Convection ovens had been around for decades by the time the air fryer debuted in 2010. Since then, the air fryer has become an essential tool for home cooks. While they have become a popular option to bake and roast when time is of the essence—all without turning on the oven—many people have resorted to their tried-and-true convection ovens for the same purposes.
One of the reasons for the air fryer's rapid rise in popularity is its ability to replicate the crispy texture of fried foods without the need for excessive oil. This makes it an attractive option for health-conscious individuals who still want to enjoy their favorite fried dishes. The air fryer achieves this by using a concentrated heat source and a powerful fan, which circulates hot air at high speeds, mimicking the effect of deep frying. These are the similarities and differences between convection ovens and air fryers.
Convection ovens have long been popular with chefs, bakers, and even experienced home cooks due to their ability to cook food more evenly and rapidly than standard ovens (no turning necessary).
In convection ovens, the air is heated by a heating element, and the convection method of heating cooks food evenly due to the way the air travels. According to Home Appliance Hero, convection ovens also employ exhaust systems to evacuate air and fans to circulate air inside the oven.
Another advantage of convection ovens is their versatility. They are not only used for baking and roasting but are also excellent for dehydrating foods, proofing dough, and even slow cooking. This makes them a multi-functional appliance in the kitchen, appealing to those who love experimenting with different cooking techniques. The larger capacity of convection ovens also means that they can handle bigger batches of food, making them ideal for family meals or entertaining guests.
Many ovens available at your local appliance store have a convection mode, which allows you to alternate between traditional and convection cooking. When you enable this option, a fan and exhaust system begin to work, circulating the heat in the oven around your meal. This heat is often drier, so cooking time is reduced by around 25% compared to a standard oven.
Air fryers, like convection ovens, circulate hot air around your meal using a small fan, but in a smaller space. These countertop appliances are suitable for compact kitchens and preheat quickly. The perforated tray or basket into which your food is placed may be readily removed without the need for an oven mitt, and it also helps circulate the air faster, reducing cooking time. Because the air fryer is smaller, you must ensure that your food is not overcrowded in the basket so that air can circulate freely and cook your food properly, evenly, and swiftly.
Despite their compact size, air fryers have been adapted to accommodate a variety of cooking styles. Manufacturers have introduced models with multiple cooking functions, such as grilling, baking, and even dehydrating. This adaptability has further cemented the air fryer's place in modern kitchens, where space and efficiency are often at a premium. Moreover, the ease of cleaning an air fryer, with its detachable parts and non-stick surfaces, adds to its appeal for those who want to minimize kitchen cleanup.
The only difference between these two appliances is their size. A convection oven can cook more food at once than an air fryer, which can only handle smaller servings and typically needs to be cooked in batches. Here are some further distinctions to bear in mind:
Both air fryers and convection ovens pump hot air around your food, but the air within an air fryer circulates faster because the appliance is smaller and has a smaller cooking area. The air fryer features a fan at the top and food on the tray below. The convection oven is equipped with a fan on the back. Air fryers and convection ovens both require cleaning, however an air fryer requires cleaning more frequently than an oven. Some ingredients are not suggested for use in an air fryer, such as too much olive oil or dry spices, although they are fine in a convection oven. Because the food in an air fryer is closer to the circulating fan and hence the heat intensity, olive oil, which has a lower smoke point than many other oils, may burn. Close proximity to a fan may also cause dry spices to drift around and not attach to the food, resulting in a less tasty dish. Battered items typically do not perform well in a convection oven or an air fryer. When it comes down to it, convection ovens and air fryers are more alike than different. Both gadgets circulate hot air around the food, creating a convection current that cooks or bakes it evenly.
The choice between an air fryer and a convection oven often comes down to personal preference and cooking habits. For those who prioritize energy efficiency and quick cooking times, an air fryer might be the better option. However, if you're someone who enjoys making large meals or experimenting with various cooking techniques, a convection oven could be more suitable. It's also worth considering the types of dishes you frequently prepare; for instance, an air fryer excels at making crispy snacks, while a convection oven is perfect for baking bread or roasting meats.
Air fryer accessories and add-ons such as liners, racks, doughnut pans, and more have become available as the device has gained popularity. However, if you're using your convection oven or the setting on your standard oven, you're probably already stocked with pans that can be used.
Whether you want to produce baked goods, heat up your favorite prepared frozen items, or reheat leftovers, the air fryer can do it all. Air fryers have grown in popularity since they are compact but powerful, taking up little space in your kitchen. If you aren't cooking for a huge audience and are only creating small amounts of food at a time, an air fryer is the best option.
"The air fryer's fan and heating mechanism spin faster, making the food crispier than [if it were cooked] in a regular convection oven," said Rhythm of the Home founder Stefan Bucur. "You should always use an air fryer for things like fries and wings because they are small enough to fit, and they always taste better with the added crispiness of the air fryer."
If you're cooking several things at once, a convection oven is the way to go! Roast trays of your favorite vegetables, bake casseroles, pizzas, and, of course, cakes and pastries. Because convection cooking is faster than conventional cooking, make sure to set your temperatures correctly. When adapting a traditional oven recipe to an air fryer or convection oven, reduce the required temperature by 25°F and cooking time by 20% to 25%. Just make sure your air fryer or convection oven is thoroughly preheated before inserting your food, and keep an eye on it to ensure nothing is overcooked or undercooked.
Air fryers and convection ovens are extremely comparable machines. Both work by circulating hot air through a fan, giving foods a more even, and typically crispier, finish. Size is the most significant distinction. Because air fryers are smaller, they can reach higher temperatures faster. If you're preparing for one or two people and don't mind cooking in batches, an air fryer is ideal. A convection oven, on the other hand, is easier and more convenient to use while cooking for a large group.
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