With the rising popularity of air fryers in recent years, many people wonder how air frying compares to other cooking methods like hot air grilling. While both use rapidly circulating hot air to cook food, there are some key differences between these two trendy cooking techniques.
What is Air Frying?
Air frying is a cooking method that uses superheated air circulating at high speed to cook food. Air fryers are small countertop convection ovens with a basket inside to hold food while it cooks. The heating element and fan are typically located at the top of the air fryer.
Hot air rapidly circulates around the food at temperatures between 200°F and 400°F, cooking it using convection heating. The rapid air circulation helps create a crispy outer layer through what is called the Maillard reaction. This reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars is what gives fried foods their signature golden brown crust.
Because no oil is required for air frying, it allows you to get a crunchy fried texture with a fraction of the calories of deep frying. Air fryers have settings to adjust time and temperature based on what you are cooking.
What is Hot Air Grilling?
Hot air grilling uses the same convection heating technology as air frying, but in an upright grill format. A heating element and fan are located at the back of the grill, circulating extremely hot air (up to 700°F) around food.
The food is placed on grates rather than in a basket, allowing any grease or fat to drip away from the food. The fast-moving hot air cooks the food on all sides, searing and browning the exterior while keeping the interior moist.
Hot air grilling can achieve a char-grilled texture that mimics cooking over an open flame. Many hot air grills are hybrid models that also have a conventional heating element for direct flame grilling. The addition of wood chips or pellets can infuse smoked flavors.
Comparing Cooking Methods
While air frying and hot air grilling both cook food by blasting it with superheated air, there are some key differences between these appliances and techniques:
Cooking Vessel
Air fryers use a basket – Food sits in a perforated basket that allows air to circulate completely around each piece.
Hot air grills use grates – Food is placed directly on metal grates above the heat source.
Air Circulation
Air fryers have turbofan – A turbofan blast air down onto the food from above.
Hot air grills use rear heating element – A rear heating element forces air horizontally around the food.
Temperature
Air fryers reach 400°F – The max temperature is typically around 400°F.
Hot air grills reach 700°F – Grills can reach upwards of 700°F for searing.
Moisture Content
Air fryers add no moisture – The food cooks without any added moisture.
Some hot air grills add steam – Some models have a water tray for steaming.
Preheating
Air fryers require preheating – Most air fryers call for 3-5 minute preheat.
Hot air grills heat instantly – Grills reach cooking temp almost instantly.
Comparing End Results
The differences in how hot air grilling and air frying work lead to some differences in the end results:
Texture
Air fryers produce crunchier exteriors – The turbulent air flow leads to crispy fried textures.
Hot air grills produce charred exteriors – The high heat chars and sears the exterior of food.
Moisture
Air fryers yield drier food – No steam and high air flow can dehydrate food slightly.
Hot air grills yield juicier food – The addition of steam in some models keeps food moister.
Doneness
Air fryers cook food through – The constant heat from all sides cooks food evenly.
Hot air grills can leave raw centers – Thick foods may not cook through to the middle.
Grease
Air fryers capture grease – Any rendered fat drips to the bottom away from food.
Hot air grills allow grease to burn – Grease can burn on the grates causing flare-ups.
Capacity
Air fryers have small capacity – The maximum amount of food is around 3-5 servings.
Hot air grills have large capacity – Grills can cook 15+ servings at once.
Pros and Cons of Each Method
Pros of Air Frying
- Requires little or no oil for crispy “fried” foods
- Evenly cooks food with no raw centers
- Easy to use with preset buttons and auto shut-off
- Smaller footprint than a grill
Cons of Air Frying
- Limited capacity for cooking
- Food can dry out without steam
- Doesn’t impart smoky flavor
- Shape restrictions based on basket design
Pros of Hot Air Grilling
- Achieves charring and sear marks
- Infuses smoke flavor when using wood
- Requires no preheating
- Can cook for a crowd
Cons of Hot Air Grilling
- More involved to operate than air fryer
- Open flame models can cause flare-ups
- Less even cooking than air fryers
- Bulky size takes up storage space
Ideal Foods for Each Method
Certain foods are better suited for either air frying or hot air grilling based on the results each method yields:
Best Foods for Air Frying
- French fries
- Chicken wings and nuggets
- Breaded veggies or seafood
- Frozen snacks like pizza rolls
- Meatballs
- Empanadas
Best Foods for Hot Air Grilling
- Steaks and chops
- Bone-in chicken pieces
- Sausages and hot dogs
- Kebabs
- Fish fillets
- Grilled vegetables
Can You Do Both in One Appliance?
There are some multi-cookers on the market designed to both air fry and hot air grill in the same appliance. Brands like Ninja, Instant Pot, and Cosori make these combo cooker models.
The main advantage of these appliances is versatility. You can use features of both cooking methods to get the best results on different foods. For example, the air fry setting could cook chicken wings nice and crispy, while the grilling mode could put perfect sear marks on a steak.
However, there are some downsides to these combo cookers. The all-in-one functionality can mean more complicated controls and accessories. For instance, you may need to remove and insert different trays or racks depending on your selected cooking mode. There can also be a learning curve figuring out which mode works best for different recipes.
Here is a table comparing standalone air fryers and hot air grills with combo models that do both:
| Features | Air Fryer | Hot Air Grill | Combo Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cooking method | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Crispy “fried” results | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Charred/seared food | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Precise temperature control | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Smoky flavoring | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Simple to operate | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Small footprint | ✓ |
Should You Have Both?
For home cooks trying to decide between purchasing an air fryer or hot air grill, or maybe investing in both, here are some things to consider:
Kitchen Space
Air fryers and tabletop grills both take up precious countertop real estate. If you have limited space, one compact appliance may make more sense than two.
Types of Cooking
Think about what you cook most – breaded frozen foods and crispy sides, or meats and veggies needing a good char. Pick the appliance aligned with your personal cooking preferences.
Frequency of Use
Will you use one of these appliances daily, or only for special occasions? Occasional use may not justify having both.
Budget
An air fryer can be purchased for under $100 in many cases, while a decent hot air grill runs $200+. If budget is a big factor, choose the more affordable option.
Conclusion
While air frying and hot air grilling use similar convection heating technology, they produce different results when it comes to texture, flavor, and capacity. Air fryers excel at making crispy foods like fries and wings, while hot air grills sear meats and veggies while imparting a smoky taste.
Combo appliances that can do both save space and provide versatility in cooking different foods optimally. However, standalone air fryers and grills tend to be easier to use and may better suit individual cooking needs.
There are good reasons to choose one over the other depending on your kitchen space, budget, and cooking style. For those who love the crispiness of air frying but also enjoy the char of grilling, having both appliances can be the ideal solution.