What Is The Difference Between Air Fryer And Pressure Cooker | Unrivaled Guide 2022

Over the past decade, we’ve seen more than a couple of new kitchen appliances hit the market. Some of these appliances have received special attention. One of these appliances is the air fryer, a device that makes frying healthier and more enjoyable.

Today, we’re going to compare air fryers and pressure cookers to clarify their differences and determine which one is best for you. Pressure cookers have been around for a long time, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that air fryers came to the fore.

What Is The Difference Between Air Fryer And Pressure Cooker

How does an air fryer work?

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food at high speed. The food is cooked in a cooking chamber or basket. At the top of the basket is a heating element.

Directly above the heating element is a fan that creates air circulation in the chamber. The air rises into the basket, passes through the food, then falls back down and exits.

The heat circulates around the food, mimicking frying in that the food is constantly surrounded by heat, as if it were immersed in hot oil.

Deep fryers also have an exhaust port to expel air during cooking. As the temperature rises during cooking, the air pressure inside also increases. By venting the air during cooking, the air pressure inside the fryer is maintained.

Air fryers can cook to temperatures near 400 degrees Fahrenheit, with adjustable times and temperatures. They can produce the same food as when frying.

Air fryers are unique in that they use much less oil than they normally would to fry food, up to 80% less. Some Instant Pot air fryer recipes require only one tablespoon of oil. This makes for a much healthier version of fried food.

It also cooks food at a much faster rate than traditional frying.

Advantages and disadvantages of air fryers

Pros.

• Uses less oil, making it healthier than frying.
• Cooks food much faster than traditional frying.
• Reduces waste of oil used for frying.
• Saves energy because they are smaller and cook faster than traditional ovens.

Cons.

• Most affordable air fryers are small and are only practical for cooking for a few people.
• The outside of the fryer gets very hot, which increases the risk of burns.
• Fried food does not taste as good as it does in a deep fryer.

How does a pressure cooker work?

Pressure cookers work by increasing the internal pressure of the pan to reduce cooking time. It uses water or broth and cooks it in an airtight pot. When the liquid is heated, it boils and turns into steam. The steam cannot escape, and the pressure inside the pot increases.

The pressure reduces the cooking time because the water boils faster at a lower temperature. The heated steam is also pushed deeper into the food because of the higher pressure, allowing for faster cooking.

When cooking is complete, the pressure is released and the pot can be safely opened.

Pressure cooking can reduce cooking time by about one-third compared to traditional cooking methods. It can also be used for cooking almost any type of food.

This blog reviews some of the best pressure cookers on the market.

Advantages and disadvantages of pressure cookers

Pros.

• Healthier than other cooking methods as less nutrients are lost during cooking.
• Cooking times can be reduced to one-third of normal cooking times.
• Multiple types of food can be cooked together.
• Pressure cookers use less water than normal boiling.
• It cooks in a shorter time and therefore uses less energy.

Cons.

• Pressure cookers are more expensive than normal pressure cookers.
• Components such as seals can break and malfunction.
• Food cannot be monitored during cooking and the cooking process must be redone.
• Using a damaged or misused pressure cooker can be very dangerous.

What are the main differences between pressure cookers and deep fryers?

Now that you’ve read this far, you may have identified some of the key differences between a deep fryer and a pressure cooker.

Both cook at high temperatures, but pressure cookers cook at high pressure. Deep fryers actively reduce pressure during cooking and use hot air circulation to cook food.

Both add liquid to aid cooking, but in different types and amounts. Pressure cookers typically use at least one cup of liquid and only water or water-soluble broth. Deep fryers use oil, but in very small amounts.

Deep fryers produce crispy foods such as French fries or chicken wings. Pressure cookers steam and can produce soft foods.

Cooking method

Both of these appliances cook at high temperatures. The way these high temperatures are reached is the difference between the two.

Only foods with an underlying liquid can be cooked in a pressure cooker. Liquids other than oil include water and soup. When gas is applied to the pressure cooker, the liquid begins to boil.

The boiling steam causes the pressure to build while the vessel remains closed. The pressure is released and this high pressure cooks the food.

The fryer is equipped with internal fan technology. The internal fan provides fast, dry air. When the food is exposed to the heat of this air, it begins to cook. You will need a tablespoon of oil to bring out the flavors.

