Best Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer: Which One to Choose

Sara Rowe
  Apr 7, 2023 8:58 AM

Are you torn between getting an air fryer or a deep fryer? Both appliances have their pros and cons, but which one is the best for your needs? In this article, we'll compare the two and help you make an informed decision on which one to choose.

COSORI Pro II Air Fryer Oven Combo, 5.8QT Max Xl Large Cooker with 12 One-Touch Savable Custom Functions, Cookbook and Online Recipes, Nonstick and Dishwasher-Safe Detachable Square Basket

Best Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer: Which One to Choose
Trying to decide between an air fryer and a deep fryer? Read our comparison to find the best fit for your cooking needs.. Image source: Amazon.com

When it comes to cooking fried foods, there are two main options: using an air fryer or a deep fryer. While both appliances serve the same purpose of frying food, they do so in very different ways. An air fryer uses hot air to cook the food, while a deep fryer uses oil to fry it.

So which one is better? Well, it depends on what you're looking for. In this article, we'll break down the pros and cons of each appliance and help you make an informed decision on which one to choose.

Factors to Consider

Capacity: The capacity of the fryer is important, as it determines how much food you can cook at once. Consider the size of your household and how much food you typically prepare.

Size: The size of the fryer is also important, as it will determine how much counter space it will take up. Consider the available space in your kitchen.

Features: Different fryers come with different features, such as temperature control, digital timers, oil filtration, and dishwasher-safe parts. Consider which features are important to you.

Price: Fryers vary in price, with air fryers typically being more expensive than deep fryers. Consider your budget and the value you will get for your money.

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Our Top Picks

  1. Best Overall: T-Fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer

  2. Best Budget: T-Fal Electrics Stainless Steel Deep Fryer

  3. Best Design: De'Longhi Livenza Dual Zone Easy Clean Deep Fryer

  4. Best Powerful: All-Clad Electrics Stainless Steel Deep Fryer 

  5. Best Related: Cuisinart Deep Fryer, 4 Quart

T-Fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer

This deep fryer offers a large capacity with the ability to cook up to 2.6 pounds of food with 3.5 liters of oil. It also comes with a digital timer, temperature control, and oil filtration system, making it easy to use and clean. Additionally, it has dishwasher-safe parts, making cleanup a breeze.

Pros:

  • Large food capacity

  • Digital timer and temperature control

  • Oil filtration system

  • Dishwasher-safe parts

Cons:

  • Price may be a bit high for some budgets

  • Large size may take up too much counter space

Bottom Line: The T-Fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-capacity fryer with easy-to-use features and easy cleanup.

T-Fal Easy Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket

The T-Fal Easy Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer is a powerful and convenient appliance that makes deep-frying your favorite foods a breeze. With a 3.5-liter oil capacity and a 2.6-pound food capacity, this fryer can handle large batches of food with ease. It also features an adjustable thermostat and digital timer, allowing you to set and maintain the perfect temperature and cooking time for your food.

The fryer also has an oil filtration system, which helps to keep the oil clean and fresh for longer periods of time. And when you're finished cooking, the fryer's parts can be easily disassembled and placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.

Pros

  • Large 3.5-liter oil capacity and 2.6-pound food capacity can handle large batches of food

  • Adjustable thermostat and digital timer make it easy to set and maintain the perfect temperature and cooking time

  • Oil filtration system helps keep the oil clean and fresh

  • Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts

Cons

  • The fryer's heating element may take a bit longer to heat up than some other models on the market

  • The fryer's size and weight may not be suitable for smaller kitchens or for those who have limited counter space

Bottom Line

The T-Fal Easy Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer is an excellent choice for anyone who loves deep-fried food. Its large oil and food capacities, adjustable thermostat and timer, and easy-to-clean design make it a convenient and practical appliance for any home cook. While it may take a bit longer to heat up than some other models on the market, its overall performance and quality make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for a reliable and efficient deep fryer.

Product 3 - Cuisinart Deep Fryer, 4 Quart

The Cuisinart Deep Fryer is a larger option, with a 4-quart capacity that can fry up to 2.3 pounds of food at once. It has a powerful 1800-watt heating element that heats up quickly and maintains consistent temperatures. The fryer also features a removable oil container for easy cleaning, and a viewing window on the lid to monitor cooking progress. Additionally, it comes with a basket that can be raised and lowered with the lid closed, making it easy to safely lower food into the oil.

