Are Air Fryers Worth the Hype? A Comprehensive Comparison

Before making this article, I was skeptical about air fryers. How could a small heating element and fan deliver on promises of faster, crispier, healthier, and better-tasting food? To find out, I pitted an air fryer against a traditional deep fryer and a conventional oven, comparing their performance on various dishes.

Testing Methodology

First Test: Mozzarella Sticks and Korean Fried Chicken I decided to replicate two of my favorite deep-fried recipes: mozzarella sticks and Korean fried chicken, using both a traditional oil deep fryer and an air fryer.

Mozzarella Sticks

1. Preparation: I prepared 12 mozzarella sticks, splitting them evenly between the deep fryer and the air fryer.
2. Air Fryer Method: Placed six mozzarella sticks in one half of a dual-basket air fryer, spraying them lightly with olive oil for better heat transfer. Cooked at 375°F for 15 minutes.
3. Deep Fryer Method: Heated oil to 325°F and fried the mozzarella sticks for 2-3 minutes until they achieved a golden brown color.

Fried Chicken

1. Preparation: I prepared 12 pieces of Korean fried chicken, again splitting them between the two cooking methods.
2. Air Fryer Method: Placed six pieces in the air fryer, spraying them with oil for even browning. Cooked at 375°F for 15 minutes.
3. Deep Fryer Method: Employed a double frying technique: first at 325°F for 7 minutes, then at 375°F for an additional 5 minutes.

Results

Mozzarella Sticks

• Deep-Fried: Achieved even browning, crispy exterior, and well-melted cheese inside. The oil effectively transferred heat, resulting in a consistent texture and color.
• Air-Fried: Less golden and slightly melted, with some cheese leaking despite careful double-breading. The sticks were lighter and less oily, but not as satisfying in terms of texture and fullness.

Fried Chicken

• Deep-Fried: Perfectly crispy with great flavor. The chicken was juicier, and the exterior was crisp without being too oily.
• Air-Fried: Crispy but with a chewier texture. The chicken had less of an oily feel but wasn’t as juicy or flavorful as the deep-fried version.

Second Test: Weeknight Dinner Next, I compared the air fryer to a conventional oven by cooking a complete meal: chicken thighs, broccoli, and potatoes.

Air Fryer Method

1. Chicken Thighs: Seasoned and cooked at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. Broccoli and Potatoes: Tossed with olive oil and salt, then roasted at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.

Oven Method

1. Preparation: Combined all ingredients and cooked them together at 425°F for 32 minutes, removing the chicken thighs at the 20-minute mark.

Results

Chicken Thighs

• Air-Fried: Slightly more browned but drier than the oven-cooked thighs. The air fryer provided faster browning but at the cost of moisture.
• Oven-Cooked: Equally tasty, with a bit more juiciness retained.

Broccoli

• Air-Fried: Dehydrated and chewy, suitable as an appetizer with a dip but not ideal for a main dish.
• Oven-Cooked: Well-browned and more suitable for a dinner plate.

Potatoes

• Air-Fried: Required tossing multiple times during cooking for even doneness. Crisp but not as consistent as the oven-roasted version.
• Oven-Cooked: Crispier, especially where they touched the hot sheet tray, and didn’t require as much attention during cooking.

Conclusion

Are Air Fryers Worth It? Air fryers do not fully replicate the deep-frying experience but offer a healthier, lower-calorie alternative. They are useful for quick, convenient cooking and are ideal for small kitchens or those trying to reduce oil intake. However, for truly indulgent, crispy foods, a deep fryer remains superior. If you’re considering an air fryer, opt for a dual basket model for greater versatility.