Using Nuwave Oven As An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

The NuWave Oven is a unique kitchen appliance that uses a combination of infrared, conduction, and convection cooking methods to prepare food. It can cook food from frozen, roast, broil, grill, barbecue, bake, steam, dehydrate, and even air-fry. The NuWave Oven uses hot air to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior. This method of cooking is healthier as it requires less oil compared to traditional frying methods.

While the NuWave Oven does have air-frying capabilities, it is not the same as a dedicated air fryer. Air fryers work by circulating super-hot air around food using a powerful fan system, creating a crispy exterior. The NuWave Oven, on the other hand, uses infrared technology, halogen heat, and convection cooking to prepare food. It is more like a mini conventional oven or a countertop convection oven with some extra features.

Differences between the Nuwave Oven and an air fryer

The Nuwave Oven and an air fryer differ in several ways. Here are some of the key differences:

Cooking Mechanism

The Nuwave Oven uses a combination of infrared, conduction, and convection to cook food. Infrared heat penetrates the food, ensuring the inside and outside are cooked simultaneously. Conduction generates heat inside the oven, cooking the food's surface, while convection circulates hot air using a fan, ensuring even cooking on all sides. On the other hand, air fryers use hot air circulated at high speed to cook food, similar to a convection oven. Despite its name, air fryers don't actually fry food in oil but instead use a small amount of oil spray to create a crispy texture.

Cooking Capacity and Versatility

The Nuwave Oven offers a larger cooking capacity than air fryers, allowing you to cook multiple items simultaneously, such as a whole chicken and vegetables. Air fryers have limited capacity and are not suitable for cooking large roasts or dehydrating items. However, they can cook a wide range of foods, from chicken wings to frozen foods and even some baked goods.

Cooking Time and Preheating

The Nuwave Oven cooks faster than air fryers, taking about 8 minutes to cook a chicken breast on the HI setting. Air fryers typically take around 20 minutes for the same task and often require preheating, adding to the overall cooking time.

Maintenance and Cost

The Nuwave Oven's plastic dome is not very sturdy and prone to cracking, with replacements costing up to $35. Air fryers, on the other hand, are generally considered more budget-friendly, with models ranging from $50 to $400. Nuwave Ovens are more expensive, costing around $140, and their kits and accessories, such as baking and dehydrating kits, come at an additional cost.

User Experience

The Nuwave Oven is preferred by some users due to its convenience, as it doesn't require preheating and has a larger cooking capacity. Air fryers are also easy to use and clean, but their limited capacity may require cooking in batches.

Pros and cons of the Nuwave Oven

The NuWave Oven is a multi-purpose kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a variety of foods, from meats and fish to pizzas and vegetables. It has several pros and cons that are worth considering before purchasing.

Pros:

• Fast cooking times: The NuWave Oven cooks food up to 70% faster than a traditional oven, without the need for pre-heating.
• Easy to clean: The NuWave Oven is dishwasher-safe and has removable parts, making it easy to clean.
• Multiple cooking options: The NuWave Oven combines infrared heat, convection, and conduction, allowing you to broil, grill, roast, bake, sear, steam, barbecue, or air-fry your foods with one device.
• Large capacity: The NuWave Oven is large enough to cook most meals, with an interior size of 12 inches in diameter and 6.5 inches in depth.
• Healthy cooking: The NuWave Oven renders fat out of food, making it a healthier option for cooking.
• Convenient: The NuWave Oven is portable, lightweight, and easy to use, with a touch-and-go panel for adjusting settings.

Cons:

• Cleaning required after each use: Despite its multiple cooking options, the NuWave Oven requires cleaning after each use, similar to a countertop grill or frying pan.
• Limited warranty: The manufacturer's warranty does not cover all aspects of the unit, and certain issues, such as non-stick coatings, are excluded.
• Shipping costs: Purchasing the NuWave Oven directly from the manufacturer can incur high shipping and handling charges, so it is recommended to buy from a local retailer or Amazon Prime.
• Limited lifespan: The NuWave Oven has a limited lifespan, with the dome cracking after two years of regular use and the powerhead burning out after five years or less.
• Inaccurate cooking times: The cooking times supplied in the instructions are often inaccurate, requiring longer cooking times for certain foods.
• Struggles with baked goods: The NuWave Oven struggles to compete with a traditional oven when it comes to baking goods, as cakes and cookies may not rise as much or retain their moisture.

Overall, the NuWave Oven offers a convenient and fast cooking option, but it may not be suitable for daily use due to its limited lifespan and struggles with baking goods. It is a good choice for occasional use, especially for cooking meats and fish.

Pros and cons of an air fryer

The Nuwave oven is a separate product from the Nuwave air fryer. The Nuwave Bravo XL Pro Smart Oven, Air Fryer & Grill is an all-in-one kitchen appliance that can air fry, bake, broil, dehydrate, cook from frozen, grill, cook pizza, reheat, roast, slow roast, toast, and make yoghurt.

Now, here are the pros and cons of an air fryer:

Pros

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying. They use hot air to create a crispy texture without needing large amounts of oil.

