Deep Fryer vs. Air Fryer: Which is Right for You?
When it comes to getting that perfect crispy bite, both deep fryers and air fryers bring something tasty to the table. Whether you’re running a fast-paced kitchen or just looking to lighten up your menu, both deep fryers and air fryers offer their own unique perks. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between commercial deep fryers and air fryers—what they do best, how they stack up, and how they can both play a role in a well-rounded kitchen setup.
Deep Fryers
What is a Deep Fryer?
A deep fryer is a commercial foodservice unit that lets you immerse food into hot oil in order to cook it quickly. It utilizes high temperatures—around 325°-375° F / 163°-190° C—to create a crispy exterior, and seals in the moisture.
What Can You Cook in a Deep Fryer?
There are many types of food you can cook in a deep fryer, including:
- Chicken (wings, tenders, nuggets)
- Fish (fillets, sticks)
- Beef
- French Fries
- Tater Tots
- Onion Rings
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Tempura
- Hash Browns
- Churros
Why Choose a Deep Fryer?
If you’re wondering if a deep fryer is right for your business, consider the benefits these units provide:
- Great taste & texture—Deep fried foods taste great, have a pleasant crispiness to them and are popular with many customers of all ages.
- High food output—Deep fryers turn out cooked food fast, making them great for high-volume restaurants and other foodservice establishments.
- Versatile—These units can handle a wide variety of foods from breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert items.
Air Fryers
What is an Air Fryer?
As the name implies, an air fryer circulates hot air (~400° F / 204° C) around the food product to cook it by utilizing convection-style cooking and a high-powered fan. The food requires little to no oil to make the items crispy, lowering the fat and calorie count.
What Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?
Just like a deep fryer, air fryers are also capable of cooking a variety of food products like:
- Chicken (wings, tenders, nuggets)
- Fish (fillets, sticks)
- French Fries
- Tater Tots
- Onion Rings
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Hash Browns
- Mini quiches
Additionally, air fryers are excellent for safely reheating pre-cook food items like fried chicken, pizza and sandwiches/wraps.
Why Choose an Air Fryer?
If you’re wondering if an air fryer is right for your business, consider the benefits these units provide:
- Safer frying—Since you’re only dealing with a miniscule amount of hot oil, air fryers make the frying process safer and easier.
- Health benefits—Not only do air-fried foods contain less oil and cholesterol, but they can also keep the calorie count down when compared to deep-fried foods.
- Excellent flavor—Air frying helps keep the moisture and flavor locked into the food product to deliver a tasty meal or side dish every time.