the cooked food.
2. Versatility: air fryers can be used to cook a variety of foods, including but not limited to vegetables, meats, poultry, seafood, and even desserts. Many air fryers come with preset functions for different types of food.
3. Quick cooking and clean-up: air fryers are known for their relatively fast cooking times. They can cook certain foods quicker than traditional methods. They are generally easy to use, with simple controls and preset cooking options. Clean-up is also easier compared to traditional deep frying, as there are no large quantities of hot oil to deal with.

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Downsides of air frying

1. Texture differences: while air fryers can produce a crispy exterior, the texture may not be exactly the same as deep-fried foods. Some people find that traditional deep frying achieves a different level of crispiness.
2. Uneven cooking: cooking times and temperatures may need adjustment from traditional recipes when using an air fryer. There can be a learning curve to get the best results, and it may take some experimentation. Depending on the model and the arrangement of the food in the basket, there might be some uneven cooking. You may need to shake or flip the food halfway through the cooking process for more even results.
3. Not suitable for certain foods: some foods, like those with wet batters, may not perform as well in an air fryer. Foods that need to be submerged in oil for a specific result might not achieve the desired outcome.

What is frying?

Frying in this case refers to both traditional frying with a frying pan and deep frying in hot oil. Both forms of frying are used for different situations, for example:

• Traditional frying: sautéing onions and garlic, searing a steak or stir-frying vegetables
• Deep frying: cooking fish and chips or churros

Advantages of frying

Both deep frying and pan frying have their merits, and the choice between them often depends on the type of food you’re cooking, your preferences, and dietary needs.

Pan frying

1. Control over cooking: pan frying allows for more control over the cooking process. You can adjust the temperature, flip the food, and monitor its progress more easily than with air frying.
2. Food variety: pan frying is versatile and suitable for a variety of foods, including meats, vegetables, and some types of seafood. The residue left in the pan after frying can even be used to create flavorful sauces through deglazing, adding depth to your dish.
3. Less greasy: pan frying and sautéing uses less oil, meaning less-greasy food. It’s also more suited to using healthier, more expensive oils, such as olive oil.
4. Easy clean-up: pan frying often involves less mess and easier clean-up than other methods of frying.

Deep frying

1. Crispy texture: deep frying produces a crispy exterior on foods, creating a satisfying texture that many people enjoy. The rapid cooking process seals in the natural juices of the food, resulting in a moist inside with a crispy exterior.
2. Quick, uniform cooking: deep frying is often faster than other cooking methods. The high temperature of the oil cooks food quickly. The immersion in hot oil ensures that food is cooked evenly from all sides.
3. Enhanced taste: the immersion in hot oil can enhance the flavor of some foods, giving them a distinct, rich taste.

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Downsides of frying

Pan frying

While pan frying is a popular and versatile cooking method, there are some downsides to consider:

1. Oil splatter: pan frying can lead to oil splattering, especially when cooking items with high water content or if the oil is too hot. This can create a mess and pose a safety hazard. While clean-up is generally easier than deep frying, pan frying can still leave behind grease and residue on the stovetop and surrounding areas, requiring some effort to clean.
2. Uneven cooking: achieving the right level of doneness can be tricky, and there’s a risk of overcooking or undercooking, especially for those new to pan frying. Achieving even cooking can be challenging, especially with larger or thicker cuts of meat. Proper flipping or turning is essential to ensure all sides are cooked evenly.
3. Requires monitoring: pan frying requires continuous monitoring and flipping of the food to prevent burning or uneven cooking. This may not be as hands-off as some other cooking methods.

Deep frying

1. Health concerns: deep-fried foods tend to absorb a significant amount of oil, which can result in a higher calorie and fat content. This can contribute to an unhealthy diet if consumed in excess. Regular consumption of deep-fried foods has been linked to health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and other conditions related to a high intake of trans fats and saturated fats.
2. Oil splatter and burns: deep frying involves heating oil to high temperatures, increasing the risk of oil splatter. This can lead to burns or cause a mess in the kitchen if not handled with caution.
3. Environmental impact: disposing of used frying oil can be an environmental concern. Improper disposal can lead to clogged drains and environmental pollution.

Which method of frying is best?

When it comes down to which frying option is your best bet, the answer is: it depends. As covered above, all frying options have their own benefits and drawbacks.

If you’re after a healthier, lower calories option, air frying is ideal. It uses less oil, therefore costing less in the long run, plus its fast cooking-speed means it’s an ideal choice for anyone on the go.

If you’re cooking for a special occasion, or are a fan of experimenting with various herbs and spices, pan frying could be your best option. This frying method gives you more control and is pretty versatile. Although it’s harder to achieve deep-fried crispiness with

Ultimately, the “best” method depends on your specific preferences, dietary goals, and the type of dish you’re preparing. Many people find that having a combination of these cooking methods allows them to enjoy a variety of textures and flavors while maintaining a balance between health and indulgence.

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About the author of this page

This report was written by Canstar Content Producer, Caitlin Bingham. Caitlin is an experienced writer whose pas sion for creativity led her to study communication and journalism. She began her career freelancing as a content writer, before joining the Canstar team.