Air Fryer Vs Oven: What's The Difference?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, but they're essentially miniature convection ovens. Air fryers and convection ovens use the same technology: electric heating elements, convection fans, and frying trays or baskets. So, if you have a convection oven, you may not need a standalone air fryer.

Convection ovens with a built-in air fryer feature optimise temperature and air circulation for air frying. The convection fan circulates hot air very quickly around the surface of the food, creating a delicious, golden crust.

If you're thinking of using your oven as an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you'll need to invest in a crisper air fryer tray to allow air to circulate. Second, preheating is essential—give your oven a few extra minutes to preheat since it's larger than a basket air fryer. Third, use the right cookware—a perforated tray or basket is best, but if you don't have one, a dark or non-stick tray with low sides or an oven-safe cooling rack will work. Finally, don't overcrowd your tray—give your food space to ensure even cooking.

Air fryer vs. convection oven

Air fryers and convection ovens are similar in that they both use fans to circulate hot air and cook food. However, there are some key differences between the two.

Air fryers are much smaller than convection ovens. They are typically tall and resemble a coffeemaker, with a removable bucket and a handle, and a basket inside where the food goes. Because of their compact size, air fryers can focus a high amount of heat onto a small cooking area, resulting in faster cooking times. However, this also means that air fryers can only cook about two servings at a time, and you may need to cook in batches. Additionally, air fryers are more expensive, louder, and more difficult to clean than convection ovens.

Convection ovens, on the other hand, are larger and have more capacity, allowing you to cook larger batches of food at once. They typically use the oven's main heating element, a fan, and an additional heating element in True Convection models to distribute heat throughout the oven cavity. Convection ovens are better suited for roasting and baking, and they may have slightly longer cooking times than air fryers.

When deciding between an air fryer and a convection oven, consider your cooking needs and preferences. If you need to cook bigger servings or want a standalone appliance with multiple functions, a convection oven might be the best choice. If you are specifically looking to make crispy fried foods without using too much oil, an air fryer or an oven with air fry capabilities may be the better option.

Pros of a built-in air fryer

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Here are some pros of a built-in air fryer:

Quick and even heating

Air fryers heat up and cook food much faster than conventional ovens. Most air fryers can preheat to 400°F in five minutes or less, while gas ovens can take up to 13 minutes, and electric ovens can take up to 19 minutes to reach the same temperature. This makes air fryers ideal for quick snacks or cooking large meals in a short amount of time.

Evenly crisped food

Air fryers are essentially mini convection ovens, which circulate hot air to cook food on all sides. This results in evenly crisped and flavoured food, similar to deep-fried recipes. Turning the food over halfway through the cooking process ensures the perfect crisp. Air fryers are perfect for French fries, fish sticks, onion rings, and other fried foods. They are also great for reheating fried leftovers, restoring their crunchy texture.

Less oil required

Air fryers require little to no oil, making them a healthier and more cost-effective alternative to deep or shallow frying. While deep-fried recipes may require up to 3 cups (750 mL) of oil, air-fried foods typically need only about 1 tablespoon (15 mL).

Safer to use

Air fryers are safer than handling a vat of hot oil or a pan. They are designed to handle high temperatures, and there is no risk of hot oil splashes. This makes them ideal for households with young children or pets. Additionally, the basket can be safely carried from one spot to another without the risk of accidental oil spills.

Easy to clean

Compared to traditional frying methods, air fryers are much easier to clean. There is minimal to no oil splatter, and some removable parts are dishwasher-safe. For hand-washing, simply wash the basket in hot, soapy water. A damp cloth can be used to wipe down the exterior of the air fryer.

Overall, air fryers offer a convenient, safe, and time-saving alternative to traditional frying and oven cooking. They are perfect for households that benefit from cooking in smaller batches and have some extra counter space.

Preheating an air fryer oven

Preheating an air fryer is a simple process, much like preheating an oven. It is not always necessary, but it can speed up cooking time and make your food extra crispy. Here is a step-by-step guide to preheating your air fryer:

First, ensure that your air fryer is clean, plugged in, and ready to use. Check your air fryer's manual for any specific instructions or troubleshooting advice. Some air fryers have a preheat button, so if yours does, simply press it, set the temperature, and wait for the desired temperature to be reached.

If your air fryer does not have a preheat button, you can manually preheat it. Set the temperature to the desired cooking temperature or, if you prefer, heat it to 400 °F (204 °C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This will get the hot air moving before you put any food in the basket. You can also manually preheat using the cooking temperature listed in your recipe. Always check your air fryer's manual to ensure it can handle preheating.

Preheating is a good idea if you want to speed up the cooking process, make your food extra crispy, or cook thinly cut meats. It is also beneficial for reheating precooked or frozen foods and for baking.

However, there are times when you shouldn't preheat your air fryer. If you're cooking thick cuts of meat, delicate foods like shrimp, or foods that will be cooking for a long time, it's best not to preheat. Preheating can dry out or burn these types of foods, so it's better to start cooking at a lower temperature.

Additionally, if your air fryer's manual advises against preheating, always follow those instructions. Some models are not designed for preheating, so it's important to refer to the manual to avoid any potential issues.

Air frying cookware

Air fryers function similarly to convection ovens, and if your oven has a convection fan, you can use it for air frying. However, you will need a dedicated air fry basket or tray, also known as a crisper tray, to get the best results. These are available to purchase separately and are usually affordable.

Air fryer baskets or trays are perforated, which allows the hot air to circulate thoroughly around the food, creating a crispy finish. If you don't have a perforated tray, you can use a dark or non-stick tray with low sides, or an oven-safe cooling rack. It is also recommended to place a cookie sheet or aluminium foil on the lower rack to catch any drippings.

When using an air fryer basket or tray, it is important to give your food space to ensure even cooking and crisping. You should also be mindful of cooking times and temperatures, as these can vary between air fryers and convection ovens.

In addition to the basket or tray, there are several accessories available for air fryers, such as silicone or paper liners, pizza pans, cake barrels, and more. These can enhance your air frying experience and make it easier to cook a variety of foods.

Overall, using an air fryer basket or tray in your convection oven can be a convenient and effective way to achieve crispy and golden results, similar to those of a standalone air fryer.

Air frying times and temperatures

For fresh food, it is suggested to subtract 20°C from the typical oven temperature and reduce the oven cooking time by 20-25%. For example, if the oven instruction calls for cooking at 180°C for 25 minutes, set your air fryer to 160°C for 20 minutes.

For frozen food, it is recommended to keep the suggested oven temperature the same but reduce the typical oven cooking time by 50%. For instance, if the oven instruction says to cook at 180°C for 20 minutes, set your air fryer to 180°C for 10 minutes.

When cooking with an air fryer, it is important to avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. Additionally, it is suggested to use a meat thermometer to test the meat for doneness, per USDA guidelines.

Different types of food require different cooking times and temperatures. For example, butternut squash and sweet potatoes should be cooked at 4-5 minutes per side. Chicken thighs, skin-on chicken wings, and steak are some examples of foods that produce the best results when air-fried. Seafood, such as salmon and shrimp, can also be cooked in an air fryer and typically take less than 30 minutes to prepare.

It is important to note that the cooking times and temperatures may vary depending on the brand and size of the air fryer, so it is recommended to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer model.

Frequently asked questions