Pros

  • Large 4-quart capacity

  • Powerful 1800-watt heating element

  • Removable oil container for easy cleaning

  • Viewing window on lid for monitoring cooking progress

  • Basket can be raised and lowered with lid closed for safe use

Cons

  • Larger size may not be suitable for smaller kitchens or households

  • More expensive than some other options on the market

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a larger deep fryer with plenty of cooking capacity, the Cuisinart Deep Fryer is a great option. With its powerful heating element and easy-to-use features, it can fry up large batches of food quickly and efficiently. However, its larger size and higher price point may not be ideal for all users.

T-Fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer

The T-Fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer is a compact option with a 3.5-liter oil capacity and 2.6-pound food capacity. It features a powerful 1700-watt heating element that heats up quickly and maintains consistent temperatures. The fryer also comes with a removable and dishwasher-safe oil container, making it easy to clean up after use. It also has a digital timer and adjustable temperature control, as well as an automatic oil filtration system.

Pros

  • Compact size for easy storage

  • Powerful 1700-watt heating element

  • Removable and dishwasher-safe oil container for easy cleaning

  • Digital timer and adjustable temperature control

  • Automatic oil filtration system for easy maintenance

Cons

  • Smaller size may not be suitable for larger households or those who frequently cook for groups

  • More expensive than some other compact fryer options on the market

Bottom Line

If you're looking for a compact deep fryer with easy-to-use features and easy maintenance, the T-Fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer is a great option. Its removable and dishwasher-safe oil container makes cleaning up a breeze, and its automatic oil filtration system helps keep the fryer in top condition. However, its smaller size and higher price point may not be ideal for those who frequently cook for larger groups.

De'Longhi Livenza Dual Zone Easy Clean Deep Fryer

The De'Longhi Livenza Dual Zone Easy Clean Deep Fryer is a versatile and high-quality deep fryer that allows you to fry two different foods at once, thanks to its dual-zone technology. It has a large 1-gallon oil capacity, which can hold up to 3.3 pounds of food. The fryer is also equipped with an adjustable thermostat and a digital timer, making it easy to set and maintain the desired temperature and cooking time.

Pros

  • Dual-zone technology allows you to fry two different foods at once

  • Large 1-gallon oil capacity can hold up to 3.3 pounds of food

  • Adjustable thermostat and digital timer make it easy to set and maintain the desired temperature and cooking time

  • Easy to clean with its removable parts and dishwasher-safe frying basket

Cons

  • More expensive than some other deep fryers on the market

  • The size and weight of the fryer may not be suitable for smaller kitchens or for those who have limited counter space

Bottom Line

The De'Longhi Livenza Dual Zone Easy Clean Deep Fryer is a top-of-the-line deep fryer that offers excellent performance and versatility. Its dual-zone technology, large oil capacity, and adjustable thermostat and digital timer make it easy to fry two different foods at once and to achieve perfect frying results every time. While it may be more expensive than some other deep fryers on the market, its high-quality construction and easy-to-clean design make it a worthwhile investment for serious home cooks and food enthusiasts.

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Compare Products

1
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer that Crisps, Roasts, Reheats, & Dehydrates, for Quick, Easy Meals, 4 Quart Capacity, & High Gloss Finish, Black/Grey
  • AFBR Score

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    9.6
  • Brand
    Ninja
2
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate & More for Quick, Easy Meals, Grey
  • AFBR Score

    AFBR Score is a ranking system developed by Aifryerbestreviews.com. AFBR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.6
  • Brand
    Ninja
3
COSORI Pro II Air Fryer Oven Combo, 5.8QT Max Xl Large Cooker with 12 One-Touch Savable Custom Functions, Cookbook and Online Recipes, Nonstick and Dishwasher-Safe Detachable Square Basket
  • AFBR Score

    AFBR Score is a ranking system developed by Aifryerbestreviews.com. AFBR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.4
  • Brand
    COSORI
4
Ninja AD350CO Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1 DualZone XL 2-Basket Air Fryer with 2 Independent Frying Baskets, Match Cook & Smart Finish to Roast, Broil, Dehydrate & More for Quick, Easy Family-Sized Meals, Grey (Renewed)
  • AFBR Score

