
Stock photo showing samosas stuffed with spiced potato, peas and meat in air fryer. This popular Indian snack is often sold by street food vendors.
Life these days is so busy that we do everything in our power to make our tasks easier. This is why so many people are investing in kitchen items like ready ovens that require no stove, or air fryers that make food taste just as delicious using air power only.
It’s good to know both appliances can do similar things such as using heat to cook food. But some distinct differences might make one a better choice over the other depending on your needs. Read this article to find out what the major difference is between an oven and an air fryer!

So What is the difference between an air fryer and an oven?
When it comes to preparing food, there are a few different options available. Two popular choices are ovens and air fryers. So, what is the difference between an oven and an air fryer?
- An oven uses radiant heat to cook food. This type of heat is generated by heating elements inside the oven. The heat radiates from these elements and cooks the food. An air fryer also uses heat to cook food, however, the heat is generated by a fan that circulates hot air around the food.
- The air fryer has a fan at the top of the appliance, with the food in the tray below it. The convection oven has a fan located in the back of the oven.
- The air fryer needs more regular cleaning compared to an oven.
- The oven can evenly cook large items, such as a turkey or ham. Air fryers are better suited for smaller items like chicken wings or fries.
- Air fryers cook food faster than ovens. This is because they circulate hot air around the food, which cooks it more evenly and quickly.
- Another difference is that air fryers use little or no oil than ovens. This means that food cooked in an air fryer is generally healthier than food cooked in an oven.
- Air fryers are smaller and more portable than ovens. This makes them better for those who have small kitchens or who like to travel with their appliance.
- Finally, an oven can cook multiple items at once. With an air fryer, you can only cook one batch of food at a time. So, when deciding whether to use an oven or air fryer, it depends on what you’re cooking and how much of it you need to prepare.
what are the similarities between an air fryer and an oven?
- The biggest similarity between an oven and an air fryer is that they both use heat to cook food. Both appliances have a heating element that gets hot and circulates the heat around the food to cook it.
- Another similarity is that both appliances can be used to cook a variety of foods. You can bake, roast, and grill in both an oven and an air fryer. However, some people find that air fryers are better for certain types of foods. For example, many people believe that air-fried chicken has a crispier coating than oven-fried chicken.
- Also, both appliances have similar safety features. They both have timers so you can set them and walk away, and they will turn off automatically when the food is done cooking. They also both have cool-to-touch exteriors so you don’t accidentally burn yourself.

Conclusion
If you’re wondering what the difference is between an oven and an air fryer, here’s a quick rundown. An oven uses hot air to cook food, while an air fryer uses hot air that circulates around the food at high speeds. This circulation of hot air cooks the food quickly and evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and a moist interior. Air fryers are also more energy-efficient than ovens, so if you’re looking to save on your energy bill, an air fryer is a great choice.