Cooking food with air fryers and convection ovens is possible with both kitchen appliances. They both have advantages and disadvantages, so it is essential to know which is suitable for you before making a purchase.
Here is a comparison between Air Fryer vs Convection Oven to help you decide which one is right for you.
Air fryers: How do they work?
Food is cooked in air fryers by circulating hot air around it. A heating element heats the air, and the food is cooked in a basket or tray, allowing the hot air to circulate around it.
Most air fryers have temperature control so that you can set them to the desired cooking temperature. They also usually have a timer so you can set them for the desired cooking time.
Various foods can be cooked in air fryers, including meats, vegetables, and desserts. Since they circulate hot air around the food, they cook food faster than traditional methods such as ovens or stovetops.
Pros of air fryers
They are a healthier alternative to deep frying and can be used to cook a variety of foods. Here are some of the pros of air fryers:
- Air fryers can cook food quickly and evenly.
- When cooking chicken or fish, for example, air fryers can produce crispy skin without the need for excess oil.
- Less likely to cause smoke and splattering than traditional deep fryers.
- Allow people to prepare a variety of delicious food in less time and with fewer calories than traditional deep-frying methods.
- Can be used to cook frozen foods without the need to pre-thaw them.
- A convenient way to cook quick meals or snacks. Simply place the frozen food in the air fryer basket and cook according to the instructions.
- Relatively simple to use and clean.
- Most air fryers have a large, easy-to-read digital display that allows you to set the temperature and timer easily.
- Many air fryers also have an auto shut-off function that can be used for extra safety.
Cons of air fryers
- More expensive than other kitchen appliances.
- Can take up a lot of counter space.
- Air fryers can be noisy, and some models do not have an automatic shut-off feature.
Convection ovens: How do they work?
A convection oven is an oven that has fans to circulate the hot air. As a result, hotspots are prevented, and the food cooks evenly. The fans also help to reduce cooking time. Convection ovens can be used for baking, roasting, and broiling.
Roasting with a convection oven works best when you want crisp, evenly cooked food. The circulating air helps to brown and crisp the meat outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Pros of convection ovens
When it comes to ovens, there are two main types: convection and regular. Convection ovens have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for a good reason. They offer many advantages over regular ovens.
- Convection ovens heat food more evenly than traditional ovens.
- Can cook food faster than traditional ovens.
- Can be used to cook multiple dishes at once.
- Convection ovens are easier to clean than traditional ovens.
- Can be used to cook food at a lower temperature than traditional ovens, which can help to preserve nutrients in food.
Cons of convection ovens
- Convection ovens can be more expensive than traditional ovens.
- Can be noisy.
- Convection ovens can produce more smoke and odours than traditional ovens.
- May require unique cookware or cooking methods
Air Fryer vs Convection Oven
Cooking Time
The air fryer is the clear winner when it comes to cooking time. An air fryer can cook food in as little as 15 minutes, while a convection oven can take upwards of 30 minutes. This is because an air fryer circulates hot air more quickly and evenly than a convection oven.
Additionally, an air fryer requires less preheating time than a convection oven.
Size & Capacity
When it comes to size and capacity, there is no clear winner between an air fryer and a convection oven. It really depends on the specific model and what your needs are. Some air fryers are small enough to fit on your countertop, while others are larger and require storage space. Convection ovens also come in various sizes, so you can find one that fits your kitchen.
As far as capacity goes, an air fryer can typically accommodate 2-3 quarts of food, while a convection oven can hold 4-5 quarts. If you have a large family or entertain often, you may want to opt for the larger appliance. But an air fryer will probably suffice if you’re cooking for one or two people.
Ease of Use
Regarding kitchen appliances, ease of use is an important factor to consider. After all, who wants to spend hours struggling with a complicated machine when there’s food to be cooked?
So, how do air fryers and convection ovens stack up in terms of ease of use? Well, both have their pros and cons. Air fryers are generally much simpler to use than convection ovens. They typically have just a few buttons and settings, so they’re pretty straightforward to operate.
