Content Summary
Air fryer vs. toaster oven: a hot topic these days. First, toaster ovens arrived, and we were all very happy. Then, air fryers came around. At first, many people hesitated.
But nowadays, they have conquered countertop areas everywhere around the world - often, next to a toaster oven. As air fryers continue to grow in popularity, still many people are wondering if they're really worth the investment.
After all, most of us already have a conventional oven, a regular oven, or a toaster oven at home. So, air fryer, toaster ovens, air fryer toaster ovens, what's the difference? And which one is right for you?
Air Fryer vs. Toaster Oven: Comprehensive Buying Guide
If you're trying to decide between an air fryer, and a toaster oven, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll be taking a closer look at the returning question: "air fryer vs. toaster oven". We'll be reviewing the difference between air fryer and toaster ovens.
We'll cover everything from size and capacity, to cooking presets and features of these countertop ovens. So whether you're looking for a versatile air fryer or a simple toaster oven, we've got you covered. Let's get started!
The Benefits Of Two Appliances
1. Air fryer is a healthier option than deep frying.
Do you love the taste of fried food but hate the idea of all that oil? If so, an air fryer may be the perfect solution for deep frying. Air fryers use hot air to cook food, resulting in a crispy exterior and a succulent interior.
Best of all, air fryers use far less oil than a deep fryer (Dutch oven, skillet) so they're a healthier option. In fact, you can even cook frozen foods in an air fryer with no oil at all. So if you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy your favorite fried foods, an air fryer is the way to go.
2. Toaster ovens can toast & bake, while air fryers can't.
Toaster ovens are the ultimate kitchen appliance. Not only can they toast bread and bake cookies, but they can also do so much more. For example, you can use a toaster oven to reheat leftovers, cook a frozen pizza, or even make a grilled cheese sandwich.
And if that's not enough, you can also use a toaster oven to broil meats and vegetables. In short, a toaster oven is a versatile tool that every home cook should have in their kitchen. By contrast, air fryers are one-trick ponies.
Sure, they can be used to make crispy fried foods, but that's about it. So if you're looking for an appliance that can do it all, choose a toaster oven. Even better: a convection toaster oven, to circulate hot air coming from the heating elements.
3. Air fryers cook food faster than toaster ovens.
If you're in a hurry to get your food from the cooktop to the table, an air fryer is your best sous-chef. These handy devices use hot air to cook food quickly and evenly, and they're perfect for busy families who don't have a lot of time to spare.
Toaster ovens may be more versatile, but when it comes to speed, air fryers are the clear winner. So if you're looking for a quick and easy way to get your meals on the table, air frying is the way. choose an air fryer.
4. Toaster ovens are more versatile: broiling & roasting.
Sure, toasters can toast bread. But what else can they do? Not much. Toaster ovens, on the other hand, are true kitchen workhorses. In addition to toasting bread, they can be used for broiling and roasting.
They're perfect for small meals or when you don't want to heat up the entire oven. Plus, they come in a variety of sizes and styles to match any kitchen décor.
Convection toasters are even more versatile, as they have a fan to circulate heated air. So if you're looking for a versatile kitchen appliance, go with a toaster oven. Your toast will be grateful.
5. Air fryers are easier to clean than toaster ovens.
Air fryers are the latest kitchen appliance to hit the market, and they come with a lot of promises. Unlike toaster ovens, air fryers promise to be quicker, easier to use, and easier to clean. But is this really the case?
When it comes to cleaning, air fryers definitely have the upper hand. Toaster ovens can be a pain to clean, requiring you to unscrew and remove the racks in order to access all the nooks and crannies.
Air fryers, on the other hand, have removable baskets that make it easy to get at every last bit of food. In addition, many air fryers have non-stick surfaces that make cleanup even easier. This makes air fryers the easiest to clean.
As you can see, there are pros and cons to both air fryers and toaster ovens. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and your specific needs.
The Pros & Cons Of Each Appliance
The on-going debate of air fryer vs. toaster oven has been around for centuries. Okay, maybe not centuries, but it feels like it. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.
Do you want the convenience of an air fryer or the versatility of a toaster oven? It's a tough decision, but luckily, we're here to help.
1. The Pros & Cons Of An Air Fryer
Let's start with the air fryer. Air fryers have been all the rage in recent years, and it's not hard to see why. They're super easy to use; just throw your food in and let the machine do its thing. And cleanup is a breeze since an air fryer has a removable air fryer basket, often, dishwasher-safe.
Although even the best air fryers cannot replace a convection oven with their vast cooking space, many home cooks find cooking food has become easier. Nowadays, there are thousands of air fryer recipes, way beyond French fries and chicken wings.
However, air fryers do have their downsides. Some air fryer cons: a large capacity air fryer takes up quite some countertop space. They can be pretty pricey. And, air fryers can also be pretty finicky.
