Making proper chips - air fryer or deep fat?

[AndrewGP]

I realise this has probably been asked before but wanted some up to date info!

We don't eat chips very often (my 14 year old son doesn't even like them!) but having had a pub lunch for the first time in ages last week, I've realised that even decent oven chips don't do it for me. I've done a bit of googling and reviews of Air Fryers solely for making chips seem to get mixed reviews. What's the PH advice on this vs a deep fat fryer? And if an Air Fryer will do it, which one to get? Budget is very flexible as I want decent pub chips at home

[Mr Roper]

If it's only once in a while then maybe just go to the chippy?

[21TonyK]

Every 3-4 years I buy one of these...

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/household-appliances...

When it gets too gungy just replace it.

"air fryers" really aren't "frying" anything.

Edited by 21TonyK on Tuesday 27th April 18:48

[LeadFarmer]

I struggle to find decent chips in chip shops, they are usually too pale and tasteless. Probably down to crap oil.

I now prefer to make my own in a deep fat fryer. Fry at about 120 degs until chips are soft, then lift out, turn up to 180 degs and when up to temperature drop back in until brown and crispy.

[ambuletz]

Everyoone on the best oven chips thread i made seems to suggest that an air fryer does a really good job of improving frozen oven chips.

i think the main thing will be how much use will you get out of the air fryer vs a deep fat fryer, and which is more of a faff to clean. deep fat fryer is really for regular use, so perhaps an air fryer is the way to go.

however they aren't the same thing.

[85Carrera]

You can get good results with oven chips (or just cut up potatoes) in an air fryer.

Never going to be the same as from a deep fat fryer, granted, but much better than I expected.

[Pastie Bloater]

Deep fat, end of

[48k]

AndrewGP said:

having had a pub lunch for the first time in ages last week, I've realised that even decent oven chips don't do it for me

Have you tried the McCain Triple Cooked Gastro chips? Honestly, they are a revelation.

[ninepoint2]

21TonyK said:

Every 3-4 years I buy one of these...

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/household-appliances...

When it gets too gungy just replace it.

"air fryers" really aren't "frying" anything.

Edited by 21TonyK on Tuesday 27th April 18:48

Me too, Lidl Crisp French Fries are wonderful from it!

[bristolbaron]

I bought a tefal actifry after people saying how amazing it was. Used it for a few weeks and it doesn’t live up to the hype. Deep fat or commit to oven chips being a bit crap.

[ozzuk]

We've got the Tefal and its amazing. The taste is between oven chips and deep fried chips but a world apart in healthiness with just a teaspoon of fat used. Also very easy to clean - I always dreaded cleaning the deep fat fryer. We've had it probably 4 years now and its used regular - and was a total bargain at £6 using club card points (reduced it from £80!). Great if watching your cholesterol.

[21TonyK]

ninepoint2 said:

21TonyK said:

Every 3-4 years I buy one of these...

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/household-appliances...

When it gets too gungy just replace it.

"air fryers" really aren't "frying" anything.

Edited by 21TonyK on Tuesday 27th April 18:48

Me too, Lidl Crisp French Fries are wonderful from it!

Lol, yes, they are perfect, 3-4 mins at 180! Haute cuisine!

[55palfers]

The fat needs to be beef dripping.

[RobbieTheTruth]

If I compare to coffee (my specialist subject)

Frozen chips in the oven - Nescafe

Frozen chips in the Airfryer - Nespresso

Fresh chips in the Airfryer - Bean to Cup

Fresh chips in a deep fat fryer - Manual Machine


An airfryer is basically a small fan assisted oven that sits on your worktop.

I would recommend them if you regularly cook frozen oven things - chips, nuggets, jalapeno bites, onion rings etc. It does a great job of cooking these quickly and easily, and you can quickly pull the basket out and give it a shake.

Get a dishwasher compatible one and it's easy to keep clean and doesn't need to heat up like an oven.


Overall I like them, but like a Bean to Cup, it will only ever give out quick, convenient and slightly above average results.

[ettore]

Good chips are things that shouldn’t be pissed about with. Don’t have them often but when you do have them properly.

Deep fried - arguably more than once - in dripping. Simple as.

I’m a southerner but you need to tip your hat to the north here. Oven chips are like vegan sausages - don’t bother if it’s not proper, have something else.

[sherman]

For the perfect deep fried chip you need lightly used fat. Fresh never gives as good a flavour or crunch.


In a chip shop find out when they change their oil and buy chips the day after or later on once theres some flavour in the oil.

Mccain Home Chips are some of the best oven chips I have found but they do need about 5 minutes more cooking than the bag suggests

[Bacon Is Proof]

In my limited experience air fryers take a long time to produce mediocre results.
You don't need a dedicated deep fat fryer, just a large pan. Oil can be filtered and reused. I don't use electrical kitchen appliances on the boat, but I do enjoy fresh poppadoms, crispy beef and chicken 65 with a few jars of oil for respective reuse.

[AndyAudi]

If you’re just doing for yourself occasionally why not a chip pan, I use a small wok to cook mine, & also fry such delights as “chicken fried steak” & “pakoras” prior to turfing the oil.

[AndrewGP]

Thanks all, much appreciated

After discussing it with Mrs GP (it’s proper rock and roll in our house ) we’re going to borrow an Air Fryer and try it with the McCain Gastro chips. If that doesn’t cut the mustard, a deep fat fryer it is!

And I absolutely agree that eating stty chips is not acceptable!

[spikeyhead]

I don't cook them regularly, but when I do I use a wok.