Deep frying and pan-frying are two versions of the same cooking version. Heat and oil are the mediums required for both of them. These methods are very commonly used around the globe. But which suits you depends upon a lot of factors. In the below context, you’ll come across such facts that were not known to you before. The detail will help you decide which procedure is worth sticking to as per your lifestyle.
Contents
Deep frying:
The term refers to immersing food completely into the hot oil. The activity takes place in a deep fryer. A deep fryer is a technical device with temperature settings. It requires an electric source to come into operation. However, you can also use a deep pot on a stovetop for this purpose. A wide range of pots and pans perfect for deep frying is available in the market.
The pros of deep-frying:
Deep frying doesn’t accompany the hassle of constant turning. And ends in a thoroughly brown food. This is just a glimpse of the positive side of deep-frying. Let’s have a look at the entire album:
- Deep frying doesn’t consume a lot of time for cooking. The reason is that the food experiences zero exposure to air because you dip it thoroughly in hot oil.
- The thorough submerging makes sure that the food turns crispier equally on all sides.
- Deep frying is a safe cooking mode than pan-frying. Pots for deep frying are designed in a way that they don’t tip over. They include a lid and comprise a sturdier base. So, accidents are less likely to happen.
The cons of deep-frying:
One drawback of deep frying is heavier on all its benefits. That is:
- Deep frying requires an ample amount of oil. It is important because the food needs to be drowned in oil thoroughly. Less oil vanishes the concept of deep-frying. So, deep frying turns out heavier on the pocket.
- Although deep frying is possible in a deep pot with a lid, a major part of the consumer industry prefers deep fryer. As everybody doesn’t own a deep fryer, so it’s an additional burden on the pocket.
Foods suitable for deep frying:
- Onion rings
- Cheese sticks
- French fries
- Chicken wings
- nuggets
Note:
For deep frying, heat oil to 400 degrees F. If the oil is not hot enough, the food’s moisture enters the oil and vice versa. This ends in soggy and greasy yield, unfortunately. So, always heat oil up to the recommended range.
Pan-frying:
For pan-frying, a shallow pan, some oil, and a stovetop regardless of the energy source is the sole requirement. This process doesn’t need a deep pot as the usage of minimum oil is its specialty. The oil doesn’t wrap the food thoroughly. Instead, both sides will cook and get brown turn by turn.
Pros of pan-frying:
Lovers of pan-frying will truly acknowledge its benefits:
- A set of pans is widespread in every household kitchen. So, you need not invest in any separate equipment for pan-frying.
- Pan-frying requires a fraction of oil in comparison to the need for oil for deep frying. Because the term doesn’t refer to complete immersing of food in oil hence, it seems a budget-friendly option.
- Although both cooking methods are not healthier options because of the usage of oil. But pan-frying is a bit more beneficial in comparison as it uses less oil.
Cons of pan-frying:
Pan-frying requires more vigilant monitoring. let’s look at other downsides:
- This method consumes double-time as that of deep-frying. You spend individual time cooking both sides.
- The primary difference between both the cooking modes lies in the results. Pan-frying doesn’t produce crispier food. The food turns brown but remains soft.
- As the pan-frying doesn’t require a lid, accidental burns are more likely due to splatters.
Foods suitable for pan-frying:
People consider deep-frying as a detrimental cooking mode. The reason behind the assumption is the usage of great oil quantity. But the reality is quite different.
While deep frying, the oil doesn’t leach into food. It only cooks the exterior. At the same time, the moisture within food turns into steam and cooks the interior. As a result, you get the chance to enjoy the crispy exterior and juicy interior rather than oily. Whatsoever, both methods are unhealthy due to the indulgence of oil.
Let’s not forget to mention that a deep fryer is not a compulsion for deep frying. It just adds to ease. Otherwise, a deep pot with a lid also works best in this scenario.
What is the best method to go for frying Deep-Frying or Pan-frying?
It is difficult to conclude at the end of the story which is the best method. Because each process serves with so many benefits, it’s all up to you which way you opt for. Sometimes some foods are left with no options. For instance, French fries and bacon. They have to be deep-fried and pan-fried, respectively. But if there is a food that both the processes can be cooked, it’s better to go with the method that suits your lifestyle.