Does the air fryer cook better than the oven? What items are the air fryer good at?

Comparing Cooking Methods

Air fryers operate by circulating hot air around food with a mechanical fan at high speed. This swift air movement crisps the food’s exterior, simulating the outcome of deep-frying. Conversely, conventional ovens cook food by enveloping it in hot air, which circulates more slowly and typically lacks a fan (except for convection ovens).

Here’s a breakdown of the variances between air fryers and conventional ovens:

1. Speed: Air fryers generally preheat faster than ovens and can cook food more swiftly due to their smaller size and concentrated heat circulation.
2. Oil Usage: Traditional frying involves submerging food in oil, while oven baking often requires a significant amount of oil to prevent food from drying out. In contrast, air fryers need only a minimal amount of oil to achieve a similar fried texture.
3. Consistency: Thanks to their focused heat and rapid air movement, air fryers often yield more consistently crispy results than ovens, which may have uneven heating elements and hot spots.

What Can Air Fryers Cook Well?

Air fryers are adept at preparing a range of foods, offering texture and speed that can sometimes surpass conventional ovens. Here are some foods that typically fare well in air fryers:

1. Frozen snacks: Foods like french fries, chicken nuggets, and mozzarella sticks, designed for frying, turn out excellently in an air fryer. The hot air crisps the exterior while ensuring thorough cooking inside.
2. Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower can achieve perfect char and flavor in much less time than roasting in an oven.
3. Meat: Smaller cuts of meat such as chicken wings, chicken thighs, or pork chops can be air fried to achieve a crispy skin and juicy interior without excessive oil.
4. Reheating: Leftovers, particularly those typically fried, can be reheated in an air fryer to restore crispiness that a microwave cannot achieve as effectively and that an oven may take longer to achieve.

However, the efficiency and suitability of an air fryer may vary based on the brand, model, and individual preferences. Larger food items like whole chickens or large batches may not cook as evenly in an air fryer due to size limitations. Conversely, conventional ovens are generally better suited for large-scale and slow cooking tasks such as roasting whole turkeys or baking bread.