If you don't have the temperature or cooking time just right, your food can come out either under-cooked or burnt. So, it definitely takes some trial and error to get the hang of using an air fryer.
2. The Pros & Cons Of A Toaster Oven
Toaster oven models have been around for ages, and for good reason—they're awesome! Unlike air fryers, toaster ovens are actually quite versatile; you can use them to bake, broil, or even roast food. Plus, they come in a wide range of sizes.
A convection toaster oven, like an air fryer, uses hot air circulation to cook the food. Convection baking causes food to be cooked evenly. Cleanup is easy since most toaster ovens have removable crumb trays that catch any messes before they happen.
However, there are some drawbacks to using a toaster oven as well. For one thing, due to the position of the heat elements, food will not cook as evenly due to lack of hot air circulation - unless you have a convection toaster oven.
Toaster ovens take up quite some counter space, especially if you choose a larger model. And they can also be kind of tricky to use if you've never used one before. It takes some practice to figure out how long you need to cook your food for and at what temperature. But once you get the hang of it, using a toaster oven is a piece of cake!
So which one is better for you - an air fryer or a toaster oven?
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of cooking you'll be doing most often.
- If you're looking for something quick and easy with minimal cleanup required, then an air fryer is probably your best bet.
- But if you want something that's more versatile and easier to control, then a toaster oven is probably a better choice for you.
- If you choose a toaster, get one of those convection toaster ovens, as its fan distributes hot air. In fact, both air fryer and convection toaster could well be called "countertop convection ovens".
There is one kind of countertop oven that combines the best in convection cooking: the so-called "air fryer toaster oven combo", or "toaster oven air fryer combo".
To give you an idea of what you can expect, we have selected meals for each below. Whichever one you choose, we hope you enjoy making delicious meals!
What Kind Of Food Can You Cook In Each Appliance?
A List Of Air Fryer Meals
Here's a comprehensive list of all the amazing things you can make in air fryers.
1. Chicken Wings or Nuggets
Preheat to 400˚F. Lay the wings or nuggets in one layer on the bottom of the cooking basket. Ready in ca. 10 minutes.
2. French Fries
Preheat to 400˚F. Your crispy fries will be ready in ca. 10 minutes.
3. Pizza
Preheat to the temperature as on the package. Place the unpacked pizza on the middle rack. Set the timer, start baking. Take it out when done. Note: pizza actually tastes better when cooked in an air fryer. The cheese gets all melty and bubbly, and the crust comes out nice and crispy.
4. Cake
Preheat to 350˚F. Whisk cake mix, eggs, tablespoon of oil and water till done. Pour in a greased round baking dish. Put it the air fryer basket. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it's clean, your cake is done.
5. Salmon
Preheat to 380˚F. Place the seasoned salmon in the air fryer basket. Bake it for 10-12 minutes; check with a fork. The moisture is sealed in, resulting in juicy, flaky salmon.
A List Of Toaster Oven Meals
Here's a comprehensive list of all the amazing things you can make in a toaster oven.
1. Chili-Cheese
Preheat to 350˚F. Then, place the chili-cheese on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Once it is done, enjoy!
2. Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Tomato Soup
Preheat to 350˚F. Spread a tablespoon of butter on two slices of bread. Top two slices of bread with cheese and place them on the other two, cheese-side down. Now spread 1/4 cup of tomato soup on each sandwich. Season with salt and pepper. Place the two sandwiches in a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Personal Pizza
Preheat to the temperature as on the package. Place the unpacked pizza on the middle rack. Set the timer for the baking time. Take it out when done.
4. French Toast
Preheat to 400˚F. Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract, sugar and salt. Dip slices of bread in the mixture, coat on both sides. Melt some butter in a small pan, then pour it in a rectangular (9" x 13") baking pan. Put this in the preheated toaster and bake for 10-15 minutes, or golden brown and crispy. Serve with maple syrup or honey.
5. Bagel with Cream Cheese
Preheat to 375˚F. Cut bagel in half. Spread cream cheese on each half. Place bagel halves on a baking sheet in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes.
Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo Meals
Note: All meals for air fryers and toaster ovens mentioned above can also be prepared in an air fryer toaster oven combo. As combos are larger than a regular toaster oven, they have a larger cooking surface area.
Which Is More Affordable: An Air Fryer Or A Toaster Oven?
If you're like me, you love fried foods. But you don't love the guilt that comes along with eating fried foods. That's where air fryers come in. Air fryers use hot air to cook food, which means that you can enjoy all of your favorite fried foods with a fraction of the fat.
But air fryer models can be expensive, so you might be wondering whether a toaster oven would be a more affordable option. A convection toaster oven has a real advantage over a regular toaster oven, and even a traditional oven: circulating hot air.
Let's take a look at the cost of these options and see which one fits your budget.
