In this article, we’ll talk about the similarities and differences between air fryers and convection ovens.
Air fryers and convection ovens are two of the most popular kitchen appliances, thanks to their ability to cook food quickly and evenly using less oil than traditional frying methods. They’re the appliances of choice for people who are conscious of their oil intake.
The two appliances serve similar purposes and use the method of heat convection but in different ways. These differences are what we’ll be discussing in this post.
Air Fryer vs Convection Oven
Air fryers use a rapid air circulation system to fry food, which creates a crispy, fried texture while convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air throughout the oven cavity, which helps to cook it evenly.
Air fryers are typically smaller than convection ovens and are designed to cook food more quickly and efficiently. They are great for cooking foods like chicken wings, french fries, and other fried foods.
Convection ovens can be used for a wide range of cooking tasks, such as baking, roasting, and broiling.
In essence, the main difference between an air fryer and a convection oven is their size and the cooking method they use (method of heat distribution).
Difference Between Air Fryers and Convection Ovens
Below are the key differences between an air fryer and a convection oven.
1. Cooking Method
Both appliances use the method of heat convection. It is how they go about it that differs. An air fryer uses rapid air circulation to cook food, while a convection oven uses a fan to circulate hot air around the food.
In an air fryer, hot air is blown around the food at high speed, creating a crispy texture without the need for excess oil.
In contrast, a convection oven uses a fan to circulate hot air around the food, which helps to cook the food evenly and reduce cooking time.
2. Capacity
Another significant difference between an air fryer and a convection oven is their capacity. Air fryers are typically smaller in size than convection ovens, making them ideal for cooking smaller portions of food.
Most air fryers have a capacity ranging from 1 to 6 quarts, while convection ovens can range from 1 cubic foot to over 3 cubic feet in size, allowing them to cook larger quantities of food at once.
3. Versatility
Both air fryers and convection ovens offer versatility in terms of the types of food they can cook, but there are some differences worth considering.
Air fryers are primarily used to cook foods that would typically be fried, such as chicken wings, french fries, and fish sticks. They are also great for roasting vegetables and reheating leftovers.
Convection ovens, on the other hand, can cook a wider variety of foods, including casseroles, roasts, and desserts. They also offer more precise temperature control, making them ideal for baking and pastry making.
4. Convenience
Due to their smaller size, faster cooking times, and simpler operation, air fryers are generally more convenient than convection ovens.
Most air fryers come with preset cooking programs, making it easy for even beginner cooks to achieve great results consistently, while convection ovens may require more experience with cooking times, temperatures, etc., especially if using them for the first time with new recipes or ingredients.
Some convection ovens also come with preset programs as well as manual controls for greater flexibility in cooking methods used over time as experience grows with the appliance itself over time too.
5. Price
Air fryers are generally less expensive than convection ovens due in part again due their smaller size, simpler operation, fewer features, etc. Convection ovens can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars depending on the brand, size, and features.
The operational word here is “than”. Air fryers aren’t dirt cheap, but compared to convection ovens, they’re inexpensive.
6. Energy Efficiency
Again, due to their size and capacity, air fryers use less energy than convection ovens. The size of convection ovens and the fact that you need to preheat them makes them less energy-efficient than air fryers.
Air fryers are faster and cook more efficiently than convection while convection ovens are more versatile and are good for a wide range of dishes.
To conclude, both air fryers and convection ovens have their own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, and the choice between the two ultimately depends on your specific cooking needs and preferences.
If you’re looking for a smaller, more convenient appliance for cooking smaller portions of fried foods, an air fryer might be the better choice for you. If you’re looking for a larger, more versatile appliance that can cook a wider variety of foods, a convection oven might be the better choice.
Regardless of which appliance you choose, both air fryers and convection ovens offer a healthier and more convenient alternative to traditional frying methods, making them a great addition to any kitchen.
How unhealthy are air fryers?
According to WebMD, cooking in an air fryer is healthier than frying in oil as it cuts calories by 70% to 80% and has a lot less fat.
They also stated that air fryers might cut down on some of the other harmful effects of oil frying, corroborating it with a study showing that air frying lowers the amount of acrylamide in fried potatoes by 90%.
“Some things about air frying may not be better for you, though,” writes WebMD. “In one study, air frying of fish raised the amount of a substance called “cholesterol oxidation products” (COPs).”
They, however, advised that adding a mixture of fresh parsley and chives when frying fish in the air fryer can act as antioxidants, which can help reduce the amount of COPs in air-fried foods.
What are the best foods to cook in an air fryer?
The best foods to cook in an air fryer include chicken wings, french fries, vegetables like Brussels sprouts and broccoli, fish, and even desserts like donuts and churros.
The cooking time and temperature will vary depending on the food being cooked, but air fryers are known for their ability to cook foods evenly and with a crispy texture.
Soaking potatoes in water before air frying can help to remove excess starch from the surface of the potatoes and make them crispy. Soaking for at least 30 minutes, and up to overnight, can give even better results.
Conclusion
When choosing between an air fryer and a convection oven, it’s important to consider factors such as size and capacity, efficiency, and price to determine which one best suits your cooking needs and budget.
Air Fryers
- Smaller and more compact than convection ovens
- Used mainly for air frying small to medium quantities of food
- No need for preheating
- Faster than convection ovens and produce crispier results
- Use less energy than convection ovens
Convection Ovens
- Larger and more spacious compared to air fryers
- Better suited for cooking larger quantities of food or for family meals
- Require preheating
- Used for baking, broiling, toasting, and roasting in addition to air frying
We hope you find this post helpful.