It can be challenging to choose between two appliances that are almost equally versatile and straightforward. The compact size and easy-to-use nature of an air fryer come in handy for people who live in colder climates or those who live in small apartments. However, the ability of an electric grill to cook flavored-filled cuisines is something food enthusiasts cannot ignore. So which one is better? An air fryer or an electric grill?
This article will cover all the information you need to choose the best appliance for your kitchen. Happy reading!
What is the difference between an air fryer and an electric grill?
The main difference between an air fryer and an electric grill is that air fryers cook food without any oil. In contrast, most electric grills require oil to cook food.
However, some foods do not need oil when cooked on an electric grill.
Electric grills are known for the unique flavor they add to cuisines, whereas air fryers are known better for their versatility. One can even put frozen foods in an air fryer, which is enough to conclude that air fryers are highly versatile and have many uses. For instance, an air fryer can be used as a dehydrator, and it can even defrost food.
What is an air fryer, and how does it work?
Air fryers are amped-up convection ovens that cook fried food without submerging it into the oil. They circulate hot air to cook food at high speed.
An air fryer comes with a heating element and a fan fixed on the top section of the fryer. The fan circulates the hot air, and the force of the air produces convection. This cooks the food in the basket, making it brown and crispy. At 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit, an air fryer takes 5 and 25 minutes to cook.
This process is similar to baking (there is a difference between baking and air frying, though) and roasting. Air fryers work through the convection heating method rather than the radiant heat method.
What is an electric grill, and how does it work?
An electric grill is a cooking appliance with a flat and smooth surface. It uses electricity to supply heat constantly. As no flame is involved, other fuels such as gas and charcoal are not a necessity.
The electric heating elements are usually present below the metal surface. Most of the grills have angled cooking due to which the liquid fat runs along the ridges and into a drip tray, preventing excessive grease.
Electric grills come with a heat control to manage the temperature according to the requirements. You simply need to plug the electric grill into an electric outlet. Then, set the temperature and wait for the grill to reach a cooking temperature that typically takes around 10 minutes.
What are the differences between air fryers and electric grills?
Food enthusiasts often get stuck when choosing between two kitchen appliances. Hence, to make the right choice, one should compare the appliances and then make a choice. Lucky for you, we have done that right here! Let’s look into the main differences between an air fryer and an electric grill.
| Air fryer | Electric grill | |
| Cooking principle | Air fryers use hot air for cooking food, i.e., the convection method. | Electric grills use electricity to provide heat that cooks the food. |
| Grease management | Air fryers have grill pans with holes that allow the excess oil/fat to drip onto the fryer’s bottom. | Electric grills have grills/ridges which allow excess fat/oil to drip down from the food. The grills/ridges leave marks on the food. |
| Temperature regulation | Air fryers do not have a temperature regulating device to control the cooking temperature. | Electric grills come with temperature control that helps regulate the cooking temperature. |
| Accessories | Modern air fryers come with a removable basket or drawer. | No such feature is present in an electric grill. |
| Preheating time | Air fryers take only 2 to 5 minutes to preheat, reducing the cooking time. | Before cooking, you need to preheat an electric grill for about 10 to 15 minutes. |
| Flavor of the food | Air fryers leave the food crispy but do not give the unique taste that food cooked on an electric grill offers. | Electric grills give food a unique and delicious taste. They leave charred marks on the food’s exterior and make it crusty. |
| Requirement of oil | Air fryers do not require oil to cook the food. | Electric grills use some oil for cooking the food. |
Air fryer vs electric grill: Which one to choose?
Both air fryers and electric grills are perfect appliances to have. Electric grills offer the taste which air fryers don’t, whereas air fryers are much more versatile and healthier.
When it comes down to choosing which one’s better, keep in mind why you need one of these appliances. An electric grill can surely make delicious food, but it does not come with the different cooking modes as an air fryer does. However, an air fryer can do a lot of things, but it can’t grill.
Thinking use-wise, you can go for an electric grill and purchase an air fryer later. An air fryer can do loads, but you can do all those things with other appliances. So, if the health factor doesn’t matter much, then the electric grill it is.
However, if you do not have other appliances, then we suggest choosing an air fryer. A grill can wait!
Related FAQs to air fryer vs electric grill
Can air fryers cook raw meat?
Yes, cooking raw meat in an air fryer is perfectly safe.
What are the pros and cons of air fryers?
| Pros | Cons |
| They are versatile and easy to use. | They are bulky |
| Can fry food without needing oil | A little difficult to clean |
| Remove extra oil/fats from the food | Have limited cooking capacity |
Do air fryers use electricity?
Yes. On average, air fryers use 1500 watts of energy.
Concluding thoughts on Air fryer vs Electric grill
If you are a fan of grilled food, then electric grills are for you, but if you are a bit low maintenance and don’t like putting too much effort into cooking food, then air fryers are the way to go. It all depends on what you as a consumer of the food prefer. Both the products have their own merits and demerits; you need to figure out which one you like the best for yourself.