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 a few differences between the two. Countertop air fryer compartments are much smaller than an oven cavity, so food typically cooks faster. Air fryers also use optimised heat and airflow for a fried result. Convection ovens, on the other hand, have more capacity, allowing you to cook larger batches at once. If you're wondering whether you can use your convection oven as an air fryer, the answer is yes! Simply use a perforated tray or basket to allow hot air to circulate over the entire surface of the food. You can also use a dark or non-stick tray with low sides or an oven-safe cooling rack. Additionally, make sure to give your food enough space to cook and adjust the cooking times and temperatures accordingly.

Air fryer vs. convection oven

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 appliances. Here is a detailed comparison between air fryers and convection ovens:

Size and Cooking Time:

Air fryer compartments are much smaller than convection oven cavities. Therefore, food typically cooks faster in an air fryer. The compact size of air fryers also means they heat up faster, resulting in shorter cooking times. However, convection ovens offer more capacity, allowing you to cook larger batches at once.

Temperature and Airflow:

Air fryers use optimized heat and airflow settings to achieve the desired "fried" result. They operate at higher temperatures, typically between 350-400°F. Convection ovens, on the other hand, may take longer to reach the desired temperature, especially when compared to basket-style air fryers.

Convenience and Clean-up:

Convection ovens eliminate the need for an additional appliance, saving counter space. They are also easier to clean, as air fryers typically require cleaning the basket and pull-out compartment after each use. Convection ovens, on the other hand, do not usually require cleaning after every use, thanks to baking dishes and sheet pans.

Results and Versatility:

Both air fryers and convection ovens can deliver crispy, golden results. Air fryers are particularly effective at achieving the "fried" exterior. Convection ovens provide more versatility in terms of cooking methods and can be used for baking, roasting, broiling, and more.

Cost:

Air fryers are generally more energy-efficient than convection ovens. A recent report suggests that operating an electric oven costs about 50 cents an hour, while using an air fryer is half the cost.

In summary, air fryers and convection ovens have their advantages and disadvantages. Air fryers are ideal for quick, convenient cooking and deliver excellent crispy results. Convection ovens offer more capacity and versatility but may take longer to cook and reach the desired temperature. Ultimately, the choice between an air fryer and a convection oven depends on your specific needs, preferences, and cooking requirements.

Air fryer oven working

An air fryer oven combines rapid airflow and intense heat to create a crispy, "fried" exterior. A fan blows heated air around the oven at a speed and temperature that helps crisp food with little to no oil.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Place a pan lined with parchment paper or foil on the rack below the food to catch any crumbs or drips. Adjust the rack placement so that the food will be centred in the oven, as this is where food will cook most evenly. Preheat the oven to your desired temperature.

Step 2: Find the Right Cookware

Use a perforated air fry basket, which allows hot air to circulate across the entire surface of the food. If you don't have one, you can use an oven-safe dark or non-stick tray with low sides or an oven-safe cooling rack.

Step 3: Prepare the Food

Cut vegetables and other foods into cubes, spears, or medallions to maximise the surface area and help the food cook evenly. Lightly coat the food with oil to promote browning. If you are cooking meat or fish, pat the surface dry and apply a light coat of oil before adding any breading. Arrange the food in the air fry basket with plenty of space around each piece to allow for even air circulation.

Step 4: Set the Time and Temperature

Cooking times and temperatures will vary depending on the recipe and the type of oven you are using. Convection ovens typically cook at temperatures between 350-400°F, but you should refer to your oven's manual for specific instructions. If you don't have access to the manual, follow the recipe's cooking time and temperature and keep an eye on the food as it cooks.

Step 5: Flip Halfway Through (If Necessary)

You may need to flip or shake the food halfway through the cooking process to improve air distribution. However, only do this if it is absolutely necessary, as flipping can result in heat loss in the oven. Spray the food with a little extra oil or cooking spray before flipping to promote crisping.

Achieving the same results with a convection oven

If you want to achieve the same results as an air fryer with your convection oven, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Prepare your food for air frying

Depending on the ingredients you are going to cook, you may need to prepare them in a way that ensures a golden, crispy exterior. For vegetables and potatoes, cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces such as cubes, spears or medallions. Lightly coat them in oil to encourage browning. For meat or fish, pat the surface dry and then coat with oil or cooking spray to help crisp up the skin. If using a breading, a drier exterior will produce better results, so consider toppings like panko, shredded cheese or breadcrumbs instead of a wet batter.

