Is an air fryer a glorified convection oven?

Author: Celine Fadel  |  Last update: Thursday, July 17, 2025

The quick answer is, an air fryer is a simply a smaller convection oven with a catchy name. There is no actual frying going on inside an air fryer—that's because an air fryer cooks food via convection baking. So air fryers are, in essence, convection ovens.

Is an air fryer really just a convection oven?

An airfryer is a convection oven with higher air speed than traditional convection ovens making its heat transfer rate slightly higher but still far below that of deep fat frying.

Are air fryers glorified ovens?

If it sounds kind of like an oven, you're not wrong: air fryers are essentially convection ovens. You may have a convection oven, or a convection setting on your oven.

What is the downfall of air fryers?

What are Disadvantages of Using an Air Fryer? Air fryers vary in the amount of foods they can hold, but usually do not have a large capacity. Air fryers may not be convenient when cooking for large groups. Foods that are air fried have different sensory characteristics than foods that are deep fried.

What should not be cooked in a convection oven?

As others have said, some dishes/baked goods can come out wrong in a convection oven, due to the air current and the drying effect it can also have. Most notably are things like Souffles or Macarons, where they need a slow, steady, even heat for them to slowly, and steadily rise.

Is an Air Fryer just a Convection Oven? Let's put it to the test.

Is there a downside to convection oven?

When you are using a convection oven, you would need to adjust the recipes. If you don't adjust the recipe correctly, you can end up with burnt or overcooked food. Baked foods such as bread, cookies, and cakes are most susceptible to this.

Why can't you use foil in a convection oven?

A convection oven cooks by blowing hot air all around the food with a fan with a vent allowing the air to escape. If the foil blocks or gets too close to the fan or vent, the foil could get so hot that it ends up catching fire.

Why don't chefs like air fryers?

Air Fryers Reduce Taste Quality

Out of the top three reasons restaurants don't use air fryers, the taste is the leading cause. It has numerous benefits and can cook food efficiently. However, the taste can be subpar compared to other cooking methods available at the commercial level.

What cannot be cooked in an air fryer?

Grace Forell - What You Shouldn't Put in an Air Fryer
  1. Broccoli. This vegetable in particular isn't great because it's so easy to get wrong. ...
  2. Pasta. ...
  3. Popcorn. ...
  4. Wet Batter. ...
  5. Rice.

What is the negative side effect of an air fryer?

Air fryer health risks

COPs are linked to an increase in heart disease, cancer and other medical conditions. You may have also heard about polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogens that are produced as fumes when foods are cooked at a high temperature.

What to avoid when buying an air fryer?

Air fryer buying mistakes – appliance experts reveal 4 errors to...
  • Going too big or too small.
  • Not prioritizing ease of use.
  • Disregarding cleaning and maintenance.
  • Overlooking multifunctionality.

What is replacing air fryers?

Ditch your air fryer and replace it with a countertop oven | CNN.

Can you mimic an air fryer with a convection oven?

Yes, your convection oven allows you to air fry and still achieve the same results.

Is it worth getting an oven with an air fryer?

If you value versatility, healthier cooking, and faster meal preparation, an oven with an air fryer could be a valuable addition to your kitchen. However, if you have limited space or are on a tight budget, you might opt for a standalone air fryer.

Why are people getting rid of air fryers?

While air fryers are popular, the most expensive models can start to get a little pricey, which could undermine their status as a budget item. Taking to social media to share their opinions, many people have revealed that they reckon halogen ovens are the best option for frugal cooking.

Can I put aluminum foil in an air fryer?

Air fryers work by circulating hot air, which originates at the bottom of the fryer. Lining it with foil can constrict the air flow and your food won't cook properly. If you are going to use aluminum foil in an air fryer, use a small amount in the bottom of the basket, making sure not to cover the food.

Why should you never cook bacon in your air fryer?

According to the food expert, “bacon is a fatty food, and when it is cooked in an air fryer, the fat can drip down and cause smoke or splatter”. “This can make the bacon difficult to cook evenly, and it can also produce a lot of smoke and odours,” she explained.

What does Gordon Ramsay say about air fryers?

First off, let me tell you, I love a good gadget in the kitchen. Anything that makes my life easier and helps me whip up delicious dishes in half the time is a winner in my book. And that's where air fryers come in. These little beauties are like having a mini kitchen wizard right on your countertop.

What are the bad points of air fryers?

Disadvantages of an air fryer

Dimensions: Air fryers can be bulky, so it is important to make sure you have the space to place them in your kitchen. Cooking time: In some cases, cooking time in an air fryer may be longer than in a conventional oven.

What is the first thing I should cook in my air fryer?

Brussels sprouts are the best place to start your air-fried vegetable journey. They crisp up beautifully and take no time at all. If you're making these for a crowd, we suggest frying them up in batches as overcrowding the basket can lead to soggy results.

Will parchment paper burn in a convection oven?

'Yes, parchment paper most definitely can burn in the oven and can even catch fire if you are not careful,' warns Kristen Wood, a cookbook author, recipe developer, and creator of MOON and spoon and yum.

Why not to get a convection oven?

Overall, the convection oven setting is a great choice if you want a crisp, quick, product, but if you want your dish to maintain moisture or rise before it is finished baking, then stick with the conventional oven.

Can you put metal in an air fryer?

You can use any ovenproof dish or mold in the Philips Airfryer, whether it is made of glass, ceramic, metal, or silicone. You can also use silicone or paper cupcake cups or molds to bake cupcakes, muffins, or small gratins.

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