Air Fryer Vs. Toaster Oven – (7 Difference Between The Toaster Oven And An Air Fryer )

Last Updated on August 8, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

An air fryer and a toaster oven have differences including their heating elements and functions. Air fryers use rapid air circulation for healthier frying, suitable for small items. Toaster ovens offer broader functionality, including toasting, baking, and reheating.

What Is An Air Fryer? 

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that prepares your food with little or no oil at all. However, it can make your food as crispy and tasty as if it is deep-fried. This makes it a hit among food lovers who like to keep their weight in check. 

It contains a perforated tray where food is placed, and the cooking is done with the help of convection air currents. The heating element is placed at the top, and it contains a large fan. The food is placed inside an air fryer basket, which makes the air circulation better. This basket is removable, and the process is as simple as putting the food inside the basket and then setting the temperature and timer. 

The machine is capable of preheating fast and the cooking starts instantly, and as a result, the food is prepared fast. You may need to shake the fryer once in a while for evenly cooked food.

What Is A Toaster Oven?

A toaster oven is a kitchen appliance that can be used for baking, Broiling, and toasting small quantities of food. It is smaller in size as compared to a conventional oven and is similar in function in many ways. 

Heating elements are fitted inside on the top and bottom with a tray n which food is placed. The front door opens downward or sideways and is used to put food inside the toaster oven. The cooking is done with the help of radiant heat that is produced by the heating element. This heat warms up the air inside the oven. The baking pan’s conduction is the main source of heat that is responsible for all the cooking to be done from all sides.

Explain The Difference Between The Toaster Oven And An Air Fryer.

The two kitchen appliances are compact and useful for cooking delicious food. However, it is essential to note the following point of difference.

1. Use Of Oil

One of the best features of an air fryer is its ability to cook food without the use of any oil, which makes the food healthy. The appliance is a kind of product that can also be used for dehydration. This makes an air fryer a much preferable alternative to a toaster oven.

2. Versatility 

A toaster oven can perform standard functions like baking, grilling, toasting, etc., which provides a very limited alternative in terms of food preparation. Therefore an air fryer with its air frying, even cooking and dehydrating functions, is a more versatile option as compared to a toaster oven.

3. Heating Method.

The heating element in a toaster oven is placed on top and bottom, which warms up the air inside the oven. An air fryer, on the other hand, uses a strong heating element designed in the form of a coil, and it has a strong fan that circulated the hot air. The convection toaster oven also consists of a fan, but it is not as strong as in the case of an air fryer.

4. Heating Time

As discussed above, the heating elements in an air fryer are stronger than compared to a toaster oven. An air fryer gets preheated in lesser time, and the cooking is done quickly. Hence, the heating time is almost half in the case of an air fryer as compared to a toaster oven. However, this is not true in the case of toasting bread slices. The toaster oven is efficient in delivering perfectly toasted bread slices in half the time as compared to an air fryer. 

The speed of an air fryer can also be attributed to its size, which makes cooking faster. Also, the shape of the bucket makes the circulation of hot air easier.

5. Cleaning Process

We all know that cooking is a messy process. However, in most cases, this mess is caused due to oil that becomes greasy and is very difficult to clean. The air fryer uses no oil in the cooking process. Hence the cleaning process is a lot easier in the case of an air fryer. 

Also, it has a compact size and has an easy-to-clean surface both inside and outside the appliance. A toaster oven is also small. However, the oil residue will need to be cleaned with a detergent and sponge. 

Be careful while cleaning the toaster oven, and make sure your skin does not come in contact with the heating element. Do not scrub the insides of a toaster oven or an air fryer with a sharp object as the paint might come off, and it will destroy your appliance as well.

6. Insulated Surface.

The exterior of a toaster oven has very little insulation. Hence you need to be extra careful around your toaster oven, especially if you have been using it for a while. Also, do not place any flammable substance near a toaster oven. Also, remove any substance made of plastic as it may lose shape. Hence if you stay in a place with a warmer climate or if your kitchen space is small and less ventilated, you should opt for an air fryer. An air fryer is properly insulated, and the exterior does not heat up even after hours of usage.

