Last Updated on May 28, 2023
Air fryers have become increasingly popular over the years thanks to their ability to cook crispy, fried-like food without the need for excess oil.
However, with the popularity of air fryers, manufacturers have released different types of air fryers, including the air fryer oven and the air fryer basket.
While both types of air fryers serve the same purpose, some key differences may affect your cooking experience.
The air fryer basket is the traditional type of air fryer that most people are familiar with. It is a compact appliance that sits on your countertop and has a removable basket where you place your food.
On the other hand, the air fryer oven is a larger appliance that resembles a traditional oven. It has multiple racks and trays, allowing you to cook multiple dishes at once.
Here’s a comparison of the air fryer oven and air fryer basket, discussing how they differ in size, capacity, and cooking.
Comparison between Air Fryer Oven and Air Fryer Basket
Air fryer ovens and baskets are being compared to help individuals make an informed decision on which type of air fryer to invest in.
They differ in design, features, functions, cooking versatility, performance, capacity, and storage. Convenience and controls, safety features, preheating time, maintenance, and cost-effectiveness are also factors to consider.
Examining these attributes can help individuals select the air fryer that is most suitable for their needs and preferences.
Design and Appearance
The design and appearance of these two cooking appliances can impact the overall user experience and level of convenience.
The air fryer oven has a compact and sleek design that is perfect for those with limited kitchen countertop space. Its user-friendly digital control panel and LCD display make operating and monitoring the cooking process a breeze.
Additionally, the transparent glass door allows you to keep an eye on your food’s progress without compromising heat by opening the oven.
On the contrary, the air fryer basket has a unique crisper tray design that allows for convection heat to reach every angle of the food.
Its raised basket and mesh design ensure even heat distribution, resulting in crispy and delicious food. The basket is also made of aluminum, which is durable and easy to clean.
However, its larger size may take up more space in your kitchen, and it may not be as convenient for those who prefer a more compact design.
Features and Functionalities
The air fryer oven offers a wide range of cooking options, including baking, roasting, broiling, dehydrating, reheating, and using the rotisserie feature. It also has a larger capacity than the air fryer basket, allowing you to cook larger meals or multiple dishes at once.
Nevertheless, the air fryer oven often comes with accessories such as baking trays and rotisserie skewers, which can further enhance its versatility.
On the flip side, the air fryer basket is primarily designed for air frying, making it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy crispy, fried foods without the added calories.
While it may not offer the same range of functionalities as the air fryer oven, it is often more compact and easy to store.
Cooking Versatility
Air fryers and ovens are both great for air frying, but the air fryer oven offers more cooking options. With baking, roasting, and dehydrating capabilities, the air fryer oven can handle more recipes than the air fryer basket.
Additionally, the rotisserie feature allows for even more cooking options, such as juicy and crispy rotisserie chicken.
On the other hand, the air fryer basket is more limited in its cooking versatility. While it excels at producing crispy results for air-fried foods like fries, chicken wings, and vegetables, it may not be suitable for other types of dishes.
Therefore, the air fryer oven may be the better choice if you are looking for an appliance that can accommodate a wider range of recipes and offer more cooking possibilities.
However, the air fryer basket may be sufficient if you primarily want an appliance for air frying alone.
Cooking Performance
Thanks to its top-down airflow, the air fryer oven’s EvenCrisp Technology allows for a perfect golden finish and consistently crispy and tender results.
With a combination of cooking functions and the rotisserie feature, it delivers excellent cooking performance across a wide range of recipes. It’s an ideal choice for cooking chicken, roasts, and other large items that require even cooking.
Meanwhile, the air fryer basket gets crispy results with its raised design and convection heat.
However, it may not offer the same level of cooking performance as the air fryer oven, particularly for baking, roasting, or dehydrating recipes.
The air fryer basket is better suited for smaller items like french fries, chicken wings, and vegetables. It’s also more compact and easier to store, making it a convenient option for those with limited kitchen space.
Cooking Capacity / Size and Storage
Air fryer ovens generally have a larger cooking capacity than air fryer baskets, making them a better option for larger households or those who like to cook large quantities of food.
They can accommodate bigger items such as whole chickens or large cuts of meat, which may not fit in an air fryer basket. However, the larger size of air fryer ovens may require more storage space in the kitchen, which could be a challenge for those with limited counter or cabinet space.
Alternatively, air fryer baskets are smaller and great for smaller portions. They are easier to store due to their smaller footprint, making them a ideal option for those with limited kitchen space.
Air fryer baskets can still cook a variety of foods but may require multiple batches for larger quantities.
Convenience and Controls
In terms of convenience, air fryer ovens are often designed with intuitive controls that make it easy to operate and customize cooking settings. These ovens may feature a digital control panel with an LCD display and one-touch smart programs for specific recipes.
For air fryers, you have to adjust the temperature and cooking time manually with the oven controls.
To further explain the differences in convenience and controls, let us take a closer look at their features through a nested bullet point list:
Air Fryer Oven:
• Intuitive controls with a digital control panel and an LCD display
• One-touch smart programs for specific recipes, making it easy to operate and customize cooking settings
Air Fryer Basket:
• Designed for use in the oven, so it does not have its own control panel
• Relies on the oven controls for temperature and cooking time settings, which may require manual adjustments
Safety Features
The air fryer oven has built-in safety features such as overheat protection and auto-off, which ensures that the appliance will automatically shut off once it reaches a certain temperature or detects any malfunction.
