It’s been quite a few years since the air fryer graced our kitchens, surpassing ovens in popularity. But the question of many home cooks is: which one is actually better? Let’s find out.
The pros and cons
Air fryer pros
- Quick cooking times
- Energy-efficient
- Healthier cooking alternative; uses less fat
- Compact in size
- Easy to clean
Air fryer cons
- Limited capacity
- Not ideal for large meals
- Bulky for smaller kitchens
- Sometimes produces uneven results
- Aren’t able to make sauces or gravies using pan juices to pair with roasted meals; you’ll need to make a separate sauce on the stove
Ovens pros
- Large capacity
- Versatile (from baking to grilling, and roasting to broiling)
- Consistent results
- Can cook multiple dishes at once
Ovens cons
- Longer preheating and cooking times
- Uses more energy/electricity
- Not portable
- Tedious to clean
Are air fryers worth the hype?
Air fryers have quickly become a favourite kitchen gadget and for good reason. They’re compact, portable, easy to clean, and offer a healthier way to cook. From roast veggies and crispy homemade chips to roast chicken or even a quick grilled cheese, they deliver speedy results with minimal fuss. The trade-off? Their scope is limited. You won’t be slow-braising stews, simmering casseroles, or baking elaborate dishes in an air fryer. If that’s what you’re after, you’ll still need an oven or stovetop. And if you’re working with a tight budget, relying on multiple appliances can be a stretch.
Ovens, on the other hand, may not be as quick, energy-efficient, or low-maintenance, but they more than make up for it in versatility. A single investment opens the door to almost any cooking method: baking, roasting, grilling, broiling, braising, and stewing included. The only catch is that you’ll need to plan: preheating and longer cook times mean meals won’t always be instant.
The hype is real, but the verdict is simple: the air fryer is a great sidekick, while the oven still wears the crown.
Also See: Best way to clean an air fryer
Best way to clean an Air fryer
Feature image credit: goodhousekeeping.com
