Whirlpool's Air Fryer Ovens: Features And Benefits

Whirlpool offers a range of appliances with air frying capabilities, including ovens and ranges. These appliances use convection fans to circulate hot air around the food's surface, creating a crispy golden crust without the need for excess oil. This guide will explore the differences between air fryers and air fryer ovens, the benefits of each, and provide tips for using these appliances effectively.

How does an air fryer oven work?

An air fryer oven is a type of convection oven with a built-in air frying feature. It uses convection fans to circulate hot air around the surface of the food, cooking it and creating a crispy, golden crust. The air fryer oven is a convenient alternative to deep frying as it requires little to no oil and can cook larger batches of food at once.

To use an air fryer oven, you should first preheat the oven to the appropriate temperature. Then, prepare your food by cutting it into bite-sized pieces and coating it with oil to encourage browning. It is important to ensure that the food is not overcrowded so that the hot air can circulate properly. You can also use a perforated basket or tray to allow for better air circulation. Finally, be mindful of the cooking times and temperatures, as air fryer ovens typically cook at higher temperatures than conventional ovens.

Compared to a standalone air fryer, an air fryer oven offers several benefits. It eliminates the need for an additional appliance, saving counter space. It is also easier to clean, as you can use a sheet pan to catch any messes. Additionally, air fryer ovens have a larger capacity, allowing you to cook larger batches of food at once.

Overall, an air fryer oven is a convenient and effective way to cook crispy, golden food without the need for large amounts of oil. By following the proper steps and techniques, you can achieve delicious results similar to those of a standalone air fryer.

What are the benefits of using an air fryer oven?

Whirlpool does offer a range of wall ovens and freestanding ranges with air frying capabilities. Now, here are some benefits of using an air fryer oven:

Convenience

Using an air fryer oven removes the need for an additional appliance, saving valuable counter space. This is especially beneficial for those who have limited kitchen space.

Easy to Clean

Air fryers typically require cleaning the basket and the pull-out compartment after each use. In contrast, a convection oven may not need cleaning after every use, and if a sheet pan is used, clean-up can be even easier.

Crispy Results

Air fryer ovens deliver crispy, golden-brown food, especially when using dark cookware or a perforated basket. This is due to the convection fans, which circulate hot air quickly around the food.

Cook Larger Batches

Air fryer ovens have a larger capacity than most air fryers, allowing you to cook more food at once. This is ideal for families or when cooking for a larger group.

Healthier Option

Air fryer ovens use little to no oil, which is not only healthier but also reduces the amount of oily residue and mess compared to deep frying.

Faster Cooking

Air fryer ovens can cook food faster than a conventional oven due to their powerful fans and targeted heat distribution. This makes them ideal for quick snacks or when you're short on time.

Versatility

In addition to air frying, air fryer ovens often offer multiple cooking functions, such as baking, roasting, and broiling. This makes them a versatile appliance for various cooking needs.

Overall, air fryer ovens offer a convenient, time-saving, and healthier alternative to traditional deep frying or conventional oven cooking. They are particularly useful for those who want the convenience of air frying without sacrificing the benefits of a full-sized oven.

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, you will need to make a few adjustments to your convection oven. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to air fry in a convection oven:

Step 1: Prep your food for air frying

Depending on what you are trying to air fry, you will need to prepare the ingredients to ensure a crispy and golden exterior. Vegetables and potatoes, for instance, should be cut into bite-sized pieces. To achieve that crunchy exterior, cut them into cubes, spears or medallions and then lightly coat them in oil to help them brown.

If you are cooking fish or meat, pat the surface dry and then lightly coat it with oil or cooking spray. If you are breading food, air frying works better with a dry exterior (e.g. panko, shredded cheese or breadcrumbs) instead of a wet batter.

Step 2: Use the right air frying cookware

Countertop air fryers are designed with a perforated basket or pan that allows hot air to circulate on the surface of the food. To mimic this in your convection oven, use a perforated tray or basket. If you don't have one, you can use a dark or non-stick tray with low sides or an oven-safe cooling rack. Place a cookie sheet with aluminium foil or parchment paper on the lower rack to catch any drippings.

