Are you considering adding an air fryer alongside your oven? On this page, we highlight the advantages of an air fryer and explain why this hot air fryer is a great addition to your kitchen. We also tell you what you can use this appliance for.
The options for preparing food in an oven are countless. Think of meat, fish, vegetables, oven dishes and baked goods such as cakes and bread. With the right baking tin or oven dish, you can be very flexible. And let’s not forget pizzas and homemade lasagnes. An oven is usually built into your kitchen and is practically indispensable.
An air fryer is a real asset to your kitchen. Not only does it make the traditional deep fryer unnecessary, it also allows you to prepare your food in a healthier way. Besides chips and croquettes, you can also cook chicken, macaroni or even small cakes in it. The possibilities with an air fryer are therefore very diverse. What’s more, you won’t be bothered by a lingering frying smell in your home, and an air fryer is easy to clean.
Both an air fryer and an oven cook food by circulating hot air. However, an oven takes longer to preheat. An air fryer, on the other hand, is usually ready for use within 0 to 3 minutes, depending on the model. An air fryer is therefore very convenient for smaller meals. If you want to prepare larger meals, such as oven dishes, large cakes or meat that needs to cook slowly, an oven is the better choice. If you want crispy chips, it’s best to cook them in an air fryer, as moisture tends to linger in an oven and can be absorbed by the chips. An air fryer also has a system for draining fat.
Both an air fryer and an air fryer oven offer similar functions but are suited to different purposes. An air fryer is designed for smaller portions and simple dishes, such as roast potatoes or cauliflower tacos. An air fryer oven, on the other hand, has a larger capacity and is suitable for preparing bigger meals – think of a whole turkey. It combines the convenience of an air fryer with the capacity of a traditional oven. If you’re hosting family or friends, such as during the festive season, an air fryer oven is a sensible choice. However, if you want to cook quickly and easily for a smaller group, an air fryer is often sufficient.
| Property name | Oven | Air fryer | Air fryer oven |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Top and bottom heat | Convection | Convection/ Conventional |
| Heat-up time | 5 to 15 minutes | 0 to 3 minutes | 5 to 10 minutes |
| Preparation options | Baking, slow cooking and roasting | Fat-free frying, baking, grilling and roasting | Fat-free frying, slow cooking, baking, grilling and roasting |
| Content | Big | Small to medium (depending on the model) | Medium to big |
In most cases, you already have an oven in your kitchen. A hot air fryer is a great addition if you want to fry without oil or prepare small meals quickly. Thanks to the short preheating time, you can get started straight away with an air fryer. Fancy chips? Use an air fryer if you prefer a crispy coating. Not sure whether to choose a hot air fryer or a traditional deep fryer? We’ve also examined the differences between these 2 appliances.
