Maybe you love the convenience of an air fryer but find that standard air fryer capacities just aren’t enough to feed your large family. Or, maybe you have very little counter space – in a dorm, RV, economy apartment, or tiny home, for example – and you want to make the most of it. Perhaps you’d like to save money by purchasing just one appliance rather than two or three.
If you find yourself in any of the above or similar situations, we’d like to introduce you to your new favorite kitchen gadget: the air fryer toaster oven.
Air fryer toaster ovens, as their name suggests, combine the baking and heating power of a toaster oven with the convection “frying” of an air fryer.
- EMERIL 9-IN-1 AIR FRYER: Replace your countertop convection oven! 5 all-over heating elements mimic a commercial-quality oven for perfect, even cooking. Most convection ovens only have 3. 12 pre-set cooking functions let you choose what you want to cook and how: custom toaster oven setting for up to 6 slices of bread, roast a whole turkey, bake desserts, air fry fried chicken, slow cooking up to 10 hours, roast vegetables, dehydrate jerky and fruit, bake crisp-crust pizza & more.
- 360° QUICK COOK TECHNOLOGY: Better than ordinary convection ovens, the 360° quick cook technology and five super powerful heating elements mean your meals cook evenly on all sides in a whirlwind of super-heated air for crispy, delicious flavors. No added fats, oils, or unhealthy grease required. Get chef-quality results in one compact, 1500-watt countertop oven - 40% faster than regular ovens.
- 12 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Extra versatile – LCD digital display with 12 cooking functions: air fry, bake, rotisserie, dehydrate, toast, reheat, roast, broil, bagel, pizza, slow cook, and Warm/ reheat. Using an air fryer over a traditional deep fryer can help reduce the number of unhealthy CALORIES you consume by up to 70% while still letting you enjoy your favorite food
- STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: A sleek, state-of-the art appliance to complement your kitchen and surrounding accessories, This All-in-One air fryer, rotisserie, and Dehydrator oven provides long-lasting versatility and an XL 930 cubic inch capacity. Includes a crisper tray, rotisserie spit, pizza rack, baking pan, drip tray, and cook book with recipes written by Emeril himself!
- TRUSTED EMERIL LAGASSE QUALITY: Every multi-purpose hot air fryer we produce is backed by chef-quality design, construction, and support to ensure it lasts through every evening meal, holiday dinner, and quick bite of delicious fries!
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.
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- COOKING FUNCTIONS: This premium 1800 watt toaster oven and AirFryer, is equipped with an AirFry setting plus toast, convection bake, bake, convection broil, broil, warming feature, with a wide temperature range (Warm-450°F) .Toast Shade Selector-Timer | Nonstick Easy-Clean Interior | Whisper Quiet Operation
- CAPACITY: Large enough to toast 6-slices of bread, air fry 3-pounds of chicken wings, bake a 12-inch pizza or roast a 4-pound chicken
- SUPERIOR OPERATION: Equipped with an adjustable temperature dial, 60-minute timer/auto-shutoff and a toast shade selector to ensure your meals are cooked to perfection.
- INCLUDES: Oven light, oven rack, baking pan, AirFry basket and a nonstick easy-clean interior to make cleanup simple.
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies.
- EMERIL 9-IN-1 AIR FRYER: Replace your countertop convection oven! 5 all-over heating elements mimic a commercial-quality oven for perfect, even cooking. Most convection ovens only have 3. 12 pre-set cooking functions let you choose what you want to cook and how: custom toaster oven setting for up to 6 slices of bread, roast a whole turkey, bake desserts, air fry fried chicken, slow cooking up to 10 hours, roast vegetables, dehydrate jerky and fruit, bake crisp-crust pizza & more.
- 360° QUICK COOK TECHNOLOGY: Better than ordinary convection ovens, the 360° quick cook technology and five super powerful heating elements mean your meals cook evenly on all sides in a whirlwind of super-heated air for crispy, delicious flavors. No added fats, oils, or unhealthy grease required. Get chef-quality results in one compact, 1500-watt countertop oven - 40% faster than regular ovens.
- 12 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Extra versatile – LCD digital display with 12 cooking functions: air fry, bake, rotisserie, dehydrate, toast, reheat, roast, broil, bagel, pizza, slow cook, and Warm/ reheat. Using an air fryer over a traditional deep fryer can help reduce the number of unhealthy CALORIES you consume by up to 70% while still letting you enjoy your favorite food
- STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: A sleek, state-of-the art appliance to complement your kitchen and surrounding accessories, This All-in-One air fryer, rotisserie, and Dehydrator oven provides long-lasting versatility and an XL 930 cubic inch capacity. Includes a crisper tray, rotisserie spit, pizza rack, baking pan, drip tray, and cook book with recipes written by Emeril himself!
