Toaster Ovens: Air Fryer Alternative?

Air fryers and toaster ovens are both countertop kitchen appliances that act like mini ovens. While they have some similarities, there are key differences that make each one better suited for specific cooking tasks. Toaster ovens are tried-and-true staples in the kitchens of millions. They are super convenient, compact, and versatile, and have been used for decades as a quick and simple alternative to a full-sized oven. In recent years, toaster ovens have been somewhat eclipsed by air fryers, which have similar insides but a few extra features and a sleek look. Air fryers are usually smaller than toaster ovens and use a fan to circulate hot air around food in a perforated basket to give it a crispy texture. Toaster ovens, on the other hand, provide oven-like heat without air circulation. So, can you use a toaster oven like an air fryer?

Air fryer vs toaster oven: pros and cons

Air fryers and toaster ovens are both countertop kitchen appliances that act as mini ovens. However, they have key differences that make each better suited for specific tasks.

Air Fryer Pros:

• Air fryers cook food faster than traditional ovens.
• They can give foods a "'fried'" texture without actually frying them, making them ideal for crisping up leftovers and cooking foods like bacon and french fries.
• They are compact and take up less counter space.
• They are cheaper than toaster ovens.
• They are easy to use and clean.
• They are more energy-efficient than traditional ovens.

Air Fryer Cons:

• They have limited functions compared to toaster ovens and are mainly used for air frying and convection baking.
• They may not be suitable for baking delicate items or recipes that require liquid batters.
• They may not be able to accommodate larger portions or multiple dishes at once.
• They may require cooking in batches for a crowd.

Toaster Oven Pros:

• Toaster ovens offer a wider range of functions such as broiling, roasting, baking, and toasting.
• They are more versatile and can handle various dishes, including toast, grilled cheese, pizza, and cookies.
• They have more horizontal space and are better suited for larger, flat items.
• They have a gentler heating style, making them less likely to dry out food.
• They are perfect for small tasks like baking a few cookies or reheating leftovers.
• They can serve as a backup oven during hot weather, without raising the ambient temperature in the kitchen.

Toaster Oven Cons:

• They may take up more counter space, depending on the model.
• They may not be as fast as air fryers in cooking certain foods.
• They may require flipping or tossing to ensure even cooking.
• They might not be able to replace as many appliances as an air fryer.

Both air fryers and toaster ovens have their unique advantages and disadvantages. Air fryers are ideal for those seeking a compact, fast, and easy-to-use appliance for crisping and frying foods. On the other hand, toaster ovens offer more versatility in terms of functions and dish types, making them a good choice for those seeking a mini oven with multiple cooking options. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs, counter space, and budget.

Can you use a toaster oven like an air fryer?

Air fryers and toaster ovens are both countertop kitchen appliances that act as mini ovens. However, they have some key differences that make each one better suited for specific cooking tasks.

An air fryer circulates hot air around food to get a crispy texture, while a toaster oven provides oven-like heat without air circulation. The hot, rapidly circulating air in an air fryer makes for crispier food and faster cooking times, while the concentrated radiant heat of a toaster oven can create hot spots.

Most air fryers come with a basket drawer, making it easy to shake items while cooking to maximize crispiness on all sides. Air fryers are also equipped with a powerful fan that circulates hot air efficiently, and some even come with convenient non-stick interior linings for easy cleanup. On the other hand, a toaster oven typically has a glass door that lets you peek inside while cooking.

A toaster oven uses convection technology to cook food quickly and evenly. It contains three different heat sources: heat that radiates from the hot metal walls and comes off the heating coils on the oven's bottom; warm air that fills the oven and cooks the food from all directions; and heat conducted from a metal baking pan to the food. The inclusion of a convection fan and an exhaust vent built into a toaster oven help distribute heat in all directions, ensuring your food is cooked evenly.

While you can use both appliances to make crispy food, a toaster oven is better suited for toasting and browning certain types of food, such as bagels and open-faced sandwich melts. It is also more suitable for cooking things that need to be laid flat, such as cookie dough or puff pastry. Toaster ovens heat up faster and use less energy, making them perfect for small tasks.

Air fryers, on the other hand, are ideal for frying foods without using large amounts of oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep frying. They can also be used for roasting and baking. However, air fryers tend to be more expensive and may not be suitable for large households or those with limited counter space.

In summary, both appliances have their pros and cons, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and cooking goals. If you're looking for a mini oven that can heat things up without warming your whole house, a toaster oven is a great option. If you want to enjoy crispy, fried foods without deep frying, an air fryer might be the better choice. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which appliance is the best fit for your kitchen and your cooking needs.

Best toaster oven for air frying

Air fryer toaster ovens are a great way to combine two appliances into one, saving you valuable kitchen counter space. They are also more versatile than a single-purpose air fryer, but they do tend to be more expensive.

When looking for the best toaster oven for air frying, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, size is an essential factor to think about – both in terms of capacity and footprint. If you have a small kitchen, a compact model might be best, but keep in mind that you'll need plenty of room between individual items when air frying, so very small models might not be ideal. On the other hand, if you have a large family or like to cook for a crowd, a bigger oven is probably a better investment.

Another thing to look out for is the controls. Some toaster ovens have analog dials to select time and temperature, which can be imprecise. Digital displays tend to be more accurate, but these machines are often more expensive. If you have visual or motor concerns, this is something to keep in mind.