• Air fryers require little to no oil, reducing the amount of fat and overall calorie content of your food. This can be beneficial for those trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
• Air fryers are quick and easy to use, reducing cooking time and eliminating the need for preheating.
• Air fryers are versatile and can cook a variety of foods, from vegetables and meats to desserts and snacks.
• Most air fryers have removable, dishwasher-safe parts, making cleaning convenient.
• Using an air fryer can save money on oil and reduce energy costs compared to traditional deep frying.
• Air fryers are safer than traditional deep fryers as they reduce the risk of hot oil spills and burns.
• Air fryers do not produce as much waste as traditional deep fryers, making them more environmentally friendly.

Cons

• Air fryers have a limited cooking capacity compared to traditional ovens or deep fryers, making them unsuitable for larger families or cooking larger portions.
• Air fryers can be expensive compared to traditional deep fryers or other kitchen appliances.
• Air fryers can be noisy during operation, which may be a nuisance for those who prefer quiet appliances.
• There is a learning curve to using an air fryer, and it may take time to adjust cooking times and temperatures to achieve the desired results.
• Air fryers require regular maintenance, including cleaning the cooking basket and heating element, which can be time-consuming.
• Not all foods are suitable for air frying, and certain recipes may not turn out as expected.
• Air fryers can overcook foods, resulting in dried-out or inedible meals.
• Air fryers have a smaller capacity than standard ovens, making them less ideal for larger households.
• Air fryers can be bulky and take up valuable counter space in your kitchen.
• Air fryers may require you to flip your food during cooking to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• It can be challenging to monitor the cooking process in an air fryer due to the enclosed cooking area.

Nuwave Oven features

The Nuwave Oven is a unique kitchen appliance that uses a combination of infrared, conduction, and convection cooking methods to prepare food. This allows the oven to cook food from frozen, roast, broil, grill, barbecue, bake, steam, dehydrate, and even air-fry.

The Nuwave Oven comes in different models, each with its own unique features. For instance, the NuWave Pro has a digital control panel, while the standard model has an analog control panel. Other models, like the NuWave Bravo XL and the NuWave Primo Grill Oven, combine the features of a convection oven and indoor grill, offering even more versatility.

• Precision Digital Temperature Control: The Nuwave Oven allows you to set a precise, consistent temperature, ensuring even cooking throughout the process. With a temperature range from 50°F to 500°F, you can confidently cook various dishes.
• Top & Bottom Heating: The oven channels 1800 watts of power through five quartz heating elements, with three on the top and two on the bottom, cooking your food evenly on all sides. You can customize the power on both the top and bottom heating elements, along with the fan speed, for a personalized cooking experience.
• Flavor Infusion Technology: The combination of adjustable power to the heating elements and superheated cyclonic air cooks your food evenly inside and out, locking in flavor and moisture while improving crispiness and reducing unhealthy fats and oils.
• Convection Heating Technology: The Nuwave Oven circulates hot air around the food, resulting in faster cooking times, even results, and delicious meals. The intense heating process helps drip off excess fats and oils while retaining nutritious juices.
• Easy Cleanup: The Nuwave Oven features non-stick parts, including the grill/griddle plate and basket rack, making cleanup a breeze. It also includes a removable crumb tray that catches any food residue. These parts are dishwasher-safe, ensuring a hassle-free cleaning experience.
• Safety: The Nuwave Bravo is designed to keep the hot air inside the oven, preventing it from escaping into your cooking space. The heat-resistant door and cool-to-touch handle minimize the risk of accidental burns, ensuring a safer cooking experience.

Additionally, the Nuwave Oven offers a convenient alternative to a traditional oven, providing similar functionality with added benefits of digital controls and faster cooking times. It is ideal for small households, reheating meals, and cooking for a few people. With its versatility and ease of use, the Nuwave Oven is a valuable addition to any kitchen.

Air fryer features

Air fryers have gained popularity due to their ability to produce crispy and tasty food with less oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep frying. They are known for their fast cooking times and energy efficiency. When compared to a NuWave Oven, air fryers offer a few distinct advantages. Firstly, they heat up much faster, thanks to their powerful fan systems. This also contributes to their energy efficiency, as they require less time to operate.

The key to achieving that sought-after crispy, fried-like texture lies in the air fryer's ability to circulate super-hot air around the food. This results in a consistent and even cook, leaving your food with a delightful exterior crunch while maintaining a tender interior. Additionally, air fryers are usually more compact, making them a convenient option for those with limited kitchen space.

While the NuWave Oven employs a combination of infrared, conduction, and convection cooking methods, it falls short of delivering the same air-fried texture. It serves as a versatile appliance, offering a wide range of cooking functions, but it doesn't match the unique results of a dedicated air fryer.

If you're specifically seeking that distinctive crispiness and taste of air-fried food, investing in an actual air fryer would be a more suitable choice. However, if you prioritize versatility and a broader range of cooking functions, the NuWave Oven might still be a valuable addition to your kitchen.

Frequently asked questions