Air fryers and air ovens both use circulating hot air to cook food, but they have different functions and suitability for different types of foods. The air fryers are better for small portions of fried foods and reheating leftovers, while air ovens are better for large portions of roasting, baking, and dehydrating fruits and vegetables.
When it comes to cooking, technology has come a long way. From traditional ovens to convection ovens, to air fryers and air ovens, the options for how to cook your food have become more diverse. But which one is better for cooking different foods?
In this article, we will explore the differences between air fryers and air ovens, and which one is best suited for cooking different types of foods.
Air Fryer
Air fryers are small, compact, and are designed for cooking smaller, individual portions of food such as French fries, chicken wings, and fish. They can also be used to reheat leftovers or cook frozen foods.
Air fryers work by using a heating element and fan to circulate hot air around the food, which creates a crispy, fried-like texture. The hot air is directed onto the food by a fan, which cooks the food evenly and quickly.
One of the biggest benefits of an air fryer is that it allows you to enjoy crispy, fried foods without the added oil and fat. This makes it a healthier option for those who are trying to watch their fat intake.
Additionally, air fryers are easy to use and clean, and they take up very little counter space. However, air fryers typically have a smaller capacity and are not suitable for cooking large portions of food.
They are also not suitable for cooking certain foods that require a moist environment, such as cakes and breads. Additionally, air fryers can be quite loud, which can be a problem for some people.
Using Air Fryer for Cooking Different Foods
Here are some examples of different types of foods that can be cooked in an air fryer:
- French fries: Cut potatoes into thin, even-sized fries and toss with a bit of oil and salt. Place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204.44 °C) for about 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally for even cooking.
- Chicken wings: Toss chicken wings with your favorite marinade or seasoning and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204.44 °C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping the wings halfway through.
- Fish: Place your fish fillets in the air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204.44 °C) for about 8–10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish.
- Vegetables: Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces, toss with a bit of oil and seasonings, and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204.44 °C) for about 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally for even cooking.
- Frozen Foods: Frozen foods like frozen chicken nuggets, fish sticks, and mozzarella sticks can also be cooked in an air fryer. Usually, they require a bit more time, but they come out crispy and delicious.
- Reheating leftovers: Use the air fryer to reheat leftovers. This will give them that crispy texture that you might miss when reheating in the microwave.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Healthier cooking: One of the biggest benefits of an air fryer is that it allows you to enjoy crispy, fried foods without the added oil and fat. This makes it a healthier option for those who are trying to watch their fat intake.
- Easy to use and clean: Air fryers are easy to use and clean, and they take up very little counter space.
- Quick cooking: Air fryers cook food quickly and evenly, resulting in crispy and delicious dishes.
- Versatile: Air fryers can be used to cook a wide range of foods, including French fries, chicken wings, fish, and even vegetables.
Cons
- Small capacity: Air fryers typically have a smaller capacity and are not suitable for cooking large portions of food.
- Not suitable for certain foods: Air fryers are not suitable for cooking certain foods that require a moist environment, such as cakes and breads.
- Loud: Air fryers can be quite loud, which can be a difficulty for some people.
- Limited functionality: Air fryers are mostly used for frying and reheating, they may not have all the functions that ovens have.
An air fryer can be a great addition to your kitchen if you’re looking for a healthier way to enjoy fried foods. However, it’s important to consider the capacity and limitations of air fryers before making a purchase.
Air Oven
Air ovens, on the other hand, have a larger capacity and are designed for cooking larger, family-sized portions of food such as casseroles, roasted meats, and baked goods.
They can also be used to dehydrate fruits and vegetables, and can even be used as a convection oven. Air ovens work by using a heating element and fan to circulate hot air around the food, which cooks it evenly and quickly.
One of the biggest benefits of an air oven is its versatility. They can cook a wide range of foods and can even be used as a dehydrator, which is great for making dried fruits and vegetables.
Additionally, air ovens are great for baking, roasting, and even broiling, which makes them great for cooking large meals.