Capacity

Pressure cookers and deep fryers come in different sizes. Starting at 1 quart, pressure cookers range in capacity from 35 to 40 quarts. This means a storage capacity of 22 liters.

Deep fryers range from 1 to 16 quarts, with standard sizes of 3 to 5 quarts having a holding capacity of 2 to 4 liters. The larger fryers are large enough to fry a whole chicken. However, they don’t have the large capacity of pressure cookers.

Food

The capacity and cooking method tell you the type of food you are cooking. Pressure cookers cook by steaming. You need at least 1 to 2 cups of water to cook. Therefore, anything that contains water can be cooked in a pressure cooker, such as rice, stews and beans.

Deep fryers, as the name suggests, are designed to cook fried foods. It uses dry heat and oil to crisp up the food. These include fries, nuggets and chicken drumsticks.

Maintenance and ease of use

Pressure cookers can require a bit of a learning curve to get the cooking times right. However, as mentioned earlier, there are more than enough recipes available online.

In fact, since pressure cookers are sealed containers, it’s easier to experiment if you can see what’s happening along the way.

However, both appliances have pre-programmed options for specific foods. Simply select the appropriate preset, add the food and begin cooking. More expensive models have more options, but even basic models often have at least a few presets.

Deep fryers are smaller than pressure cookers and easier to clean. Fryer parts are removable and can be placed in the dishwasher or in a soapy water bath after use. The interior of the fryer can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth or rag.

Cleaning a pressure cooker is more labor intensive than cleaning a deep fryer. Pressure cookers are larger, have more parts and must be sealed.

What Is The Difference Between Air Fryer And Pressure Cooker | Video Explanation

FAQs

Which one is healthier?

That depends on the type of food you are cooking and the amount of oil you are using. Both appliances are designed to make life in the kitchen easier by speeding up the cooking process.

However, if a comparison were to be made, the Instant Pot cooker is the better choice because it steams and doesn’t leak nutrients. Hot air fryers cook with heat and oil, resulting in a crispier texture, but the nutrients are lost.

Which is cheaper?

The purchase price is almost the same and depends on the type of accessories and functions. However, there are differences in the energy consumption and frequency of use of each appliance.

For example, the Instant Pot will probably be used more often than the deep fryer, which will consume more energy. Nevertheless, both are great ways to reduce the amount of time you spend in the kitchen and stay productive longer.

Which one is faster?

That depends on the type of food you want to cook. However, since a deep fryer only has one cycle, it cooks faster than an Instant Pot, which has to be pressurized before it can start cooking.

Which is more versatile?

Another difference is that the Instant Pot can be used as a deep fryer, while the fryer cannot be used as an Instant Pot.

The Instant Pot is a multi-cooker, which means it is more versatile. It has many cooking options, including a slow cooker, rice cooker and yogurt maker. Deep fryers, on the other hand, can only fry food.

Can I use my Instant Pot as a fryer?

Yes, it is possible to use the Instant Pot as a deep fryer.

Does an air fryer need oil?

No, air fryers do not need oil to fry food crisp. However, a little oil will make them crispier. It’s up to you.

How big should a family fryer be?

Of course, it depends on the size of your family, but if you have a small family, don’t go for something smaller than 3 liters. If you have a large family, a 5-6 liter air fryer may be appropriate.

Are pressure cookers safe?

Home pressure cookers have one, two or even three safety features. Pressure cooking involves high temperatures, high pressure and steam, a combination that can be very dangerous and manufacturers must do everything in their power to ensure that no one is harmed.

Are electric or manual pressure cookers better?

Electric pressure cookers are easier and more convenient than manual pressure cookers. With an electric pressure cooker, there is no risk of burning the food. Manual models are placed over a heat source and can burn food (if not handled properly).

Final Verdict

The final verdict on the pressure cooker versus deep fryer debate is that neither can replace the other. Both have their advantages. So which one you choose depends on your needs.

If you are looking for a healthier alternative to fried foods, the air fryer is the way to go. On the other hand, if you want to prepare nutritious home-cooked meals, the pressure cooker is the ideal solution.

Both appliances offer an efficient way to cook your meals. You can combine the two rather than choosing one or the other. This way, your meals will be even tastier.