- TRUSTED EMERIL LAGASSE QUALITY: Every multi-purpose hot air fryer we produce is backed by chef-quality design, construction, and support to ensure it lasts through every evening meal, holiday dinner, and quick bite of delicious fries!
- MAKE ADJUSTMENTS ON-THE-FLY – Want hotter temperature or need to cook it longer? Simply adjust on-the-fly any time. Fine-tune time and temperature any time in the cooking process. Bravo’s intuitive digital controls are easy to operate.
- INTUITIVE DIGITAL CONTROLS - Set cook temperatures from 50°F to 500°F adjustable in precise 5°F increments. Unlike the primitive methods that regulate temperature by turning the heater on and off, our heater never turns off while cooking.
- LINEAR THERMAL (LINEAR T) TECHNOLOGY – Linear T executes the set temp accurately throughout the cooking process by continuously monitoring temp fluctuations & making constant adjustments every second to maintain the set temp to ensure perfect results.
- DUAL HEAT ZONES - Customize the top, bottom heaters and convection fan independently for true surround cooking. To bake a perfect pizza, set bottom heaters at full power & top heaters at 30% for crispy crunch crust and perfectly melted cheesy toppings.
- INTEGRATED SMART DIGITAL THERMOMETER – Once the desired doneness temperature is set, Bravo constantly monitors the internal temperature of your food and automatically ends the cooking process when the desired internal temperature is reached.
- The Breville Smart Oven with Element iQ System is for the home cook who needs a convection countertop toaster oven with high performance and versatility; Reduce your cooking time by up to 30% using the convection setting and choose from 9 cooking functions
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer power to where and when it's needed to create the ideal cooking environment for perfect results every time; Fast 1800 Watt preheat gets your meals on the table more quickly
- CONVECTION POWERED: The Smart Oven's convection setting reduces cooking time by up to 30%; An inbuilt fan circulates the hot air within the oven which speeds the cooking process by raising hotter air and sinking colder, less dense air for quicker heating
- 9 COOKING FUNCTIONS: versatile countertop oven with 9 cooking functions to guide you to perfection: Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, Reheat and Warm
- LARGE CAPACITY: Large 18.5 x 15.7 x 11.1 inch interior with enough room for 6 slices of bread, 6 cup muffin tray and a 13 inch pizza, made to perfection
Best Air Fryer Toaster Ovens – Product Roundups
There are a lot of “combination” cooking products on the market today. Below, you’ll find some of our favorite air fryer toaster oven models.
Breville BOV800XL Smart Oven
Cook six slices of toast to perfection or select one of the Smart Oven’s helpful cooking presets.
Features
The digital display shows the temperature and cooking time, as well as nine cooking presets, including grill/broil, toast, bagel/crumpet, bake, roast, pizza, cookies, reheat, and warm. The Start/Cancel button is highlighted in red, and the Function, Temp, and Time can be selected using manual knobs. Air frying can be simulated using the convection feature.
Size and Appearance
The Breville Smart Oven is made of stainless steel, silver in color with a windowed door and interior light. The digital display and manual control knobs are located to the right of the door. The display changes from blue to orange when the cook cycle begins. The oven has a footprint of 18.5 by 15.75 inches, and a height of 11 inches. A minimum clearance of at least 4 inches is recommended. It weighs 22.5 pounds.
- The Breville Smart Oven with Element iQ System is for the home cook who needs a convection countertop toaster oven with high performance and versatility; Reduce your cooking time by up to 30% using the convection setting and choose from 9 cooking functions
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 5 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer power to where and when it's needed to create the ideal cooking environment for perfect results every time; Fast 1800 Watt preheat gets your meals on the table more quickly
- CONVECTION POWERED: The Smart Oven's convection setting reduces cooking time by up to 30%; An inbuilt fan circulates the hot air within the oven which speeds the cooking process by raising hotter air and sinking colder, less dense air for quicker heating
- 9 COOKING FUNCTIONS: versatile countertop oven with 9 cooking functions to guide you to perfection: Toast, Bagel, Bake, Roast, Broil, Pizza, Cookies, Reheat and Warm
- LARGE CAPACITY: Large 18.5 x 15.7 x 11.1 inch interior with enough room for 6 slices of bread, 6 cup muffin tray and a 13 inch pizza, made to perfection
Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven
Cuisinart is a trusted brand, made easy with simple manual controls.