These safety features prevent overheating and offer peace of mind while using the appliance.
Moreover, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the maximum cooking time and temperature settings for each type of food to avoid any potential hazards.
The air fryer basket, however, is not equipped with any safety features as it is used along with an oven.
It is important to follow oven safety guidelines while using the basket, such as using oven mitts or pot holders when handling the basket and avoiding overcrowding the basket with food.
Additionally, it is essential to ensure that the oven is properly ventilated and the temperature is set correctly to prevent overheating.
Preheating Time
The air fryer oven requires little to no preheating time, allowing for immediate cooking. This feature is a huge convenience for those who want to save time in the kitchen.
In contrast, the air fryer basket does not have its own heating mechanism, so the preheating time depends on the oven used. Before placing the basket inside, it may require some preheating time.
The optimal preheating time for the air fryer oven and basket will depend on the type of food being cooked and the desired outcome. The preheating time can also impact the quality of the food.
Using an air fryer oven may make your food crispier on the outside while keeping it moist on the inside. Preheating the air fryer basket may help ensure that the food is cooked evenly and thoroughly.
Maintenance
Cleaning both an air fryer oven and an air fryer basket has its advantages. The air fryer oven has a removable oven door that can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth and dish soap.
Additionally, most of the cooking accessories, like the drip pan, cooking trays, and rotisserie basket, can be washed in the dishwasher, making cleanup a breeze.
Meanwhile, the air fryer basket can also be conveniently cleaned in the dishwasher after use. It requires minimal effort and can be quickly washed with other dishes. Notably, the air fryer basket is usually smaller than the oven, making it easier to fit into most dishwashers.
Cost-Effective
The air fryer oven is a cost-effective investment for those who enjoy a variety of cooking styles and require versatility in their cooking equipment. Although the upfront cost may be higher than the air fryer basket, the oven’s multiple functions and versatility can save long-term costs.
The air fryer basket is cheaper than the air fryer oven. If you primarily focus on air frying and have access to an oven, it can be a budget-friendly option for crispy results.
However, it may not offer as much versatility as the air fryer oven, which can limit its cost-effectiveness in the long run.
Can you use an air fryer basket in an air fryer oven?
Air fryer baskets can be used in air fryer ovens, although the compatibility depends on the size and design of both devices. Air fryer baskets are typically intended for use in smaller countertop air fryers.
The size and shape of the basket may not be as suitable for use in an air fryer oven, which often comes with accessories tailored to optimize its function. However, some versatile and adjustable baskets may be compatible with air fryer ovens.
Before using it in an air fryer oven, it’s important to carefully examine the manufacturer’s instructions for both devices and weigh the potential risks and benefits.
Can I use aluminum foil in the air fryer?
You can use aluminum foil in your air fryer. It’s a thin, flexible metal sheet that’s heat-resistant and commonly used in food preparation. Aluminum foil can be helpful when you want to take advantage of rapid and hot air circulation for cooking.
Rest assured that using aluminum foil won’t compromise the safety or effectiveness of your air fryer.
However, it’s important to exercise caution when using aluminum foil in your air fryer. Make sure to place the foil in a way that doesn’t block or restrict the airflow inside the appliance.
Blocking the airflow can lead to uneven cooking and potentially damage your air fryer. So, remember to be mindful of how you position the foil while cooking.
Is an air fryer as safe as an oven?
Air fryers have unique safety features that distinguish them from ovens. They use hot air to cook food, eliminating the need for hot oil and reducing the risk of oil splatters and burns.
Automatic shut-off features activate when the cooking process is complete or when the basket is removed. Additionally, their compact size makes them less prone to accidents and easier to store compared to ovens.
However, basic safety precautions should still be followed, including avoiding overfilling the basket, keeping the appliance away from flammable materials, and ensuring proper plugging in and maintenance.
Do air fryers use less electricity than an oven?
With their energy-efficient design, air fryers consume significantly less electricity than electric ovens, making them a more environmentally conscious choice.
Air fryers use a fraction of the electricity that electric ovens require, with most requiring between 800 and 1800 watts to run.
In contrast, electric ovens typically use around 2,200 watts to 5,000 watts, making them more expensive to operate. This means air fryers have the potential to save users a significant amount of money on their energy bills.
Air fryers achieve their energy efficiency by combining convection heating and a high-speed fan to circulate hot air evenly around the food. This cooking process allows for quick and uniform cooking without the need for excessive oil or energy.
The Final Verdict: Air Fryer Oven or Air Fryer Basket?
Air fryers have become a popular choice for people who want to enjoy crispy and delicious food without the use of oil. The air fryer oven offers a range of functions, including baking and toasting, while the basket is more compact and easier to store. It is important to note that the basket can be used in the oven if desired.
One question that often arises is whether it is safe to use aluminum foil in an air fryer. While it is possible, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent any safety hazards. Additionally, it is essential to practice proper safety measures when using an air fryer to avoid accidents.
An advantage of air fryers is that they use less electricity than traditional ovens. This makes them not only a cost-effective option but also environmentally friendly.
One must consider personal preferences and needs when deciding between an air fryer oven and a basket. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe and efficient use.
