Toaster Oven vs Air Fryer: Which is Better? (2023)

Title: Toaster Oven vs Air Fryer

Toaster ovens and air fryers are two popular kitchen appliances that have become increasingly popular in recent years. Both appliances are designed to make cooking easier and more efficient, but they differ in their cooking methods and capabilities.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at toaster oven vs air fryer and help you determine which appliance is better suited for your needs.

Toaster Oven vs Air Fryer

So, is a toaster oven an air fryer? The answer is no. Toaster oven and air fryer are two different kitchen appliances. And they have several functions and features for a variety of recipes.

Let’s check the real difference between them. This will help you to decide which one to buy. A toaster oven or air fryer.

Toaster Ovens

A toaster oven is a versatile appliance that can be used for a variety of cooking tasks. Toaster ovens are essentially miniature ovens that can bake, broil, toast, Air fry, convection bake, pizza, air roast, whole roast, dehydrate, etc.

Toaster ovens come in a range of sizes, from small countertop models to larger models that can accommodate a whole chicken.

Some of the toaster oven features are:

1. Convection cooking: Many toaster ovens feature convection cooking, which uses a fan to circulate hot air around the food. This can help to cook food more quickly and evenly.

2. Toasting: Toaster ovens are excellent at toasting bread, bagels, and other baked goods. They typically have multiple settings for toasting, so you can customize the level of browning to your liking.

3. Baking and roasting: Toaster ovens can be used to bake cakes, cookies, and other desserts. They can also be used to roast meats and vegetables.

4. Broiling and Grilling: Toaster ovens have a broiling setting that allows you to cook food at high heat from the top. This is great for melting cheese on top of dishes or for making crispy toppings.

To use the grilling feature on a toaster oven, you typically need to adjust the temperature setting to the “broil” or “grill” option, and place your food on a baking sheet or rack that is positioned near the top of the oven. This allows the food to be exposed to the direct heat from the top element, which can create a charred or crispy texture on the surface of the food.

Checkout these best toaster ovens with air fry function.

Air Fryers

The air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to cook food, rather than oil. This makes them a healthier alternative to deep fryers, as they can produce crispy, fried-like food without all the added oil.

Some of the air fryer features are:

1. Rapid cooking: Air fryer can cook food very quickly, typically in 20 minutes or less. It cooks evenly and locks in moisture.

2. Healthy cooking: Because air fryers use little to no oil, they are a healthier alternative to deep-frying. They can produce crispy, fried-like food without all the added fat and calories. Most air fryers reduce food’s oil content by up to 95%.

3. Versatility: Air fryers can be used to cook a wide range of foods, from chicken wings to French fries to fish. Some models even have additional settings for grilling, rotisserie, dehydrating, and roasting.

4. Compact size: Air fryers are typically smaller than toaster ovens, which makes them a great option for smaller kitchens or for people who don’t have a lot of counter space.

Check out these best air fryers.

Toaster Oven vs Air Fryer: So which appliance is the better choice?

So, which appliance is better: toaster oven or air fryer? The answer really depends on your cooking needs and preferences.

Here are some things to consider when choosing between a toaster oven and an air fryer:

Cooking capabilities

If you want an appliance that can bake, roast, grill, broil and do many other things, then a toaster oven is the way to go.

But if you’re primarily interested in cooking fried-like foods, then an air fryer might be a better option.

Size

Toaster ovens are generally larger than air fryers, so if you have limited counter space, an air fryer might be a better choice.

Health considerations

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to deep-frying, then an air fryer is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for an appliance that can bake and broil, then a toaster oven is a better choice.

Convenience

Toaster ovens are typically easier to use than air fryers, as they have more conventional cooking settings and can be used for a wider range of dishes.

However, air fryers are very convenient for quick and easy cooking, as they can cook food very rapidly without the need for oil or preheating.

Price

Toaster ovens and air fryers are available at a range of prices, but generally speaking, air fryers are slightly less expensive than toaster ovens.

Toaster oven vs Air fryer cooking times

The cooking times for an air fryer and a toaster oven can vary depending on the type of food you are cooking, the quantity of food, and the temperature setting you are using.

Generally speaking, an air fryer tends to cook food faster than a toaster oven because it uses hot air to circulate around the food, which can cook the food more evenly and quickly.

A toaster oven, on the other hand, can take longer to cook food because it relies on heating elements to cook the food from the top and bottom. It can also take longer to preheat than an air fryer.

Conclusion: Toaster Oven vs Air Fryer, Toaster Oven or Air Fryer

Ultimately, both toaster ovens and air fryers have their own unique benefits and limitations. If you’re looking for an appliance that can handle a wide range of cooking tasks, then a toaster oven is likely the better option.

However, if you’re primarily interested in quick and healthy cooking of fried-like foods, then an air fryer might be a better choice. In either case, make sure to carefully consider your cooking needs and budget before making a purchase.

Toaster Oven vs Air Fryer: Which is Better? (2023)