However, air ovens can be quite expensive, and they take up more counter space than air fryers. Additionally, air ovens may not create the same crispy texture that air fryers can, which can be a problem for some people.
Using Air Oven for Cooking Different Foods
Air ovens can be used to cook a wide range of foods, including baking, roasting, and even broiling. Here are some examples of different types of foods that can be cooked in an air oven:
- Roasted meats: Place a roast or chicken in the air oven and cook at a high temperature (around 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218.33 °C)) for about 20–25 minutes per pound. The circulating hot air will cook the meat evenly and quickly, resulting in a juicy, flavorful dish.
- Baked goods: Air ovens can be used for baking cakes, breads, and pastries. The circulating hot air will cook the food evenly and quickly, resulting in a perfectly baked dish.
- Casseroles: Casseroles can be cooked in an air oven, which circulates the hot air around the dish and cooks it evenly. This will result in a perfectly cooked casserole that is hot and bubbly.
- Dehydrating fruits and vegetables: An air oven can also be used as a dehydrator. Simply slice fruits and vegetables, place them on the tray, and set the temperature to low (around 150–200 degrees Fahrenheit) and let them dehydrate for several hours.
- Grilled dishes: Air ovens also come with a grill function that can be used to grill meat, vegetables, and seafood.
- Broiling: Broiling is a cooking method in which food is placed close to a heat source, and the circulating hot air cooks the food quickly, resulting in a seared and crispy dish.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Versatility: Air ovens can be used to cook a wide range of foods, including baking, roasting, broiling and dehydrating.
- Large capacity: Air ovens have a larger capacity than air fryers and are suitable for cooking large portions of food, making them great for family meals.
- Even cooking: The circulating hot air cooks food evenly and quickly, resulting in perfectly cooked dishes.
- Additional functions: Air ovens have many functions like convection oven, grill, and broil which can be used for different types of cooking.
Cons
- Expensive: Air ovens can be quite expensive, especially when compared to air fryers.
- Takes up more counter space: Air ovens take up more counter space than air fryers.
- Not suitable for certain foods: Air ovens may not create the same crispy texture that air fryers can, which can be a problem for some people who are looking for this texture.
- Longer cook time: Some foods take longer to cook in an air oven than in an air fryer.
An air oven is a versatile and powerful kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a wide range of foods. However, it’s important to consider the cost, size, and limitations of air ovens before making a purchase. If you are looking for a specific function such as frying, it’s worth considering an air fryer instead of an air oven.
Air Fryer vs. Air Oven: For Crispy Chicken
Both air fryers and air ovens can be used to make crispy chicken, but they work differently and produce slightly different results.
Air fryers use a fan to circulate hot air and cook food, creating a crispy exterior similar to deep-frying. They are smaller in size and cook food faster, making them a convenient option for small households.
Air ovens, on the other hand, use convection cooking, which circulates hot air throughout the oven to cook food evenly. They are larger and more versatile, allowing you to bake, roast, and broil in addition to air frying. They are also more suitable for larger families or entertaining.
Ultimately, the choice between an air fryer and air oven for making crispy chicken depends on personal preference and cooking needs.
Air Fryer vs. Air Oven: For Fries
Both air fryers and air ovens can be used to make fries, but they have different cooking methods and produce different results.
Air fryers are specifically designed for frying and produce crispy fries that are similar to those cooked in a deep fryer. They are smaller in size, making them ideal for small households and cooking for one or two people. They are also faster and more convenient than air ovens.
Air ovens, on the other hand, use convection cooking to circulate hot air and cook food evenly. They are larger and more versatile than air fryers, allowing you to bake, roast, and broil in addition to air frying. Air ovens produce fries that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Ultimately, the choice between an air fryer and air oven for making fries depends on personal preference and cooking needs. If you want the quickest and most convenient option, an air fryer is the way to go. If you want a larger appliance with more cooking options, an air oven is the better choice.
Air Fryer vs. Air Oven: For Grill Dishes
Both air fryers and air ovens can be used to make grilled dishes, but they have different cooking methods and produce different results.
