An air fryer toaster oven is similar to a regular toaster oven in some ways, but there are also some key differences between the two appliances. Both can toast bread and bake or cook small items, but an air fryer toaster oven has additional capabilities that allow it to mimic deep frying without all the added oil.
What is a toaster oven?
A toaster oven is a small countertop oven that can toast bread and bake or cook food. Toaster ovens use radiant heat from above and below the food to cook, similar to a full-sized conventional oven. However, because toaster ovens are smaller, they preheat more quickly and use less energy than a standard oven.
Toaster ovens are designed for cooking smaller portions of food. Their compact size makes them convenient for households with limited space or for times when you don’t want to heat up a large regular oven. Typical uses for toaster ovens include:
- Toasting bread
- Baking foods like cookies, muffins, or small pizza
- Broiling fish or meat
- Warming up leftovers
- Roasting vegetables
- Making small casseroles or gratins
Most toaster ovens have settings to adjust the temperature and cook time. Some models have extra features like convection cooking and rotisserie. But the primary functions are toasting, baking, and broiling.
What is an air fryer toaster oven?
An air fryer toaster oven, sometimes called an air fryer oven, is essentially a toaster oven with air frying capabilities. So it can do everything a regular toaster oven can do, plus air fry foods.
Air frying uses rapid air circulation and top-down heat to produce crispy, fried-like results without submerging food in oil. The air fryer basket and heating elements are specially designed to optimize air flow and promote browning.
Typical uses for air fryer toaster ovens include:
- Air frying finger foods like french fries, chicken wings, and veggies
- Baking cakes, cookies, pizza, and more
- Broiling meats
- Toasting bread
- Roasting vegetables and potatoes
- Reheating leftovers
- Dehydrating fruit, meat, and veggies
Air fryer toaster ovens provide more versatility for cooking different types of food with less oil compared to deep fryers and regular ovens. Their compact size makes them good for small households.
Comparing toaster ovens and air fryer toaster ovens
While toaster ovens and air fryer toaster ovens have some overlap in function, there are some key differences between the two appliances:
Cooking Methods
- Toaster ovens use radiant heat from the top and bottom to cook food.
- Air fryer toaster ovens use radiant heat plus convection for air frying. The rapid air circulation cooks food fast and crisps the exterior.
Cooking Capabilities
- Toaster ovens can toast, bake, broil, and warm.
- Air fryer toaster ovens have all the functions of a toaster oven plus specialized air frying modes.
Size
- Toaster ovens are typically less than 0.6 cubic feet interior capacity.
- Air fryer toaster ovens range from 0.7 up to 1.5 cubic feet capacity.
Power
- Standard toaster ovens are usually 1200-1800 watts.
- Air fryer toaster ovens need more power, typically 1500-1800+ watts, for optimal air frying.
Cooking Basket
- Toaster ovens contain a wire rack.
- Air fryers come with a mesh basket for optimal air circulation.
Benefits of an air fryer toaster oven
Here are some of the biggest benefits of using an air fryer toaster oven rather than a traditional toaster oven:
- Healthier frying – Get that crispy, fried texture without all the grease from deep frying. Air frying uses little to no oil compared to deep frying.
- Faster preheating – Air fryer toaster ovens preheat in just 3-5 minutes, faster than the 15-20 minutes a full size oven can take.
- More versatility – An air fryer toaster oven includes all the functions of a toaster oven plus air frying, broiling, dehydrating, and rotisserie capabilities.
- Smaller size – Perfect for smaller kitchens, apartments, dorms. Takes up less counter space than multiple appliances.
- Even cooking – The convection fan and heating elements promote air circulation for crispy, evenly cooked food.
- User-friendly – Simple buttons and knobs make air fryer ovens easy to operate. Many models have digital displays and preset programs.
- Budget-friendly – Air fryer toaster ovens provide more cooking options at a lower cost than buying both a toaster oven and separate air fryer.
Disadvantages of an air fryer toaster oven
Air fryer toaster ovens also come with a few drawbacks:
- Larger footprint than a basic toaster oven.
- More expensive than a standard toaster oven.
- Specialty pans may be required to optimize air frying.
- Size limitations on capacity. Not ideal for cooking large batches.
- Learning curve to figure out best settings for different foods.
Factors to consider when purchasing
Here are some things to think about if you’re considering an air fryer toaster oven purchase:
- Capacity – Consider what and how much you’ll cook. Look for an interior size that suits your needs.
- Dimensions – Measure your counter space beforehand. Check that the oven will fit.
- Wattage – Higher wattage provides faster preheating and better air frying results.
- Temperature range – Look for a wide temp range (typically up to 450°F) for versatility.
- Functions – Compare functions like convection baking, rotisserie, dehydrating.
- Ease of use – Seek models with intuitive controls and clear displays.
- Accessories – Many come with bonus pans, trays, racks to expand capabilities.
- Reviews – Read reviews and look for good customer service support.
- Brand reputation – Consider brands known for quality and durability.
- Warranty – A 1+ year warranty provides peace of mind.
| Brand | Model | Capacity | Power | Temp Range | Functions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja | SP101 | 8 quarts | 1800 watts | 105-450°F | Air fry, air roast, air broil, toast, bagel, bake, whole roast, broil, dehydrate, reheat, pizza, proof |
| Instant Vortex | Plus 7-in-1 | 6 quarts | 1700 watts | 95-400°F | Air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate, rotisserie |
| Breville | BOV900BSS | 0.8 cubic feet | 1800 watts | 120-450°F | Toast, bagel, bake, broil, slow cook, air fry, roast, pizza, proof, dehydrate, reheat, warm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bake a cake in an air fryer toaster oven?
Yes, air fryer toaster ovens can bake cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. The convection fan circulates air for even baking. You’ll want to use oven-safe bakeware and adjust the temperature and times since air fryers bake faster than conventional ovens.
Are air fryer toaster ovens worth it?
Air fryer toaster ovens are worth it for people wanting that crispy fried texture with less oil. The multiple functions like bake, broil, rotisserie provide versatility in a small space. For large families or batches of food, a full size oven may be better.
Do air fryer toaster ovens need special pans?
You can use metal, ceramic, glass, and silicone pans designed for toaster ovens. Using the mesh air fryer basket makes air frying easier. Some models come with extra pans to customize cooking options.
Which is better: air fryer or air fryer toaster oven?
Air fryer toaster ovens are generally more versatile since they combine multiple appliances in one. But stand-alone air fryers may have larger capacities best for big families. Consider your needs and kitchen space to choose what’s better for you.
Can you rotisserie chicken in an air fryer toaster oven?
Some air fryer toaster ovens come with rotisserie functions and accessories for rotisserie chicken and meat. Not all have this feature, so check before purchasing if you want to rotisserie.
Conclusion
Air fryer toaster ovens provide extra functionality beyond a typical toaster oven with the addition of air frying capabilities. The rapid convection heat makes them a healthier alternative to deep fried foods. While not a full oven replacement, air fryer toaster ovens are a versatile, space-saving appliance for small households. Consider your cooking needs and kitchen space to decide if an air fryer toaster oven is right for you.