Air fryer vs convection oven
By AnoyUpdated Last reviewed How we calculate
An air fryer and a convection oven cook the same way: a heating element plus a fan that moves hot air around the food. The air fryer is smaller, with a stronger fan relative to its size, so it preheats faster, cooks about 10% faster and crisps more. The convection oven holds much more. Recipes move between them at the same temperature.
| Air fryer | Convection oven | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat source | Element + strong fan, very close to the food | Element + fan in a full-size cavity |
| Preheat | 2–5 minutes | 10–15 minutes |
| Same recipe time | About 10% shorter | Baseline |
| Temperature | Same as convection | Same as air fryer |
| Capacity | One layer in a basket | Several trays |
| Crispness | Highest | High, with a rack |
Converting between them
Keep the temperature. Multiply convection oven times by 0.9 for the air fryer, and air fryer times by 1.1 for the convection oven. Theconvection oven to air fryer calculator does both, and the fan oven page covers recipes written in °C fan.
Which should you use?
- Air fryer: small portions, maximum crispness, frozen foods, quick reheating.
- Convection oven: family-size batches, several trays at once, roasts and bakes.
Comparing with a regular oven instead? See air fryer vs oven.
Frequently asked questions
Is an air fryer just a convection oven?
Essentially, yes: both use a heating element and a fan. An air fryer is much smaller, with a stronger fan relative to its size and the element closer to the food, so it cooks faster and crisps more.
Can a convection oven do everything an air fryer does?
Most of it. Use a wire rack or perforated tray, a single layer and a full preheat. Results are close but usually a little less crisp and a bit slower.
Do I change the temperature between an air fryer and a convection oven?
No. Both use moving air, so keep the temperature. Take about 10% off the time going into the air fryer, and add about 10% going into the convection oven.
What is an air fryer toaster oven?
A countertop oven with a strong convection fan and an “air fry” setting. It sits between the two: bigger than a basket air fryer, a little slower to crisp.
Related
- Air fryer cooking times chartTimes and temperatures for common foods, with the oven version.
- Air fryer vs ovenSpeed, crispness, capacity and energy compared.
- How long to preheat an air fryer2–5 minutes, and when you can skip it.
- Oven to air fryer conversionLower 25°F (15°C), cut time 20%.
- Air fryer to oven conversionAdd 25°F (15°C), time × 1.25.
- Convection oven to air fryerSame temperature, about 10% less time.