Why Air Frying Can Be A Better Option Than Deep Frying?

What is Air Frying?

In the ever-evolving world of culinary technology, air frying has emerged as a game-changer. This modern invention offers a fresh approach to cooking, promising not only convenience but also notable health benefits. Let’s delve into how air frying stands out as a healthier alternative compared to traditional frying methods, and why this innovative technology might be the next big thing in our kitchens.

To begin with, air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil needed for cooking. Traditionally, deep frying requires submerging food in hot oil, which adds a substantial amount of fat and calories. Consequently, this process often leads to dishes that are not only high in calories but also laden with unhealthy fats. In contrast, air frying uses hot air circulation to cook food, requiring little to no added oil.

As a result, the final product contains fewer calories and less fat. This reduction in oil usage can make a big difference, particularly for those who are looking to maintain or lose weight.

Moreover, air frying has been found to reduce the formation of acrylamide, a potentially harmful chemical. Acrylamide forms in foods during high-temperature cooking processes, such as deep frying. Research indicates that air frying can significantly lower acrylamide levels compared to traditional frying methods. Consequently, this reduction could potentially lower the risk of health issues associated with acrylamide, making air frying a safer option for your culinary creations.

Time Difference

Air Frying :
Chicken Wings: Usually around 20-25 minutes at 360°F (182°C).
Chicken Breasts: Typically, it takes about 15-20 minutes at 360°F (182°C).

Deep Frying :
Chicken Breasts: Generally takes about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).Chicken Wings: Usually around 8-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
That means the difference is very small compared to the health benefits that one can get from Air Frying.

According to a study published in the Journal of Food Science (2017), air frying can cook foods faster than conventional baking but may take slightly longer than deep frying for certain items.

Oil Absorption and Usage

Air frying requires very little amount of oil compared to deep frying. Often, you might only need a light coating or a small amount of oil (a teaspoon or so) to achieve a crispy texture while in deep frying, sometime you need to use liters of oil to submerge the food. As the amount of oil used in air frying is very small, the food absorbs much less oil.

Taste and Texture

Air frying can give a crispy flavor to most of the foods but some foods like bakery items and some vegetables can end up soggy or steamed rather than crispy. For taste and texture, deep frying is mostly preferred for the types of foods that are not suited for air frying. Check out the list of items that should not be air fried.

Health Benefits

A study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology found that Air frying can reduce the fat content of fried foods by up to 70-80% compared to traditional deep frying. As we already discussed, it is because air frying requires very little amount of oil. Studies have also shown that air frying can retain more of the vitamins and antioxidants in vegetables and other foods compared to deep frying. Lower fat content from air frying is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. The reduced intake of saturated fats and cholesterol can positively impact heart health.

Clean Up

Air frying usually involves less mess, as there is minimal oil splatter. The air fryer basket and pan are easier to clean while in deep frying as you may know, the oil gets stuck with the pan and it requires some effort to clean and remove it.

Air frying can be a great option if you want to take care of your heart and your health as it can significantly reduce the amount of oil consumption and retain more vitamins and nutrients from the foods you love. In addition to that, it can produce a great crispy flavor. While not as good as deep frying for cooking of the foods, it can be a great option for people who want to take good care of their health