Features
The four manual control knobs can be used to adjust the timer (up to 60 minutes), temperature, function (warm, broil, convection broil, toast, bake, convection bake, or air fry), or toast timer (dark, light, or medium). A convection fan is located at the top of the appliance to facilitate convection cooking and air frying. The interior dimensions can handle six slices of toast, a 12-inch pizza, or a 4-pound chicken.
Size and Appearance
The stout Cuisinart oven is silver/stainless steel in color. It has a windowed door, and the control knobs are located just above the door. To the right of the knobs is the on/off button for the interior light, and to the left is the red power indicator light. Its dimensions are 15.5 by 16 by 14 inches, and it weighs 21 pounds.
- COOKING FUNCTIONS: This premium 1800 watt toaster oven and AirFryer, is equipped with an AirFry setting plus toast, convection bake, bake, convection broil, broil, warming feature, with a wide temperature range (Warm-450°F) .Toast Shade Selector-Timer | Nonstick Easy-Clean Interior | Whisper Quiet Operation
- CAPACITY: Large enough to toast 6-slices of bread, air fry 3-pounds of chicken wings, bake a 12-inch pizza or roast a 4-pound chicken
- SUPERIOR OPERATION: Equipped with an adjustable temperature dial, 60-minute timer/auto-shutoff and a toast shade selector to ensure your meals are cooked to perfection.
- INCLUDES: Oven light, oven rack, baking pan, AirFry basket and a nonstick easy-clean interior to make cleanup simple.
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies.
Emeril Lagasse Power Air Fryer 360
Cook like the famous chef Emeril Lagasse using this sleek oven and its multiplicity of features.
Features
This oven has five elements for even cooking and twelve cooking presets, including air fryer, dehydrate, bake, rotisserie, toast, reheat, broil, roast, pizza, bagel, slow cook, and reheat/warm. The slow cook and dehydrate functions allow an extra-long cook time of up to 10 hours. The internal capacity allows you to place a chicken or small turkey on the rotisserie spit, or use two oven racks or fryer baskets at the same time.
Size and Appearance
This oven has a stainless steel exterior with chrome accents. The door has a large viewing window. The blue digital control panel is located to the right of the oven door. Beneath it are manual control knobs for time and temperature, a function select knob, and buttons that allow you to start or pause cooking, cancel, engage the convection fan or rotisserie, or turn on the oven light. The dimensions are 22.5 by 17.5 by 13.5 inches, and it weighs 19.7 pounds.
- EMERIL 9-IN-1 AIR FRYER: Replace your countertop convection oven! 5 all-over heating elements mimic a commercial-quality oven for perfect, even cooking. Most convection ovens only have 3. 12 pre-set cooking functions let you choose what you want to cook and how: custom toaster oven setting for up to 6 slices of bread, roast a whole turkey, bake desserts, air fry fried chicken, slow cooking up to 10 hours, roast vegetables, dehydrate jerky and fruit, bake crisp-crust pizza & more.
- 360° QUICK COOK TECHNOLOGY: Better than ordinary convection ovens, the 360° quick cook technology and five super powerful heating elements mean your meals cook evenly on all sides in a whirlwind of super-heated air for crispy, delicious flavors. No added fats, oils, or unhealthy grease required. Get chef-quality results in one compact, 1500-watt countertop oven - 40% faster than regular ovens.
- 12 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Extra versatile – LCD digital display with 12 cooking functions: air fry, bake, rotisserie, dehydrate, toast, reheat, roast, broil, bagel, pizza, slow cook, and Warm/ reheat. Using an air fryer over a traditional deep fryer can help reduce the number of unhealthy CALORIES you consume by up to 70% while still letting you enjoy your favorite food
- STAINLESS STEEL CONSTRUCTION: A sleek, state-of-the art appliance to complement your kitchen and surrounding accessories, This All-in-One air fryer, rotisserie, and Dehydrator oven provides long-lasting versatility and an XL 930 cubic inch capacity. Includes a crisper tray, rotisserie spit, pizza rack, baking pan, drip tray, and cook book with recipes written by Emeril himself!
- TRUSTED EMERIL LAGASSE QUALITY: Every multi-purpose hot air fryer we produce is backed by chef-quality design, construction, and support to ensure it lasts through every evening meal, holiday dinner, and quick bite of delicious fries!
