Did you know that convection ovens and air fryers work similarly? In fact, if you have a convection oven, you might be able to get the crispy results that these countertop machines are known for without the need for a separate air fryer. Discover the distinctions between a convection oven and an air fryer, as well as how to use your convection oven to achieve great “fried” results.
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What is an air fryer oven?
A built-in air frying function that optimizes temperature and air circulation for the operation is what distinguishes an air fryer oven from a convection oven. The meal will crisp up to a wonderful golden crust thanks to the rapid circulation of hot air over its surface by convection fans.
What is the difference between a convection oven and an air fryer?
Convection ovens and countertop air fryers function essentially in the same way, albeit with varying sizes. To produce crispy, air-fried food, both contain fans that move heat around in an oven cavity or countertop air fryer. Countertop air fryers may cook food faster than convection ovens since their compartments are much smaller. You can cook more of your favorite foods at once with convection ovens because they have a larger capacity than air fryers.
Is it possible to turn a convection oven into an air fryer?
Foods can be crisped with a convection oven, but for optimal results, you’ll need a dedicated air fry feature. A convection fan circulates hot air around food in the oven cavity or air fryer compartment, which is how convection ovens and air fryers operate. A convection oven can still produce a crispy finish on food, but employing an air fry option will assist in guaranteeing the ideal cooking condition for the job. Purchasing an air fryer basket or tray can be helpful in this regard. Additional advantages of air-frying in your convection oven include:
Convenience: Using an oven with air frying capabilities or a convection oven removes the requirement for additional counter-space-consuming equipment.
Simple to clean up: Unlike convection ovens, which usually don’t require cleaning after each use, air fryers usually require cleaning both the basket and the pullout compartment that the food goes in.
Crunchy results: Air frying in your convection oven will produce food that is pleasantly crunchy, especially if you use dark cookware or a perforated basket.
Cook bigger quantities at once: You can cook more food at once with an air fryer than with a countertop model, where you may need to cook in batches based on the quantity of servings. This is because most air fryers aren’t as large as convection ovens.
How to use your convection oven as an air fryer
Get the meal ready for air-frying
Depending on what you’re trying to air fry, you should prepare the dish to assist in guaranteeing a golden and crispy outside. sliced vegetables and potatoes into spears, medallions, or cubes for a lovely crunchy exterior, and lightly spray them in oil to promote browning. Foods like these perform best when they are sliced into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
When working with meat or fish, like air-fried salmon, pat the surface dry and lightly coat it with cooking spray or oil to help the skin crisp up. If you’re using bread, a drier exterior (consider adding toppings like panko, shredded cheese, or breadcrumbs) works better for air frying than a wet batter.
Use the right air-frying cookware
The perforated basket or pan that is made specifically for air frying is part of what makes countertop air fryers so effective at crisping up your food. Use a perforated tray or basket to allow hot air to circulate evenly across the entire food surface, ensuring that you get crispiness levels comparable to those you would with an air fryer. Use an oven-safe cooling rack or a dark, nonstick tray with low edges if you don’t have a perforated tray or basket. To catch drips, place a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper or aluminum foil on the lowest rack. Find out more about utilizing an air fryer oven with aluminum foil.
Make room for your food
To ensure that the hot air cooks or crisps your food evenly and completely, try not to pack it in too tightly. To aid in the creation of a golden crust, the heated air that the convection fan circulates throughout the oven cavity must reach every part of your food. Overcrowding will hinder proper crisping and may result in a mushy exterior that is less appealing.
Pay attention to the temperatures and periods for air frying
You’ll probably need to modify the cooking times because convection ovens don’t usually cook as quickly as countertop air fryers. When determining the proper cooking times, you must also take into consideration the fact that countertop air fryers typically use higher temperatures. As a general rule, you can expect to air fry in a convection oven at temperatures between 350 and 400°F, though this will vary from recipe to recipe. If you are using a recipe that calls for a conventional oven, it is best to consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cook times and temperatures; if you are not near your instruction manual, start with the times listed on the package or recipe and watch the food while it cooks.
Halfway through, flip
To improve air distribution to food surfaces during cooking, you might want to flip or shake your food, just like you would with a countertop air fryer. However, flipping should only be done if the dish calls for it in order to prevent heat loss in the oven. To encourage crisping, massage or spritz with a little extra cooking spray or oil.