Air Fryers vs. Toaster Ovens: The Costs
Air fryers typically cost between 100 - 200 US$. Convection toaster ovens, on the other hand, typically cost between 50 - 250 US$. Air fryer toaster ovens cost between 100 - 200 US$. So air fryers an combos are more expensive than toaster ovens. Now, let's check energy efficiency and capacity.
Energy Efficiency
Air fryers are more energy-efficient than toaster ovens because they use less energy to cook food. This is due to the fact that the average air fryer cooking process is faster than toaster ovens. So if you're looking to save money on your energy bill, an air fryer is the way to go.
Capacity
Toaster ovens and combos can typically accommodate 6 slices of bread or a 12-inch pizza, while air fryers can typically accommodate 4 slices of bread or a 10-inch pizza. So if you're looking for an appliance that can feed a large family or entertain guests, a toaster oven is probably a better option.
What Is The Best Product - Air Fryer vs. Toaster Oven?
We've done the legwork and gone through all of the top-rated models on each appliance to determine which ones meet all of the essential features of cooking, capacity, durability, and cost. Without further ado, let's take a look at these top 3 selections.
Catchy Finds' 3 Picks In The Spotlight
Ninja Foodi 8 Quart 2-Basket Air Fryer
What Makes It Catchy
The Ninja Foodi Air Fryer XL is the perfect kitchen appliance for those who like to keep their options open. With two independent baskets, you can cook two foods at the same time, in two different ways.
No more back-to-back cooking with a traditional single-basket air fryer! Plus, the Smart Finish feature lets you choose between cooking two foods that finish at the same time, or using the Match Cook button to easily copy settings across zones for full 8-qt. capacity.
Things In The Spotlight
This air fryer features two independent 4-qt. zones, each with its own air fry basket, cyclonic fan, and rapid heater. You can gently remove moisture from foods or rapidly cook and crisp things thanks to the wide temperature range (105°F to 450°F).
Plus, the 6 versatile cooking programs make it easy to create your favorite meals. And with an 2x4-qt. capacity, this Ninja dual zone air fryer is perfect for family meals or large gatherings.
Looking for a versatile air fryer that can handle large batches? Go ahead and invite the whole gang over - your Ninja Foodi oven has you covered.
BLACK+DECKER 8-Slice Extra Wide Toaster Oven
What Makes It Catchy
This spacious toaster oven fits most standard fit most 9” x 13” pans with handles, 8 slices of bread, or a 12” pizza. That means you can go from straight from oven to table!
Plus, the included baking/broiling pan fits perfectly, making it easy to insert and remove food. A toasting rack is included.
Things In The Spotlight
Convection heating is the best way to cook, period. The powerful convection fan circulates heated air from the heating element throughout the oven for fast, even baking.
That means that your food will be cooked faster and more evenly, resulting in a superior product every time. And with the dedicated toast timer, you can get perfect toast every time. No more burnt toast!
With its sleek design and stainless steel interior, this toaster oven is sure to complement any kitchen décor.
You could have the best of both worlds? That's right, with a toaster oven air fryer combo, you can have your cake and eat it too!
COSORI Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
What Makes It Catchy
If you're the type of person who loves to be in the kitchen, then you'll love this 11-in-1 cooking function oven: baking, roasting, broiling, toasting, airfrying, cookies, bagels, pizza, fermentation, dehydration, keep warm.
And with the free VeSync app, you can adjust settings, use remote monitoring, and access voice control from your smartphone. Plus, the oven has a crisp LED screen, interior light, and convenient insulated controls for safe, easy cooking. It can handle more food than the other two appliances.
Things In The Spotlight
Its 4 heating elements and 2-speed convection fan result in quick and evenly cooked food. Its temperature range: 80°-450°F / 27°-232°C.
With a 25L capacity, this oven can accommodate up to 6 slices of toast or a 12-inch pizza. Its 11-in-1 cooking functions are a great asset for all your culinary adventures.
So, Which One Wins?
We hope you enjoyed this blog post and found it helpful.
If you're looking for a versatile air fryer that can handle large batches, the Ninja Dual Zone Air Fryer is the perfect choice.
If you're looking for a toaster oven that is simple to use and delivers perfect toast every time, the Black+Decker Extra Wide Toaster Oven is the perfect choice.
And if you're looking for an air fryer toaster oven combo that can do it all, the Cosori Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo is the perfect choice.
One of these 3 kitchen appliances will be a perfect solution for you. Because if there is a winner, it will have to be you!
Be sure to check out other blog posts as below links where we researched and reviewed other models of air fryers and toasters, as well as air fryer toaster oven combos. If you need a basket for air frying in the oven, do check further on Casa Catalog's list of 5 best air fryer baskets for convection oven use, and pick on that suits your needs. Thank you for reading!
Happy cooking!
Catchy Finds
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