Nuwave Bravo XL Air Fry Convection Oven
This oven has the unique feature of an integrated temperature probe.
Features
Perhaps the most sought-after feature of this oven is the integrated temperature probe. The heat-resistant probe plugs into the oven’s control panel. You place the probe end inside the meat or dish, and the oven will continue cooking until the meat has reached the desired temperature. The oven has five heating elements and three convection fan speeds.
Size and Appearance
The oven has a brushed stainless steel exterior and a windowed door. A digital display is located to the right of the door, as well as a start/pause selector knob and buttons for menu, preheat, warm, temperature, top/bottom, light/clock, sear, fan, delay, stage, probe, and on/off. The oven’s dimensions are 20 by 13.5 by 11 inches, and it weighs 19 pounds.
- MAKE ADJUSTMENTS ON-THE-FLY – Want hotter temperature or need to cook it longer? Simply adjust on-the-fly any time. Fine-tune time and temperature any time in the cooking process. Bravo’s intuitive digital controls are easy to operate.
- INTUITIVE DIGITAL CONTROLS - Set cook temperatures from 50°F to 500°F adjustable in precise 5°F increments. Unlike the primitive methods that regulate temperature by turning the heater on and off, our heater never turns off while cooking.
- LINEAR THERMAL (LINEAR T) TECHNOLOGY – Linear T executes the set temp accurately throughout the cooking process by continuously monitoring temp fluctuations & making constant adjustments every second to maintain the set temp to ensure perfect results.
- DUAL HEAT ZONES - Customize the top, bottom heaters and convection fan independently for true surround cooking. To bake a perfect pizza, set bottom heaters at full power & top heaters at 30% for crispy crunch crust and perfectly melted cheesy toppings.
- INTEGRATED SMART DIGITAL THERMOMETER – Once the desired doneness temperature is set, Bravo constantly monitors the internal temperature of your food and automatically ends the cooking process when the desired internal temperature is reached.
Black+Decker Crisp ‘N Bake Air Fry Toaster Oven
This mighty little oven can handle the 9 by 13-inch baking dishes that you already own.
Features
Three manual control knobs mean using this oven couldn’t be simpler. The top knob allows you to set the temperature and function – warm, bake, air fry, broil, or toast. The middle knob is the 60-minute timer, and the bottom knob is the toast shade selector. The oven’s extra-wide interior can handle two layers of racks or baskets, even oven-safe cookware that you already own!
Size and Appearance
The Black+Decker oven has a brushed stainless steel exterior and a large viewing window. The manual control knobs are located to the right of the oven door. The dimensions are 21.5 by 23 by 11.2 inches, and the oven weighs 15.7 pounds.
- AIR FRY TECHNOLOGY: Deep fried taste without the fat! This innovative cooking method surrounds food with high intensity hot air to bake, brown, and crisp your favorite foods using little to no oil.
- 5 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Choose from five available cooking methods: bake, broil, toast, keep warm, and air fry.
- EXTRA LARGE CAPACITY: Cook for the whole family! This large capacity toaster oven fits a 9” x 13” pan with handles, 8 slices of bread, or a 12” pizza.
- COUNTERTOP BAKING: The Bake function and extra wide capacity let you make pizzas, brownies, casseroles, and so much more! Plus, it’s great for reheating leftovers without turning on the big oven.
- 60-MINUTE TIMER: The 60-minute precision timer is convenient for short and long cooking tasks.
Farberware Air Fryer Toaster Oven
One of the least expensive of the air fryer toaster ovens.
Features
Though manual in nature, this oven’s controls are a bit more complicated. The first knob selects the function. The second is used to set the time or temperature, with a push-button to switch between these two options. Cooking temperatures and times for common items are located to the left of the control panel.
Size and Appearance
The Farberware oven has a silvertone exterior. The oven’s door spans approximately two-thirds its height, and it has a small viewing window. The manual controls and digital display are located above the oven door. The dimensions are 17.5 by 16 by 12.75 inches.
Air Fryer Toaster Oven Buying Guide
Whether it’s the size or the features, you’ve decided that an air fryer toaster oven – rather than a standard air fryer – is the right choice for you. How, though, can you decide among the many types of air fryer toaster ovens that are on the market today?
First, consider what an air fryer toaster oven is and how it differs from traditional toaster ovens. Then, we’ll examine a number of features to help you decide.
