Air fryer vs oven: what are their differences? Which one is the best for you? Let’s get the explanation down below!

While air fryers and ovens are both electric cooking devices that function to cook food until cooked, Both have significant differences that you should know before buying one.

So, what is the difference between an air fryer vs oven? Let’s find out the difference between air fryer and oven first, so that it can be a consideration before you buy!

Air Fryer Vs Oven

1. Sizes

The first and foremost difference between these two appliances is their sizes. It is also inseparable from its function and usefulness.

The overall size of the oven is generally larger than the air fryer, thus the oven can hold a lot of contents inside.

And not only that, the oven is also equipped with shelves on the inside to place the tray, which is used as a base for the food to be cooked in the oven.

Therefore, the average oven size is large and tends to require a lot of space to place it in the kitchen.

On the other hand, air fryers are smaller in size, even tending to look tiny when compared to ovens.

Air fryers are used to cook small portions of food. In addition, air fryers also do not take up space, while being easy to move around as needed.

2. Function

Generally the function of an air fryer is the same as an oven, it’s just that the function of the air fryer is more limited than the oven.

As the name suggests, an air fryer is a cooking tool that is used specifically for frying food using a little to no oil at all.

Therefore, air fryers are often the choice for anyone who wants to switch to a healthier lifestyle, by avoiding deep fried foods.

On the other hand, ovens have functions that can be used for a variety of cooking methods and are usually used for baking food, such as dishes or cakes.

Moreover, the oven can also be used to prepare dishes in various ways, including toasting, baking, roasting, and grilling. Therefore, ovens are more versatile than air fryers.

Also Read: “Let’s Exploring the Different Types of Ovens!“

3. Heat Sources

The heat source used for cooking in these two appliances is also different. The air fryer and oven basically both work with heating wires that function to heat the air inside.

However, the difference is in the speed of the heating process. The air fryer is designed with technology that works to make the heating process run faster than the oven.

Therefore, on the other hand, ovens tend to use a slower heating system than air fryers.

In fact, as we know, the oven often still needs to be preheated before it can be used. The goal is so that all parts in the oven cooking space become really hot. Only after that, we can put food ingredients into the oven to be cooked.

4. Cooking Results

The question often arises, is frying in an air fryer healthier? Yes, because the air fryer can be used to fry with only a small amount of oil or no oil at all, therefore, the food is also healthier.

However, if you compare it to the cooking results, air fryers usually produce food that is completely dry, so the taste is crisper, as well as the heat can be evenly distributed more quickly so it’ll cook your dish faster.

This is again different, as for the cooking process and the results of dishes served from the oven.

Because of the slower but more evenly distributed heat while cooking, ovens are more reliable to bake or roast meal and will produce a more delicate but still caramelized and browned thoroughly.

With that being said, the amount of time of cooking with both of these appliances are also different, with an air fryer tends to have a faster cooking time.

5. Capacity

From its capacity, an electric oven has a larger cooking space. So you can more freely cook various foods at once.

It’s different to the air fryer whose capacity is smaller with the more limited portion of cooking.

Those are some differences between air fryer vs oven that can be your consideration. Hopefully this information can help you before buying one of these kitchen appliances!