Airfryer versus frying pan

Written by Iris

Edited on

12 March 2024

·

16:01

Airfryer versus frying pan

In a traditional fryer, you fry fries in oil to make them nice and crispy. In an airfryer, you fry with hot air for a healthier preparation. Both fryers have advantages and disadvantages, but what's the right fryer for you? In this article, we'll go through the differences so that you can make the right choice.

In short

AirfryerFryer
Frying systemHot airOil or fat
HealthHealthierUnhealthy
FunctionsFrying, baking, grillingFrying
CleaningEasierMore difficult
Frying timeSlightly longerShort
ScentsLittle odorA lot of odors
CostsHigh purchase price, low operating costsLow purchase price, high operating costs

Way of frying

Airfryer, fry with hot air

Airfryer, fry with hot air

With an airfryer, you can fry with hot air. This is comparable to how a fan oven works. It's the healthy way of frying snacks, since no frying oil or oil is being used. Fries from an airfryer are much healthy thanks to this, but they don't taste like fries from the snack bar. The fries do come out of the pan golden brown and crispy. You barely smell any frying odors during frying, so you can easily place the airfryer on the counter. In addition, you can prepare so much more in the airfryer than just fries and snacks.

View all airfryers
Fryer: frying in fat or oil

Fryer: frying in fat or oil

When frying in a deep fryer, snacks are submerged in oil or fat. Once the fat is hot enough, you throw the fries or snacks in the pan to sear the outside. Snacks that you bake in a deep fryer are crispy and taste just like those of the snackbar. This means that the snacks contain a lot of fat, which is why they're unhealthy. Frying gives off a strong frying odor, so it's best to put the pan in the shed or pantry.

Preparations & baking time

Airfryer, for frying, baking, and grilling

Airfryer, for frying, baking, and grilling

An airfryer isn't only used for frying, but also for baking and grilling. Besides fries and snacks, you can also make many other dishes. You could grill a drumstick or bake potatoes, vegetables, quiches, or muffins. The baking time of an airfryer differs per dish. On average, an airfryer takes 20 minutes to bake fries. The advantage of an airfryer is that it's quickly hot and ready for use.

Fryer: for frying

Fryer: for frying

A deep fryer is suitable for frying fries and snacks. The deep fryer takes about 3 to 5 minutes until the fries and snacks are cooked and crispy. Deep fryers do need to heat up before the oil is hot enough and you can add your ingredients. It differs for each model how long the deep fryer takes to heat up.

Difference in costs

Airfryer, more expensive in purchase, cheaper in use

Airfryer, more expensive in purchase, cheaper in use

An airfryer seems more expensive than a deep fryer. That's because the purchase price of an airfryer is more than of a regular deep fryer, in most cases. Keep in mind that this product is energy-efficient and doesn't use liters of oil that you have to purchase. In addition, you'll also get a product that can do more than fry food.

Airfryers
Fryer: cheaper in purchase, more expensive in use

Fryer: cheaper in purchase, more expensive in use

The prices for deep fryers are lower than those of airfryers. You do have to change the oil or fat in the pan once in a while. You refresh the fat after about 10 rounds of frying. So consider these additional usage costs.

The ease of cleaning

Airfryer, easy to clean

Airfryer, easy to clean

Cleaning an airfryer is very easy. The parts don't get as dirty as with a deep fryer, because you use little to no oil. You simply put the individual parts in the dishwasher, or you just wash them by hand. The airfryer will be ready for use again right away.

Fryer: difficult to clean

Fryer: difficult to clean

Cleaning a deep fryer is a bit more work. In any case, you need to regularly replace the fat and drain it properly. There are fryers that can be taken apart for easier cleaning, but cleaning greasy, caked parts is always a tedious job.

Expansion options

Airfryer, many expansion options

Airfryer, many expansion options

There are many accessories for Philips and Princess airfryers. There's a baking pan that you can use to make pies and cakes, for example. A cooking rack, for when you want to prepare an entire dish in one go. Or, choose the grill plate to prepare meat or a pizza kit to prepare pizza. Make sure to check whether the accessories are suitable for the brand and size of your airfryer.

fryer: no expansion options

fryer: no expansion options

A deep fryer is ideal for frying fries and snacks. A deep fryer isn't suitable for other preparations. That's because deep fryers don't have accessories. You can't expand a deep fryer with other options.

Conclusion

You choose an airfryer if you want to snack healthier. But also because you bake, grill, or roast various dishes. You don't have to buy frying oil and it's easy to clean the parts. Fries and snacks are crispy in an airfryer, but don't taste like the snackbar. Do you think this is the most important? Then a traditional deep fryer might suit you better. Keep in mind that such snacks are a lot less healthy and that you'll have to buy new frying oil on a regular basis.

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Article by Iris

Fryer Expert.

Iris