Air fryer Vs. Oven (Which One is Better?)
Air fryers and ovens are both great cooking tools, but which is better for you? If you want to know more about the two cooking methods, you will find this post helpful.
We all know what ovens are and how it's effective in cooking food and baking cakes. But very few people know the benefits of an air fryer. Today's post talks about what an air fryer is, how it functions, and compares the air fryer vs. convection oven. Keep reading below.
What is an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a cooking appliance that uses heat and air to cook food. The appliance uses a convection heating method to circulate air around the food. The food is kept inside a container with a fan that rapidly blows hot air around the food. The air surrounds the food just like hot oil in a deep fryer.
The end result of the air-fried food is fried and crispy with significantly less oil. This is because air fryers only use 20% less oil than traditional cooking.
How does an Air Fryer Work?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that utilizes hot air to cook food. It works by circulating hot air around the food, which causes the food to cook quickly and evenly. Air fryers use significantly less oil than traditional ovens, allowing for healthier cooking options. They also cook food faster than ovens, making them a great alternative for those looking for a quick and easy way to make delicious meals.
Air Fryer Vs. Electric Oven - The Differences
An electric oven is powered by an onboard electric motor, while an air fryer is not. Electric ovens heat up faster than air fryers and have a wider range of temperatures, from very low to very high. Air fryers are also smaller and often less expensive, making them a good option for small kitchens.
Electric ovens typically have a wider variety of cooking options, such as baking, roasting, and broiling. Air fryers typically only have rotisserie and air frying options. Electric ovens also have more features than air fryers, such as pre-set cooking times and temperatures, push buttons for various functions, and variable heating levels. Moreover, electric ovens often have a built-in convection fan, which helps to circulate air and cook food more evenly. On the contrary, air fryers do not have a built-in fan and often use less heating energy, resulting in uneven cooking.
Electric ovens are more powerful and have more features than air fryers. However, they are also typically larger and more expensive. An air fryer may be a better choice if you want a smaller, less expensive option. Additionally, air fryers usually have a longer life than electric ovens and don't require periodic cleaning.
The Pros of Air Frying
Healthier than other Cooking Options
Air fryers provide crunchy and delicious food with less oil than traditional deep-frying. Air frying requires less oil than deep-frying but can still give you the same crunchy texture, making it a healthier alternative. Air frying is also faster and more efficient than oven baking, allowing you to cook your food in a fraction of the time. With all of these benefits, it's no wonder that air fryers have become so popular.
Cooks Food Faster
In recent years, air fryers have become a popular option for those looking to cook their meals quickly and conveniently. A recent study has revealed that air fryers are able to cook food up to 50% faster than conventional ovens, making them a great choice for busy households or those looking to save time in the kitchen.
Air fryers also have the added benefit of using less energy than ovens, making them more environmentally friendly. So whether you're looking to save time or save energy, an air fryer may be the perfect solution.
You can make a Variety of Dishes
Air fryers are quickly becoming a popular kitchen appliance due to their ability to cook a variety of foods with little to no oil. From meats to vegetables and even desserts, air fryers can produce delicious, crunchy meals without the hassle of an oven.
Air fryers are also much more energy efficient than ovens, allowing users to save on electricity bills. With the ability to cook a variety of foods in less time, it is easy to see why so many people are turning to air fryers as convenient and energy-saving kitchen appliances.
It's Easy to Function
Most models come with simple and straightforward controls and require minimal cooking skills. As a result, air fryers are an excellent option for those new to cooking or who need more time for more complex cooking methods. Additionally, air fryers often require less energy and time than traditional ovens, making them a great alternative for busy households.
It's Energy Efficient
Air fryers can be a significant alternative to traditional ovens or deep-fryers for saving energy. Air fryers are much more energy efficient than their oven and deep-fryer counterparts, using up to 75% less energy to produce the same results.
Additionally, air fryers require less preheating time and cook food faster, making them more convenient for busy households. Air fryers are becoming increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency and convenience, making them a great choice for those looking to save money on their energy bills.
Easier to Clean
Air fryers provide an efficient alternative to conventional ovens, especially when it comes to convenience and clean-up. Air fryers are designed with removable parts, such as trays or baskets, that makes cleanup a breeze compared to the scrubbing and scraping required for an oven. This is ideal for busy households who don't have time to clean a large oven.
Additionally, air fryers require less energy than conventional ovens, making them an incredibly efficient option for cooking.
The Cons of Air Frying
Temperature Control can be Difficult
Temperature control is one of the major differences between air fryers and ovens. Air fryers have a smaller range than ovens, making it harder to control the temperature precisely. Ovens have a wider temperature range and can better maintain consistent temperatures, allowing for more precise control.
Additionally, air fryers typically require preheating for optimal results, whereas ovens do not. As such, temperature control can be more difficult with an air fryer than with an oven.
