professional commercial kitchen featuring a side-by-side comparison of a commercial air fryer and a deep fryer, highlighting the difference in cooking methods with chefs actively preparing meals in the background

February 6, 2025 Lisa Santorelli

Can an Air Fryer Do Everything a Deep Fryer Can?

Craving crispy, golden fries but not sure if an air fryer can match a deep fryer? The short answer: almost, but not quite. A commercial air fryer uses hot air instead of submerging food in oil, making it a healthier option. But when it comes to batter and texture, deep fryers still have the edge. Let’s break down the differences to help you choose the right one for your kitchen.

Air Fryer vs. Deep Fryer: A Comparison

Both appliances aim to deliver crispy, flavourful food, but they go about it in very different ways. Deep fryers use hot oil to fully submerge food, cooking it quickly and evenly while creating that irresistible crunchy coating. Air fryers, however, use rapid air circulation to mimic the effect of frying—but without the full oil bath. The result? Crispy, golden food, but often lighter and drier than what you’d get from a deep fryer.

deep fryer in a commercial kitchen frying golden-brown battered fish, with chefs preparing fresh ingredients in the background

Cooking Methods

Oil Usage

The biggest difference between these two appliances is oil. A deep fryer requires a significant amount of oil to submerge food completely, ensuring even crispiness. Air fryers, on the other hand, use little to no oil, relying on superheated air to achieve a crispy exterior. This means less fat, fewer calories, and no leftover oil to deal with. But while this method is healthier, it doesn’t always match the deep fryer’s rich, indulgent crunch.

Texture and Flavour

There’s no denying it—deep-fried food has an unmistakable crunch and deep, rich flavour. That’s because the oil locks in moisture while forming a perfectly golden crust. Air-fried foods, while crisp, can sometimes turn out drier, lighter, and less intensely flavoured. French fries, for example, might be crunchy on the outside but lack that fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth inside that deep frying creates.

Limitations of Air Fryers

Air fryers offer a healthier alternative, but they can’t perfectly replicate deep frying, especially when it comes to certain types of food.

Battered Foods

If you love classic beer-battered fish or tempura, an air fryer might not cut it. Wet batters don’t set the same way without the instant heat of oil to crisp them up. Instead, batter can drip off, leaving you with a soggy mess rather than a crunchy coating. A workaround? Use a dry breading like panko or seasoned flour instead of a liquid batter to help crisp up your food in an air fryer.

Moist Foods

Deep frying is great for locking in moisture while creating a crisp shell. That’s why foods like cheese-stuffed appetizers, thick chicken pieces, or juicy meats often fare better in a deep fryer. Air fryers use hot air to cook, which can sometimes dry out foods if not watched carefully. While air frying works well for lean meats and veggies, thick cuts of chicken or delicate items like mozzarella sticks might not hold up as well.

When to Choose an Air Fryer

If you’re watching your fat intake, want a lower-maintenance appliance, or need a quick, energy-efficient way to crisp up food, an air fryer is a great choice. It’s ideal for frozen foods, roasted vegetables, and lean proteins like chicken breasts and salmon. Plus, if you hate dealing with used cooking oil, an air fryer eliminates that hassle. A commercial air fryer is especially useful for restaurants or high-volume kitchens that want to serve crispy food with less oil.

chef using a commercial air fryer in a busy professional kitchen to prepare crispy, seasoned chicken wings

When to Choose a Deep Fryer

If flavour and texture are your top priorities, nothing beats a deep fryer. It’s perfect for fried chicken, doughnuts, battered seafood, and anything where a crisp, golden crust is essential. If you frequently make large batches of fried food or want restaurant-quality crunch, a deep fryer is the better investment. However, keep in mind that it requires more oil, more cleanup, and a bit more caution when handling hot oil.

Final Thoughts

So, can an air fryer do everything a deep fryer can? Not quite. If you want crispy, lighter versions of your favourite foods with less oil and cleanup, an air fryer is the way to go. But if you crave that deep, golden crunch and indulgent flavour, a deep fryer still reigns supreme. It all comes down to what matters most in your kitchen—health or full-on crispy perfection.