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    9.4
  • Brand
    Ninja
5
Ninja AF161 Max XL Air Fryer that Cooks, Crisps, Roasts, Bakes, Reheats and Dehydrates, with 5.5 Quart Capacity, and a High Gloss Finish, Grey
  • AFBR Score

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    9.4
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    Ninja
6
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1, 4-quart Air Fryer Oven with Customizable Smart Cooking Programs, Nonstick and Dishwasher-Safe Basket, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel
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    9.4
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    Instant Pot
7
Presto 05420 FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer,Black
  • AFBR Score

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    9.4
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    Presto
8
Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer Oven, From the Makers of Instant Pot with ClearCook Cooking Window, Digital Touchscreen, App with over 100 Recipes, Single Basket, Black
  • AFBR Score

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    9.4
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    Instant Pot
9
ULTREAN 5.8 Quart Air Fryer, Electric Hot Air Fryers Oilless Cooker with 10 Presets, Digital LCD Touch Screen, Nonstick Basket, 1700W, UL Listed (Black)
  • AFBR Score

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    9.4
  • Brand
    Ultrean
10
T-Fal Ultimate EZ Clean Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil and 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Easy Clean, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Oil Filtration, Dishwasher Safe Parts
  • AFBR Score

    AFBR Score is a ranking system developed by Aifryerbestreviews.com. AFBR Score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    T-fal
11
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1 6-Quart Large Air Fryer Oven with Customizable Smart Cooking Programs, Non-stick and Dishwasher-Safe Basket, Includes Free App with over 1900 Recipes, Stainless Steel
  • AFBR Score

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    9.2
  • Brand
    Instant Pot
12
Ninja SP101 Digital Air Fry Countertop Oven with 8-in-1 Functionality, Flip Up & Away Capability for Storage Space, with Air Fry Basket, Wire Rack & Crumb Tray, Silver
  • AFBR Score

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    9.2
  • Brand
    Ninja
13
Chefman 4.5 Liter Deep Fryer w/Basket Strainer, XL Jumbo Size, Adjustable Temperature & Timer, Perfect for Fried Chicken, Shrimp, French Fries, Chips & More, Removable Oil-Container, Stainless Steel
  • AFBR Score

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    8.8
  • Brand
    Chefman
14
All-Clad Electrics Stainless Steel Deep Fryer with Basket 3.5 Liter Oil Capacity, 2.6 Pound Food Capacity 1700 Watts Easy Clean, Temp Control, Digital Timer, Oil Filtration,Silver
  • AFBR Score

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    8.8
  • Brand
    All-Clad
15
EGGKITPO Deep Fryers Stainless Steel Commercial Deep fryer with Timer Dual Tank Electric Deep Fryer with 2 Baskets Large Capacity 10L X 2 Electric Countertop Fryer for Restaurant and Home, 120V 3600W
  • AFBR Score

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    7.8
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    EGGKITPO

Last update on 2024-10-16 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Is the Best Air Fryer Actually Unhealthy? Debunking the Myth: Discover whether the best air fryer is actually unhealthy. Read on to debunk the myths and find out the truth about air fryers and their impact on your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is healthier, an air fryer or a deep fryer?

Answer: An air fryer is generally considered healthier as it uses little to no oil in cooking, whereas a deep fryer uses a significant amount of oil.

Can you get the same taste and texture with an air fryer as with a deep fryer?

Answer: While an air fryer cannot replicate the exact taste and texture of deep-fried food, it can still produce crispy and delicious results with less oil and fewer calories.

Are air fryers more expensive than deep fryers?

Answer: Air fryers can be more expensive than deep fryers, but it depends on the brand and model. However, in the long run, an air fryer can be more cost-effective as it uses less oil and is more energy-efficient.

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing between an air fryer and a deep fryer, there is no right or wrong answer. It depends on your personal preferences and cooking needs. While an air fryer is generally considered healthier and more cost-effective, a deep fryer can produce the classic deep-fried taste and texture. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which appliance is best for you.

So, why wait? Get yourself an air fryer and start cooking up a storm! For more options for your needs please see here.