So … air fryer vs toaster oven?
We’re going to compare the air fryer and the toaster oven today.
We’ve been wanting to do a response to the remarks “it’s just a fancy toaster oven” that we’ve heard a thousand times about air fryers.
But what’s the truth, actually?
Here’s what Gabby said.
There has been an ongoing trend about air fryers.
I’m a little FOMO, I acknowledge that.
But I’m so curious and hoping I can try them out.
I kept on wondering if I can use my toaster oven instead, but I don’t want to mess up.
Should I buy a new air fryer? But it’s no small money.
If I’m about to invest in one I don’t want to just use it once and realized…
… I can do what I want to do with my already existing toaster oven.
Have the same concern?
The truth is, we all do.
When you dig further, you’ll find that modern smart oven technology is far more intricate! So, what’s the difference between an air fryer and a toaster oven?
Air Fryer vs Toaster Oven Comparison
Let’s dive in.
Despite the fact that air fryers and toaster ovens are both typical kitchen appliances, there are several fundamental differences between them.
Despite the fact that they both include heating elements (typically at the top of the frying compartment), the air fryer uses a powerful fan to forcefully circulate hot air from the heating element throughout the cooking container.
As a result, an air fryer can provide a crisping effect similar to that of deep fat frying.
A toaster oven, on the other hand, has a more basic heating element arrangement that operates more like a broiler or, at best, a basic oven.
Of all, this is only a rudimentary summary. Let’s dig into the nitty-gritty and compare each feature in greater depth.
The Circulation of Hot Air
The way these two machines circulate warm air within their chambers is one distinction. A fan in a toaster oven heats the food immediately.
Food is fried in an air fryer as hot air swirls around it.
Because an air fryer is a smaller and more compact than a toaster oven, it is more efficient at spreading hot air within itself throughout a cooking session.
A toaster oven, on the other hand, don’t necessarily include a fan to aid in the circulation of hot air.
When they do, the fan is usually found in the back of the room. This fan is plainly visible from the street.
A basket at the bottom of an air fryer spreads hot air across the underside of your food, increasing the way it cooks, whereas a toaster oven does not have this feature.
The food is not submerged in hot oil, as is the case with a deep fryer.
Size
When compared to toaster ovens, air fryers are often smaller. As a result, they are not ideal for long courses.
They can, however, prepare a variety of things more quickly, one after the other.
Toaster ovens are a little larger and can cook a little more food.
You can use it to cook chicken and lamb chops, something you can’t accomplish with an air fryer.
If you have a small kitchen, air fryers are also more compact, allowing you to fit them into narrower places.
It’s important to remember that when they’re not in use, both of them can be unplugged and stored.
You’re in a rush and don’t have time to read reviews? This is our best recommendation for both air fryer and toaster over.
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 8 Qt 6-in-1
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Ninja DZ401 Foodi 10 Quart 6-in-1
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Cuisinart TOA-95 Large Digital Toaster Oven
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Toshiba Digital Toaster Oven
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Temperature
It’s important to note that, when compared to toaster ovens, air fryers heat up faster and reach higher temperatures.
Because they are more compact and have superior heat distribution systems, they are able to do so. Because of this, they’re ideal for desserts and fine dining.
Automatic temperature control is available on several toaster ovens. They can alter the temperature inside, which is a terrific option for experimenting with different recipes.
Cooking Method
Air fryers are preferable for some foods than toaster ovens. Breaded dishes, baked chicken, and chicken nuggets are just a few examples.
During baking, air fryers are more gentle on the food.
This isn’t to say that toaster ovens can’t perform a good job of cooking them. They can sometimes generate better-tasting delicacies.
All of this is contingent on the chef’s ability and the sort of cuisine being made.
Because the dishes fried in air fryers do not require any oil, you may cut down on additional fats in your diet.
The evenly spread heat will flawlessly bake and prepare your food, making it a fantastic alternative for individuals looking to reduce their fat intake.
Air fryers can only cook a limited number of dishes, but toaster ovens can cook a greater range of items.
They will, however, require some moisture or a small amount of oil to prepare their meal.
Preparation Time
Food cooks faster in air fryers than in toaster ovens. They reach higher temperatures faster, reducing the amount of time it takes to cook.
This function ensures that the nutrients in the ingredients are not destroyed by the slow cooking process.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance costs and requirements, the two appliances are on a level with one another.
Each appliance is simple to clean, but if you don’t use oil in your cooking, an air fryer will be easier.
The pan used in an air fryer is usually nonstick, making cleanup a breeze. The materials in the immediate vicinity are similarly simple to clean.
The time spent cleaning each differs insignificantly, while an air fryer may take less time due to its lower size.
A toaster oven’s bigger size, on the other hand, may make it easier to clean every crevice inside it.
It’s worth noting that, in recent years, manufacturers have begun to produce ovens that can self-clean, making them quite appealing possibilities to explore.
Potential Problem
A toaster oven is a simpler gadget that has been around for a decade, whereas…
…an air fryer is a relatively new kitchen appliance that employs a more complex and powerful heat source to cook the food within.
In general, this means that an air fryer is considerably more prone than a toaster oven to suffer mechanical issues.
Don’t get me wrong: if you get a nice air fryer, you won’t have to worry about it breaking down.
When compared to an air fryer, it’s just more likely to happen.
Because of the high heat used within an air fryer, it is more prone to have safety hazards.
When used properly, air fryers are safe, but when used in conjunction with a toaster oven, they are more likely to cause problems.
Tips
If you still have questions concerning reliability, here are some more answers. Whether you use an air fryer or a toaster oven, reliability is the same.
Other aspects, such as material, quality, and model, have an impact.
As a result, pay closer attention to each device before making a purchase.
Always purchase appliances with warranties, as they provide peace of mind in the event of underperformance or a device malfunction.
Final Verdict
Which appliance is better depends on the meals you want to prepare, the number of people in your household, the amount of space available, and the cost?
If you frequently eat frozen meals, an air fryer would be a great option for you.
A toaster oven will suit you better if you want a device that doesn’t feel cramped when you’re cooking chicken or turkey.
When you cram too much food into an air fryer, it burns quickly.
If you only want to buy one appliance since you live alone, make a list of the foods you want to prepare and check which equipment can handle them.
We have both an air fryer and a toaster oven, and I’d keep the air frying if I had to choose. If you live alone, this fast read explains why you should buy a toaster oven.
Purchasing an air fryer can be justified in the same way.
A toaster oven takes considerably more counter/table area than an air fryer. A high-quality air fryer, such as the Cosori Air Fryer Max XL, is more expensive than a convection toaster oven.
Sum Up
In short,
Despite the fact that each gadget has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, they all work admirably in the kitchen. Air fryers, on the other hand, provide crispier dishes.
If you opt to use a toaster oven, you must first pick whether you want convection or non-convection toaster oven.
Consider additional aspects, such as the make, durability, your budget, and the amount of room you have in your kitchen, as you would with most kitchen appliance purchases.
Conclusion
The decision is in your hand.
If you have any stories about your air fryer or toaster oven, share them with us!
We’d love to chat about it and they may also help some people with their concerns.
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
