Convection Ovens: Air Fryer Capabilities Unveiled

Air fryers and convection ovens are similar in that they both use fans to circulate heat and create crispy food without deep frying. However, there are some key differences between the two appliances. Air fryers are typically smaller than convection ovens, which means they cook food faster but have a more limited capacity. Convection ovens, on the other hand, offer more space for cooking larger amounts of food at once. Another difference is that air fryers use optimised heat and airflow to achieve a fried result, while convection ovens simply circulate hot air to cook food.

Air Fryer vs Convection Oven

Air fryers and convection ovens are similar in the way they operate, but they also have key differences. While both appliances use fans to circulate heat, many air fryers cook from the top down and do not have a bottom heating element. Convection ovens typically use the oven’s main heating element, a fan, and a third heating element on True Convection models to distribute heat throughout the oven cavity.

Size and Speed

The real difference between air fryers and convection ovens is in size and speed. Air fryers are smaller and more portable than convection ovens, resembling tall coffeemakers. Because of their compact size, air fryers can focus a high amount of heat onto a relatively small cooking area, resulting in faster cooking. However, this also means that air fryers can only cook about two servings at a time, while convection ovens can fit much more food.

Cooking for a Crowd

If you're cooking for more than one or two people, you'll need to cook in batches with an air fryer, which can take longer than using a convection oven. The small size of the basket in an air fryer also prevents you from spreading out an even layer of food, so you have to stack your food instead. But by stacking your food, you prevent the hot air from flowing evenly around it, thus defeating the purpose of the convection effect.

Pros and Cons of Air Fryers

• Air fryers are ideal for cooking for one or two people, as food will cook faster due to their compact size.
• Air fryers are more expensive than comparable convection ovens. A top air fryer might cost $250, while a $150 convection oven will cook more food and more varieties of food (including toast).
• Air fryers take up less space and can be stored in a cupboard when not in use.
• Air fryer cleanup is more difficult due to the perforated basket and bucket that need to be cleaned.
• With an air fryer, you can't see inside, which can be helpful for judging doneness.
• Air fryers are louder than convection ovens, with some models generating 65 decibels, similar to the volume of a vacuum cleaner.

Pros and Cons of Convection Ovens

• Convection ovens are better suited for roasting and baking than air fryers.
• Convection ovens have a larger capacity than air fryers, allowing you to cook bigger servings.
• Convection ovens are standalone appliances with many capabilities, such as baking, roasting, and air frying.
• Convection ovens may have longer cooking times than air fryers due to their larger size.
• Convection ovens can be bulky and take up a lot of counter space.

Deciding between an air fryer and a convection oven will depend on your cooking needs and preferences. If you need more space to cook bigger servings or want a standalone appliance with multiple functions, a convection oven might be the best choice. On the other hand, if you're looking for a compact, portable option that can deliver crispy fried foods without the excess oil of a deep fryer, an air fryer may be the way to go.

How does an air fryer work?

Air fryers are essentially small, portable convection ovens. They cook food by blowing hot air around it, creating a convection effect that transfers heat to the surface of the food. This results in faster cooking and enhanced browning and crisping compared to an ordinary oven.

Air fryers typically consist of a removable bucket with a handle and a basket inside where the food is placed. The bucket slides into the device, and a fan situated overhead circulates hot air around the food. This rapid circulation of hot air is what makes the food crisp, similar to deep-frying but without the oil.

To use an air fryer, you place your food in the basket, set the time and temperature, and let it cook. Depending on the food, you may need to flip or turn it halfway through for even cooking. It's important to note that air fryers work best when there is adequate space between individual items for the hot air to circulate evenly. Therefore, cooking in small batches is recommended.

One of the key advantages of air fryers is their convenience. They are easy to use, with timer and temperature controls, and some models even have automated shut-off features. Additionally, air fryers are ideal for reheating leftovers, as they keep crispy foods crispy without making them soggy, like an oven or microwave might.

While air fryers are marketed as a healthier alternative to deep-frying, it's important to note that the health benefits may be negligible, especially if oil is added to the air fryer. However, air fryers can be a valuable tool for portion control, as they typically cook one to two servings at a time.

Can I air fry with my convection oven?

