You are currently viewing Air Fryer vs. Convection Oven: Which One is Right for You?
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Choosing the right kitchen appliance can significantly improve the preparation of quick and easy meals. Convection ovens and air fryers both offer efficient cooking methods, but they differ in size, versatility, preheat time, and maintenance. Below, we explore six key differences to help you decide which best suits your needs.

1. Size

A Whirlpool electric range oven in a modern kitchen.
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Although convection ovens function similarly to air fryers, they are much larger in size and capacity. A standard convection oven typically measures 30 inches wide, 36 inches tall, and 25–27 inches deep, making it ideal for cooking multiple meals at once. In contrast, air fryers are compact countertop appliances, best suited for preparing smaller portions.

2. Versatility & Cooking Settings

A freshly baked pizza on a tray inside a convection oven
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Convection ovens offer more cooking settings than air fryers, allowing you to bake, broil, roast, and more. This versatility makes them a great option for preparing a variety of meals.

Air fryers, while designed for smaller portions, are perfect for achieving a crispy texture in foods like fried chicken, French fries, crispy vegetables, and baked potatoes. If you’re unsure about the specific functions of your air fryer, refer to the user manual for details.

3. Preheat Time

Setting Oven Preheat to 138°F
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Air fryers have a much shorter preheat time than convection ovens, primarily due to their smaller size. This means you can start cooking almost immediately, making air fryers a convenient choice for quick meals.

4. Cooking & Baking Time

Touchscreen panel displaying air fryer temperature settings at 425°F
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The cooking and baking times of air fryers and convection ovens are relatively similar. However, convection ovens may take slightly longer due to their larger size and ability to accommodate multiple dishes at once.

5. Temperature Control

Air fryer basket inside a convection oven with crispy chicken wings and french fries
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Both air fryers and convection ovens operate at 20–25 degrees lower than traditional ovens, making them more energy-efficient while still delivering evenly cooked meals.

6. Maintenance & Cleaning

A hand wiping oven residue with a cloth inside a self-cleaning oven.
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Both air fryers and convection ovens operate at 20–25 degrees lower than traditional ovens, making them more energy-efficient while still delivering evenly cooked meals.

Air Fryer vs. Convection Oven: Which One Should You Choose?

The best option depends on your cooking needs:

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