Can an Air Fryer Replace a Toaster Oven: What You Should Know

Over the years, air fryers have evolved into handy kitchen gadgets. They perform many tasks and can even be used to toast foods just like toaster ovens. But can an air fryer replace a toaster oven?

Yes, an air fryer can replace a toaster oven because their functions and output are similar. Plus air fryers provide you with an easier way to whip up tasty and healthy meals for your family. It also doesn’t hurt that air fryers are easy to clean.

Interested in replacing your toaster with an air fryer? Here’s what you need to know to inform your decision.

What’s the Main Difference Between a Toaster Oven and an Air Fryer?

Granted, toaster ovens and air fryers have similar uses and functions, but there are a few differences between them. The main difference between a toaster oven and an air fryer is the heat source. Air fryers heat food using convection while toaster ovens use radiation to heat the food. In simple terms, the heating elements in toaster ovens are placed at the top while air fryers have their heating elements at the top and bottom.

Thus, an air fryer has a slightly better heating capacity than regular toaster ovens. Other differences between an air fryer and a toaster oven are summarized in the sections below.

1. Cooking Mode

Standard toaster ovens can grill, roast, and bake food. Air fryers, on the other hand, can perform all of these functions plus dehydrate and air fry food. Thus, an air fryer is more flexible.

2. Cleaning

Air fryers are easier to clean than toaster ovens since they don’t require oil for meal prep. Simply wipe off the surfaces with a clean, damp cloth, and viola, and your air fryer is ready for the next use.

3. Speed

An air fryer generally cooks meals in half the time it takes the regular toaster oven. The increased speed is largely due to the powerful fan and smaller surface area. The only instance where the toaster oven is faster than an air fryer is when toasting bread.

4. Power Usage

Air fryers consume more power than toaster ovens. However, the difference in power consumption is not groundbreaking. It is just about 200 Watts extra.

Is an Air Fryer Better than a Toaster Oven?

Yes, an air fryer is better than a toaster oven in most cases especially when it comes to cooking smaller foods quickly. Air fryers give the food that desired crunchy texture and is healthier to use since they don’t require oil. 

Air fryers also have better insulation than toaster ovens. This means that with an air fryer, your food gets evenly cooked without burning. Toaster ovens on the other hand are great for cooking larger portions of food since they have more cooking surfaces.

What Types of Food Can You Cook in an Air Fryer?

Now that we’ve covered the differences between an air fryer and a toaster oven, you must be wondering what you can cook in your air fryer. Here are a few foods you can whip up with your air fryer.

• Frozen Veggies like broccoli
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Egg Rolls
• Crispy Chicken 
• Steak
• French fries
• Burgers
• Patties
• Tofu, etc.

Conclusion

Yes, you can replace your toaster oven with an air fryer. Air fryers are generally faster, easier to clean, more flexible, and offer you a range of cooking options. With an air fryer, dehydrating and air-frying food becomes infinitely easier.

Consider your options and decide whether or not you should go ahead and swap your toaster oven for an air fryer.