Why Use an Air Fryer Instead of an Oven?

Air fryers have seemingly come out of nowhere. Although the first models appeared as far back as 2006, it took a while for the concept to catch on. Today, air fryers are everywhere, with millions of households across the globe using them on a daily basis. For many, they’re considered an absolute must-have.

The question is, what has made them so popular? Why are millions of people opting to use their air fryer to cook meals instead of their oven? We’re going to settle the air fryer vs oven debate once and for all in this blog, running through the advantages and disadvantages of both appliances.

Below, we’ll cover the benefits of both ovens and air fryers, explaining what makes them different and how each appliance is better suited to different situations. We’ll also offer a number of helpful tips to help you cook with an air fryer for the first time – and to help you choose the right appliance for your needs.

The benefits of using an air fryer 

So, is an air fryer better than an oven? Yes and no – the reality is that both appliances have their pros and cons. Ovens aren’t going anywhere, simply because they’re so versatile and so spacious. Not only do they offer multiple cooking and grilling modes (particularly in the case of electric fan ovens), but they can accommodate enough food to comfortably feed a whole family and guests – a feat that even the largest dual-zone air fryers couldn’t manage.

On the flipside, the compact size and portability of air fryers is part of their appeal. Designed to sit on your kitchen worktop and take up very little space, air fryers can be stored out of sight when they’re not in use, allowing you to keep your kitchen neat and tidy. Their pint-sized dimensions make them ideal for smaller kitchens too; if you don’t have space for a regular oven or cooker, an air fryer could be just what you need.

The benefits don’t end there. The simple, intuitive controls of an air fryer make them easy to use and allow you to achieve perfect results each and every time. Most models come with built-in cooking timers and a selection of different cooking modes, making it easy to cook your meals to perfection day in, day out.

The ingenious design of the air fryer allows you to cook a wide variety of meals without the need for oil, meaning there are health benefits to using one. But perhaps the two most significant plus points are speed and energy efficiency. Not only are air fryers able to cook food more quickly than even an electric fan oven, they cost much less to buy and run. In today’s world of heightened energy prices, the reduced running costs that air fryers offer can make a real difference to your monthly bills.

How is an air fryer different from an oven?

So, what’s the difference between an air fryer and an oven? Apart from size, not very much (provided the oven in question is an electric, fan-assisted model). In essence, air fryers are compact fan (or convection) ovens. They work in much the same way, circulating heated air around your food to cook it without the need for oil. This means the likes of breaded chicken and fries can be cooked to absolute perfection, with a crisp, satisfying texture. With an air fryer, soggy, underwhelming food will be a thing of the past.

If you currently have a gas or regular electric oven, you’ll immediately notice the benefit of cooking with an air fryer. And even if you do already have a fan oven in your kitchen, you’ll appreciate the convenience and low running costs. It’s no wonder that air fryers have become so popular!

Tips for cooking in an air fryer

So, what do you need to know before cooking with an air fryer for the first time? Not much, because air fryers are so incredibly simple to use. The main thing to be aware of is the difference in cooking times and temperatures between air fryers and conventional, non fan-assisted ovens.

Generally speaking, you should set the temperature of your air fryer approximately 20°C cooler than you would if you were cooking in a regular oven. The reason for this is simple: because air fryers crisp up the outside of food more quickly than a regular oven, they need to be set on a slightly cooler temperature to prevent the outside of the food from burning.

Air fryers cook food more quickly than ovens, too. A meal that you’d typically cook for 30-35 minutes in an oven might take only 15-20 minutes in an air fryer. 

So, if you’re following a non-air fryer recipe, don’t forget to adjust the temperature of your air fryer (and your timings) to suit. Reduce the temperature by 20°C and the cooking time by 20-25% and you should be just fine.

What to look for when buying an air fryer

• Design: With a variety of different air fryer designs to choose from, it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you. Basket air fryers are the most popular.
• Zones: Single-zone air fryers have just one cooking zone, but dual-zone models allow you to cook two different foods at the same time (both at different temperatures if required). This makes them ideal for families.
• Capacity: Air fryers range in capacity significantly, from compact 4.2-litre models to larger 25-litre versions. If you have a whole family to feed, a larger (7-plus litre) model will be your best bet.
• Cooking modes and functions: Look out for versatile models that offer a selection of different cooking modes. A built-in timer is worth having, too.
• Clear, intuitive controls: Some models use touch controls while others feature more traditional knobs and dials. Whatever you prefer, look for an air fryer that’s simple to use.