Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years as a fast and healthy way to cook foods like french fries, chicken wings, and more using little to no oil. Most air fryers have settings for both “baking” and “roasting” food, but what exactly is the difference between the two cooking methods?
Baking vs Roasting: Key Differences
Here are some of the main differences between baking and roasting in an air fryer:
- Temperature: Baking is usually done at lower temperatures, around 300°F to 375°F, while roasting calls for higher temps between 375°F and 400°F.
- Cooking Time: Roasting typically cooks faster than baking in an air fryer due to the higher heat.
- Food Type: Baked goods like cakes, cookies, and breads are best suited for baking. Roasting works well for meats, veggies, and hardy foods.
- Preparation: Baking usually requires more prep work like mixing batter or dough. Roasting involves simpler prep like chopping veggies or rubbing seasonings.
- Result: Baked goods come out light and fluffy. Roasted items take on nice caramelization and crispy edges.
Baking in an Air Fryer
When using the bake setting on an air fryer, the goal is to gently cook foods all the way through without over-browning the exterior. Here are some tips for successful baking:
- Use baking pans – Opt for shallow, oven-safe pans that allow air flow.
- Grease pans – Lightly coat pans with oil or baking spray so foods don’t stick.
- Adjust temperature and time – Bake at 300-375°F, checking a few minutes before recommended time.
- Rotate pans – If baking on multiple racks, rotate pans midway for even cooking.
- Allow standing time – Let baked goods cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before removing.
You can bake a range of foods in an air fryer, including:
- Breads – Loaves, rolls, bagels, flatbreads
- Pastries – Muffins, scones, croissants
- Cookies – Chocolate chip, sugar, oatmeal
- Bars – Brownies, blondies, granola bars
- Cakes and cupcakes – Sheet cakes, bundt cakes, cupcakes
- Fruit pies and turnovers
- Casseroles and gratins
Follow your recipe’s recommended temperature and adjust cooking time as needed based on the size of your air fryer. The bake setting will gently heat foods through while still allowing exterior surfaces like pie crusts to brown slightly.
Baking Tips
– When converting traditional recipes, reduce oven temperature by 25°F.
– Use middle rack position and rotate pans halfway through.
– Give batters and doughs more time to rise and proof before baking.
– Cookies, scones, and biscuits may bake faster than expected.
– Loaf pans, cake pans, and casserole dishes all work well for baking.
Roasting in an Air Fryer
Roasting uses hot, circulating air to produce browned, crispy, and caramelized results. Here are tips for roasting success:
- Cut uniformly – Cut all foods to a consistent size for even cooking.
- Toss in oil – Lightly coat foods in oil to facilitate browning.
- Use minimal liquid – Roasting doesn’t require a lot of liquid.
- Layer on racks – Place food on racks so air circulates on all sides.
- Stir or flip – Stir or flip food midway through roasting time.
- Allow carryover cooking – Temperature will rise slightly after removing hot food.
You can roast all kinds of foods in an air fryer, like:
- Vegetables – Potatoes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, peppers
- Meats – Chicken, beef roasts, pork chops and tenderloins
- Seafood – Salmon, shrimp, fish fillets
- Fruits – Peaches, pears, pineapple, mango
- Nuts and seeds
Roast at 375-400°F, checking for doneness 5-10 minutes before recommended time. The roast setting will brown and caramelize the exterior while cooking the inside.
Roasting Tips
– Cut denser vegetables like potatoes into small, uniform pieces.
– Brush or toss vegetables and meats in a small amount of oil before roasting.
– Roasting can intensify flavor – use simple seasonings like herbs, salt, and pepper.
– Arrange foods in a single layer on racks with space between pieces.
– Turn or stir ingredients midway through roasting time.
Direct Comparisons
To summarize the differences:
| Factor | Baking | Roasting |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 300-375°F | 375-400°F |
| Time | Longer | Faster |
| Preparation | More | Less |
| Foods | Baked goods | Meats, veggies |
| Result | Light, fluffy | Crispy, caramelized |
When in doubt, remember that baking works best for softer, sweeter foods that are made from dough or batter while roasting suits denser, savory ingredients like vegetables and meats.
Tips for Both Methods
While baking and roasting have their differences, here are some universal tips no matter which air fryer cooking method you use:
- Use small batches – Don’t overcrowd the air fryer.
- Flip or rotate – Ensure even browning and cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer – Cook meats to a safe internal temp.
- Check food early – Air fryers cook fast, so check ahead of time.
- Add moisture as needed – Lightly brush or mist food with oil or cooking spray.
- Adjust cook time – Increase or decrease cook time based on results.
Getting the most out of your air fryer is all about experimenting. Try baking cookies on one day then roasting vegetables the next. Keep notes on cook times and temps as you go.
Baking vs Roasting: Sample Recipes
To highlight the differences between baking and roasting techniques, here are some example recipes for each:
Baked Goods
Lemon Cupcakes
Bake at 325°F for 15-18 minutes
- 1 box lemon cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
Cinnamon Rolls
Bake at 325°F for 13-16 minutes
- 1 tube (8 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- Butter or oil for pan
- Cinnamon-sugar mixture (optional)
- Icing
Soft Pretzels
Bake at 350°F for 6-8 minutes
- 1 lb refrigerated bread dough
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 Tbsp baking soda
- 1 egg, beaten
- Coarse salt
Roasted Foods
Roasted Vegetables
Roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes
- Assorted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, potatoes etc.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme to taste
Balsamic Chicken Thighs
Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes
- 8 bone-in chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Maple Glazed Salmon
Roast at 400°F for 10-12 minutes
- 4 (4-6 oz) salmon fillets
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Conclusion
While both baking and roasting utilize dry heat, they produce different results thanks to factors like temperature, cook time, preparation, and the types of food best suited for each. With an air fryer’s compact space and speedy cooking, you can easily bake muffins in the morning and roast fish or veggies for dinner.
Keep in mind basic guidelines – bake gentler items like cookies and cakes at lower temperatures for a light texture while roasting hardy foods like meat and potatoes at higher heat to crisp and caramelize.
Vary your air fryer techniques to whip up sweet treats, family dinners, and more. With a bit of experimentation, you’ll discover the ideal times and temps to bake and roast foods to perfection.