Convection Ovens: Air Fryer Substitute?

Air fryers and convection ovens both use fans to circulate heat and create crispy, fried food without deep frying. However, there are some differences between the two. Countertop air fryer compartments are much smaller than an oven cavity, so food typically cooks faster. Air fryers also use optimized heat and airflow for a fried result. Convection ovens have enough capacity to brown several servings at once, so you can make more to share. If you want to use your convection oven as an air fryer, you'll need a dedicated air fry function for the best results, as well as an air fryer basket or tray.

Air Fryer vs Convection Oven

Air fryers and convection ovens are similar in that they both use fans to circulate heat and create crispy, fried food without deep frying. However, there are some differences between the two appliances. Here is a detailed comparison between the two:

Size and Capacity

Air fryer compartments are much smaller than convection oven cavities. This means that food typically cooks faster in an air fryer, but convection ovens have a larger capacity, allowing you to cook more food at once.

Temperature and Fan Speed

Convection ovens circulate hot air around the food, but the air is coming from the elements at the bottom of the cavity, just like in a traditional oven. In contrast, air fryers use convection fans to rapidly circulate extremely hot air around the food, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior. Air fryers also tend to use higher temperatures than convection ovens.

Convenience and Clean-up

Using a convection oven eliminates the need for an additional appliance, saving counter space. Convection ovens also usually don't need to be cleaned after every use, unlike air fryers, which require cleaning the basket and pull-out compartment.

Results

Convection ovens may not produce the same level of crispiness as air fryers, but they can still achieve satisfyingly crispy results, especially when using dark cookware or a perforated basket.

Cost

Convection ovens require more power than air fryers, and operating an electric oven is generally more expensive than using an air fryer.

Preheating

Most air fryers don't require preheating, whereas convection ovens typically do.

Adaptability

Air fryers are designed for specific tasks, such as frying or roasting, while convection ovens offer more versatility and can be used for a wider range of cooking methods.

Overall

Both appliances have their advantages and disadvantages. If you're looking for speed, convenience, and crispy results, an air fryer might be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prioritize capacity, versatility, and ease of clean-up, a convection oven may be a better option. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Air Fryer Ovens

Benefits of Air Fryer Ovens

• Convenience: No need for an additional appliance, saving counter space and money.
• Capacity: Air fryer ovens can cook larger batches than basket-style air fryers, which often require cooking in multiple rounds.
• Easy to Clean: Air fryer ovens typically require less cleaning than air fryers, as you can use baking dishes and sheet pans.
• Crispy Results: Air fryer ovens deliver crispy, golden food, especially when using dark cookware or a perforated basket.

Tips for Using a Convection Oven as an Air Fryer

• Prep Food for Air Frying: Cut veggies and potatoes into bite-sized pieces and coat lightly with oil. For meat and fish, pat the surface dry and apply a light coat of oil or cooking spray.
• Use the Right Cookware: A perforated air fry basket allows hot air to circulate across the food. If you don't have one, use a dark or non-stick tray with low sides or an oven-safe cooling rack.
• Give Food Space: Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crisping.
• Adjust Times and Temperatures: Convection ovens typically cook more slowly than air fryers, so you may need to increase temperatures and cooking times.
• Flip Food Halfway Through: Flip or shake food to improve air distribution, but only if necessary, as this can cause heat loss.

So, if you're thinking of getting an air fryer, consider an air fryer oven instead. They offer the same crispy results with the added benefits of convenience, capacity, and ease of cleaning.

Air Fryer Baskets

When choosing an air fryer basket, it is important to ensure it is compatible with your specific air fryer model. Additionally, some baskets offer features such as non-stick coatings or dishwasher-safe materials, which can enhance their convenience and ease of use.

Air Fryer Recipes

If you're looking for ways to use your convection oven as an air fryer, you're in luck! Convection ovens and air fryers work on similar principles, so with a few adjustments, you can achieve similar results. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Breakfast Potatoes:

Add some spice to your breakfast with air-fried potatoes. Cut potatoes into small chunks, season with pepper, onion, garlic, and salt. Drizzle with oil and air fry until crispy.

Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato:

For a healthier option, try making a baked sweet potato in your air fryer. Pierce the sweet potato several times with a fork, rub with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Air fry for about 40 minutes at 200°C, or until tender.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings:

For crispy chicken wings, pat the wings dry, season with your favourite spices, and air fry at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Air Fryer Pork Chops:

This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Mix Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, salt, parsley, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the pork chops with oil, then dredge in the cheese mixture. Air fry for about 10 minutes, or until cooked through.

Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes:

Butternut squash, sweet potato fries, and baked potatoes are all excellent options for air frying. Cut the vegetables into uniform sizes, toss with a small amount of oil, and air fry until tender and crispy.

Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Chips:

For a healthier snack, try making apple cinnamon chips in your air fryer. Slice apples thinly, sprinkle with cinnamon, and air fry until crispy.

Air Fryer Donuts:

For a fun treat, try making air-fried donuts. Use canned biscuit dough, cut out the centres, and air fry until golden. Roll in cinnamon sugar, and enjoy!

Now, onto the tips for using your convection oven as an air fryer:

Tips for Using a Convection Oven as an Air Fryer:

• Ensure your oven has a convection fan.
• Purchase a crisper tray or basket, which can be placed inside your oven to circulate air around the food.
• Create extra airflow by adjusting the oven racks and placing a crumb tray or sheet pan on the lower rack.
• Preheat the crisper basket along with your oven to help crisp the food.
• Convection ovens may cook more slowly than air fryers, so adjust cooking times and temperatures accordingly.
• Use a perforated tray or basket, or a dark/non-stick tray with low sides, to allow for proper air circulation.
• Avoid overcrowding the oven to ensure even cooking and crisping.
• Flip or shake the food halfway through the cooking process to improve air distribution.

Air Fryer vs Convection Oven Recipes

Yes, you can use a convection oven as an air fryer, but the results may differ. The best way to mimic an air fryer in an oven is to purchase an air fryer basket accessory to increase airflow around your food. You can also use a high-temperature cooling rack placed on a baking tray.

Air fryers and convection ovens use fans to circulate hot air around food, but there are some key differences. Air fryers cook from the top down and rarely have bottom heating elements, while convection ovens use built-in heating mechanisms to blow hot air via a fan often located at the back or side of the oven.

Air fryers are great if you're short on space and want to cook smaller portions quickly. They also have the added benefit of a drip pan to catch excess oil, making food crispier.

Convection ovens, on the other hand, allow you to cook larger batches and offer more functionality, such as toasting and broiling. They also don't require the purchase of additional accessories and are generally easier to clean, as they don't need to be cleaned after every use.

Air Fryer Recipes

Air fryers are perfect for cooking frozen foods like chicken tenders, pizza rolls, and fish sticks until they're crispy. They're also great for roasting vegetables, potatoes, chicken wings, and even hot dogs.

Convection Oven Recipes

Convection ovens are versatile and can be used for a wide range of recipes. They're excellent for roasted meats, casseroles, and most desserts. However, it's best to avoid using the convection setting for custards, souffles, cakes, and breads, as these may bake unevenly.

In conclusion

Both air fryers and convection ovens have their pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you're looking for quick, crispy results and don't mind the smaller capacity, an air fryer might be ideal. On the other hand, if you prioritize versatility, larger batch cooking, and a broader range of recipes, a convection oven could be the better option.

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