Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a healthier alternative to deep frying. Their ability to make crispy foods using little to no oil is certainly appealing. But can they also be used for roasting meats and vegetables? Here we’ll examine if air fryers are actually good for roasting or if you’re better off using a traditional oven.
How do air fryers work?
Air fryers work by rapidly circulating hot air around the food. A heating element and fan quickly move the air, helping to create a crispy outside to foods. The rapid air circulation allows for high heat transfer, cooking foods fast. Air fryers typically operate at temperatures between 200°F and 400°F.
Most air fryers are small countertop appliances, ranging in capacity from 2-7 quarts. Their compact size makes them convenient for households or those with limited space. The basket design also makes food easy to toss and flip during cooking.
Benefits of roasting in an air fryer
There are a few advantages to using an air fryer for roasting over a traditional oven:
- Faster cooking times – The efficient air circulation allows meats and vegetables to roast more quickly.
- Less oil needed – Only a small amount of oil is needed to promote browning and crispiness.
- Easy to use – Tossing and flipping food is simpler in the air fryer basket.
- Compact size – Great for small households or kitchens with limited space.
The faster cooking times make air fryers especially convenient. Roasts and vegetables that normally take over an hour to cook in the oven may finish in 30-50 minutes in an air fryer. The small capacity is also ideal for cooking individual portions.
Downsides of roasting in an air fryer
However, there are some downsides to using an air fryer for roasting compared to a traditional oven:
- Small capacity – Difficult to cook roasts or large batches of vegetables.
- Uneven cooking – Hot spots can lead to uneven browning.
- Limited temperature range – Most max out around 400°F, while ideal roasting temp is often 350-450°F.
- Unable to use roasting pans – Food cooks directly on the basket.
- Doesn’t develop deep flavor – High heat and airflow limit Maillard reactions.
The small basket and lower maximum temperature make it challenging to properly roast larger cuts of meat. And the constant high airflow can lead to uneven cooking, with some portions browning more than others.
Tips for roasting in an air fryer
If you do want to use your air fryer to roast, here are some tips:
- Cut ingredients to smaller, uniform sizes to promote even cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding – Cook in batches for the best results.
- Brush or toss food with a small amount of oil to enhance browning.
- Preheat the air fryer before adding food.
- Halfway through, toss or flip ingredients to cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and avoid overcooking.
- Cook at the maximum temperature your air fryer allows.
Cutting meat and vegetables into smaller pieces will make roasting easier. Roasts like a whole chicken or pork loin are tricky because of the uneven shape. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to poor air circulation and uneven cooking too.
Best cuts of meat to roast in an air fryer
While larger roasts are difficult, an air fryer can still handle smaller cuts of meat well. The best options include:
- Chicken pieces – Breasts, thighs, drumsticks
- Pork chops
- Lamb chops
- Beef tenderloin steaks or kebabs
- Sausages
- Fish fillets
Individual steaks, chops, and pieces of chicken roast nicely in an air fryer. The portions cook evenly and develop a nice browned exterior. Whole fish is difficult but fillets and kebabs work well. Shrimp also cooks up deliciously air fried.
Best vegetables to roast in an air fryer
Here are some of the top vegetables to roast in an air fryer:
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
- Asparagus
- Eggplant
- Squash
- Onions
- Bell peppers
Cut vegetables into small, uniform pieces to cook quickly and evenly. Toss them with a little oil, seasonings, and roast at 400°F until browned and tender.
Tips for roasting vegetables in an air fryer
Follow these tips when roasting veggies in an air fryer:
- Cut produce into 1-2 inch pieces.
- Toss pieces in 1-2 tbsp oil to coat.
- Season with salt, pepper, herbs and spices.
- Use a single layer and avoid overcrowding.
- Roast at 400°F, tossing halfway through.
- Roast most vegetables for 15-25 minutes.
Cutting vegetables small prevents undercooked centers. Tossing in oil helps them develop color and caramelization. Roasting at the maximum temperatureresults in tender insides and crisp exteriors.
Recipe for air fryer roast chicken
While a whole roast chicken can be tricky, this recipe is adapted for the air fryer:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp each salt and pepper
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions:
- Pat chicken dry and brush evenly with oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place chicken skin side down in air fryer basket. Add lemon and thyme.
- Cook at 380°F for 15 minutes. Flip chicken and cook 15 minutes more.
- Increase heat to 400°F. Cook for 5-10 minutes until chicken is browned and cooked through.
Cutting the chicken into smaller pieces allows it to roast evenly in the air fryer. Cooking skin side down first helps render the fat and make the skin crispy. Finishing at a high temp browns the outside.
Should you get an air fryer for roasting?
Air fryers can roast some foods, but they aren’t ideal for large roasts. Here are some things to consider when deciding if an air fryer is right for your roasting needs:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Air fryers excel at cooking smaller items with more surface area. But large roasts or bone-in meats don’t fit well and may cook unevenly.
An air fryer can be a handy second oven though. It’s great for roasting vegetables or smaller proteins. Just don’t expect it to fully replace a traditional oven, especially for larger roasting tasks.
Should you roast in an air fryer, oven, or other appliance?
Here’s how the air fryer compares to other appliances for roasting:
| Air Fryer | Oven | Toaster Oven | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Small | Large | Small-medium |
| Cooking Time | Fast | Slow | Medium |
| Temperature Range | Max 400°F | Up to 500°F+ | Up to 450°F |
| Browning and Crisping | Good | Good | Medium |
| Flavor Development | Minimal | Deep, caramelized | Moderate |
For large roasts that require slow cooking at a low temperature, the oven is best. But for fast weeknight meals, an air fryer can roast vegetables or smaller proteins conveniently.
Tips for the best results roasting in an air fryer
Here are some final tips to get the best outcomes when trying to roast in an air fryer:
- Cut ingredients into smaller, uniform pieces.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Use a light coating of oil to enhance browning.
- Preheat before cooking and cook at max temperature.
- Toss or flip food midway through cooking.
- Use an instant-read thermometer for meat doneness.
- Cook vegetables until browned and fork-tender.
- Try lighter meats like chicken, fish, pork and lamb.
- Layer pans or racks can help for larger items.
While air fryers may never achieve deep roasted flavor, they can still turn out moist, tender and browned results. With some trial and error, you can learn to make the most of your air fryer’s circulating hot air.
Conclusion
Air fryers can definitely roast, but they do have limitations compared to traditional ovens. Their small capacity and airflow method make cooking large roasts a challenge. But an air fryer can be a handy second oven for roasting vegetables, smaller proteins, or quick weeknight meals. Just don’t expect your air fryer to fully replace your full-size oven, especially for big roasting tasks. With some experimenting with times and temperatures though, you can learn how to effectively roast in your air fryer.