Convection Ovens With Air Fryers: Worth The Hype?

Air fryers and convection ovens both use fans to circulate heat and create crispy, fried food without deep frying. However, there are some differences between the two appliances. Air fryers are typically smaller, countertop appliances, while convection ovens are built into full-sized ovens. This means that air fryers usually cook food faster, but convection ovens have a larger capacity. Additionally, air fryers use optimized heat and airflow to achieve a fried result, while convection ovens have a more traditional heating mechanism. Some convection ovens now offer an air fry setting, which uses a unique heating system with a larger and faster fan.

Air fryer vs. convection oven

Air fryers and convection ovens are similar in that they both use fans to circulate heat and create crispy food without deep frying. However, there are some key differences between the two appliances.

Size and Speed

Air fryers are smaller than convection ovens, and because of their compact size, they can focus a high amount of heat onto a small cooking area. This means that food will cook more quickly in an air fryer than in a convection oven. However, due to their smaller size, air fryers can only cook about one or two servings at a time, while convection ovens can fit much more food.

Preheating

Air fryers typically preheat faster than convection ovens due to their smaller size.

Cooking Time

Air fryers and convection ovens may have similar cooking times, but convection ovens may take slightly longer.

Capacity

Convection ovens are typically larger in capacity than air fryers, allowing you to cook more servings at once.

Heating Elements

Many air fryers cook from the top down and do not have a bottom heating element, while convection ovens use the main heating element, a fan, and sometimes a third heating element to distribute heat throughout the oven cavity.

Recipe Results

Air fryers and convection ovens may yield different recipe results due to their different heating methods and capacities. Air fryers or ovens with air fry settings are better for achieving a fried exterior, while convection ovens are ideal for roasting and baking.

Cost

Air fryers tend to be more expensive than comparable convection ovens.

Cleanup

Cleanup may be more difficult with an air fryer, as you have to clean the perforated basket and the bucket it fits into.

Counter Space

Air fryers take up less counter space than convection ovens and can be stored in a cupboard when not in use.

Noise

Air fryers are typically louder than convection ovens.

Pros and cons of air fryers

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, but are they worth investing in? Here are some pros and cons to help you decide.

Pros:

• Fast heating and cooking: Air fryers heat up and cook food much faster than standard ovens, making them convenient for quick snacks or family meals.
• Even crisping: As mini convection ovens, air fryers circulate hot air to cook food evenly on all sides, resulting in a perfect crisp that rivals deep-fried recipes.
• Less oil required: Air fryers use little to no oil, making them a healthier and more cost-effective alternative to deep frying.
• Safer: Air fryers are safer than handling hot oil or a pan, reducing the risk of hot oil splashes, especially in households with children or pets.
• Easy to clean: Air fryers are easier to clean than traditional frying methods, with most removable parts being dishwasher-safe or easily hand-washed.

Cons:

• Limited food options: Not all foods can be cooked in an air fryer. Certain recipes, such as roasted broccoli, can dry out quickly, while leafy greens can burn easily.
• Overcooking: Due to their fast heating and high temperatures, air fryers can overcook or even burn food, especially if left unattended for too long.
• Small capacity: Air fryers typically have smaller capacities than standard ovens, making them less ideal for larger households or cooking large meals.
• Overfilling: It's tempting to overfill an air fryer to cook more food at once, but this blocks the hot air circulation and leads to uneven cooking.
• Counter space: Air fryers are bulky appliances that require ample counter space and proper ventilation during use.

Pros and cons of convection ovens

Convection ovens offer numerous advantages over traditional ovens. They cook food evenly, faster, and more efficiently. They also allow for simultaneous cooking of multiple dishes without the worry of flavour transfer or temperature changes. Additionally, dishes can be placed on any rack, and browning and crisping are improved due to the removal of moisture from the food's surface.

However, there are also some drawbacks to using a convection oven. Recipes often need to be adjusted, as they are typically written for conventional ovens. Baked goods may not rise as well in a convection oven, and the fan may produce noise that some find annoying. Foil and other coverings can interrupt airflow, and too many dishes can hinder performance. Finally, convection ovens tend to have a higher upfront cost and may require repairs to additional parts, such as the fan and exhaust system.

Now, to address your initial query, "does anyone make a convection oven with an air fryer?" The answer is yes. Several manufacturers, such as KitchenAid, offer wall ovens and countertop ovens with dedicated air fryer settings. These appliances combine the benefits of a convection oven with the convenience and functionality of an air fryer, allowing for even crisping and browning of foods.

