Air Fryer vs. Oven: What's the Difference and Which Is Healthier?

If you accept a convection oven, do you really need an air fryer to make air fryer recipes? We settle the air fryer vs. oven argue.

Not too long ago, we demystified the air fryer craze and spilled the beans almost whether we thought they were worth the investment. The question keeps coming up, though: What'southward the difference between air frying and baking? We see information technology on Reddit forums and Facebook feeds, and then we decided to pause it downwardly.

First, what isan air fryer?

An air fryer is a meaty, countertop appliance that uses convection heating to broadcast air around your nutrient. The food is held inside in a handbasket and a fan quickly moves air around the food, surrounding it in a like way to food submerged in hot oil in a deep fryer. In the terminate, it works well to give food that crispy, fried texture without a lot of additional fat. Air fryers utilise fiddling to no oil to get the aforementioned upshot as traditional deep frying.

Here's everything else y'all need to know nigh air fryers.

How is air frying different from baking in an oven?

Conventional ovens piece of work by producing heat from an element (either gas or electrical). The heat is slowly dispersed through the oven over fourth dimension. In the case of convection ovens, that time is sped up past the use of a fan—similar to the one in an air fryer.

On the other hand, air fryers use rapid air applied science to create rut instead of an element. That helps them heat up much more quickly than an oven (non to mention that they're much, much smaller, too). That pocket-sized size helps them circulate the heat more evenly, crisping up your food without hot spots.

Want to make sure your air fryer goodies become that gold hue of traditionally fried nutrient? Effort this simple trick.

Which method is healthier?

Here's the existent question: Is the air fryer healthier than baking food in the oven? With the air fryer, you don't need to apply whatsoever oil at all. That's considering the unit heats upwardly so information technology's hot plenty to crisp your nutrient without any added oil. I can't say that I've ever been able to achieve that in an oven (even a convection oven).

This being said, if piddling to no oil is being added to the dishes y'all're making in the air fryer, those dishes are only as healthy as if you would accept baked them. The nutritionals aren't changing, just the methodology, so air fry to your centre's content!

The bottom line

If you have the coin to invest in a new apparatus and the infinite to store it, then get for it! The air fryer gives you the crunchy texture of fried foods without the extra grease and fat. These are our Test Kitchen's favorite models.

Our Best Air Fryer Recipes

Go Ready to Air Fry!

Put your air fryer to work! This handy gadget can make pretty much everything, from appetizers to principal dishes—and even desserts! You'll find the details for the recipes in this video in the following slides. By the fashion, hither'due south what an air fryer really does to your food.

Air-Fryer Southern-Style Chicken

I call this America's best-loved air-fryer craven recipe. The hush-hush is in the herby, gold brown breading that makes the craven super moist and flavorful. —Elaina Morgan, Rickman, Tennessee

Desire to know the undercover to crispy, golden-brownish air-fried food? We've got air fryer tips that'll help every recipe come out perfectly.

Air-Fryer Garlic-Rosemary Brussels Sprouts

This air-fryer Brussels sprouts recipe is my get-to Thanksgiving side dish. It's good for you and easy, and it doesn't accept very much time or attempt to make. I commonly apply rosemary for my turkey, and so this lets me use upward some of the leftover herbs! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

Take a expect at these other air fryer vegetable recipes.

Air-Fryer Pizza

When I figured out this air-fryer pizza recipe, I was in pizza sky! It's super easy to make these personal pies, and now that my boys can customize their own, everyone is happy. —Margo Zoerner, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer Garlic Bread

This air-fryer garlic bread turns out perfectly toasted in a hurry. I use fresh garlic, just substitute 1/2 teaspoon garlic pulverization if yous don't take any fresh on hand. —Peggy Woodward, Shullsburg, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer Meatballs

I am always on a quest for meatballs that pack a sweet and savory punch. These air-fryer meatballs are a snap to pull together and can exist served over rice or buttered noodles.—Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska

Air-Fryer Asparagus

This air-fryer asparagus recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to the lemon-garlic dressing that the spears are tossed in earlier roasting. It'due south a unproblematic, quick side that goes with almost anything. —Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Coconut flakes and panko crumbs give my spicy air-fryer coconut shrimp recipe its crunch. It's perfect for an appetizer or for your main meal. —Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas

Air-Fryer Chocolate Scrap Oatmeal Cookies

I am crazy about chocolate chips, and this chewy cookie has enough to satisfy me. My husband and kids love these cookies. This big batch is perfect for our family. —Diane Neth, Menno, Southward Dakota

Air-Fryer Pickles

Bask deep-fried pickles? You'll love this version even more. Dill pickle slices are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices, so air-fried until crispy. Dip them in ranch dressing for an appetizer y'all won't soon forget. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

Air-Fryer Fish and Fries

Looking for easy air fryer recipes? Try these simple fish and chips. The fish fillets have a fuss-gratuitous blanket that's healthier but only equally crunchy and golden equally the deep-fried kind. Simply seasoned, the crispy fries are perfect on the side. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado (Effort these other air-fryer fish recipes, likewise!)

