Air Fryer vs Convection Oven

In today’s health-conscious and time-crunched world, kitchen appliances like air fryers and convection ovens have become must-haves for home cooks looking for efficient, healthier cooking methods. Both offer faster cooking times and crispier results compared to traditional ovens, but they operate differently and suit different needs. So, which one is better—an air fryer or a convection oven? There is no actual frying going on inside an air fryer—that's because an air fryer cooks food via convection baking. So air fryers are, in essence, convection ovens. 

Is An Air Fryer a Convection Oven?

Yes, an air fryer is essentially a smaller, more compact version of a convection oven. Both use hot air circulation to cook food, but an air fryer has a more intense airflow and is designed for faster, crispier results in smaller portions. But that doesn't mean the two are exactly the same. 

Air Fryer vs Convection Oven

An air fryer and a convection oven both use a fan to circulate hot air for cooking, which helps create a crispy, crunchy exterior similar to traditional frying methods. However, they differ significantly in size, cooking time, capacity, and ease of use. Air fryers, being smaller and more compact, preheat faster and cook food more quickly. They focus intense heat on a small cooking area, which results in faster cooking times but limits the amount of food that can be prepared at once, typically only allowing for two servings. In contrast, convection ovens, which are larger, can cook more food at once and are better suited for roasting, baking, and multi-serving meals. They may take slightly longer to cook and require a bit more work, as food often needs to be arranged in a single layer for optimal air circulation. While air fryers can be very efficient for quick, small portions, convection ovens offer more versatility and capacity, making them better for larger meals.

Can I Use My Convection Oven to Air Fry?

Yes, you can use your convection oven to air fry, especially if it has a convection setting or an "air fry" feature. Convection ovens use a fan to circulate hot air around the food, which mimics the function of an air fryer. The key difference is that air fryers are more compact, and their fan is positioned closer to the food, which can make the cooking process faster and result in a crispier texture. However, with the right settings in a convection oven, you can achieve similar results by using a higher temperature (usually 20–25°F lower than conventional frying temperatures) and spreading food in a single layer to ensure even air circulation. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust cooking times or use a perforated pan to achieve the best results in your convection oven.

How Do Air Fryers Work?

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food using a high-powered fan, creating a convection effect that cooks food quickly and evenly. The heating element, usually located near the top of the unit, generates intense heat, while the fan blows this hot air around the food placed in a perforated basket or tray. This rapid air movement cooks the outer layer of the food first, producing a crispy texture similar to frying, but with little to no oil. 

How to Use an Air Fryer?

To use an air fryer, start by placing it on a flat, heat-resistant surface with enough space around it for ventilation. Preheat the air fryer if your model requires it—this usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. While preheating, lightly coat your food with oil if desired for extra crispiness, and arrange it in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Set the temperature and cooking time according to the recipe or food type—most air fryers operate between 300°F and 400°F (150°C to 200°C). During cooking, you may need to shake the basket or flip the food halfway through for consistent results. Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the basket, use tongs to take out the food, and let it cool slightly before serving. Clean the basket and tray after each use to keep your air fryer in good condition.

How Do You Preheat an Air Fryer?

To preheat an air fryer, simply turn it on, set the desired cooking temperature, and let it run empty for 3 to 5 minutes. Some models have a built-in preheat button or setting—if yours does, use that feature. Once preheated, carefully add your food to the basket and start cooking as directed.

For the Preheat function of the Ciarra Air Fryer, the default temperature is 200℃, and the default time is 3 minutes. The time and temperature can not be adjusted under the preheat mode. In the standby mode or pause mode, shortly press the PREHEAT button to select the  function(press it again to cancel the selection). Shortly press the START/STOP button, enter the preheating mode, and return to the standby mode after the work is completed.

How to Clean Air Fryer?

To clean an air fryer, first unplug it and let it cool completely. Remove the basket, tray, and pan, then wash them with warm soapy water using a non-abrasive sponge. For stuck-on food, soak the parts for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing. Wipe down the interior of the air fryer with a damp cloth or sponge—avoid using metal utensils or harsh cleaners. 

The Pros and Cons of an Air Fryer

Pros of an Air Fryer:

• Healthier Cooking: Air fryers use little to no oil, making it a healthier option for frying foods compared to traditional deep frying.
• Faster Cooking: The small size and powerful fan allow air fryers to cook food quickly, making it convenient for busy schedules.
• Crispy Texture: Air fryers create a crispy, crunchy texture similar to deep-frying, without the excess oil.
• Easy to Use: With simple controls and quick preheating times, air fryers are user-friendly and often require minimal preparation.
• Versatile: They can cook a variety of foods, including fries, chicken, fish, baked goods, and even vegetables.
• Energy Efficient: Due to their compact size and faster cooking times, air fryers use less energy compared to traditional ovens.

Cons of an Air Fryer:

• Small Capacity: Most air fryers have limited cooking space, making them less suitable for large meals or families.
• Batch Cooking: Because of the small basket size, you may need to cook in batches, which can be time-consuming if you're preparing food for several people.
• Uneven Cooking: Some foods may require shaking or flipping during cooking to ensure even results, which can be an extra step.
• Texture Limitations: While air fryers can crisp food, they may not always replicate the texture of deep-fried food perfectly, especially for certain recipes.

Are Air Fryers Toxic?

Air fryers can be a great way to enjoy quick, low-oil meals, but not all models are equally safe in terms of health. Non-stick coatings, which are popular for their smooth surfaces and effective oil reduction, may contain harmful chemicals like PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), also known as "forever chemicals." While the FDA states that these chemicals are tightly bonded to cookware and generally don't leach into food, exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health concerns such as increased cholesterol, high blood pressure, developmental issues, reduced immune response, and cancer risk. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified PFOA, a common PFAS chemical, as a human carcinogen.

To avoid potential health risks, it's recommended to choose air fryers that explicitly state they are PFAS-free. If you're concerned about toxicity, look for models with cooking surfaces made from materials like glass, ceramic, or stainless steel, which don't contain these harmful substances.

Best Non-toxic Air Fryers 2025

If you're looking for a compact, family-sized air fryer that delivers crispy results with less oil and minimal fuss, the Ciarra CABAF1A is a standout contender. While it may not have a ceramic coating, its non-stick surface is food-safe and certified under CE, LFGB, and DGCCRF—meeting high European health and safety standards. 

Specifications

• Dimensions: 10.6” L × 13.2” W × 10.6” H (268×336×270 mm)
• Capacity: 5 Liters (serves 3–5 people)
• Settings: 8-in-1 presets – French fries, Steak, Chicken wing, Drumstick, Fish, Vegetable, Cake, Dry Fruit
• Material: Non-stick cooking surface
• Cleaning: Basket and shelf are dishwasher-safe
• Wattage: 1250–1500W
• Temperature Range: 80°C – 200°C
• Color: Sleek Black
• Certifications: CE, LFGB, DGCCRF
• Warranty: 12 Months

Why We Love It

• User-Friendly Touch Controls
• 8 Cooking Presets make it a versatile countertop companion
• Compact footprint with generous 5L basket
• Fast and evenly cooked results thanks to rapid air circulation
• Dishwasher-safe removable parts for effortless cleanup
• Certified safe non-stick coating (not ceramic but food-safe and PFAS-compliant)
  

Final Thoughts

Both air fryers and convection ovens are excellent tools for healthier, more efficient cooking. The best choice depends on your kitchen space, cooking habits, and the types of meals you prepare regularly. If possible, having both offers the most flexibility, allowing you to enjoy the speed and crispness of an air fryer with the capacity and versatility of a convection oven.