Not Suitable for Large Batches of Food
Air fryers are not suitable for large batches of food as they have a limited capacity. This means that if you want to cook large portions, it is best to use an oven. Ovens have much larger capacities and can usually accommodate larger batches of food.
Additionally, ovens are more efficient at cooking larger batches as the heat can travel through the food more evenly. As a result, air fryers should be used for smaller batches of food, and ovens should be used for larger batches.
You can’t Bake or Roast in Air Fryer
While air fryers are a great alternative to traditional deep-frying, they are not suitable for baking or roasting. Air fryers cook food faster and with less oil than ovens, but they do not have the same heat distribution capabilities. Therefore, foods that require baking or roasting, such as cakes, pies, and roasts, should still be prepared in an oven to ensure even cooking.
The Pros of Oven Cooking
Oven Cooking is Convenient
Oven cooking has been a staple in the kitchen for generations, providing an easy and convenient way to prepare meals. It requires minimal preparation, as most foods can be cooked without any additional seasonings or marinades. Oven cooking also requires minimal monitoring of the food, as the temperature and time can be set and left to cook until done.
However, air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, providing an alternative way to cook food with less fat and calories. Although air fryers may not offer the same convenience as ovens, they have become popular among health-conscious individuals due to their ability to cook food with little to no oil.
Ovens can Cook Large Amounts of Food at Once
For larger meals and gatherings, ovens remain the go-to for most cooks. Ovens can cook large amounts of food at once, making them ideal for large gatherings or family dinners. However, air fryers have become increasingly popular as an alternative to ovens due to their ability to fry food with significantly less oil than conventional methods.
Air fryers offer a healthier option for those looking to make fried foods, but their smaller size limits the quantity of food that can be cooked in one batch. Although air fryers won't replace ovens for large-scale cooking needs anytime soon, they are an excellent option for smaller meals and snacks.
Ovens Provide a Dry Heat that helps Foods Retain their Moisture
Ovens have been a kitchen staple for generations, and with good reason. Ovens provide a dry heat that helps foods retain their moisture, resulting in tender and flavorful dishes. This is in contrast to an air fryer, which uses hot air to cook food quickly and with less fat than deep-frying.
While air fryers can produce tasty results, they may not always be able to have the same level of tenderness and flavor that an oven can provide. Ultimately, choosing between an air fryer and an oven will depend on the prepared dish and the desired outcome.
The Cons of Oven Cooking
Can be Time-consuming
When comparing an air fryer to an oven, one of the primary differences is the amount of time required to cook a meal. Ovens often require a longer cooking time than air fryers, which can take up valuable time and energy. Conversely, air fryers typically have shorter cook times, making it possible to quickly and easily whip up a meal in no time. However, an oven may be the best choice if you are looking for a dish that requires slow roasting or baking.
Can be Challenging to Monitor Cooking Temperatures
Cooking with an air fryer or an oven can be challenging, as it can be difficult to monitor the cooking temperature accurately. Air fryers rely on hot air to cook foods and do not have temperature gauges, while ovens typically have a thermostat that can be set to a certain temperature. Additionally, setting the correct cooking time can also be difficult with both appliances.
Therefore, it is crucial to understand the basic principles of each appliance to ensure that food is cooked to the desired temperature and doneness. Taking the time to understand and monitor the temperatures of air fryers and ovens can help ensure the best cooking results.
Can use a lot of Energy
When deciding between an air fryer and an oven, one of the main considerations is their energy usage. Air fryers use significantly less energy than conventional ovens, making them the more efficient option. On average, air fryers use around 1500 watts, while most ovens require at least 2000 watts. However, it is important to remember that an appliance's energy use can vary depending on its size and other factors. Therefore, it is important to do research before making a decision.
Which Method is Healthier?
So, this begs the question, which way of cooking is healthier?
If we consider an air fryer, it takes less oil to fry the food. This is because the unit inside the fryer heats up evenly and is hot enough to fry your food without adding oil. As we have mentioned earlier, air frying takes approximately 20% lesser added oils to cook food, so if you want to add a bit of oil to the food, you will end up with a tastier version of dishes. These dishes are just as healthy as oven-baking, and no nutrition will be lost.
Air Fryer vs. Oven Energy Consumption
Regarding energy efficiency in the kitchen, air fryers and ovens are two popular cooking appliances. Air fryers use significantly less energy than ovens, requiring only a small amount of oil and substantially less electricity to operate. On average, a convection oven uses 1.3-kilowatt hours (kWh) per hour, while an air fryer uses only 0.2 kWh per hour. Additionally, air fryers generally cook food faster than ovens, saving time and energy when preparing meals.
Which one should you Choose?
The best answer depends on your specific needs and cooking style. For example, if you're looking for an oven that can handle larger batches, an oven is likely a better option. On the other hand, if you're looking for an appliance that can be used to cook small quantities of food quickly, an air fryer may be a better choice.