What Is an Air Fryer Toaster Oven?
To explain the value of an air fryer toaster oven, we must first define the two distinct appliances it is designed to replace.
An air fryer is a small countertop convection oven. It superheats air and circulates it with a fan in order to cook food quickly. This cooking method produces a result similar to deep frying. The food becomes crispy and crunchy on the outside while remaining soft and juicy on the inside.
A toaster oven is also a small countertop oven. It replaces the pop-up toaster, and it is able to toast items that a stand-alone toaster can’t – thick bagels and topped items, for example. Toaster ovens can also be used to reheat or cook small items.
The air fryer toaster oven combines the best of both worlds. By adding a convection fan and an airtight seal, you create an appliance that toasts, air fries, bakes, and more. These ovens generally have a higher capacity than standard air fryers, even allowing the use of small oven-safe dishes. Some have additional features, like dehydration and slow cooking.
What Size Air Fryer Oven Should I Get?
Air fryer ovens typically have the highest capacity of all air fryer types, preparing five or more servings in a single cooking cycle. Sizes still differ, however, so you may wish to consider the following.
- The Black+Decker air fryer oven is the largest, making it ideal for cooking larger items or using oven-safe bakeware.
- The Cuisinart air fryer oven has the smallest footprint, making it a good choice for those with limited space.
- The Nuwave, Black+Decker, and Breville ovens are each approximately 11 inches in height. They may fit better than other models under low-hanging cabinetry.
Features to Look for When Buying an Air Fryer Toaster Oven
Besides the absolute size of the oven, there are other features that could influence your purchasing decision. These include:
- Cooking presets. These pre-programmed times and temperatures for popular foods can save you time and the hassle of over- or undercooking your favorite snacks. Some of the above ovens have up to fifteen cooking presets; others have none.
- Additional features. Air fryer toaster ovens by their very nature have additional features when compared to standard air fryers. However, some of these air fryer toaster ovens are able to dehydrate, slow cook, rotate a rotisserie spit, and more.
- Price. Air fryer toaster ovens are generally more expensive than stand-alone air fryers or toaster ovens. The Farberware model discussed herein is the least expensive of our top picks.
Summary
More than half of air fryer toaster oven users would highly recommend the product, though a number of users were dissatisfied. The most common complaint was that the air fryer toaster oven was not as efficient at air frying as a dedicated toaster oven. It was stated that air frying took longer and food did not come out as crispy as with a dedicated air fryer.
Those transitioning from a standard toaster oven to an air fryer toaster oven were very happy, however. Many users commented that the air fryer oven cooked much faster than a standard toaster oven.
Other complaints centered on the controls and whether or not the convection fan ran during all settings. As one user said: “I’ve always had toaster ovens as a kitchen accessory and have had to learn each one of their quirks.” But his brand new air fryer toaster oven had fewer quirks than the rest, he went on to say.
In recent years, air fryers have taken both U.S. and international markets by storm. They’ve often been called the hottest new kitchen appliance, the next kitchen craze.
You may wonder, however, if an air fryer is right for you. How does it work? How does it compare to similar hot air appliances, such as the countertop convection oven?
We’ve compiled everything you need to know about air fryers and convection ovens to make an informed purchasing decision. Below, you’ll come to understand how these devices work and the pros and cons of each. Our objective approach will help you decide which appliance will best suit your lifestyle.
Comparison Overview:
Air Fryers – How They Work?
Air fryers are countertop cooking appliances designed to imitate the results of deep-fried food. Air fryers use fan circulated superheated air, with little or no cooking oil, to achieve crunchy and browned “air fried” foods. While the results are not identical to deep frying, hot air frying produces a Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and sugars in the food’s surface that gives fried foods their distinctive flavor.
Air frying is considered a healthier alternative to deep frying. Why? Deep fried foods have increased caloric contents because they absorb large amounts of oil. Hot air frying reduces the oil needed by seventy percent or more, thus reducing calories when compared to deep frying.
- Healthier cooking in 30 min or less: Thanks to rapid air technology, you can now experience your favorite food without the extra calories. This air fryer can fry, bake, grill and roast with little to no oil.
- Modern touch screen design: Sleek and modern look with advanced touch screen menu. New features include a start/stop button allowing you to change your program mid-cycle, as well as a built-in alarm function to remind you to shake your ingredients in 5, 10, and 15-minute increments.
