Air fryers and toaster ovens both of them are now popular and used widely for cooking. Toaster ovens are more traditional but instead of it, people are thinking of using air fryers, because there are certain reasons.
So, can an air fryer replace a toaster oven?
It’s a very common question and the answer is positive. Yes, an air fryer can replace a toaster oven because the output will be almost the same and the function isn’t too different. Plus, cooking in an air fryer is easier just like a toaster oven, it is also very simple to clean.
Can You Use an Air Fryer Instead of a Toaster Oven? Yes, you absolutely can.
The first reason is both the air fryer and toaster oven have almost the same cooking functions. And the most important thing is that the fan of an air fryer is more effective than a toaster oven. So, that means an air fryer will be able to cook almost everything that a toaster oven can.
Then again you may think a toaster oven comes with a fan that circulates heat. Luckily air fryers also come with the same thing now. Plus, air frying and dehydrating are a lot easier with an air fryer.
A List of Foods that Better be Cooked in an Air Fryer
You might be wondering which food is better to cook in an air fryer. Well, you can cook almost everything in it but still, I would recommend a few must-try items. Let’s get them.
1.Egg rolls
2.Fresh/frozen chicken tenders
3.Crispy chicken
4.Hard-boiled eggs
5.Frozen veggies
6.Pumpkin seeds
It’s not a complete list. It’s a personal preference and that can differ from person to person. However, let’s just move on to the next segment.
What’s the Main Difference?
If you are familiar with the terms, convection and radiation, then it will be quite easy for you to understand why they are different.
The air fryers use a convection system whereas the toaster ovens use a radiation system to heat up. So, an air fryer is more like a convection oven than a toaster oven.
But when you focus on cooking functions you might not see lots of differences. Whether it’s baking, frying, and boiling, both of them will perform great. But the difference can be seen while frying. Because the air fryer will provide crispier food.
When Will You Need a Toaster Oven?
The discussion so far indicates the air fryer is better and more useful. But is that so? The answer is not always. Sometimes it’s better to use a toaster oven.
First, a toaster oven is better if you have a short cooking area. Next to the unique function, the rotisserie option keeps it ahead sometimes, though you might not find it in all types of the toaster oven.
Another advantage is sometimes you can prepare two items at a time using a toaster oven. Moreover, in the case of cooking a lot at a time, the toaster oven works better.
Besides, I would always recommend a toaster oven for cooking some specific items. Here is the list of the items.
• Chicken tenders
• Cookies
• Chicken thigh
• Muffins
• Cheese & macaroni
What Types of Food Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?
An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a variety of food items. The most common items that are cooked in an air fryer are chicken, fish, and vegetables. However, there are a number of other foods that can be cooked in an air fryer as well. These include:
• Potatoes
• Frozen foods
• Nuts
• Doughnuts
• Bacon
• Cakes
As you can see, there is a wide range of food that can be cooked in an air fryer. This appliance is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to cook food quickly and evenly.
Additionally, many people find that air fried food is more delicious than traditional fried food. If you are looking for a new way to cook your favorite foods, then an air fryer may be the perfect kitchen appliance for you.
Benefits
Air fryers are a healthier alternative to traditional deep fryers because they use little to no oil. This means that you can cook your food with less fat and fewer calories. They also cook food faster than traditional methods, so you can save time in the kitchen.
They are a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to cook a variety of foods. Whether you’re looking to make fried chicken, French fries, or even roasted vegetables, an air fryer can help you do it all. Plus, many air fryers come equipped with features like timers and temperature controls, so you can customize your cooking experience to suit your needs.
FAQs
1. Is a toaster oven the same thing as an air fryer?
The answer is No. Both of them are different in functions, price, design, and some other facts, but you can cook almost the same type of food using them, and make sure that you are using the right type of a quality air fryer.
2. Does the air fryer replace the oven?
The answer depends on the type of oven. An air fryer can replace a convection oven best. Again, it can replace a toaster oven as well, even so, this doesn’t apply to all types of ovens.
3. Which one is easier to clean?
Most people don’t know that toaster ovens and air fryers have different cleaning requirements. Toaster ovens must be cleaned with a damp cloth after each use, while air fryers only need to be wiped down with a dry cloth.
Toaster ovens have several parts that need to be cleaned including the crumb tray, drip pan, and racks. The crumb tray is located under the toaster oven and collects all the breadcrumbs and other debris that falls during cooking. The drip pan catches any drips or grease from the food as it cooks. And the racks need to be removed and washed in soapy water periodically.
Cleaning an air fryer is much simpler since there are fewer parts. The basket and drawer are the only parts that need to be washed, and they can go in the dishwasher. There is no need to wipe down the inside of an air fryer after each use.
4. Is the air fryer temperature the same as the oven?
The air fryer temperature is not the same as the oven. The air fryer operates at a higher temperature than the oven, meaning that food will cook faster in the air fryer. It is important to keep this in mind when cooking with an air fryer, as overcooking can occur more easily.
When using an air fryer, it is best to start with lower temperatures and cook for shorter periods of time before increasing the heat and cooking for longer periods of time. This will help to avoid overcooking and ensure that food is cooked evenly.
5. What appliances does an air fryer replace?
An air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can replace several other appliances, including a deep fryer, a countertop convection oven, and even a toaster oven. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food to cook it evenly and quickly. This makes them ideal for cooking fried foods, as well as baking and roasting.
If you’re looking for a versatile appliance that can help you save time and space in the kitchen, an air fryer is a great option.
Parting Words
I hope now you got the answer to the question “Can an air fryer take the place of a toaster oven?” Yes, it is and there are some criteria that I’ve already mentioned in the content.
Now it’s your turn to choose wisely which one is the appropriate choice for you. Let me give you a little information. Now almost 40% of homes in the developed countries use an air fryer. And compared to a deep fryer, an air fryer consumes 80% less oil.
So, after considering everything I would say, an air fryer is a better choice. Even while replacing a toaster oven.