Key points
- While air fryers operate similarly to convection ovens, the biggest difference is their size and the available features.
- An oven is typically more expensive than an air fryer, although both have a range of budget and premium options.
- Using an air fryer may be a healthy alternative to deep frying, but isn’t necessarily healthier than an oven.
Air fryers are a handy appliance that can whip up some of your favourite snacks in an instant when compared to an oven. However, you might find that an oven offers more functionality to cook a larger variety of meals.
So which will it be? Read on to find out more about both appliances in this Canstar Blue guide.
What’s the difference between an air fryer and an oven?
Air fryers and convection ovens essentially work the same way, with both using powerful fans to spread hot air to heat your food. However, due to their smaller size, air fryers can circulate the hot air around quicker, making it possible to cook within a shorter amount of time.
Both appliances are designed to be multifunctional. So you should be able to roast, grill, bake and toast meals regardless of which appliance you choose. If you’re willing to spend extra, both types of units can give you added luxuries like rotisserie functionality and the ability to dehydrate food.
While these appliances are very similar, the big difference that could affect the way your food comes out is simply the size. Due to its small volume, an air fryer is less likely to have hot and cold spots to look out for and will cook faster. With that said, the smaller appliance can also limit you from cooking large quantities of foods.
Factors to consider when choosing between an air fryer and an oven
Like with purchasing any appliance, there are a number of factors to take into consideration. When you’re comparing air fryers vs ovens, you’ll want to pay close attention to the following:
- Price: Ovens are, in most cases, significantly more expensive but can offer additional features that air fryers can’t. However, air fryers are cheaper and can cook food faster, so it comes down to your budget preference.
- Features: Ovens generally have more features than an air fryer meaning you can do things like bake cakes, steam foods and much more. Some ovens even offer air frying functionality making them an ideal choice as far as features go.
- Space: Air fryers are considerably smaller than ovens and can be moved around the kitchen easily making them an easy choice as far as space goes. While ovens are bulkier and take up more room, they can be integrated into your kitchen by wall mounting them. The increased size will also mean you can cook more food at once in an oven.
Read more: How to use an air fryer (beginners & seasoned cooks edition)
What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a relatively new appliance that circulates air to cook food in an attempt to achieve the same consistency as deep frying. It’s a healthier option compared to deep frying in oil and takes less time to cook foods like chips, chicken, nuggets and more.
How much does an air fryer cost?
Air fryers generally retail from $150 to around $550 for higher end models. Cheaper brands of air fryers will sit around the $150 to $200 mark and will have the basic features and a smaller capacity. More expensive models will have a larger capacity and more functions and accessories.
How much does an oven cost?
There are plenty of types of ovens to choose from, including convection ovens, steam ovens and pyrolytic ovens. Ovens are generally the more expensive choice with basic models starting at around $500 and some models reaching upwards of $12,000. More expensive models will have a significantly larger capacity and have capabilities like self cleaning, steaming and more.
Read more: What you can & can’t cook in an air fryer
Is an air fryer healthier than an oven?
Air frying is most likely a healthier alternative to deep frying food, however it is not necessarily healthier than cooking in the oven. What can be deemed ‘healthier’ can come down to a number of factors like what you’re cooking and your personal health needs.
Frying foods in an air fryer can have similar results to cooking the same food in a convection fan-forced oven. If you’re uncertain about what is healthier it is best to speak to a healthcare professional about what may be the best for your diet.
Compare energy plans
While you are choosing between an air fryer and an oven, it might be worthwhile checking which energy plan you are currently on. If you haven’t looked at your plan in the last 12 months, there’s a chance that you could find a cheaper alternative. Check out some energy plans below:
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid energy network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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21% Less than reference price |
$1,435 Price/year (estimated) |
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Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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10% Less than VDO |
$1,304 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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9% Less than reference price |
$1,888 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
Here are some sponsored deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from our referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4011kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area and to see other products in our database that may be available. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
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9% Less than reference price |
$2,036 Price/year (estimated) |
Go to Site |
Original reporting by Tahnee-Jae Lopez-Vito
Image Source: Super8/Shutterstock.com
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