- 8 preset cooking options & manual controls: Enjoy 8 pre-programmed cooking functions including fries/chips, pork, chicken, steak, shrimp, cake, fish and pizza. Or, use the manual controls to customize to your needs. This air fryer is equipped with a wide temperature range from 180F to 400F and a timer for up to 30 minutes.
- Accessory kit included: Includes 8-inch baking pan, 8-inch pie/pizza pan, insert rack, insert rack W/ 3 skewers, toasting/warming rack, and silicone pot holder.
- Recipe book included: Includes 50 recipes specifically made for GoWISE USA air fryers. Get started today with 50 step-by-step recipes to explore all that your new kitchen gadget has to offer.
Countertop Convection Ovens – How They Work?
You may be familiar with stoves that feature built-in convection ovens, or with the commercial grade convection ovens often employed in bakeries. What we will discuss here, however, is the countertop version – small convection ovens that are generally twice the size (or more) of a standard toaster oven.
“Convection” cooking allows you to see a scientific principle at work. Air naturally has a tendency to move when it is heated – you may have noticed, for example, that hot air in your home tends to rise toward the ceiling. This same principle is employed more acutely in a convection oven. Air in the bottom of the oven is heated by an element, and it naturally rises. This pushes cooler air down to be heated by the element. Fans are used to circulate the air even faster. This results in more rapid conduction of heat into the food, cooking it more quickly.
- COOKING FUNCTIONS: This premium 1800 watt toaster oven and AirFryer, is equipped with an AirFry setting plus toast, convection bake, bake, convection broil, broil, warming feature, with a wide temperature range (Warm-450°F) .Toast Shade Selector-Timer | Nonstick Easy-Clean Interior | Whisper Quiet Operation
- CAPACITY: Large enough to toast 6-slices of bread, air fry 3-pounds of chicken wings, bake a 12-inch pizza or roast a 4-pound chicken
- SUPERIOR OPERATION: Equipped with an adjustable temperature dial, 60-minute timer/auto-shutoff and a toast shade selector to ensure your meals are cooked to perfection.
- INCLUDES: Oven light, oven rack, baking pan, AirFry basket and a nonstick easy-clean interior to make cleanup simple.
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies.
How Are Air Fryers & Convection Ovens Similar?
What do these two appliances have in common?
- Air fryers and convection ovens both use fans to circulate superheated air. This results in faster cook times and crispier snacks when compared to baking in a conventional oven.
- Both air fryers and countertop convection ovens are designed to fit nicely on your kitchen countertop. Both have a relatively large footprint when compared to other appliances.
- Both air fryers and convection ovens can be used to replace other appliances, such as conventional ovens, toaster ovens, and toasters.
Air Fryer and Convection Oven Comparison
Before making an appliance purchase, it’s good to have all the facts. Here, we’ll help you wade through the mountains of information available on these two appliances. We’ll compare their effectiveness in terms of how they work, how much space they need, performance, pricing, cleanup, and ease of use.
How It Works
While both air fryers and convection ovens use fans to circulate heated air, there are differences in how the appliances work – and in the results, you’ll achieve. For example, the heating element is located on the top of an air fryer, while it is on the bottom in a convection oven. What difference does this make?
The air fryer’s topside heating element is located very close to the food for crispy cooking efficiency. An air intake on the top of the machine and an exhaust on the back regulate temperature and internal pressure. A motorized fan circulates the air so that the food cooks evenly, and perforations in the cooking basket facilitate this air flow. Use of an air fryer typically reduces cook time by 20 percent or more.
The convection oven, also called a fan oven or fan-assisted oven performs much like a traditional baking oven. Fans are used to circulate air warmed by the heating elements. Some convection ovens have multiple heating elements located on the top, bottom, and back of the appliance. Convection ovens may result in more even cooking of baked goods such as cakes, or in reduced cooking temperatures. Large or non-perforated baking pans may inhibit airflow, reducing beneficial effects.
Size and Space
Most air fryers have a footprint of 12 square inches or less. For example, the Philips XL Airfryer has a footprint of 12.4 inches by 11.9 inches. The 8 quart Power Air Fryer, perhaps the largest on the market, has a 16.9 square inch footprint. By comparison, a standard countertop convection oven might have a footprint of at least 14 inches by 22 inches – more than doubling the needed counter space of most air fryers. Many convection ovens are also over 16 inches in height, and may not fit under your kitchen cabinets.
If counter space is in short supply, “mini” compact air fryers, such as the Dash, are available. This air fryer has dimensions of 8.1 by 10.2 by 11.4 inches.
