Frozen food has always been a convenient choice for busy families, working adults, and even businesses in Malaysia. With the growing popularity of air fryer cooking, more people are questioning whether it’s still necessary to rely on traditional deep frying.
Both methods promise crispy, delicious results—but they differ greatly in convenience, cost, and overall experience.
So, when it comes to preparing frozen food, which method should you choose? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of air frying vs deep frying to help you make the best choice for your kitchen.
An air fryer is a countertop appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food, similar to a convection oven but on a smaller scale. The result? Crispy, golden-brown food without the need for excessive oil.
For those new to air frying, our beginner’s guide to air fryers is a great starting point. It covers everything from how air fryers work to the types of frozen food that turn out best.
Deep frying, on the other hand, involves immersing food fully in hot oil, usually between 170°C and 190°C. This method cooks food quickly and evenly, creating that familiar crunchy coating we’ve all come to love in fried chicken, nuggets, and snacks.
While it’s been a long-time favourite in Malaysian kitchens, deep frying requires a lot of oil, careful temperature control, and more clean-up afterward.
Modern products, like EB Kranch, are specially crafted for air fryer cooking—delivering that deep-fried crunch without needing a pot of oil.
This makes air frying a more eco-friendly and cost-effective choice in the long run.
If you’re constantly on the go, check out our article on quick and tasty frozen food ideas—air frying makes them even easier.
For beginners, our air fryer tips will help you make the most out of your frozen favourites.
Aspect | Air Fryer Cooking | Deep Frying |
Crispiness & Taste | Light, crispy texture. Works best with frozen food designed for air frying. | Classic crunchy coating with rich oil flavour. |
Oil Usage | Little to no oil needed. Often just a light spray. | Requires a large amount of oil for each session. |
Convenience & Clean-Up | Quick preheat, easy cleaning, no messy oil disposal. | Messy clean-up, oil disposal required, longer prep time. |
Cost & Efficiency | Higher upfront cost but saves money on oil and energy in the long run. | Lower appliance cost but ongoing high cost of cooking oil. |
Versatility | Can fry, bake, roast, grill, and reheat frozen food. | Limited to foods that can be submerged in oil. |
Best For | Everyday frozen snacks, quick meals, and family cooking. | Traditional recipes, bulk cooking, and special occasions. |
Air fryers are no longer just a trend. In Malaysia, they’ve become a staple appliance in many households. One of the biggest reasons is the surge of frozen food designed specifically for air frying.
At EB Frozen Food, we recently launched EB Kranch, a range of crispy frozen chicken products crafted for air fryer cooking. With options like Chicken Karaage, Hot & Spicy Fried Chicken, and Cheezy Chicken Meatballs, EB Kranch makes it easier for families to enjoy restaurant-style crunch right at home.
Our commitment is clear—we aspire to be Malaysia’s No.1 brand in the air fry frozen products market.
While air frying is convenient, there are still times when deep frying makes sense:
However, for everyday family cooking, air fryer cooking usually wins in terms of ease, cost, and convenience.
The frozen food industry in Malaysia is moving in tandem with the popularity of air fryers. More products are being developed with air frying in mind, giving consumers the same crunchy satisfaction of deep-fried meals without the extra hassle.
For EB Frozen Food, the future lies in creating more convenient, halal-certified, and air fryer-ready products that fit seamlessly into modern Malaysian lifestyles.
So, which is better for frozen food—air frying or deep frying?
With innovative products like EB Kranch and more to come, Malaysians can now enjoy the best of both worlds—delicious frozen food prepared in a way that suits their lifestyle.
For tips, guides, and product updates, explore our resources on air fryer cooking and discover how frozen food is evolving for the modern kitchen.