Finally, think about what functions and accessories you'll actually use. Air fryer toaster ovens come with a range of extra features and accessories, but if you know you'll be a casual user, you might not need things like pizza pans or fry baskets.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

This toaster oven is intuitive and easy to use, and you can adjust the time and heat while cooking. It has a range of functions, including toast, bagel, broil, bake, roast, warm, pizza, proof, air fry, reheat, cookies, slow cook, and dehydrate. It also has a spacious chamber and performs well at basic tasks like toasting and baking. The only downside is that it struggles a little with toasting, with bread coming out a little pale.

KitchenAid Dual Convection Countertop Oven

This sleek oven is easy to program and comes with a probe thermometer for cooking roasts. It performed well in tests, producing golden and crunchy French fries and evenly cooked frozen pizza. It also toasted bread evenly. However, the chicken wings were a little wan, and the metal on the door got hot.

Instant Omni Plus Air Fryer Toaster Oven

This oven has a large capacity and is very user-friendly, with easy-to-read controls and extra attachments. It has ten cook settings, including air fry, bake, broil, toast, dehydrate, rotisserie, reheat, toast, and warm. It delivers consistent cooking, although it does tend to brown things a little more than expected, so you might need to adjust the temperature or cooking time. It's also quite big, so it takes up a lot of counter space.

Hamilton Beach Air Fry Toaster Oven

This budget-priced oven is a great option if you're looking for something simple and easy to use. It performed well in air fry and broil tests, heating quickly and toasting evenly. It also has a convenient crumb tray that keeps the interior clean. However, the capacity is small, and the analog controls can be challenging to use, with imprecise temperature and timer dials.

Ninja 10-in-1 Air Fryer Toaster Oven

If you're looking for something with a large capacity, this Ninja oven is a great choice. It has a smart setting that lets you cook different foods on different shelves at the same time, making it ideal for meals with multiple components. It also has spacious pans and baskets, giving food plenty of room to move around. It takes up a lot of space, but if you need the extra room, it's worth the extra countertop real estate.

So, if you're in the market for a toaster oven that can also air fry, one of these options might be the perfect choice for you.

Air frying with a toaster oven: tips and tricks

Air frying with a toaster oven is a great way to get crispy, browned food without using a lot of oil. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your toaster oven when air frying:

• Preheat your toaster oven: Make sure to fully preheat your toaster oven for at least 5 minutes before adding your food. This will ensure faster and more even cooking.
• Cut your food into even pieces: When preparing your food, cut it into pieces that are similar in size and thickness. This will help them cook more evenly and ensure they are ready at the same time.
• Arrange your food in a single layer: Don't overcrowd your toaster oven by piling food on top of each other. This will cause steaming and prevent the fan from removing surface moisture, resulting in uneven cooking.
• Use an oven-safe rack: Place your food on an oven-safe rack inserted into a rimmed sheet pan. This will mimic the air flow of an air fryer basket and allow hot air to circulate around your food.
• Don't skip the oil: Most air-fried recipes call for a small amount of oil to facilitate browning and enhance flavor. Brush, spray, or toss your food with oil according to the recipe's instructions.
• Flip your food: For most recipes, you'll want to flip or toss your food about halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping on all sides.
• Expect longer cooking times: Air frying with a toaster oven may take longer than with a traditional air fryer. Check on your food a few minutes early and then every 2 to 3 minutes until it's crisped and browned to your liking.
• Adjust the temperature: If your toaster oven doesn't have a dedicated air fry setting, you may need to increase the temperature by 15 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve similar results to a basket-style air fryer.
• Experiment with different recipes: Toaster ovens are versatile and can handle a variety of foods, from roasted vegetables to fried meats and even baked goods. Don't be afraid to experiment with different recipes to find what works best for your toaster oven.

Air fryer toaster oven: is it worth the price?

Air Fryer Toaster Ovens: Are They Worth the Price?

Air fryer toaster ovens are a relatively new addition to the market and have been gaining popularity as an alternative to the traditional toaster oven. They combine the functions of an oven, air fryer, and toaster, offering a range of features such as toasting, air frying, baking, roasting, and more. But are they worth the price? Let's find out.

Benefits of Air Fryer Toaster Ovens

One of the biggest advantages of air fryer toaster ovens is their versatility. They can perform multiple functions, saving you counter space and the need for multiple appliances. They are especially useful if you have a small kitchen or are looking to streamline your appliances. The ability to air fry with minimal oil also makes it a healthier option for frying foods.

Air fryer toaster ovens also offer more capacity than standard air fryers, accommodating larger items such as whole chickens or 12-inch pizzas. This makes them ideal for larger households or those who entertain frequently. The increased capacity also means you can cook in larger batches, saving time and effort.

Another benefit is their ability to serve as a second oven. If you often find yourself needing more oven space, especially during the holidays, an air fryer toaster oven can be a lifesaver. It can provide additional cooking space without taking up too much counter room.

Downsides to Consider

While air fryer toaster ovens offer a range of functions, they may not be necessary for everyone. If you're an occasional cook or don't plan on frying foods regularly, you may find that a standard toaster oven suits your needs just fine. Additionally, air fryer toaster ovens tend to be more expensive than traditional toaster ovens, so they may not be the best option if you're on a budget.

Air fryer toaster ovens can also be bulky and take up a significant amount of counter space. If you have a small kitchen or limited counter real estate, this could be a deal-breaker. In such cases, a standard air fryer or toaster oven might be a more space-efficient choice.

The Bottom Line

Whether an air fryer toaster oven is worth the price depends on your individual needs and cooking habits. If you're looking for a versatile appliance that can handle a range of cooking tasks, offer additional capacity, and serve as a second oven, then it could be a worthwhile investment. However, if you don't plan on using all the features or have limited counter space, a standard toaster oven or air fryer may be a more cost-effective and space-saving option. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal cooking goals and preferences.

Frequently asked questions