7. Power Usage 

The power usage of an air fryer is slightly higher as compared to a toaster oven. A toaster oven uses 1400 watts of power on average, whereas an air fryer uses an additional 200 watts. This is due to the high-power heating element used in an air fryer. The difference is really small and is well compensated by the reduction in cooking time in the case of an air fryer.

Let’s Understand The Differences With The Help Of A Table.

Point Of Difference	Air Fryer	Toaster Oven
Use of oil	No oil used	Oil is used
Versatility	More versatile	Limited uses
Heating method	strong heating fans	The heating pan produces radiant heat
Heating time	Lesser except in the case of bread toasts	Higher
Cleaning process	Much easier	Difficult
Insulated surface	Nicely insulated	No proper insulation.
Power usage	Slightly High uses of power	Power usage is slightly low

These are some of the differences between an air fryer and a toaster oven. An air fryer is a much better alternative compared to a toaster oven in many ways, and it costs more as well. However, you should choose one which meets your needs and preferences.

Air Fryers vs. Convection Ovens: What’s the Difference?

Convection ovens have a fan that blows air around to cook food faster. They also have a convection setting, which cooks the baker without preheating. One question many people ask us is what the difference is between air fryers and convection ovens. Air fryers don’t use any oil to cook food, just hot air.

Is an air fryer the same as a small convection oven?

There has been an increase in sales of these appliances, with many different types available to suit any need. One of the most popular of these is the air fryer because nowadays, we’re all trying to cut back on oil and grease. But what exactly is an air fryer and how does it compare to a convection oven?

Air fryer vs Toaster oven comparison: Which is Best?

Air fryers and toaster ovens offer one easy way to avoid deep frying without sacrificing your favorite foods. Air fryers cook with a very hot air current at a temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit, while toaster ovens cook with an average temperature of 350 degrees F.

Air Fryer vs. Toaster Oven: Which Should I Buy?

Choosing between an air fryer and a toaster oven can indeed be a puzzling task for many. Both gadgets represent modern approach to cooking, with each having its own set of benefits. Below is a comprehensive listicle that compares Air Fryer vs Toaster Oven, making it easier to figure out which one should one buy.

1. Cooking Methods

The Air Fryer uses the method of circulating hot air in order to cook food. It doesn’t need oil to cook, which makes it a healthier cooking device.

The Toaster Oven, on the other hand, cooks food through generating heat and directing it towards the food. It can perform operations like baking, toasting, and warming.

2. Size and Capacity

In terms of size, the Air Fryer is smaller and more compact. It also retains heat more effectively due to its shape. However, this also means it has a smaller capacity.

Contrarily, a Toaster Oven is larger and has more capacity. It can cook more food at once, being excellent for bigger meals.

	Air Fryer	Toaster Oven
Size	Smaller	Larger
Capacity	Less	More

3. Versatility

The Air Fryer surpasses toaster oven when it comes to cooking different types of foods. This device can grill, bake, and roast – ideal for people who love variety in their cooking.

The Toaster Oven lacks some of the air fryer’s capabilities but it does a great job baking, toasting, and broiling.

4. Energy Efficiency

Both devices are energy-efficient compared to conventional ovens. However, an Air Fryer tends to be more energy-efficient than a toaster oven due to its compact size and faster cooking times.

5. Cleaning

Cleaning an Air Fryer is relatively simpler. Many parts are dishwasher safe and non-stick baskets make it easy to clean.

A Toaster Oven can be slightly trickier to clean, especially with its larger size and more components.

6. Price

In terms of cost, Toaster Ovens are generally cheaper than air fryers. However, prices can vary depending on the brand and functionalities offered.

In conclusion, the choice between an Air Fryer and a Toaster Oven depends heavily upon an individual’s cooking preferences, available kitchen space, and budget. Those who prioritize versatility, energy efficiency, and ease of cleaning might lean toward an air fryer. However, for those who need to cook larger portions, prefer traditional cooking methods, and are on a budget, a toaster oven could be a more suitable choice. It’s crucial to assess your personal needs before making a final decision.

References:

https://www.thespruceeats.com/air-fryer-vs-toaster-oven-6830843
https://www.homesandgardens.com/shopping/air-fryers-vs-toaster-ovens