Winner: When it comes to saving on countertop space, the air fryer wins.
Performance
Convection ovens and air fryers both aim to produce the same result – to heat food quickly to produce a Maillard Reaction, the browning that lends fried and air fried foods its flavor and crunch.
Air fryers are typically designed to cook small servings. They range in capacity from 1.6 quarts to 8 quarts. The large “family size”8-quart models can handle small whole poultry or about eight servings of other air fried foods. Smaller air fryers require smaller cuts of meat and fewer servings.
The convection oven can also handle a whole small chicken, or an entire twelve-inch pizza – a feat of which most air fryers are not capable. Many convection ovens have two or more racks, considerably increasing cooking space.
- The Breville Compact Smart Oven with Element iQ System includes most features of a larger Smart Oven in a compact footprint; Satisfy your meal needs by choosing from 8 cooking functions to make your favorites from toast for breakfast to a roast for dinner
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 4 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer power to where and when it's needed to create the ideal cooking environment for perfect results every time; Fast 1800 Watt preheat gets your meals on the table more quickly
- 8 COOKING FUNCTIONS: Super versatile compact smart oven with 8 cooking functions to guide you to perfection: Toast, Bagel, Bake, Broil, Pizza, Roast, Cookies and Reheat
- MEDIUM CAPACITY: The 16.7 x 15.6 x 10.2 inch interior has all the room for 4 slice of toast, 6 cups muffin tray, 12 inch pizza, roast chicken and anything else you’ve got for it
- LCD DISPLAY: LCD display to more easily access the built in smart functionality, choose from 8 cooking functions
Winner: In terms of performance, the convection oven wins – convection ovens can handle large batch cooking due to their larger cooking area. The air fryer is meant for smaller batch cooking.
Price
Air fryers typically range from around $89.00 to around $299.00 in price. Small air fryers can sometimes be found for less than $50.00. The average price for an air fryer is in the $120.00 to $150.00 range.
Products advertised as “convection toaster ovens” can be found for $150.00 or less, but these are not convection ovens in the truest sense. While these ovens have a fan-assisted additional heating element, they are generally smaller than true convection ovens. The close proximity of the heating element to the food may result in uneven heating of the food, especially hot spots at the back of the oven. Many true countertop convection ovens are much larger and are priced at $200.00 or more.
Winner: When it comes to affordability, the air fryer wins.
Ease of Use
Air fryers are designed to make cooking a breeze. When using an air fryer recipe, simply coat your food item in oil if desired, pop it in the air fryer, and set the temperature and time. Traditional recipes can easily be converted using these air fryer cooking charts. You may wish to flip, stir, or otherwise agitate the food once or twice during the cooking process to achieve even cooking.
Convection ovens are said to cook up to 25 percent faster than a conventional oven, but this varies by model. This may leave you guessing as to how long to cook your favorite meal – or with dishes that are either undercooked or burnt when you take them out of the oven. Recipes timed specifically for convection ovens are few and far between.
- The Breville the Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro with Element iQ System is a versatile countertop oven air fryer combo allowing you to roast, air fry and dehydrate; Use super convection to reduce cooking time by up to 30% and choose from 13 cooking functions; Includes an interior oven light
- Introducing Breville+: Open a world of instant mastery with 1000+ guided recipes, live and on-demand classes, cook guides and more. Featuring recipes from leading food content experts, all tested and tuned exclusively for your Breville appliance
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 6 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer power to where and when it's needed to create the ideal cooking environment; Sensing and digital PID temperature control eliminates cold spots for precise and even cooking
- AIR FRY & DEHYDRATE SETTINGS: Air fry French fries and other family favorites; Higher temperatures combined with super convection (maximized air flow) deliver crispy golden air fried foods; Dehydrate a wide range of food, up to 4 trays of goodness at once
- SUPER CONVECTION TECHNOLOGY: 2 speed convection fan (super & regular) offers greater cooking control; Super convection provides a greater volume of hot air to ensure fast and even heat distribution perfect for air frying, dehydration and roasting
Controls also differ between these machines. Air fryers may be manual or digital, but generally have only two controls – time and temperature. Many models have handy one-touch presets, such as French fries, meats, fish, or reheating. Others allow you to set your own presets to match the dishes you make most. Large digital displays are easy to read, especially for those who use reading glasses or have other vision problems.
Controls on a convection oven, whether digital or manual, can be a bit more confusing. In addition to time and temperature, ovens often have a separate control with settings such as bake, toast, warm, and broil. Presets may also be available. Finally, as with any oven, you may need to flip your food during the cooking process.
