What Is Convection Baking
Convection baking introduces a fan to the interior of an oven, allowing hot air to be blown around and onto the food. The force of the air thus transfers more heat to the surface of the food, so that it produces more crispiness than an ordinary oven .
So air fryers are, in essence, convection ovens. But that doesn’t mean the two are exactly the same. Let’s talk about what those differences are.
Note that although many oven ranges offer a convection setting, for this discussion, we’re solely comparing countertop convection ovens with air fryers.
Air Fryer Method Of Cooking
The air fryer has a removable bucket which has a handle that houses a basket. The basket sits on top of a drip tray.
To start the cooking process, you are required to place your items in the basket, and then push the bucket back inside.
The air fryer has a timer and temperature controls to allow precise cooking.
Since heating elements are located at the top of the air fryer, you might need to shake the basket regularly to ensure that your food cooks evenly especially if they are stacked together to allow the air to cook from all sides.
Also Read: Best Budget Toaster Ovens
Should You Get A Digital Air Fryer Over Analog Meh Not Really
This depends on your personal preference but the controls don’t have much to do with the performance or end result. Digital air fryers have presets for things like chicken wings, french fries, fish and such, but I find that even if the presets exist, it takes me just a few runs to learn how long things need and the correct temperatures, and I end up bypassing them anyways. Digital air fryers tend to cost a bit more and you run the risk of the panel shorting out, but having a digital readout of the temp and cook time can be nice.
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How Big Should An Air Fryer Be About A Quart Per Person But Bigger Isn’t Always Better
If you’re cooking for one or two people a 2- or 3-quart air fryer should be large enough. From there, I would suggest adding a quart of capacity for every person that you’re regularly cooking for. So, if you plan to air fry for five people on a regular basis, spring for a 5-quart model.
Size matters when it comes to air fryer prowess but maybe not in the way you expected. A smaller air fryer means food is going to get blasted faster and more often than inside a larger model where the air has further to travel and more time to lose heat. I’ve found that small and powerful air fryers including the Magic Bullet 2-5-quart model and Instant Pot’s Duo Crisp work exceptionally well and very quickly.
The smaller air fryers mean less overall capacity so you may have to cook in batches.
I find that smaller air fryers like Magic Bullet’s 2-5-quart model do an excellent job but the trade-off is less cooking space.
Using medium chicken thighs as a unit measurement, a 2.5-quart air fryer can fit three thighs. A 5-quart model will comfortably fit six thighs and so on. If you spring for a hybrid oven with multiple racks, you can cook as many as 10 or 12 chicken thighs at once, but it will take longer than with a smaller air fryer
Which One Should You Choose
Well, when everything is said and done, which style of air fryer should you choose?
This is a question only you can answer, depending on your specific situation. For example, my household only has two people in it and we have an incredibly small kitchen. Thats why we pretty much have to go for a basket style.
What I would say though, is that I would generally recommend going for a larger oven style if you do have the space and portability is not a problem. You could cook so much more in there and not have to worry about air flow.
The only caveat to this is rotisserie chicken! If you love it, then your only option is the air fryer oven
Read Also: Emeril’s Air Fryer Cookbook
Ninja Af101 Air Fryer 4 Qt Black/gray
Ninja AF101 Air Fryer, 4 Qt, Black/gray
Another recommended air fryer is the Ninja AF101 air fryer. With a great size of 4 quarts and a weight of 4,9 pounds, this is the perfect air fryer for a larger family. Temperature ranges from 105F to 400F. It also comes with a ceramic-coated nonstick basket and crisper plate for better cooking. Y can also use it as a convection oven.
The unit needs some time to preheat before you can start using it ad is perfect for dehydration. All the parts on the air fryer are dishwasher safe and easy to use. It has four programmable cooking options and you can manually control the time of cooking and temperature.
Pros
- Can cook and roast different foods in half the time
Cons
- It needs time to reheat before you can use it
Should You Get An Air Fryer Or A Toaster Oven
When it comes to choosing between these two kitchen appliances, consider what each one can do. A toaster oven can make pretty much anything an air fryer can and it also toasts!
Air fryers are not really fryers at all, but just another version of a convection oven. The claim that you can cook with less oil is not unique to an air fryer. A toaster oven also lets you have control over how much oil you put on your food.
There are also appliances called air fryer toaster ovens, which essentially combine these two appliances. While it sounds like a good idea in theory, the only real difference between this and a toaster oven is that its usually larger. Toaster ovens already let you air fry your food since air frying is basically convection baking.
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How Easy Are They To Clean
Modern appliances are becoming simpler to clean, thanks to non-stick products, coatings, and removable parts.