Air-Fryer Mini Nutella Doughnut Holes

You can make these air-fryer donuts in advance and then air-condition them. It's important to bring the dough to room temperature before frying. —Renee Spud, Smithtown, New York

Or make these classic air-fryer doughnuts!

Air-Fryer Ground Beef Wellington

Trying new recipes—like this air-fryer Wellington—is one of my favorite hobbies. I replaced the filet mignon with ground beef, while notwithstanding keeping the bulky goodness. —Julie Frankamp, Nicollet, Minnesota

Air-Fryer Ravioli

While visiting a friend in St. Louis, Missouri, I tried fried ravioli at almost every restaurant we visited. When I got dwelling, I had to endeavor to replicate them, and I remember this air-fryer ravioli recipe comes pretty close. —Cristina Carrera, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer Bread Pudding

This air-fryer bread pudding is a fun dish considering the chocolate makes information technology dissimilar from traditional recipes. It's a rich, comforting dessert. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas

As well check out these 17 air-fryer desserts you'll want to make tonight.

Air-Fryer Crispy Curry Drumsticks

These air-fryer chicken drumsticks are flavorful, crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Sometimes I'll add some blood-red pepper flakes in addition to the curry pulverisation if I want to spice them upwards a bit. I like to serve them with craven-seasoned rice and boiled broccoli. —Zena Furgason, Norman, Oklahoma

Don't miss these addicting air-fryer appetizers.

Air-Fryer Blimp Sweet Potatoes

These stuffed sweet potatoes are the perfect holiday side dish. Try preparing them ahead of time in the morn so bake simply before serving. —Joan Hallford, Due north Richland Hills, Texas

Popcorn Shrimp Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

I beloved combining archetype flavors in new means. This good for you recipe combines crispy popcorn shrimp and tacos! It's 1 of my family'south favorites. To make the tacos lower in carbs, use lettuce instead of tortillas. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland

Salary-Wrapped Avocado Wedges

We all know that almost everything is improved with bacon—and avocado is no exception. Since it'southward fabricated in an air fryer, this appetizer is one to remember. It volition definitely print your friends! —James Schend, Taste of Dwelling house Deputy Editor

Air-Fryer Steak Fajitas

Zesty salsa and tender strips of meat make these air-fryer steak fajitas extra special. —Rebecca Baird, Common salt Lake Metropolis, Utah

Ready for a healthy crunch? Yous can make air-fryer tortilla fries with way less oil than deep-fried tortilla chips!

Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp

Panko crumbs give this spicy air-fryer coconut shrimp its crisis. It'southward perfect as an titbit or for your primary meal. —Debi Mitchell, Blossom Mound, Texas

Here'southward our Test Kitchen's complete guide to air fryers.

Air-Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork

Whether you're serving a political party of two or making a bigger batch for company, you'll find this air-fryer sweet and sour pork a delicious selection. —Leigh Rys, Herndon, Virginia

Air-Fryer Wasabi Crab Cakes

With wasabi in both the crab cakes and the dipping sauce, this festive appetizer brings its own heat to the holiday party. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

Air-Fryer Caribbean Wontons

I kickoff served these fresh and fruity air-fryer wontons every bit an appetizer at a summer luau. My family and friends now enjoy this fried wonton recipe for dessert at special occasions throughout the twelvemonth. —Melissa Birdsong, Gilbert, South Carolina

Air-Fryer Apple Fritters

An air fryer makes these easy apple tree fritters healthier than old-fashioned fritters, yet they are still simply every bit delicious. They're a quick and easy dessert that includes a scrumptious dark-brown butter coat! —Alyssa Castriotta, North Scituate, Rhode Isle

Air-Fryer Keto Meatballs

I have been following a keto diet for a yr and a half and have lost 130 pounds. With this recipe for air-fryer keto meatballs, y'all won't miss the breadcrumbs at all! I similar to swallow these saucy meatballs on their own, but they're likewise great over zucchini noodles. —Holly Balzer-Harz, Malone, New York

Air-Fryer Taco Twists

Why serve tacos only in ordinary flour or corn tortillas? For a mouthwatering change of pace, try these air-fried tacos baked in flaky, golden crescent rolls. My family enjoys them for a warm lunch or light dinner. —Carla Kreider, Quarryville, Pennsylvania

