AIR FRY VS. BAKE: WHEN TO USE EACH SETTING FOR OPTIMAL RESULTS
When tackling the task of meal prep, choosing the right cooking method can make all the difference. Understanding how air frying and baking work and when to use each cooking method can help you achieve the best results for your meals. Use this guide to learn more about air fry vs. bake settings to help you make the most of your oven's capabilities.
COMPARING AIR FRYING VS. BAKING: KEY DIFFERENCES
Air frying uses high-heat circulation for crispy results with less oil, while baking uses lower, steady heat for dishes that require more gentle heat for cooking or rising. Air frying is ideal for crispy foods like fries, while baking suits items needing dry, lower heat, such as cakes.
The primary difference lies in how heat is applied to your food. Air frying circulates intense heat rapidly, creating a crispy exterior similar to deep-frying but with significantly less oil. This makes it helpful when you’re looking for that satisfying crunch on foods like chicken wings or roasted vegetables.
Baking in an oven surrounds food with steady, dry heat. This method is better suited for dishes that require more gentle heat for cooking throughout, such as casseroles or bread that needs to rise.
COOKING TECHNIQUES
When you use the air fry setting on an oven or air fry appliance, you’re harnessing a power that is similar to convection cooking at its highest setting. The fan rapidly circulates hot air around the food, removing excess outer moisture and creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist with a fraction of the oil compared to deep frying.
Baking, in contrast, relies on the natural circulation of hot air within the oven cavity. This gentler approach is crucial for recipes that require lower temperatures and still air throughout the cooking process.
TEXTURE AND FLAVOR
Air frying creates a crispy exterior and tender interior, ideal for foods with a breaded coating or classic fried fare. The still, dry heat of baking is ideal for liquid batters or more delicate recipes, like cakes and breads, and can produce light, airy or crumbly results. Baking is the go-to method for baked goods that need a still environment to rise, like angel food cake.
COOKING TIME AND TEMPERATURE
| COOK SETTING | COOK TIME | COOK TEMP | BEST USED FOR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bake | Varies by recipe but often slower than air fry | Typically between 300-375°F | Cakes, bread, casseroles, etc. |
| Air Fry | Varies by recipe but often quicker than baking | Typically between 350-400°F | Vegetables, meat, fish, etc. |
SHOP MAYTAG® WALL OVENS WITH AIR FRY
When you air fry with a Maytag® wall oven, you can dig into your favorite fried foods without the mess of a deep fryer. Select models with No-Preheat Air Fry even eliminates the time needed for your oven to get up to temperature so you can enjoy your fried favorites fast. Explore wall ovens with Air Fry to find the right fit for your home.
AIR FRY VS. BAKE: WHICH OVEN SETTING TO USE?
When you’re choosing an oven setting to cook your next meal, evaluate the recipe and your desired results. Choose air fry for crispy, "fried" results with less oil. Use bake for the slower, dry heat ideal for cooking breads, cakes and casseroles.
Maytag® wall ovens and ranges with Air Fry offer versatility that allow you to switch between air fry and bake settings with ease.
WHEN TO USE AIR FRY MODE
Use air fry mode for crispy foods that are traditionally deep-fried, like chicken wings, french fries or breaded fish. Air fry is also a great choice for meats you would traditionally roast. This cooking method is ideal for achieving a crunchy or crisped up exterior and tender interior with minimal oil on recipes like:
Frozen foods like french fries, tater tots or mozzarella sticks
Breaded chicken or fish
Roasted vegetables, like potatoes or carrots
Reheated crispy leftovers like pizza
Homemade potato chips
Marinated chicken breasts or steak
WHEN TO USE BAKE SETTINGS
Use bake settings for foods that need slower, lower heat, like cakes, breads and casseroles. Baking is ideal for recipes that require gentle, still heat to rise properly or cook through without burning the exterior. This includes:
Cakes, quick breads and liquid batters
Breads and rolls that need to rise
Casseroles
Large roasts that benefit from slower cooking
Egg-based dishes like quiches or frittatas
Delicate fish filets
Baked pasta dishes like lasagna or macaroni and cheese
EXPLORE MAYTAG® RANGES WITH AIR FRY
When you use a Maytag® range with Air Fry, you can try new recipes and expand your cooking horizons without taking up counter space with an additional appliance. Shop ranges with Air Fry to expand the capabilities of your kitchen.
