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

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
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
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
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
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
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:
- A convection oven is the better choice if you need to cook larger portions or prepare multiple dishes simultaneously.
- If you prefer a faster preheat time and want to make crispy, fried-style foods in smaller portions, an air fryer is the way to go.
- For the best of both worlds, consider a convection oven with an air fry function. This appliance allows you to bake, roast, and air fry all in one.
Southwest Florida's The Most Trusted Oven Repair Company
If your Whirpool Oven in Marco Island isn’t working properly, don’t let it disrupt your kitchen routine. Appliance Doctor Inc. is the most trusted oven repair company specializing in all oven models. Our expert technicians provide fast, reliable oven repair services, ensuring your appliance operates at peak performance. Whether it’s a minor issue or a major repair, Appliance Doctor Inc. is here to help keep your kitchen running smoothly.
Call Appliance Doctor Inc.
- Bonita Springs ( 239-992-0505 )
- Cape Coral ( 239-540-9500 )
- East Naples ( 239-732-0111 )
- Estero ( 239-992-0505 )
- Fort Myers ( 239-936-0111 )
- Golden Gate ( 239-353-2020 )
- Marco Island ( 239-642-0505 )
- Naples ( 239-434-7546 )