Step 3: Give your food space

Avoid overcrowding your food so that the hot air can cook and crisp it evenly. The circulating hot air must be able to reach the entire surface of your food to create a golden crust. Overcrowding may result in a soggy exterior.

Step 4: Be mindful of air frying times and temperatures

Convection ovens usually don't cook as fast as air fryers, so you may need to adjust the cooking times. Air fryers also tend to use higher temperatures, so you will need to account for this when determining the right cooking times. Generally, you can expect to air fry in a convection oven at temperatures between 350-400°F, but this will vary depending on the recipe.

If using a recipe with a conventional oven time, refer to your oven manufacturer's instructions for temperatures and cook times. If you don't have your instruction manual, use the times listed on the package or in the recipe and monitor the food as it cooks.

Step 5: Flip food halfway through cooking

Similar to using a countertop air fryer, you may need to flip or shake your food during the cooking process to improve air distribution. Spray or rub food with a little extra oil or cooking spray to promote crisping.

What is the difference between an air fryer and a convection oven?

Air fryers and convection ovens are similar in the way they operate, but they also have key differences. While both appliances use fans to circulate heat, air fryers and convection ovens differ in size, heating methods, capacity, and cooking times.

Air fryers are countertop appliances, while convection ovens are built-in, full-sized ovens. Air fryers are much smaller than convection ovens, and they may have different methods of heating. Air fryers typically feature a large fan located on top of the appliance and cook from the top down, while convection ovens use a built-in heating mechanism to blow hot air via a fan that’s often located on the back or side of the oven.

Convection ovens typically have a larger capacity than air fryers, allowing you to cook more food at once. Air fryers often only allow you to cook about two servings at a time, while convection ovens can accommodate significantly more.

Air fryers typically preheat faster than convection ovens due to their smaller size. However, air fryer vs. convection oven cooking times can be similar; convection ovens may have slightly longer cooking times. Air fryers and convection ovens may use similar cooking temperatures, usually 20 to 25 degrees lower than conventional ovens.

Another difference is that air fryers require more regular cleaning than convection ovens due to their design and the fact that food needs to be cooked in batches.

In summary, the main distinction between air fryers and convection ovens is their size, heating methods, capacity, and cooking times. Air fryers are smaller, countertop appliances with faster preheating and cooking times, while convection ovens are larger, built-in ovens with greater capacity and slightly longer cooking times.

Tips for using an air fryer or air fryer oven

Whirlpool does indeed make an air fryer oven. Here are some tips for using an air fryer or air fryer oven:

Preheat your air fryer

Preheat your air fryer for around 5 minutes. Some air fryer models have a light that indicates when the unit is preheated. Manufacturers recommend preheating, but if you like, you can skip preheating altogether. Try it both ways and see what gives you the best results.

Use the right cookware

Use a dark, non-stick baking sheet with low sides. For quicker, crispier results, try an air fryer tray. This lets the air circulate all around each piece of food, so it's crunchy even on the bottom. You can also use a perforated tray or basket, an oven-safe cooling rack, or a cookie sheet with aluminium foil or parchment paper on the lower rack to catch drippings.

Give your food space

Avoid overcrowding your air fryer. This allows the hot air to cook and crisp your food evenly and thoroughly. The circulating hot air must be able to reach the entire surface of your food to create a golden crust. Overcrowding may result in a soggy exterior.

Be mindful of cooking times and temperatures

Convection ovens and air fryers usually don't cook as fast or as hot as countertop air fryers, so you may have to adjust the cooking times and temperatures. If using a recipe that provides the time for a conventional oven, refer to your oven manufacturer’s instructions for temperatures and cook times. If you don’t have your instruction manual, use the times listed on the package or in the recipe and monitor the food as it cooks.

Flip your food halfway through cooking

You may want to flip or shake your food to improve air distribution to food surfaces during cooking, but only flip if the food requires it to avoid any heat loss in the oven. Spray or rub with a little extra oil or cooking spray to promote crisping.

Clean your air fryer regularly

Wipe down your air fryer after each use and clean it thoroughly on a regular basis. A build-up of oil can make the unit smoke. Most models have parts that are dishwasher-safe, so check your manual.

Frequently asked questions