AIR FRYER OVEN VS. COUNTERTOP AIR FRYER

WHAT IS AN AIR FRYER?

Air fryers are countertop appliances that use hot air to cook and crisp food from multiple angles, thanks to a perforated tray or basket that lets the air flow freely around the food. This method gives you a satisfying crunch similar to deep frying but without using loads of oil or dealing with the mess.

WHAT IS AN AIR FRYER OVEN?

Air fryer ovens typically have all of the features you’d expect from a traditional oven, but also include a built-in air fry feature to give food a browned surface and crispy texture. Ovens with the air fry feature use convection fans to rapidly circulate hot air around the surface of your food, creating results similar to a countertop air fryer.

5 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AN AIR FRYER AND AN AIR FRYER OVEN

Air fryers and air fryer ovens can both create a crispy texture, but the way they get the job done can vary. Discover how the two appliances stack up across the five key metrics below.

1. SIZE & CAPACITY

Air fryer capacities range from about 1.6 to 8 quarts, ideal for cooking one to four servings at a time. Some air fryers even go up to 20 quarts, but these usually double as other appliances such as toasters or small ovens. In contrast, oven air fryers offer much larger spaces, from 2.3 to 6.3 cubic feet for single ovens and 5.9 to 7.3 cubic feet for double ovens. This makes it a breeze to air fry full meals or tackle multiple larger

2. COOKING TIME

Air frying in the oven allows you to cook multiple dishes or larger servings at once, but it typically takes longer than using a countertop air fryer. Countertop air fryers have a compact design and circulate hot air more quickly, making them ideal for browning smaller portions.

3. FUNCTIONALITY

Countertop air fryers may stick to just air frying, but an air fryer oven often includes a variety of settings and additional features, from baking and broiling to roasting and beyond. Select Maytag^® ranges and ovens with air fry, for example, come with extras like high-heat self-cleaning, delay bake and more, so one appliance works harder for you. 

4. FOOTPRINT & STORAGE

Traditional air fryers require designated counter space while in use, and you'll need to find room for storage in between uses. Oven air fryers are—obviously—already a part of your oven, and if you’re crunched for storage, using your dedicated oven with air fry capabilities may be a much simpler option.

5. CLEANING

It's best to clean countertop air fryer compartments after each use to avoid food residue and buildup, since food splatter and debris can quickly cake on to the small compartment’s walls. Air fryer ovens typically come with an air fry basket that should also be cleaned after each use, but there’s no need to clean the entire oven every time you use it.

Maytag^® ranges and ovens with air fry include a dishwasher-safe air fry basket to help make cleanup simple.

AIR FRYER OR AIR FRYER OVEN: WHICH ONE IS BEST FOR YOU?

You’re sold on the crispy result that an air fryer can add to your favorite foods, but now it’s time to decide if an air fryer or oven air fryer is best for your kitchen. See the considerations below to help you choose between the two appliances.

• Small household: A countertop air fryer may be a better choice for households with one or two people. Its compact size is ideal for quick meals and smaller portions, and it’s a great way to enjoy crispy dishes without cooking more than you need.

• Large household: Households with three or more people can benefit from the ample space an air fryer oven has to offer. Cook bigger batches or multiple dishes at once, saving time and effort. With versatile features like baking and broiling, these ovens can handle a variety of cooking needs, making them a valuable addition to a busy kitchen.

• Limited kitchen or counter space: If your kitchen is small and counter space is limited, an air fryer oven could be a better choice. It integrates into your existing oven space, freeing up valuable countertop real estate. Plus, it offers versatile cooking functions in one appliance, maximizing the efficiency of your kitchen without cluttering your counters.

• Frequent entertaining: An air fryer oven can make it easier to prepare meals for a crowd. The increased capacity lets you cook larger quantities and multiple dishes all at once, while its versatility means you can air fry, bake, roast or broil as you see fit. Plus, air frying in the oven helps you keep your countertop clean for serving and prep.

• Budget: A countertop air fryer can be a great way to enjoy smaller portions of air fried food when a larger appliance isn’t in the budget. These appliances are also a great option if you cook in a kitchenette, rather than a full kitchen, and don’t plan to incorporate an oven or range into the layout.