It is worth noting that some people consider air fryers to be essentially "mini convection ovens." The main differences lie in their overall construction, with air fryers typically being small countertop appliances, while convection ovens are full-size. Air fryers are ideal for quick cooking of small batches, while convection ovens are more time-efficient for bulkier items. Additionally, air fryers are designed specifically for "frying" with less oil, while convection ovens offer a wider range of cooking tasks, including baking, roasting, broiling, and dehydrating.

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 the same results as an air fryer, there are a few adjustments you can make to your convection oven.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Food air fries most evenly in the centre of the oven, so make any necessary adjustments to rack placement before you start preheating. Then, 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. Avoid putting anything on the bottom of the oven that may interfere with airflow. Preheat the oven to your desired temperature.

Step 2: Find the Right Cookware

A perforated air fry basket allows hot air to circulate across the surface of your food. If you don’t have one, you can try using an oven-safe dark or non-stick tray with low sides or an oven-safe cooling rack that supports your food.

Step 3: Prepare Food

Maximize the surface area of food by cutting them into cubes, spears or medallions so that more of your food comes into contact with the circulating hot air. Lightly coat air-fried foods with oil to help promote browning.

Prepare meat or fish by patting the surface dry before applying a light coat of oil, and always opt for breading rather than wet batter. Arrange food in your air fry basket or pan with plenty of room for even air circulation, as overcrowding can prevent even crisping and lead to soggy spots.

Step 4: Set Time and Temperature

Cooking time and temperature vary by recipe, but expect air frying in a convection oven to take a bit longer than it would in a countertop air fryer. You can reference your oven’s manual for cook times and temperatures for air frying. If your manual has no instructions or you can’t access it, follow your recipe’s cooking time and temperature and keep an eye on the food as it cooks.

A perforated air fry basket should help food crisp, but sometimes carefully flipping or shaking food halfway through can help promote more even browning. Not every recipe requires flipping, so be sure to leave the oven door closed unless rotating is necessary.

Air fryer oven models

Air fryers are essentially countertop convection ovens that cook your food from all angles using a heating element and powerful fan. They are a great alternative to deep frying, as they can create a crispy outer crust without the need for excessive oil.

Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro

This model is one of the most versatile options available, combining the functions of an air fryer and a toaster oven. It offers a range of preset functions, including air fry, slow cook, roast, broil, bake, cookies, pizza, toast, bagel, reheat, proof, dehydrate and warm. It also has two convection fan speeds for more control over the cooking process. The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro is large enough to fit a 12- or 13-inch pizza, a 9-inch cake, or even a whole chicken. It comes with a range of accessories, including two oven racks, an air fryer basket, a pizza pan, a roasting pan, and a rack insert. While it is a pricey option, it delivers excellent results and is a good choice for those seeking a combination of air frying and toaster oven capabilities.

Cuisinart Chef's Convection Toaster Oven TOB-260N1

This Cuisinart model is a great alternative to the Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro if you're looking for something more affordable. It offers similar features, such as two convection fan speeds and the ability to fit a whole chicken or a 12- or 13-inch pizza. It also comes with useful accessories like a ceramic pizza stone, two oven racks, a baking pan, and a broiling tray. The main difference is that the Cuisinart model takes slightly longer to achieve the same level of crispiness as the Breville oven. It also has a shorter warranty period of three years compared to Breville's two years.

Cosori Original Air Fryer Toaster Oven CO130-AO

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the Cosori Original Air Fryer Toaster Oven is a great choice. While it doesn't cook quite as evenly as the Breville or Cuisinart models, it still delivers decent results, especially considering its price. It offers a range of settings, including air frying, baking, toasting, and dehydrating. It has a square basket design, which maximizes cooking space, and comes with a recipe booklet to get you started. The Cosori oven is also considerably lighter than the other picks, making it easier to move around if needed.

Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer

The Instant Vortex Plus is a powerful air fryer that is ideal for most home cooks. It has a user-friendly interface with a touchscreen for preset settings and a dial for precise temperature control. It performed well in tests, producing crispy fries, juicy chicken, and a well-baked cake. It also has a dehydrate function that works well for drying produce. However, the broil function is not as effective, as it is preset at a lower temperature and doesn't brown food as well. The Instant Vortex Plus has a roomy basket and a sleek exterior, making it a good choice for those seeking a combination of performance and design.

Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer

If you're looking for a dual-basket air fryer, the Ninja Foodi DualZone is a great option. It allows you to cook two different foods at once, with independent temperature and time controls for each basket. It also has a Smart Finish feature that ensures both foods are done at the same time. The Ninja Foodi has a slim profile and additional functions like broil, bake, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. However, the individual baskets are on the smaller side, so it may not be ideal for cooking larger items.

Frequently asked questions