The metal exteriors of convection ovens may become hot enough to cause burns if touched. Most air fryers feature plastic or enamel housings that keep the surface of the appliance cool to the touch. Caution in still in order when opening the air fryer or handling interior components.
Winner: If you’re interested in prepping your food and walking away, the air fryer wins.
Cleanup
Most air fryers are also designed for ease of cleanup. Surfaces that come in contact with your food are generally non-stick and dishwasher safe, as are most accessories. The outside of the oven can be cleaned with a damp cloth. As the cooking area of the air fryer is completely enclosed, you’ll have no messy splatters from hot liquids or oils.
Convection ovens, on the other hand, are similar to conventional ovens in their use. Racks and interior surfaces may not feature non-stick coating, and baked-on spills can be a headache to remove. Aerosol oven cleaners may release harmful fumes.
Winner: If you wish to clean up your after-dinner dishes in a hurry, the air fryer wins in terms of ease of cleanup.
As you can see, the air fryer brings home the gold in three out of four categories discussed above. So, unless large batch cooking is extremely important to you, it is clear that the air fryer will be the most useful and efficient appliance in most cases.
Air Fryer Advantages
What does the air fryer do best? Consider:
- Air fryers have simple controls and are designed with non-stick coatings and dishwasher safe parts for quick and easy cleanup.
- Air fryers are generally more affordable than countertop convection ovens of equal caliber.
- Air fryers allow you to bake, steam, roast, grill, toast or reheat foods while taking up relatively little counter space. This makes them excellent for crowded kitchens, college dorms, and economy apartments alike.
Convection Oven Advantages
In what ways does the convection oven excel? Here are a few:
- Convection ovens are larger, and therefore more servings of food may be prepared at the same time. The larger size accommodates items such as whole chickens, turkeys, and frozen pizzas, which are impossible for all but the largest “family size” air fryers.
- In addition to cooking large items, the extra space of convection ovens allows you to cook multiple items at the same time, on two or more cooking racks.
- Convection ovens provide benefits of crispiness, energy efficiency, and reduced cooked times similar to air fryers.
Can an Air Fryer Replace an Oven?
Yes, an air fryer can be used to cook anything that could be prepared in a conventional oven. In fact, an air fryer can be used to replace a number of appliances, including your conventional oven, toaster oven, deep fryer, toaster, electric grill, and convection oven. It may even replace your stovetop or hot plate for boiling eggs, preparing sauces, and sauteeing stir-fries. Accessories may be needed to adapt your air fryer to various culinary vocations.
It should be noted, however, that an air fryer may underperform its competitors when cooking larger items such as frozen pizzas or whole turkeys. If these items are an important part of your cooking experience, you might consider a countertop convection oven as an alternative. In this case, it provides the best of both worlds, offering crispy foods and rapid cook times while still supporting these specialty food items.
- Healthier cooking in 30 min or less: Thanks to rapid air technology, you can now experience your favorite food without the extra calories. This air fryer can fry, bake, grill and roast with little to no oil.
- Modern touch screen design: Sleek and modern look with advanced touch screen menu. New features include a start/stop button allowing you to change your program mid-cycle, as well as a built-in alarm function to remind you to shake your ingredients in 5, 10, and 15-minute increments.
- 8 preset cooking options & manual controls: Enjoy 8 pre-programmed cooking functions including fries/chips, pork, chicken, steak, shrimp, cake, fish and pizza. Or, use the manual controls to customize to your needs. This air fryer is equipped with a wide temperature range from 180F to 400F and a timer for up to 30 minutes.
- Accessory kit included: Includes 8-inch baking pan, 8-inch pie/pizza pan, insert rack, insert rack W/ 3 skewers, toasting/warming rack, and silicone pot holder.
- Recipe book included: Includes 50 recipes specifically made for GoWISE USA air fryers. Get started today with 50 step-by-step recipes to explore all that your new kitchen gadget has to offer.
Which is Better – A Convection Oven or an Air Fryer?
Whether an air fryer or a convection oven is the right fit for your home depends on a number of factors. For example, larger families or those needing to prepare large batches of food may find a convection oven to be the more efficient option. If your family is smaller (two to four individuals) or if you wish to use to appliance primarily for small batches of snacks, the air fryer is the obvious choice.
In considering the above information, you are now equipped to make the best investment possible in cooking for your family.