AIR FRYER VS. AIR FRYER OVEN: WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
From testing a new recipe for savory falafel to recreating your favorite restaurant’s crispy potatoes, an air fryer or air fryer oven can help you get crunchy results with significantly less oil. When you’re shopping for a new air frying appliance, understanding the differences between air fryers vs. ovens with air fry capabilities and the benefits of each option can help you on your shopping journey.
Use this guide to compare air fryers vs. air fryer ovens so you can choose the option that matches the way you create.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AN AIR FRYER AND AIR FRYER OVEN?
The main differences between a countertop air fryer and an air fryer oven are their sizes and cooking capabilities. An air fryer is compact and can only be used to air fry, while an air fryer oven is a wall oven or range that offers an air fry option in addition to traditional cooking and baking functions.
Despite these differences, both air fryers and air fryer ovens use high-powered fans to circulate hot air throughout the cooking cavity, allowing you to create golden brown and crispy fried treats without the mess of deep frying in oil.
WHICH IS BETTER: AN AIR FRYER OR AIR FRYER OVEN?
Whether you choose an air fryer or an oven with air frying capabilities depends on your specific needs. Compare the benefits of both air frying options to help you make your decision.
COUNTERTOP AIR FRYER BENEFITS
- Compact size: Countertop air fryers are smaller, making them an ideal option for smaller kitchens and compact spaces. The KitchenAid® Digital Countertop Oven with Air Fry is designed to offer the endless possibilities of an oven and an air fryer in a convenient countertop size.
Additional cooking options: Adding a countertop air fryer to a fully equipped kitchen gives you an additional cooking option, allowing you to air fry a side of truffle fries while juicy roast beef and tender vegetables cook in your oven.
AIR FRYER OVEN BENEFITS
- Larger capacity: Air fryer ovens are larger than countertop air fryers and allow you to cook larger portions in one appliance, which can be ideal if you’re frequently hosting friends for cocktail or dinner parties.
- Multiple functions: Air fryer ovens also have the traditional capabilities of a wall oven or range, allowing you to easily transition from air frying shrimp to cooking a delicate souffle.
TIPS FOR USING AN AIR FRYER OR AIR FRYER OVEN
Make the most out of your air frying appliances with the following tips and tricks.
Adjust cook times: You can use an air fryer for a variety of dishes, even some non-air fryer recipes. Just remember to shorten the cooking time, as air fryers typically cook food faster than conventional ovens.
Limit oil and cooking spray: A light spritz of cooking spray or a gentle brush of oil is usually plenty when it comes to air frying. Avoid using too much, as this may damage the air fryer basket over time.
Prevent spills and crumbs: When using an air fryer oven, try placing a baking sheet on the bottom rack of your oven to catch crumbs and batter that may drop from the perforated basket.
Preheat: Always preheat your air fryer or air fryer oven according to your manual’s instructions.
Avoid overcrowding: The best air-fried results are achieved when air can properly circulate over the entire surface area of your food. Avoid overcrowding to help promote proper airflow throughout the cooking process.
Use the right basket: The perforated basket that comes with your air fryer oven has holes that allow hot air to circulate over the entire surface of your food. For best results, always use the basket when air frying.
AIR FRYER OVEN RECIPES
Your air fryer or air fryer oven can open your kitchen up to a whole new world of recipes. Explore the air fryer recipes below to get your creative juices flowing.
AIR FRIED SALMON
You can create delicious salmon filets that are crisp on the outside and flaky on the inside with the help of an air fryer oven. Add your favorite seasoning blend or homemade marinade to tailor this recipe to your personal taste.
AIR FRIED SHRIMP
Battered or bare, your air fryer oven can be used to make tender, flavorful shrimp to serve as an appetizer at your next party or as an entree paired with homemade pasta and lemon sauce.
AIR FRYER VEGETABLES
Air frying might just become your new favorite way to prepare your veggie-packed recipes. Use your air fryer to make perfectly charred asparagus, crunchy zucchini chips or crispy battered cauliflower bites.
AIR FRYER CHICKEN KATSU
With your air fryer oven, you can enjoy this flavorful Japanese-style fried chicken sandwich without the mess of deep frying in oil. Serve your golden-brown chicken filet with creamy wasabi slaw on buttery brioche buns to create the perfect savory and spicy bite.
AIR FRIED STEAK
You don’t have to wait for grilling season to make rich, sizzling steaks. Using an air fryer can actually help replicate the sear of a grill while locking in the natural juices and flavor to create a melt-in-your-mouth steak dinner.
AIR FRYER FRENCH FRIES
French fries are the quintessential fried snack, and you can easily make them at home with the help of a countertop air fryer or air fryer oven. With this recipe, you can indulge in perfectly crisp fries without all the grease and oil of a deep fryer.
AIR FRIED STRAWBERRY HAND PIES
Explore a new way to make dessert with these air fryer hand pies. The air fryer cooks up the flaky pastry until it’s golden brown, creating a crispy, buttery shell that beautifully complements the sweet and tangy fruit filling.
AIR FRY PORK AND SHRIMP SPRING ROLLS
These air-fried spring rolls are sure to be a hit at your next party. The richness of ground pork and chopped shrimp paired with the bright zest of freshly grated ginger and the crunch of the air-fried pastry wrapping creates a delicious burst of flavor in every bite.
EXPLORE KITCHENAID® OVENS WITH AIR FRY
Get the crisp you crave, right from your oven. KitchenAid® wall ovens and ranges with Air Fry Mode circulate hot air around the included basket to cook with less oil.1 In addition, an integrated thermometer on select models helps take the guesswork out of roasting meat just the way you like.
1. When compared to deep frying.
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