Air Fryer Baking: Oven Alternative?

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens, especially when you're cooking for one or two people and don't want to heat up your kitchen. They're essentially small, electric convection ovens that circulate hot air around food to cook and crisp it up. While they're not ideal for baking multiple dishes or large portions, they're perfect for preparing single batches of your favourite fried foods, from chicken wings to zucchini fries.

If you're using an air fryer instead of an oven, you'll need to make some adjustments to your cooking methods. First, you'll need to reduce the temperature by about 25°F or 14°C. You'll also need to reduce the cooking time by about 20% to prevent overbaking. It's important to keep an eye on your food and rotate it occasionally to ensure even cooking.

So, if you're looking for a convenient way to cook small batches of food without heating up your entire kitchen, an air fryer might be the perfect appliance for you!

Air fryers are great for small-batch baking

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens for small-batch baking. They are essentially small convection ovens that circulate hot air around food to cook it. This means they are faster than a conventional oven and can create a crunchy exterior on your bakes.

Air fryers are ideal for baking if you live alone or are only cooking for one or two people. You can bake individual portions without having to wait for a large cake to bake and then go stale. They are also perfect for when it is hot outside, as they use less energy and give off less heat than a conventional oven.

However, air fryers are much smaller than conventional ovens, so you will need to make size adjustments to your bakes. You will also need to tweak the baking time and temperature. As a general rule, reduce the temperature by 25°F/14°C and the baking time by 20%.

You can bake a variety of things in an air fryer, including biscuits, bread, rolls, cakes, cupcakes, quick breads, cinnamon rolls, doughnuts, and cheesecakes. However, avoid very small bakes such as choux pastry, madeleines, or mini cupcakes, as these will need to be cooked in multiple batches and the batter may not hold.

To get the best results, always preheat your air fryer, and don't overcrowd the pan or basket. Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and to weigh down your bake, although you can also use foil or grease the pan with butter or cooking spray.

They're perfect for baking in hot weather

Air fryers are perfect for baking in hot weather. They are essentially small convection ovens that can be used to bake a variety of goods, from cookies and cakes to lasagna and focaccia. They are a great alternative to turning on a full-sized oven, especially in hot conditions when you want to avoid heating up your kitchen.

Air fryers use less energy and give off less heat than conventional ovens, making them ideal for baking in hot weather. They are also perfect for small-batch baking, so you can bake individual portions without having to bake a large cake that will go stale. This is especially useful if you're cooking for one or two people.

When baking in an air fryer, it's important to note that you'll need to make some adjustments to the temperature and baking time. Most recipes are designed for conventional ovens, so you'll need to decrease the temperature by about 25°F or 14°C and reduce the cooking time by about 20%. It's also a good idea to preheat your air fryer, especially if your recipe calls for baking powder, which needs a certain temperature to activate.

Another benefit of air fryers is that they cook food faster than conventional ovens. For example, it only takes about five minutes to bake a small batch of cookies in an air fryer. This means you can have freshly baked goods without having to wait too long, even in hot weather.

Air fryers are a convenient and efficient way to bake, especially when you want to avoid heating up your kitchen in hot weather. With some tweaks to your recipes and a little trial and error, you can create delicious baked goods without turning on your oven.

Air fryers are essentially small convection ovens

Air fryers are typically used to make "fried" foods without the added oil, fat, and calories. However, the process that occurs within the air fryer is actually far from frying. There is a heating element inside and a fan that promotes hot air circulation inside the cooking chamber. This is similar to a convection oven (fan-forced setting), but in an air fryer, the hot air circulates much more quickly, allowing it to come into contact with the entire surface of the food more efficiently, giving your food a crunchy exterior.

The cooking process is faster in an air fryer compared to a conventional oven, so you will need to reduce the temperature and cooking time when converting a regular recipe. As a general rule of thumb, decrease the temperature by about 25 degrees Fahrenheit and the cooking time by about 20%.

It is important to note that air fryers have a smaller capacity than conventional ovens, so you may need to bake in multiple batches and make some size adjustments. Additionally, the tops of your baked goods are always at risk of getting burned in an air fryer due to the placement of the heating element. To prevent this, you can cover your dish with foil once the top is cooked and then uncover it for the remaining cooking time.

Air fryers are a convenient alternative to a full-sized oven, especially when preparing a single batch of food or smaller portions. They are also useful if you are short on time or want to avoid heating up your kitchen. However, if you are making multiple dishes or larger portions, a conventional oven may be more suitable.

You can bake cakes, cupcakes, quick breads and more

Yes, you can bake cakes, cupcakes, quick breads and more in an air fryer. The process is similar to a convection oven, but the compact size of an air fryer means you will likely have to bake in multiple batches. You will also need to make some size adjustments to fit your bakes inside.

The batter for cakes, cupcakes and quick breads is relatively dense, and they are one of the most fuss-free bakes you can make in an air fryer. The surface of such batters will come into close contact with the air fryer's heating element, giving them a slightly caramelised, crisp top. However, the centres will remain soft and fluffy, just like in an oven.

Cinnamon rolls are another great item to bake in an air fryer. Cut them into smaller pieces and don't bake too many at a time. Frozen cinnamon roll dough takes around 9-11 minutes to bake in an air fryer.

Doughnuts can also be baked in an air fryer, giving you a healthier option without the extra fat and calories from deep-frying.

Chiffon and sponge cakes can be tricky to bake in an air fryer, as the batter is thin and can get scattered during baking. However, you can prevent this by baking them in a tall, sturdy metallic pan, covered with aluminium foil and poked with holes.

When baking in an air fryer, it's important to remember that you will need to reduce the temperature and baking time compared to a conventional oven. As a general rule, reduce the temperature by 25°F/14°C and the baking time by 20%. You should also preheat your air fryer before use and avoid overcrowding the pan/basket.

Air fryers are ideal for single portions

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens for those who are cooking for one or two people. They are more compact than traditional ovens and heat up much faster, making them a more energy-efficient option for smaller portions.

Air fryers are also healthier than deep-fat fryers as they use hot air instead of oil to cook food. They are also more versatile than ovens when it comes to cooking smaller quantities.

When choosing an air fryer for single portions, it is best to opt for a smaller model with a capacity of 2 to 4 quarts. This will ensure that you have enough space to cook your desired quantity of food in a single layer, which is important for achieving even airflow and crispiness.

Some air fryers also come with additional features such as toaster oven capabilities, making them an even more attractive option for solo cooks. These models often include functions such as toasting, broiling, dehydrating, and even proofing bread dough.

• Ninja AF101 Air Fryer (4-quart capacity)
• Instant Vortex Plus (6 functions and minimal storage space)
• Chefman Small Compact Air Fryer (2-quart capacity and compact footprint)
• Dash Tasti-Crisp Digital Air Fryer (small and discreet)
• Ninja Foodi Digital Air Fry Oven (toaster oven with air frying capabilities)

Frequently asked questions