Convection ovens, on the other hand, can be more complex. Some models have dozens of different settings and features, which can take some time to learn how to use.
Air fryers and convection ovens are pretty easy to use in terms of cooking food.
Cost
In general, air fryers cost more than convection ovens. This is because air fryers are newer kitchen appliances with more features than convection ovens. For example, some air fryers have a built-in timer, while most convection ovens do not.
Air fryers also tend to be smaller and more compact than convection ovens, which makes them easier to store.
Convection ovens are less expensive than air fryers but also larger and take up more counter space.
Cooking Abilities
Cooking is a skill that can be learned by anyone with the patience and willingness to do so. Various cooking methods exist, each with its own pros and cons. Two popular methods of cooking are air frying and convection ovens.
In an air fryer, hot air circulates around the food, creating a crisp outer layer without using oil. This makes air fryers a healthier option than deep frying, but it also means that food can sometimes come out dry or overcooked.
By circulating hot air around the food, convection ovens cook food evenly and prevent it from drying out. However, convection ovens can take longer to cook food, often requiring preheating before use.
Appearance
When deciding between an air fryer and a convection oven, appearance should not be the only factor. However, it is important to consider how each appliance looks in your kitchen. The air fryer is smaller and more compact than the convection oven, so it takes up less counter space.
It also has a sleek, modern look that some people prefer. The convection oven is larger and bulkier but has a more traditional appearance.
Ease of cleaning
When it comes to cleaning, both air fryers and convection ovens have their pros and cons. Air fryers tend to be easier to clean because they have fewer parts and the parts that they do have are dishwasher-safe.
Convection ovens, on the other hand, can be more challenging to clean because of their many nooks and crannies. However, most convection ovens have self-cleaning modes, making the task much more manageable.
Accessories
Regarding accessories, the air fryer and convection oven come with a few necessary items. For the air fryer, you’ll need an oil mister or pump to help ensure your food doesn’t stick, as well as a wire rack to help with even cooking. For the convection oven, you’ll need an oven-safe pan or baking dish and a wire rack or tray to catch any drips.
Both appliances also have a few optional accessories that can make your life easier. For the air fryer, it s hard to beat a timer and temperature probe, as well as a third rack for cooking more than one thing at once.
Differences Between Air Fryer vs Convection Oven:
| Feature | Air Fryer | Convection Oven |
| Type of cooking | Hot air circulation | Hot air circulation |
| Time taken to cook | Quick | Moderate |
| Ability to brown and crisp | Good | Excellent |
| Suitable for large quantities | No | Yes |
| Size and installation | Compact | Large |
| Price | Moderate to high | High |
| Versatility (e.g., baking, roasting) | Limited | Excellent |
| Maintenance | Easy | Moderate |
FAQs: Air Fryer vs Convection Oven
Are air fryers healthier than conventional frying?
This depends on what you are cooking. For example, suppose you are cooking french fries or chicken wings. In that case, air frying is healthier than conventional frying because it uses significantly less oil.
What is a convection toaster oven?
A convection toaster oven is an oven that has a fan inside. It circulates the hot air within the oven so that your food cooks more evenly and faster.
Is it possible to use tin foil in an air fryer?
Yes, you can put tin foil in an air fryer. However, it would be best if you were careful not to touch the heating element with the tin foil.
Which is better? Air fryer or convection oven.
When it comes to air fryers and convection ovens, both have their own set of pros and cons. So, which is the better option? Your needs and preferences really determine what you should do.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cook food, then an air fryer is the way to go. They’re also more energy-efficient than convection ovens. On the other hand, convection ovens can cook food more evenly and at a lower temperature, making them ideal for those who want to avoid overcooking their food.
Conclusion: Air Fryer vs Convection Oven
There is no clear winner when it comes to air fryers vs convection ovens. Both have pros and cons, depending on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a faster, easier way to cook, then an air fryer is probably the better option. However, suppose you want more control over the cooking process and the ability to cook larger quantities of food. In that case, a convection oven is probably the better choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference.