For people looking for healthier and more convenient ways to prepare meals, a multicooker can be an interesting alternative to a traditional deep fryer. On the website https://multicook.zgora.pl you can find many appliances and accessories that support this way of cooking, but before choosing this option, it is worth learning how it works and understanding the limitations of this method.

How Can a Multicooker Replace a Deep Fryer?

A traditional deep fryer has one main task – keeping oil at a high temperature (usually 170–190°C) and quickly frying food to create a crispy crust and soft interior. A multicooker with a “fry” or “deep fry” function works on a similar principle, but usually offers a wider range of programs and temperature adjustment.

Key differences:

  • Capacity – a multicooker often has a larger pot, allowing larger portions to be prepared at once.
  • Versatility – after frying, you can immediately switch to stewing or heating in the same vessel.
  • Temperature adjustment – this allows the frying process to be adapted to different foods (for example, delicate fish require a lower temperature than fries).

Advantages of Frying in a Multicooker

Choosing a multicooker as an alternative to a deep fryer has several important advantages:

  1. Saving kitchen space
    Instead of keeping two separate appliances, you have one that replaces several devices.
  2. Easier cleaning
    A multicooker usually has a removable pot with a non-stick coating, which makes washing it after frying easier.
  3. Control over the amount of fat
    Some models allow you to fry with less oil or even prepare food in “air fry” mode using hot air.
  4. Multitasking
    After frying chicken, you can immediately switch modes and cook sauce or vegetables in the same pot.

Limitations and Differences Compared with a Traditional Deep Fryer

Although a multicooker is versatile, it will not always provide exactly the same result as a traditional deep fryer.

  • Heating time – a multicooker needs more time to bring the oil to a high temperature.
  • Less intense frying – because of the heating element design, the temperature may be less stable with large portions.
  • No dedicated frying basket – in traditional deep fryers, the basket makes it easier to remove food; in a multicooker, you often need to use a spatula or tongs.

How to Fry in a Multicooker Step by Step

  1. Prepare the ingredients – fries, chicken pieces, fish or vegetables should be dry and seasoned.
  2. Heat the oil – set the temperature according to the recipe (usually 170–180°C) and wait until the multicooker indicates that it is ready.
  3. Add the food in batches – do not overcrowd the pot so that the oil temperature does not drop.
  4. Fry until golden – the time depends on the type of food (fries: approximately 8–10 minutes; chicken: approximately 12 minutes).
  5. Drain excess fat – after removing the food, place it on a paper towel.

Healthier Alternatives – “Air Fry” Mode

More and more multicookers offer hot-air frying, without fully immersing food in oil. The result is similar to that of an air fryer: the food is crispy but less caloric.

In “air fry” mode, it is worth:

  • spraying the food with a little oil to improve its taste and appearance,
  • using thin pieces of meat or vegetables so that they cook evenly,
  • avoiding breading with a large amount of flour, as it may dry out.

When Does a Multicooker Work Best as a Deep Fryer?

  • In small kitchens where every appliance needs to serve multiple functions.
  • For people who fry only occasionally and do not want to invest in a separate appliance.
  • In homes that value a varied cuisine – from frying and cooking to baking in one pot.

Summary

A multicooker can be a good alternative to a traditional deep fryer, especially if versatility and saving kitchen space are important to us. We will not always achieve exactly the same result as with a professional frying appliance, but in return we get equipment that can do much more. It is worth remembering, however, that frying requires the right temperature and time control – then even in a multicooker we can prepare fries, chicken or vegetables with perfect crispiness.