Air-Fryer Potato Chips

For Christmas one year, I received an air fryer. Irish potato fries are simple to make in it and are an essential, crispy side for tiffin. —Melissa Obernesser, Oriskany, New York

Air-Fryer Spicy Ginger Beef Skewers

My family loves the flavors of these zippy kabobs. I usually grill them outside, simply if it's common cold or rainy, I love cooking them in my air fryer. —Jasey McBurnett, Stone Springs, Wyoming

Air-Fryer Carrot Coffee Cake

One of the greatest things about the air fryer is it's conducive to making modest, quick treats—similar this air-fryer carrot cake. The piffling block bakes in about 30 minutes and is perfect for enjoying with your forenoon coffee. —Leigh Rys, Herndon, Virginia

Air-Fryer Greek Breadsticks

Get ready for rave reviews. These crisp breadsticks are twisted with Greek-inspired goodness and are all-time served warm with cool tzatziki sauce. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida

Air-Fryer Crumb-Topped Sole

Looking for a low-carb supper that's prepare in a flash? These buttery sole fillets are covered with a rich sauce and topped with toasty bread crumbs. They're super speedy thanks to your air fryer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Air-Fried Radishes

Radishes aren't just for salads anymore. These fried radishes make a colorful side for any meal. Plus, they're quick to brand in your air fryer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer Ham and Egg Pockets

Refrigerated crescent roll dough makes this ham, egg and cheese pocket recipe a snap to set. —Taste of Dwelling house Test Kitchen

Air-Fryer Turkey Croquettes

I grew up with a family that looked frontwards to Thanksgiving leftovers. But we didn't just reheat turkey and spuds in the microwave—we took our culinary creativity to a new level with recipes like these air-fryer turkey croquettes. Serve them with a crisp dark-green salad for an unforgettable repast. —Meredith Coe, Charlottesville, Virginia

Air-Fryer French Toast Sticks

This quick recipe makes information technology easy to set up air-fryer French toast sticks. Have them handy in the freezer for a hearty breakfast in an instant. They're too wonderful for buffets and eating on the become. —Taste of Domicile Examination Kitchen

Garlic-Herb Fried Patty Pan Squash

The commencement time I grew a garden, I harvested summer squash and cooked it with garlic and herbs. This fried patty pan squash recipe is a creative twist. —Kaycee Mason, Siloam Springs, Arkansas

Air-Fryer Quinoa Arancini

We love arancini, but they're not the healthiest option! I wanted to make a version that we could enjoy guilt-free. I substituted quinoa for rice and tried baking instead of frying. At present we can have these air-fryer arancini someday. —Sabrina Ovadia, New York, New York

Air-Fryer Chicken Tenders

I added all of the components of a loaded baked spud—cheddar, potato, bacon, sour cream and chives—to my air-fryer chicken tenders recipe. Every child volition dearest this quick and piece of cake dish! —Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida

Cheesy Breakfast Egg Rolls

Whether you accept to run out the door in the morning or you lot take a few minutes to relax at the table, these breakfast egg rolls will striking the spot. The egg and sausage mixture can exist fabricated the night before, so in the forenoon, but roll, fry and go! —Anne Ormond, Dover, New Hampshire

Air-Fryer Full general Tso's Cauliflower

Cauliflower florets are fried to a crispy golden brown, then coated in a sauce with just the right corporeality of kick. This General Tso's cauliflower is a fun alternative to the classic chicken dish. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

Air-Fryer Beef Wellington Wontons

These tasty appetizers calibration down classic beef Wellington to an ideal party size. They feel fancy and fun! —Dianne Phillips, Tallapoosa, Georgia

Air-Fryer Pork Chops

These air-fryer pork chops get their rich season from Creole seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Bonus: They're depression in carbs, too! —Dawn Parker, Surrey, British Columbia

Air-Fryer Nacho Hot Dogs

Adults and kids alike volition love these Southwest-inspired air-fryer hot dogs. This repast is not simply budget-friendly, simply it's hot, cheesy and delicious, too. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Air-Fryer Raspberry Balsamic Smoked Pork Chops

Air-fryer pork chops are delicious and so like shooting fish in a barrel to make. My husband loves them. —Lynn Moretti, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer Chickpea Fritters with Sweet-Spicy Sauce

Chickpeas are a mutual ingredient in many dishes in Pakistan, where I grew up. I try to incorporate the tastes of my home country when cooking for my American-born daughters. With these air-fryer fritters, I have combined the light spice of Pakistani foods with the love of deep-fried finger foods that many Americans, including my daughters, enjoy. —Shahrin Hasan, York, Pennsylvania

