What is an Air Fryer?
When it comes to cooking food rapidly, an air fryer is a device that requires little to no oil. The heating elements are located on the unit’s top, and a large fan accompanies them to circulate the air. It quickly preheats and gets to work on preparing your food right away.
Cooking food that would otherwise be submerged in oil is made possible by circulating hot air in an air fryer. A heating element close to the food generates heat to dry foods in an air fryer, and a fan circulates hot air throughout. According to the model, temperatures can rise to 250 degrees Celsius.
In addition, its perforated racks allow fat to drain into the drip pan, preventing your food from absorbing excessive amounts of oil and making it crispier as a result. According to research, compared to non-convection ovens, air fryers can reduce cooking times by as much as 20 per cent. However, unlike an air fryer, which requires additional equipment or accessories, a convection oven does not. A convection oven cooks food somewhat faster than a conventional oven because it uses a fan at the top of the oven rather than the back of the oven.
What is a Convection Oven?
With heating components on both the top and bottom, a convection oven performs the same way as an oven. It can be used for delicate tasks such as baking cookies and cakes as a conventional oven because its fan can be turned off. Convection ovens do not have any additional accessories.
The use of a powerful fan to circulate hot air within an oven allows cooks to minimise cooking times while maintaining consistent food quality and increasing and decreasing browning while maintaining a more uniform appearance.
Air fryers can be equipped with various perforated accessories that enable them to be used for quick and easy frying with little effort. You can also find rotisserie spindles and grill kebab sticks in addition to the items above. Racks can be used to hold small baking pans and tins.
There are a variety of convection ovens to choose from, including impingement ovens. Pizzas and lightly toasted bread are two of the most typical dishes prepared in this oven, which may also be used for various other dishes. Using impingement ovens, a large volume of warm air is released above and below the baked food. In most cases, the airflow is directed at the food conveyed through the oven on a conveyor belt.
Difference Between an Air Fryer and a Convection Oven
- It is important to note that the air fryer is smaller and more compact than a convection oven, making it easier to store in cupboards and other tight spaces. On the other hand, a convection oven is more extensive and takes up a significant amount of fixed space.
- In air fryers, the fan is located at the back, and in convection ovens, the fan is located at the back, on the side, or in the centre of the oven.
- When comparing air fryers to convection ovens, the fans in air fryers are more significant and quicker.
- In air fryers, the air enters from the top, but in convection ovens, the air enters from both the top and bottom. This helps with heating.
- Cleaning is less complicated in convection ovens than air fryers, which is a plus. When using an air fryer, you must clean all of the utensils that come with it, such as the perforated tray, food basket, and so on.
Comparison Between Air fryer and Convection Oven
| Parameters of comparison | Air Fryer | Convection oven |
| Size | They are more compact and more portable than conventional deep-fat frying machines | Given their size, convection ovens will require additional counter space. |
| Fan placement | The parking lot is located at the rear of the building. | located at the back, the centre, or the side of a structure |
| Fan size | greater fan size and speed | Reduced in size, but faster in operation |
| Heating | The top of the building allows air to flow in. | Air is sucked in from the top and bottom. |
| Cleaning | Disinfection is time-consuming and labour-intensive. | It is less difficult to clean. |