Step 2: Use the right air frying cookware

Use a perforated tray or basket to allow hot air to circulate over the entire surface of the food. If you don't have a perforated tray or basket, use a dark or non-stick tray with low sides or an oven-safe cooling rack. Place a cookie sheet covered with aluminium foil or parchment paper on the lower rack to catch any drippings.

Step 3: Give your food space

Avoid overcrowding your food in the oven. The hot air circulated by the convection fan needs to reach the entire surface of your food to create a golden, crispy exterior. Overcrowding will prevent proper crisping and may result in a soggy exterior.

Step 4: Be mindful of air frying temperatures and times

Convection ovens don't cook as fast as air fryers, so you will need to adjust the cooking times. Air fryers also tend to use higher temperatures. Generally, you can expect to air fry in a convection oven at temperatures between 350-400°F, but this will vary depending on the recipe. If using a recipe with conventional oven times, refer to your oven manufacturer's instructions for the correct cook times and temperatures. If you don't have the manual, start with the times in the recipe and keep an eye on your food as it cooks.

Step 5: Flip your food halfway through

As with an air fryer, you may want to flip or shake your food to improve air distribution during cooking. However, only flip your food if necessary, as this could result in heat loss in the oven. Spray or rub with a little extra oil or cooking spray to promote crisping.

Benefits of using a convection oven

A convection oven offers a multitude of benefits for cooks and bakers of all skill levels.

Firstly, convection ovens cook food faster and more evenly than regular ovens. The fan and exhaust system in a convection oven blows hot air directly onto the food and then vents it back out, resulting in quicker and more uniform cooking. This is especially beneficial when roasting meats and vegetables, as they cook faster and emerge with a crispier exterior while remaining moist on the inside.

Secondly, convection ovens are more energy-efficient than conventional ovens. Food cooks faster and at a lower temperature in a convection oven, leading to reduced energy consumption. The preheating process also requires less energy due to the lower temperatures.

Thirdly, convection ovens offer more flexibility in terms of cooking multiple dishes simultaneously. The even circulation of hot air eliminates the need to rotate trays or worry about hot spots, allowing for the baking of multiple trays of cookies at once without any compromise in quality.

Lastly, convection ovens are ideal for recipes that require a crispy exterior and moist interior. The dry atmosphere created by the constant airflow caramelizes sugars faster, resulting in a beautifully browned exterior. This makes convection ovens perfect for roasting meats, vegetables, and baked goods like pies and pastries.

In summary, convection ovens provide faster and more even cooking, energy efficiency, flexibility in batch cooking, and the ability to create crispy and moist dishes. These benefits make convection ovens a valuable asset in any kitchen, enabling cooks to produce high-quality dishes with ease and efficiency.

Air fryer oven recipes

If you're looking to use your convection oven as an air fryer, you'll need a few things. First, ensure your oven has a convection fan. Then, get yourself a crisper tray or basket, which will cost you around $25. This will allow air to circulate under your food, giving you that crispy texture.

Now you're ready to start cooking! Here are some recipe ideas to get you going:

Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Marinate the chicken thighs, make your breading, bread the chicken, and spritz with oil before placing in the air fryer basket and cooking in the oven.

Convection Oven Air Fryer French Fries

Slice your potatoes thinly and experiment with oils like olive, peanut, grapeseed, or canola. Place in the air fryer basket and cook.

Air Fryer Vegetables

Use seasoning and a light coat of oil with your chosen veggies—try zucchini, cauliflower, green beans, or asparagus. Place in the air fryer basket to cook.

Air Fryer Salmon

Cut your salmon into even slices, pat dry, add seasoning, and a light coat of oil. Place in the air fryer basket and cook.

Air Fryer Steak

Lightly brush a 1-inch slice of your chosen steak with oil, add seasoning, and place in the air fryer basket to cook.

Twice Baked Potatoes

Air frying creates a great crowd-pleasing dish with fluffy potatoes and a rich, creamy filling. Try serving these with steak, chicken, or a side salad.

Frequently asked questions