The debate between air fryers and ovens keeps heating up. But which side are you on? Do you love the capacity of the good old fashioned oven? Or has the energy-efficient air fryer got your vote?

Both oven and air fryer shine in their own ways, but understanding what they do best, how many different ways they can cook and the cost of running them each time can help you decide which is your go-to coooking option.

Air fryer advantages

The best air fryers on the market have gained popularity for their ability to mimic the crispy texture of deep-fried foods without the excessive use of oil. By circulating hot air around the food, air fryers create a crispy exterior for chicken wings, veg or halloumi etc while keeping the insides soft and juicy. Air fryers are also compact in size, making them perfect for small kitchens or those with limited countertop space.

Energy and cost efficiency

When it comes to energy and cost efficiency, air fryers often outshine conventional ovens. Air fryers require less preheating time and use significantly less energy compared to ovens, making them a more economical choice for quick, everyday cooking. In fact, air fryers can reliably use half the energy of a conventional oven.

Additionally, since air fryers use rapid air circulation to cook food, they can often complete cooking tasks in less time and at a lower heat than traditional ovens - further adding to energy savings.

Speed and convenience

One of the standout features of air fryers is just how easy they are to use. With rapid heating and cooking times, air fryers leave ovens in the dust when it comes to cooking times - letting you whip up meals in far faster. If you’re making a quick but healthy midweek meal, air fryers are a great appliance to have - since you’ll get more of your evening back.

Air fryers are also a breeze to clean too. Most air fryers have dishwasher-proof baskets and trays - so there’s no need to deal with the greasy mess you get with oven pans.

Healthier cooking methods

Most of us want to cut down on how much cooking oil we use, and air fryers give us a healthier alternative to traditional frying. By using little to no oil, air fryers significantly reduce the amount of fat and calories in cooked foods, making them a healthier option. Additionally, air fryers help retain more nutrients in foods compared to deep frying or baking, meaning that you keep more of the good stuff in every bite.

Air fryer vs oven cooking comparison

So air fryers certainly have a lot going from them - whether that’s convenience or energy efficiency. But don’t write off ovens! After all, while air fryers can be pretty big (the Ninja FlexDrawer has more than 10 litres) oven capacity is much larger. So, if you’re cooking lots of different dishes (e.g. a Sunday roast cooked in an oven) it makes much more sense (and is just as efficient) to have the oven running and cook everything all at once. You can also make use of that residual heat to keep food warm and heat up plates too.

Taste and texture differences - taste test!

So, we’ve established that food cooks quicker in an air fryer. But, is food cooked in the oven worth the wait?

Chicken tenders - Chicken in a breaded coating is a quick and easy snack - but which come out better? In our taste test, there’s not much difference - both are crispy since the coatings don’t require extra oil. The main difference is the time it takes - 15 minutes in an oven compared to 12 minutes in an airfryer.

Pizza - Frozen pizza cooks much quicker in an air fryer (8 minutes rather than 18) but is the oven worth the extra time? The oven pizza was definitely crispier, so if that’s what you’re after - go for the oven.

Salmon fillet - Again, these are much faster in an air fryer - 9 minutes compared to 16 minutes. The oven tends to leave the salmon a little more moist (which is a benefit of conventional cooking over the air fryer’s convection heating). But if you were to give the salmon more time and a lower heat in the air fryer, the difference would be a little more neglible.

Chips - This is another air fryer speciality - since it’s great at adding some crunch. For oven chips, the air fryer cooks the chips in half the time.

While air fryers excel at creating crispy exteriors, they may not always deliver the same depth of flavour as food cooked in ovens. Ovens, with their ability to roast, bake and grill, can generally deliver a wider range of taste and textures to a dish that air fryers may struggle to replicate. But for quick, crispy snacks or side dishes, air fryers offers are tough to beat.

FAQs

Is it worth replacing an oven with an air fryer?

It depends on your cooking habits. While air fryers are all about convenience and speed, they may not be suitable for all types of cooking. Because you have a choice of top and bottom elements, grills and a fan, ovens provide a wider range of cooking options and you can cook more at once, making them essential for baking, roasting and grilling. However, if you primarily cook smaller meals or enjoy crispy snacks, adding an air fryer to your kitchen can be a game changer.

Is it cheaper to use an air fryer or oven?

Yes, for energy consumption, air fryers are generally more cost-effective than ovens. Air fryers need much less preheating time and use less energy overall. And because air fryers cook food faster, they give extra energy savings compared to ovens.

Why don't chefs use air fryers?

While air fryers are all about convenience and speed, they may not provide the same level of control as traditional ovens and grills by chefs - except maybe Jamie Oliver! Professional kitchens often rely on ovens, stovetops and other cooking appliances that allow for precise temperature control and cooking techniques. While air fryers have their place in home kitchens, they may not meet the standards of professional chefs seeking precision and consistency in their cooking. Plus, they’re a relatively new invention - so maybe one day the air fryer will make the gourmet leap!

Both air fryers and ovens have their advantages and limitations, so it’s better to have both in your kitchen if home cooking is important to you. But by knowing their strengths and differences, you’ll know which appliance to use and when. And if you’re new to cooking or want to get fired up and inspired, air fryers are an easy-to-use appliance that can get you back into healthy, exciting home cooking!

Looking for a new air fryer or oven? Check out our Small kitchen appliances buying guide and our Cooker buying guide for a great place to start.