Air fryers use a fan to circulate hot air and cook food, creating a crispy exterior similar to grilling. They are smaller in size, making them ideal for small households and cooking for one or two people. They are also faster and more convenient than air ovens.
Air ovens, on the other hand, use convection cooking to circulate hot air and cook food evenly. They are larger and more versatile than air fryers, allowing you to bake, roast, and broil in addition to air frying. Air ovens produce a wider range of grill-style dishes, including meats, vegetables, and even pizzas. They are also more suitable for larger families or entertaining.
Ultimately, the choice between an air fryer and air oven for making grilled dishes depends on personal preference and cooking needs. If you want the quickest and most convenient option, an air fryer is the way to go. If you want a larger appliance with more cooking options, an air oven is the better choice.
Better Option for Cooking Different Foods
Both air fryers and air ovens are great tools for cooking different types of foods, but they have different functions and suitability for different types of foods.
Air fryers are better for small portion foods and frying, they create a crispy texture and are a healthier option for those who are trying to watch their fat intake. They are also easy to use and clean, and they take up very little counter space.
However, air fryers typically have a smaller capacity and are not suitable for cooking large portions of food or certain foods that require a moist environment, such as cakes and breads.
Air ovens, on the other hand, have a larger capacity and are designed for cooking larger, family-sized portions of food such as casseroles, roasted meats, and baked goods. They can also be used to dehydrate fruits and vegetables, and can even be used as a convection oven.
They have more functions and are more versatile than air fryers. However, air ovens can be quite expensive, and they take up more counter space. Additionally, air ovens may not create the same crispy texture that air fryers can.
The best option for cooking different foods will depend on your personal cooking preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a healthier way to enjoy fried foods, an air fryer may be the best option for you. But if you’re looking for a versatile appliance that can cook a variety of different foods, an air oven may be the better choice. It’s also worth considering the space and budget you have available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers about using an air fryer for the first time:
Q: Can you cook frozen food in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen food in an air fryer. Frozen foods like frozen chicken nuggets, fish sticks, and mozzarella sticks can be cooked in an air fryer. They usually require a bit more time, but they come out crispy and delicious.
Q: Can you bake in an air fryer?
Air fryers are not typically designed for baking, as they do not have the same moist environment that is required for baking cakes and breads. However, some air fryers have a baking function, and it’s worth checking the manufacturer’s instructions before trying to bake in an air fryer.
Q: Can you roast in an air oven?
Yes, you can roast in an air oven. Air ovens can be used to cook a wide range of foods, including roasting meats, vegetables, and more. The circulating hot air cooks food evenly and quickly, resulting in perfectly cooked dishes.
Q: Can you dehydrate in an air fryer?
No, air fryers are not designed for dehydrating. Air ovens can be used to dehydrate fruits and vegetables, but air fryers typically do not have this function.
Q: Is an air fryer better for cooking French fries?
Yes, an air fryer is better for cooking French fries. Air fryers are designed to create a crispy, fried-like texture, which is perfect for French fries. Additionally, air fryers allow you to enjoy crispy, fried foods without the added oil and fat, making it a healthier option for those who are trying to watch their fat intake.
Q: Can an air fryer be used to dehydrate fruits and vegetables?
No, air fryers are not designed for dehydrating fruits and vegetables. Air ovens have the function to dehydrate fruits and vegetables.
Q: Can an air oven be used as a convection oven?
Yes, air ovens can be used as a convection oven, which allows for faster cooking times and more even cooking.
Q: Can an air oven create a crispy texture?
Air ovens may not create the same crispy texture that air fryers can. They are better suited for cooking larger, family-sized portions of food such as casseroles, roasted meats, and baked goods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both air fryers and air ovens are great tools for cooking different types of foods, but they have different functions and suitability for different types of foods. If you’re looking for a healthier way to enjoy fried foods, an air fryer may be the best option for you.
But if you’re looking for a versatile appliance that can cook a variety of different foods, an air oven may be the better choice. Ultimately, the choice between an air fryer and an air oven comes down to your personal cooking preferences and needs.
