Quick answer

For pure crispiness, a dedicated air fryer wins with rapid hot air circulation. But a griddle delivers superior sear and caramelization on foods like burgers and veggies. The Blackstone Pellet Grill Airfryer Combo combines both in one outdoor unit, letting you choose the right method for each meal.

How each method creates crispiness

Air fryers rely on a high-speed fan that circulates superheated air around food, pulling moisture away and creating a dry, crunchy exterior. This works especially well for frozen foods like fries, chicken wings, and onion rings, where you want a light, even crust without deep frying. The enclosed chamber traps heat, so the cooking environment stays consistent and fast.

A flat-top griddle, by contrast, uses direct conductive heat from a solid steel surface. It excels at developing Maillard browning and a rich, savory sear on foods like smash burgers, sliced potatoes, and vegetables. The open cooking surface lets you press down on food for maximum contact, but it doesn't trap steam the way an air fryer does, so moisture can escape more slowly.

When to choose a griddle over an air fryer

Choose a griddle when you want a wide cooking area for batch cooking, or when you need a hard sear on proteins. The 28" Omnivore Griddle with Hood provides even heat distribution across its surface, eliminating hot spots so every pancake, egg, or steak cooks consistently. It also lets you cook multiple items at once—breakfast, lunch, and dinner components all on one surface. The trade-off is that you won't get the same airy crunch on breaded items that an air fryer delivers.

When an air fryer is the better choice

An air fryer shines when you need quick, hands-off cooking for smaller batches of frozen or breaded foods. Its enclosed design and circulating heat produce a crisp coating with little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying. The trade-off is limited capacity—most air fryer baskets hold only a few servings at a time—and you can't sear or caramelize food the same way you can on a hot griddle surface.

Trade-offs at a glance

  • Crispiness method: Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation for a dry, crunchy crust. Griddles use direct conductive heat for browning and searing. Air fryer wins for breaded foods; griddle wins for seared meats and vegetables.
  • Cooking surface and capacity: Griddles offer large, open cooking areas (up to 896 sq. in. on the Pellet Grill Combo). Air fryers typically have smaller baskets (7 qt. in the combo unit). Griddle is better for feeding a crowd; air fryer suits small batches.
  • Versatility and convenience: A griddle air fryer combo gives you both methods in one unit. Dedicated air fryers are simpler but limited. Griddles require more attention and oil management. Combo unit offers the most flexibility for outdoor cooking.

Product facts that matter

  • 900 Pellet Grill Airfryer Combo: Experience a new realm of flavor with the Blackstone Pellet Grill and Air Fryer Combo. This 896 sq. In. Pellet Grill is expertly equipped with a 20 lb. Hopper, a folding front shelf, plus Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connect ability. Expand your cooking ability with the built-in 7 qt. Digitally controlled Air Fryer Drawer with smoke technology. This combo unit gives you both a large pellet grill for smoking and searing, plus a dedicated air fryer drawer with smoke tech. You can crisp wings in the air fryer while grilling burgers on the griddle surface, all from one outdoor appliance.
  • 17" TABLE TOP GRIDDLE CARR: Threaded Brass Regulator Connector: 9/16"-18UNF (United National Fine Thread)ed. Uses a one-pound regulator. No adapter hose included. The 17" Table Top Griddle is a compact, portable option for small spaces or camping. Its threaded regulator connector means you'll need a specific one-pound propane tank—no standard hose adapter included. Great for quick searing on the go, but not for air frying.

Which one fits your cooking style?

Best for

  • Home cooks who want both searing and air frying without buying two separate appliances
  • Outdoor cooking enthusiasts who need a large cooking surface for batch meals and a quick crisp option

Not for

  • Anyone who only cooks frozen snacks and wants the simplest, most compact countertop device
  • Campers or tailgaters who need a lightweight, ultra-portable cooker (consider the 17" Table Top Griddle instead)