Both of these types of device are relatively simple to clean, although we have to put the air fryers advantage as all the parts in contact with food are removable and safe with dishwasher.
It can also happen with some convection toaster ovens, but the stand can be much more extensive and a lot handier for cleaning than a standard air fryer basket. You will often find food scraps stuck in the grid of rack and basket.
Do They Make An Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Yes! Cuisinart makes its TOA-60 Toaster Oven Airfryer, and it can do it all. It is a premium full-size toaster oven with a built-in air fryer. It does all of the things a standard toaster oven does, like baking and broiling.
Just click that link to see the current price on Amazon.
This means you can prepare all of the same fried foods that you can with a stand-alone air fryer.
While it seems a little pricey, if you consider that you are purchasing two appliances in one, its really not all that expensive. It may actually be less expensive than buying two appliances, depending on what brands you purchase, and what features they offer.
It gets great ratings, too. Its been reviewed by more than 7,500 people and has almost a perfect 5-star rating! Lots of people own it, and for the most part, they all love it. Its also an Amazons Choice product.
It also only takes up the space of one appliance.
This means no dragging one or the other out of a cabinet when you are cooking. Since it can live on your countertop, it also means youre more likely to use it.
And Cuisinart is a globally recognized name, so you know its a quality product.
This would be a great product to own if you are lacking storage space or just wanting to not spend the amount of money you would spend on multiple products.
Recommended Reading: Cordon Bleu Air Fryer
Make Decisions Based On Your Needs
If possible, you can absolutely choose to buy both an air fryer and a toaster oven to make kitchen work easier without considering between the two devices.
However, you do not need to waste money too much because both can cook many similar dishes. It is important that you have culinary skills to create delicious dishes in your own way.
If you have to choose between the two, you should carefully consider your needs before deciding. The biggest advantage of the air fryer is its speed and convenience. As for the toaster oven, its the amount of food and the variety in cooking.
I hope that the information that I have provided has been able to help you make the right decision that is best for you. If you find this information useful, do not hesitate to share it with your friends. Thank you!
The Core Differences Between Air Fryer And Toaster Oven
Both air fryer and toaster ovens are modern kitchen appliances and are very effective in cooking. However, many people do not clearly distinguish the difference between these two devices.
Although they have many similarities, the manufacturers that make two types of devices with two different names have their reasons. These two devices differ in many factors, which can be important factors for you to make a choice that is right for you.
I will point out the biggest differences between the two devices: cooking space, heat source, temperature, hot circulation, cooking time, cooking method, types of food, insulation, power, price, digital, and maintenance. Keep reading for more details.
Also Check: Jimmy Dean Croissant Air Fryer
Does An Air Fryer Use Less Electricity Than An Oven
thanovensAir FryerenergythanovenAir FryerThe Ninja OP301 Pressure Cooker is on sale for $177.99.
- T-fal Multi ActiFry. Amazon. T-fal Multi Actifry Fryer.
- Instant Vortex Plus. Amazon. Instant Vortex Plus.
- GoWISE USA Digital Air Fryer. Amazon. GoWISE USA 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer.
- Avalon Bay Air Fryer. amazon.
- Breville BOV900BSS Convection and Air Fry Smart Oven Air. Amazon.
Can You Air Fry With A Convection Toaster Oven
For years weve used the convection fan on our Breville Smart Oven Pro plus a wire rack inserted into a sheet pan to cook all manner of crispy vegetarian foods with great results.
If youve got a convection toaster oven that you love, upgrading for one single feature probably isnt going to be worth it.
To help you try out air fryer recipes in your toaster oven weve put together this post with tips on how to air fry with a convection toaster oven.
You may find that your current toaster oven does a great job air frying. If not, you can always come back and read the rest of this article!
Also Check: Sams Air Fryer
Air Fryer Vs Air Fryer Oven
A countertop air fryer and an air fryer oven are not separate things. They have the same features with little bit differences. Both of these air fryers deep fry things from all angles and give food a crispier taste. Either you buy a countertop air fryer or air fryer oven you will be happy to have such a great kitchen gadget. Now let us differentiate both air fryer and air fryer oven.
Safety Regarding Both The Appliances
A toaster oven has metallic parts inside as well as on the outside. This can heat up and may cause burns if not handled properly.
An air fryer is mostly safe with an insulated outer side and the basket tucked safely inside its body.
However, you should be careful which removing hot food from the appliance. Allow it to cool down or use oven mitts.