Yes, you can air fry with a convection oven. In fact, an air fryer is essentially a smaller version of a convection oven. Both use a fan to circulate hot air around food, but air fryers are typically more portable and cook smaller amounts of food.

Convection ovens are great for roasting meats, cooking pizza, baking casseroles, roasting vegetables, and baking scones and crunchy cookies. They also tend to cook food faster than conventional ovens.

Air fryers are simple to use and can make golden French fries, crunchy fried pickles, or even crispy kale chips with a tablespoon or less of oil. They also usually preheat faster than convection ovens.

The main difference between the two is size. A convection oven generally has more space for cooking larger amounts of food at once. The fan in an air fryer is located at the top of the appliance, which cooks food a little faster than the fan in a convection oven. A convection oven doesn't require any specialty equipment or accessories like an air fryer does.

Choosing between an air fryer and a convection oven is entirely about personal preference. Some prefer the small size of an air fryer, while others want all the cooking options and capabilities that come with a convection oven.

Pros and cons of using a convection oven as an air fryer

Convection ovens and air fryers both use fans to circulate hot air and cook food. However, there are some key differences between the two. Here are some pros and cons of using a convection oven as an air fryer:

Pros:

• A convection oven is essentially a larger version of an air fryer, so it can cook larger amounts of food at once.
• Convection ovens offer more cooking options and capabilities than air fryers.
• Convection ovens are ideal for those who want the functionality of an air fryer and a toaster oven in one appliance.
• Convection ovens are generally more affordable than air fryers.
• Convection ovens do not require any specialty equipment or accessories like an air fryer.

Cons:

• Convection ovens are typically larger and may take up more counter space.
• Air fryers cook food faster than convection ovens due to their smaller size and more powerful fans.
• Air fryers are more compact and easier to store than convection ovens.
• Air fryers may be preferred for those who only want to cook small batches of food.
• Convection ovens may require more energy to operate due to their larger size.

Air fryer oven vs countertop air fryer

Air fryer ovens and countertop air fryers are both great options for people who want to enjoy the benefits of air frying without sacrificing their valuable counter space. But what's the difference between the two, and which one is right for you?

Size and Capacity

The main difference between air fryer ovens and countertop air fryers is size. Air fryer ovens are typically larger and can take up more counter space. They are designed to fit larger items such as whole chickens, 12-inch pizzas, or 9x13 casserole dishes. On the other hand, countertop air fryers are smaller and more compact, making them ideal for those with limited counter space. However, they may not have the same capacity as air fryer ovens and may not be able to fit as much food.

Functions and Features

Air fryer ovens usually come with more functions and features than countertop air fryers. They can have up to 13 different functions, including toast, air fry, bake, broil, roast, and more. Countertop air fryers typically have fewer functions, with some basic models only offering air frying, baking, and toasting capabilities. If you're looking for a machine that can do it all, an air fryer oven might be the better option. However, if you're mainly interested in air frying and don't need the extra functions, a countertop air fryer could be a more cost-effective choice.

Performance

Both air fryer ovens and countertop air fryers use the same basic technology: electric heating elements and convection fans to circulate hot air and cook food evenly. However, air fryer ovens tend to have more powerful fans, resulting in crispier food and faster cooking times. Countertop air fryers may take longer to cook larger items, but they are still effective and can produce crispy, golden-brown results.

Ease of Use

Air fryer ovens often come with digital interfaces that make them easier to use and allow for more precise temperature and time control. They also usually have pre-programmed settings, so you don't have to guess the temperature and time for different types of food. Countertop air fryers can have either digital or manual controls, depending on the model. Manual controls are generally less precise, but they are still effective for air frying, baking, and toasting.

Price

Air fryer ovens tend to be more expensive than countertop air fryers, especially those with more functions and features. If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, a countertop air fryer might be a better choice. However, it's important to note that air fryer ovens can be worth the investment if you plan on using the additional functions and larger capacity.

Both air fryer ovens and countertop air fryers are great options for those who want the convenience of air frying without sacrificing counter space. If you're looking for a machine with multiple functions, a larger capacity, and faster cooking times, an air fryer oven might be the right choice. However, if you're short on counter space or don't need the extra features, a countertop air fryer could be a more compact and cost-effective solution. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences, budget, and how you plan to use the appliance.

Frequently asked questions