Air-Fryer Crispy Sriracha Spring Rolls

These air-fryer leap rolls are a fabled appetizer to have waiting in the freezer! While nosotros were in the Bahamas, friends suggested a restaurant that serves astonishing chicken spring rolls. When I got habitation, I created my ain version. —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Air-Fryer Pork Schnitzel

This recipe is 1 of my husband'south favorites considering information technology reminds him of his German language roots. Cooking pork schnitzel in an air fryer is genius because we tin eat in a jiffy. —Joyce Folker, Paraowan, Utah

Air-Fryer Green Lycopersicon esculentum Stacks

This is for lovers of ruddy and green tomatoes. When I ran across this recipe, I just had to effort it and it proved to be so tasty! —Barbara Mohr, Millington, Michigan

Air-Fryer Pretzel-Crusted Catfish

I dearest the season of this air-fryer catfish recipe. I'm not a big fish lover, so any concoction that has me loving fish is a keeper in my volume. It's wonderful served with a nice buttery herb rice pilaf and corn muffins with butter and dear! —Kelly Williams, Forked River, New Jersey

Air-Fryer French Toast Cups with Raspberries

These air-fryer French toast cups make any morning special. I fabricated this recipe for my mom on Mother'south Day, and nosotros both enjoyed it. —Sandi Tuttle, Hayward, Wisconsin

Air Fryer Ham and Cheese Turnovers

I adore the combo of pears, blueish cheese and walnuts in a salad, so I turned them into this ham and cheese turnover recipe—and they were a hit. I added blackness woods ham to make information technology a repast in one. Just add together a salad of field greens with a balsamic vinaigrette and you take a decadent (and healthy!) dinner. —Trisha Kruse, Hawkeye, Idaho

Air-Fryer Shrimp Po'Boys

My hubby loves crispy coconut shrimp and po'boys, then I combined them with a spicy remoulade and voila! This air-fryer shrimp is a large hit with family and friends and is often requested. For catfish po'boys, substitute cornmeal for the coconut and add a few minutes to the cooking fourth dimension. —Marla Clark, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Air-Fryer Due south'mores Crescent Rolls

Want to score indoor s'mores? Attempt these air-fryer crescent rolls made with Nutella. The kids volition love to help with this rolled-up version of the campfire classic. —Cathy Trochelman, Brookfield, Wisconsin

Air-Fryer Papas Rellenas

A Cuban classic, these satisfying, crispy-coated spud assurance are filled with a savory ground beef mixture known as picadillo. We love this papas rellenas recipe! —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon State, California

Air-Fryer Taquitos

I love these whatsoever-occasion air-fryer taquitos. Spice them upward past calculation sliced jalapenos, if desired. —Marker Webber, Valdez, Alaska

Air-Fryer Herb and Cheese-Blimp Burgers

Tired of the same erstwhile ground beef burgers? These quick air-fryer hamburgers, with their creamy cheese filling, will wake up your taste buds.—Sherri Cox, Lucasville, Ohio

Air-Fryer Nashville Hot Chicken

I live in Tennessee and absolutely dear our state's famous Nashville hot chicken. To make cooking information technology easier, I idea I'd attempt air-frying. I'thou so glad I did—this Nashville hot chicken recipe is almost meliorate than the original. —April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee

Air-Fryer Salmon with Maple-Dijon Glaze

Being landlocked in the Midwest, my kids always idea they disliked fish. This air-fryer salmon dish definitely changed their minds! I melt it on the grill a lot during the summer months just found that information technology is but as tasty and more than user-friendly in the air fryer, especially on busy days! —Jill Fisher, Portland, Indiana

Air Fryer Tortellini with Prosciutto

This is my accept on fried tortellini. Air-fryer Italian street nutrient recipes similar this 1 are crunchy and gooey. Use the best quality tomatoes you tin can find for the sauce—it'due south and so good that you'll want to double it and serve it over pasta. —Angela Lemoine, Howell, New Jersey

Air-Fryer Cumin Carrots

Air-fryer carrots brand a super side—big on flavor and a cakewalk to melt. Plus, I tin actually get my husband to eat these fragrant, deeply spiced veggies. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida

Air-Fryer Mini Chimichangas

My family raves about these air-fryer chimichangas. Infused with green chiles, the bulky snacks are guaranteed to liven up the political party! —Kathy Rogers, Hudson, Ohio