Read Also: Emeril Lagasse Air Fryer 360 Promo Code
Air Fryer French Fries
These air fryer french fries are the reason I bought an air fryer in the first place. I used frozen french fries for this side by side comparison. I typically air fry french fries anywhere from 8-12 minutes depending on the type of fries and how thick cut they are.
Amount: .75 lbs of frozen shoestring french fries.
Preheat: Both the basket and the oven were preheated at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Then each was cooked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until desired crispiness.
- Basket: The basket took 8 minutes to cook until desired crispiness.
- Oven: The oven took 13 minutes to cook until the desired crispiness.
- Winner: The basket, by a littleas it cooked a few minutes faster.
What Is The Difference Between An Air Fryer And An Air Fryer Oven
Although an air fryer and an air fryer oven work in the same way to cook your food, they both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Before you can consider which one to buy for your kitchen, you should ensure you understand their differences. In addition, see our ‘Air Fryer Vs. Dehydrator’ review in case you need your food to last longer.
Also Check: Jimmy Dean Sandwich In Air Fryer
Final Say Air Fryer Or Toaster Oven
Convection ovens are time-tested for cooking proper, whole meals while air fryers are more suited for those who enjoy consuming appetizers and snacks . So only an air fryer is able to produce that perfect extra-crispy texture. However, a convection oven performs more even cooking because of the larger cooking area.
Even how much space you have in your kitchen matters at this point. An air fryer, with its more compact size, can be placed and stored just about anywhere. But the same cannot be done with a toaster oven.
In the end, just keep in mind that the best appliance for you is that which you know youre going to use the most.
A Guide To Air Fryers: Everything You Need To Know Before You Buy
Considering an air fryer to make healthier meals in 2022? We answer all your burning questions about the trendy countertop cookers.
We explore the trendy appliance in all its forms to help you find a perfect air fryer fit.
Air fryers have made a whole lot of noise in the kitchen appliance space over these past few years. If you’ve become a little air fry-curious, there are some questions you might want to have answered before you invest in yet another small kitchen appliance. If starting from scratch, you’ll want to know exactly what an air fryer does and how it’s used. Does an air fryer actually fry? And are air fryers healthier than normal ovens? Also, what can you make in an air fryer, and which type of air fryer oven is best for your cooking habits? Most importantly, is an air fryer worth buying with so many other kitchen appliances available, or are these trendy countertop cookers just a bunch of hot air?
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In this air fryer explainer and buying guide, I’ll explore the best uses for the trendy air fryer, and break down the various types of air fry ovens along with average costs to help you make a more informed purchase.
First, a little background.
Read Also: Schwan’s Chicken Cordon Bleu In Air Fryer
What Is A Convection Oven
A countertop convection oven is built like a standard toaster oven: rectangular in shape with a front door that opens on a hinge at the bottom. How it differs from an ordinary toaster oven is that a convection oven is equipped with a fan, which blows hot air around.
The motion of the air inside the oven is called a convection effect and it results in faster cooking by transferring higher temperatures to the surface of the food as compared with an ordinary oven. So it both accelerates cooking as well as enhances the browning and crisping of the surface of your food.
Like a toaster oven, a convection oven has an interior rack that will fit a sheet pan . Because it’s wide, it allows for the food to be spread out on the rack rather than stacked in layers.
This is crucial, since stacking or layering food impedes the flow of hot air. Arranging the food in a single layer allows for even cooking all around.
Air Fryer Vs Convection Toaster Oven
The only variation between a regular toaster oven and the convection counterpart is that the latter is supercharged by fans. While air fryers also use convection for cooking food, they are more powerful, which implies that they circulate heat faster than convection toaster ovens.
Furthermore, air fryers come with baskets in which you place small portions of food. Its a no-brainer that smaller spaces translate to more confinement. Therefore, the fan of this appliance solely focuses on its heating in a small space.
Read Also: Bella Pro Air Fryer 6-qt
Breville Bov900bss Smart Oven Air With Super Convection
Normally $600, Now $400 at Williams-Sonoma
Honestly, this convection oven and air fryer makes a solid substitute for an actual oven. Its roomy interior fits up to nine slices of bread, a 14-pound turkey, or even a 5-quart Dutch oven. Theres even a proof setting for breadmakers, a cookie setting, and a slow cook setting. It really could be the only kitchen appliance you buy.
$320 is the lowest price we’ve seen.
Normally $152, Now $120 at Amazon
With 10 quarts of cooking capacity, this air fryer is a great buy when cooking to feed a crowd. The 10 pre-programmed settings make it easy to air fry, bake, roast, dehydrate, and more, and Rapid Vortex Air Circulation technology ensures the food is cooked and crisped to perfection.
The lowest price we’ve seen for this item is $92.
