Air Fryer vs Deep Fat Fryer: Which Should You Buy?

Quick answer

For most UK homes, an air fryer is the better everyday buy: it uses little or no oil, heats up fast, and is easier to clean. A deep fat fryer still wins when you want the classic, heavy crunch of battered fish or chips and you cook in larger batches. If you only fry occasionally, a ceramic non-stick frying pan on the hob can cover both jobs without another appliance on the counter.

How air fryers and deep fat fryers actually cook

An air fryer is a small convection oven. A powerful fan pushes very hot air around the food, so the surface dries out and browns in a similar way to frying, but with only a brush or spray of oil. A deep fat fryer submerges food in hot oil, which transfers heat far more aggressively and gives the sealed, shattering crust that air alone struggles to match.

That difference explains the results. Air fryers are excellent for chips, chicken wings, vegetables, and reheated leftovers. Deep fat fryers are better for wet batters, doughnuts, and anything where you want the oil to set the crust instantly. Neither method is automatically healthier or tastier; it depends on what you cook most often.

Oil use, running costs, and cleanup

Oil is the biggest practical split. An air fryer typically needs a teaspoon or a light spray for a portion of chips, while a deep fat fryer needs a litre or more of oil that you filter, store, and eventually replace. If your main question is which fryer uses less oil, the air fryer wins clearly.

Cleanup follows the oil. Air fryer drawers and trays are usually non-stick and wipe clean, though you should check the manufacturer's care instructions. Deep fat fryers need the oil cooled, filtered, and stored, plus a proper wash of the basket and tank. Both need counter space and good ventilation, but a deep fat fryer needs more of both.

Where a frying pan fits in

If you fry a few times a week rather than daily, a good non-stick frying pan can replace both appliances for shallow frying. The 20cm Forged Aluminium Ceramic Frying Pan from Morphy Richards is a useful example: forged aluminium spreads heat evenly to avoid hot spots, and the ceramic non-stick coating lets you cook with minimal oil and wipe it clean afterwards. It is also the cheapest way to test whether you actually enjoy air-fried or shallow-fried food before committing to a dedicated machine.

Size, batch cooking, and family needs

Air fryer baskets are measured in litres and fill up quickly, so a family of four may need two batches of chips. Deep fat fryers often hold more oil and food at once, which suits bigger households or anyone cooking for a crowd. If you mainly cook for one or two, a compact air fryer is usually enough.

Think about where the appliance will live. A deep fat fryer is heavy when full and should not be moved around hot oil, so it needs a permanent spot near a hob or extractor. Air fryers are lighter and can be stored in a cupboard, but they still need clear space around the vents.

Trade-offs at a glance

• Oil use: Air fryers need a teaspoon or spray; deep fat fryers need a litre or more of oil that must be filtered and replaced. Choose air if you want to cut oil; choose deep fat if you want traditional frying results.
• Crispness and texture: Air fryers brown and crisp with hot air; deep fat fryers seal wet batters and give a heavier, more uniform crunch. Match the method to the food you cook most, not to a general rule.
• Cleanup and storage: Air fryer drawers wipe clean and store in a cupboard; deep fat fryers need cooled, filtered oil and a permanent, ventilated spot. If you lack counter space or dislike handling oil, air is the easier daily choice.

Product facts to know

• 20cm Forged Aluminium Ceramic Frying Pan: 20cm Forged Aluminium Ceramic Frying Pan with heavy duty forged aluminium and a durable ceramic non-stick coating. A low-cost shallow-frying option that covers chips, eggs, and sautés without buying a separate fryer.
• MRXSTICKPRO IntelliClean with Self Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum: MRXSTICKPRO IntelliClean with Self Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum automatically transfers debris from the dust cup to the dust bag station, reducing manual emptying and exposure to allergens. Useful if frying leaves crumbs and oil splatter on the floor, since the self-empty station keeps hands clean.
• 3 Piece Recycled Aluminium Saucepan Set - Blue: 3 Piece Recycled Aluminium Saucepan Set with a premium aluminium coating for non-stick performance; hand wash recommended. A practical companion for sauces, sides, and prep while the main fryer or pan does the frying.

Which fryer should you buy?

Best for

• Small households cooking chips, wings, and vegetables most days
• Anyone who wants to cut oil without giving up crispy food
• Kitchens with limited counter space and no permanent spot for hot oil

Not for

• Cooks who regularly make battered fish, doughnuts, or large batches of chips
• Families who need to fry several portions at once without batch cooking
• Anyone who prefers the traditional deep-fried texture and does not mind filtering oil