Air-Fryer Loaded Pork Burritos

Air-fryer burritos are quick and easy—the perfect dinner for the whole family unit. Don't be afraid to load your tortillas with pork, beans, cheese and rice. —Fiona Seels, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Air-Fryer Dearest Cinnamon Scroll-ups

This cinnamon treat reminds me of baklava; only with only a few easy ingredients, it's a fraction of the work. My Aunt Adele shared the recipe with me, and I think of her whenever I make it. It'due south ane of my favorite air-fryer snacks! —Sue Falk, Sterling Heights, Michigan

Air-Fryer Acorn Squash Slices

This air-fryer acorn squash recipe was adapted from the ane my passed downwardly from my grandma, who ever served it at Thanksgiving. I arrive in my air fryer whenever I'm feeling nostalgic. —Rita Addicks, Weimar, Texas

Sweet and Spicy Air-Fryer Meatballs

I am always on a quest for meatballs that pack a sweet and savory punch. These air-fryer meatballs are a snap to pull together and can be served over rice or buttered noodles.—Tami Kuehl, Loup City, Nebraska

Air-Fryer Beefy Swiss Bundles

Kids and adults alike will devour these unusual however comforting pockets. With creamy mashed potatoes, gooey cheese and flavorful seasonings, what'south not to love? —Taste of Home Examination Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pineapple Pork

This air-fryer pork is an astonishing dish to brand on a weeknight, and it's special enough for company. The recipe starts with pork tenderloin, which is quick to melt and economical compared to many meats, and it tastes delicious. —Leigh Rys, Herndon, Virginia

Air-Fryer Coconut Shrimp and Apricot Sauce

Coconut flakes and panko crumbs give my spicy air-fryer coconut shrimp recipe its crisis. It's perfect for an titbit or for your primary meal. —Debi Mitchell, Bloom Mound, Texas

Air-Fryer Bourbon Bacon Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe is the perfect combination of savory and sweet. The bourbon-soaked bacon adds a smoky, savory, bold taste to the cinnamon rolls. The ginger and pecan topping makes for a crunchy, spicy finish. —Shannen Casey, Citrus Heights, California

Air-Fryer Pepper Poppers

These creamy stuffed jalapenos have some bite. They may be the most pop treats I make! My married man is ever hinting that I should make a batch. —Lisa Byington, Johnson Urban center, New York

Air-Fryer Fiesta Chicken Fingers

Craven fingers take long been a favorite of mine. Actually, almost any finger-shaped deep-fried goodie seldom escapes my reach. These air-fryer chicken fingers have taken a lot of the guilt out of my guilty pleasure. —Dianne DeGarmo-Carr, Alexander, Arkansas

Air-Fryer Everything Bagel Craven Strips

I love the flavor contour of everything bagels, and then I re-created information technology with traditional breaded chicken fingers. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida

Air-Fryer Dark-green Tomato BLT

I have used this "frying" method with eggplant slices for years and decided to effort it for my green tomatoes. It worked! Now my family unit loves them in BLTs. —Jolene Martinelli, Derry, New Hampshire

Air-Fryer Roasted Green Beans

Our family loves roasted green beans, but they can accept a long time in the oven. I tried these air-fryer green beans and we loved them! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Spicy Air-Fryer Chicken Breasts

My family unit adores this chicken recipe. Marinating enhances the taste, and the coating keeps the chicken nice and moist. The result is succulent. —Stephanie Otten, Byron Centre, Michigan

Air-Fryer Reuben Calzones

I love a Reuben sandwich, so I tried the same classic filling in a pizza pocket instead of on rye bread. This manus-held dinner is a big-time winner at our house. —Nickie Frye, Evansville, IN

Air-Fryer Lemon Slice Sugar Cookies

Here'southward a refreshing variation of my grandmother's sugar cookie recipe. Lemon pudding mix and icing add a subtle tartness that tingles your taste buds. —Melissa Turkington, Camano Island, Washington

Air-Fryer Peppermint Lava Cakes

It never ceases to amaze to see warm chocolate pudding ooze out of the center of this tender chocolate cake. These cakes are a showstopper on a plate! Serve lava cakes with whipped foam or water ice cream. —Carolyn Crotser, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Quentin's Air-Fryer Peach-Bourbon Wings

My male parent and husband love bourbon season, and so I add together information technology to tangy wings air-fried in peach preserves. Stand back and watch these wings fly. —Christine Winston, Richmond, Virginia

Air-Fryer Rosemary Sausage Meatballs

These air-fryer meatballs were created as hors d'oeuvres for a friend's wedding and became an instant hit. Now we relish them oftentimes at our house. —Steve Hansen, Redmond, Washington

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/the-difference-between-air-frying-and-baking/

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