Air fryers have become incredibly popular in recent years as a healthier way to fry foods. But some wonder if they are really any different from a regular toaster oven. In this article, we’ll compare air fryers and toaster ovens on cost, size, features, performance, ease of use, and health benefits to help you decide if an air fryer is worth the investment or just a glorified toaster oven.
Cost
When it comes to upfront cost, air fryers are generally more expensive than toaster ovens. A basic air fryer typically runs between $75-$150 while a basic toaster oven can be found for $40-$75. Higher-end models of both can cost $200 or more.
However, because air fryers use less energy than a full-size oven, they can save you money in electricity costs over time. An air fryer uses about 1500 watts of electricity whereas an oven can use 2000-5000 watts depending on if it is gas or electric. So an air fryer costs less per use than running a full oven.
Over a year, an air fryer would cost about $15-$30 to run for weekly use based on average electricity cost per kWh. A full oven costs $30-$75 per year with the same usage. So while air fryers have a higher upfront cost, they save money over time by being more energy efficient.
Size
Air fryers are much smaller than traditional ovens and even most toaster ovens. A typical air fryer is about 8-14 inches wide while toaster ovens range from about 12-22 inches wide. Air fryers are also shorter, around 8-15 inches tall compared to 9-20 inches for toaster ovens.
This makes air fryers ideal for small kitchens, dorms, RVs, or anywhere space is limited. The small footprint means they can sit conveniently on a counter without taking up much room. Toaster ovens need more space.
However, the compact size of air fryers also means they have a smaller capacity than most toaster ovens. Air fryer baskets hold around 2-5 quarts whereas toaster ovens can fit a 12 inch pizza or 6 slices of bread. So toaster ovens can cook more food at once, while air fryers work best for individuals or couples rather than large families.
| Appliance | Typical Width | Typical Height | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Fryer | 8-14 inches | 8-15 inches | 2-5 quarts |
| Toaster Oven | 12-22 inches | 9-20 inches | 12 inch pizza or 6 slices of bread |
Features
While air fryers and toaster ovens both use hot air and convection to cook, air fryers come with more specialized features tailored to air frying.
Air fryers have settings specifically for air frying along with presets for common air fried foods like french fries, chicken wings, fish etc. This takes the guesswork out of timing and temperature settings.
They also have built-in air circulation systems with exhaust vents that rapidly move hot air around food for quick, even cooking without oil. Many have dishwasher safe, removable air fryer baskets with non-stick coatings.
Toaster ovens offer more versatility with settings for baking, broiling, toasting, and convection cooking. Some higher end models have rotisseries and pizza stones. But they lack the presets and tailored design features of air fryers.
Some dual function appliances combine air frying and toaster oven technology in one, offering the best of both worlds. But these hybrids come at a higher price point than either appliance alone.
Common Features:
| Air Fryer Features | Toaster Oven Features |
|---|---|
| Temperature control up to 400°F | Temperature control up to 450°F |
| Timer with auto shut-off | Timer with auto shut-off |
| Non-stick basket | Non-stick or stainless steel interior |
| Dishwasher safe parts | Some diswasher safe racks/pans |
| Interior light | Interior light in some models |
| Digital controls | Digital controls on higher end models |
Air Fryer Specific Features:
| Rapid air circulation fan |
| Air frying preset programs |
| Presets for fries, nuggets, fish, etc. |
| Air fryer basket with exhaust vents |
Toaster Oven Specific Features:
| Baking, broiling, and toasting functions |
| Pizza stone in some models |
| Rotisserie in some models |
| Removable oven rack |
Performance
Both appliances use hot air and convection to crisp up foods, but air fryers are specifically designed to optimize air flow and heat circulation around food for the perfect crunch.
The powerful fans and exhaust vents in air fryers rapidly circulate hot air around the food, cooking items very quickly and evenly without oil. The basket design also allows optimal air flow from all sides.
Toaster ovens rely more on radiant heat from the top and bottom heating elements. The natural air convection can’t circulate as quickly, so cooking is slower and less even, with more flipping required. Items like fries and nuggets won’t get as crispy overall.
However, the increased air circulation of air fryers can also remove moisture more quickly, so baked goods like cakes and breads may dry out faster than in a toaster oven.
For any food with a crunchy exterior and moist interior like fried chicken or fish, an air fryer will deliver superior results. For items like casseroles and roasts, a toaster oven’s slower cooking method may be a better fit.
Cooking Time Comparison:
| Food | Air Fryer Time | Toaster Oven Time |
|---|---|---|
| French fries | 15-20 minutes | 25-30 minutes |
| Chicken wings | 15-20 minutes | 25-35 minutes |
| Frozen nuggets | 10-15 minutes | 15-20 minutes |
| Fresh fish fillets | 15 minutes | 20-25 minutes |
Ease of Use
Air fryers provide a lot of convenience with their presets and cooking programs. You just press a button, set the time, and the appliance automatically adjusts temperature and air circulation for perfect results. The non-stick basket also makes food easy to toss and flip during cooking.
Toaster ovens have more of a learning curve to find the right settings each time for different foods. Their racks can make flipping and stirring trickier compared to air fryer baskets. Added accessories like pans and trays need preheating and take more effort to use properly.
Cleaning up is straightforward for both – air fryer baskets and toaster oven trays can go right in the dishwasher. Air fryers take less time to preheat as well, getting up to temperature in just a few minutes.
Overall, air fryers offer a very user-friendly experience that is great for beginners or anyone who wants that ease of use. Toaster ovens have a more involved process.
Health Benefits
The main advantage air fryers offer over traditional frying is removing oil from the equation. This significantly slashes calories, fat, and cholesterol compared to deep fried foods.
Foods made in an air fryer can have up to 80% less fat than the same items fried in oil. The rapid air circulation also means foods absorb less oil overall even without deep frying.
Using just a teaspoon of oil can reduce calories by 70-80 calories per serving compared to frying with several cups of oil. So air frying is an easy way to make traditionally oily foods healthier.
Toaster ovens are also healthier than deep frying. But air fryers specifically optimize air flow for oil-free cooking. Things like veggies, meats, and breaded foods will be lowest in fat and calories made in an air fryer.
Calorie Comparison Per Serving:
| Food | Air Fried | Toaster Oven Baked | Deep Fried |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Fries | 200 calories | 220 calories | 500-600 calories |
| Chicken Wings | 150 calories | 180 calories | 300-400 calories |
| Breaded Shrimp | 130 calories | 160 calories | 300-400 calories |
Conclusion
While both appliances use hot air and convection, air fryers are specially designed for the crispiest results possible with minimal oil. Their smaller size, preset functions, and optimized air flow make air frying easier and healthier than toaster ovens can achieve.
That said, toaster ovens offer larger capacity and more versatility to bake, broil, and toast. Their slower cooking method also suits certain foods better. Dual function models provide the best of both worlds but at a higher cost.
For most people seeking a healthier cooking method focused on fried favorites like fries, nuggets, and wings, an air fryer is the better investment over a toaster oven. But those with larger families or a desire to bake may prefer a toaster oven or owning both appliances.
At the end of the day, air fryers are more than just glorified toaster ovens. Thanks to their specialized features and faster cooking, they excel at giving you crispy fried textures without all the fat and oil.