Air Fryer Recipes: Convection Oven Alternatives

Air fryers and convection ovens are similar in many ways, but there are some key differences to be aware of when deciding whether to use one or the other for your recipes. Both use fans to circulate heat and create crispy, fried food without deep frying, but air fryers are typically smaller and cook food faster. Convection ovens, on the other hand, have more capacity and can cook larger batches at once. If you're looking to cook a full meal or a large quantity of food, a convection oven might be the better option. However, if you're short on time or want to save counter space, an air fryer could be the way to go.

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: Countertop air fryers have smaller compartments compared to convection ovens, which means they can cook food faster. On the other hand, convection ovens have larger capacities, allowing you to cook bigger batches and multiple servings at once.

Heat and Airflow: Air fryers use optimized heat and airflow to achieve the "fried" result. The fan in an air fryer circulates air faster and is located at the top of the appliance, resulting in slightly faster cooking times. Convection ovens, on the other hand, have fans at the back, and while they may not cook as quickly, they are better suited for larger quantities of food.

Cooking Options: Convection ovens offer a wider range of cooking options and capabilities. In addition to air frying, they can be used for roasting, baking, broiling, and more. Air fryers, due to their smaller size, are typically used for smaller batches and side dishes.

Convenience: Using a convection oven with an air frying function eliminates the need for an additional appliance, saving counter space and the cost of purchasing another device. Convection ovens are also easier to clean, as they typically don't require cleaning after every use, unlike air fryers.

Results: Both air fryers and convection ovens can deliver crispy, golden results. However, due to their intense heat and airflow, air fryers may produce a more evenly browned exterior. Convection ovens, on the other hand, may result in less charring and crisping, especially around the edges of the food.

In conclusion, the choice between an air fryer and a convection oven depends on your personal preferences, cooking needs, and available space. If you want a dedicated appliance for air frying and are willing to sacrifice some cooking capacity, an air fryer could be a good option. If you prioritize versatility, larger batch cooking, and extra counter space, a convection oven with an air frying function might be the better choice.

How to air fry in a convection oven

Air fryers and convection ovens both use fans to circulate heat and create crispy, fried food without deep frying. However, if you want to achieve that same crispy texture in a convection oven, you will need to make a few adjustments. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to air fry in a convection oven.

Step 1: Prepare your oven

Food cooks most evenly in the centre of the oven, so adjust your rack placement accordingly. If you want to catch crumbs or drips, line a pan with parchment paper or foil and place it on the rack below the food. Make sure there is nothing on the bottom of the oven that may interfere with airflow. Preheat your oven to your desired temperature.

Step 2: Find the right cookware

A perforated air fry basket allows hot air to circulate across the entire surface of your food, making it easier to achieve a crispy and browned exterior. If you don't have a perforated basket, you can use an oven-safe dark or non-stick tray with low sides or an oven-safe cooling rack that supports your food.

Step 3: Prepare your food

Maximize the surface area of your food by cutting it into smaller pieces. Lightly coat your food with oil to promote browning. If you are cooking meat or fish, pat the surface dry and apply a light coat of oil. Always opt for breading instead of wet batter. Arrange your food in your air fry basket or pan, making sure there is enough room for even air circulation. Overcrowding can lead to uneven crisping and soggy spots.

Step 4: Set time and temperature

Cooking time and temperature vary depending on the recipe. Air frying in a convection oven will usually take longer than in a countertop air fryer. Refer to your oven's manual for the ideal cook times and temperatures for air frying. If you don't have access to the manual, follow the recipe's cooking time and temperature and keep an eye on your food as it cooks.

Step 5: Flip halfway through

You may want to flip or shake your food to improve air distribution, but only do this if necessary, as it can cause heat loss in the oven. Spray or rub with a little extra oil to promote crisping.

Tips:

• Using a convection oven or an oven with an air frying function means you don't need to spend money or waste space on another appliance.
• Convection ovens typically have a larger capacity than air fryers, allowing you to cook larger batches.
• Air frying in a convection oven will give you crispier results, especially if you use dark cookware or a perforated basket.
• Air fryers usually require you to clean the basket and the pull-out compartment after each use, whereas convection ovens minimize the mess by using baking dishes and sheet pans.

Benefits of using a convection oven to air fry

Using a convection oven to air fry comes with several benefits. Here are some of them:

Convenience

A convection oven eliminates the need for a separate air fryer appliance, saving you money and valuable counter space. It also offers more cooking capacity, allowing you to cook larger batches of food at once, whereas a typical air fryer may require cooking in multiple batches.

Easy Cleanup

Convection ovens are generally easier to clean than air fryers. Air fryers require cleaning the basket and pullout compartment after each use. In contrast, convection ovens typically don't need to be cleaned after every use, and any mess can be minimised by using baking dishes and sheet pans.

Crispy Results

Air frying in a convection oven, especially with dark cookware or a perforated basket, will give you satisfyingly crispy food. The convection fan circulates hot air around the oven cavity, creating a golden crust on your food.

Faster Cooking

Convection ovens with an air fry setting can cook food faster than a standard oven. While they may not be as quick as some compact basket-style air fryers, they still offer a significant time advantage over conventional ovens.

Energy Efficiency

Full-size convection ovens may be more energy-efficient than air fryers. A Nasdaq report suggests that operating an electric oven costs about half as much as using an air fryer.

What is an air fryer oven?

An air fryer oven is a type of oven that combines rapid airflow and intense heat to create a crispy, "fried" exterior on food. It is similar to a convection oven but has a built-in air frying feature that optimises temperature and air circulation for this task.

Air fryer ovens use convection fans to circulate hot air very quickly around the surface of the food, which will then crisp up to a delicious, golden crust. This is done with little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying.

Air fryer ovens are considered one of the best upgrades on the market as they typically come with a cooktop, convection, and Air Fry setting all in one package. They also have greater capacity than air fryers, so you can cook more food at once.

Air fryer ovens feature a range of settings, including Air Baking, No Preheat Air Fry, and Air Roast, allowing you to cook a variety of dishes.

Using a convection oven as an air fryer

Step 1: Prep your food

Cut vegetables and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Coat them lightly with oil to achieve a golden, crispy exterior. Pat dry the surface of meat or fish and then coat with oil or cooking spray. If using breading, a drier exterior will give better results.

Step 2: Use the right 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, 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 the oven to ensure even cooking and thorough crisping. The hot air circulated by the convection fan needs to reach the entire surface of the food.

Step 4: Be mindful of temperature and time

Convection ovens typically cook at a lower temperature and slower speed than air fryers, so you may need to adjust the temperature and increase the cooking time.

Step 5: Flip halfway through

Flip or shake your food to improve air distribution, but only if necessary, as this can cause heat loss in the oven. Spray with a little extra oil or cooking spray to promote crisping.

Benefits of using a convection oven as an air fryer:

• Convenience: You don't need to buy another appliance, saving money and counter space.
• Cook larger batches: Convection ovens have a bigger capacity than air fryers, so you can cook more food at once.
• Crispy results: Using dark cookware or a perforated basket will give you crispier food.
• Easy to clean: Convection ovens minimise mess as you can use baking dishes and sheet pans.

Frequently asked questions