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Air Fryer Vs. Toaster Oven: Is One Better Than the Other?

Silver toaster oven

A guide to getting the most bang out of your small kitchen appliances.

Air fryers are all the rage right now. You’ve probably heard people who already own them evangelizing them. Their promise of decreasing grease and fats to achieve a crispy finish has upended how people approach fried foods. These versatile gadgets have become indispensable in modern kitchens, promising to revolutionize the way we cook.

But to some people who’ve always relied on a toaster oven to crisp their food, the hype around air fryers may seem like just that.

So are air fryers actually better than toaster ovens? Is there a reason to keep both around, or are toaster ovens about to be toast? 

Air fryer awesomeness.

Let's kick things off with the air fryer, a kitchen marvel that has taken the cooking world by storm. Air fryers, known for their ability to produce crispy and golden delights with little to no oil, have become a staple for health-conscious individuals. The promise of guilt-free fried foods has made the air fryer a star in many households. One of the standout features of the air fryer is its rapid cooking time – a boon for those with busy schedules.

For anyone seeking versatility, the market offers dual air fryers, combining the prowess of an air fryer with additional cooking functions. The instant pot air fryer, for instance, provides a multifunctional cooking experience, allowing users to sauté, pressure cook and air fry, all in one compact device. Air fryers equipped with dehydration capabilities can take food preservation to a new level. And, of course, standalone air fryers with a removable basket are just as worthy.

Air fryers on sale further sweeten the deal for budget-conscious consumers. The prospect of acquiring a high-quality air fryer at a discounted price has led to a surge in their popularity. Large air fryers, catering to families with hearty appetites, and small air fryers, perfect for singles or couples, offer a range of options to suit various households.

Toaster oven triumphs.

Then there’s the steadfast toaster oven, a kitchen workhorse with its own set of advantages. Toaster ovens have long been cherished for their ability to handle a multitude of cooking tasks, from toasting bread to baking casseroles. The best toaster ovens seamlessly transition between functions, providing users with a comprehensive cooking experience.

These have long stood as a must-have kitchen appliance for many, especially those with adversity towards microwaves. Reheating pizza in a toaster oven, for example, is like night and day compared to the soggy results of a microwave reheat. 

The good news: you can have the best of both worlds in a toaster oven-air fryer combo.

In a world with too many options and seemingly endless choices to make, the last thing you want might be deciding between an air fryer vs. toaster oven. If you already have one, you might argue, there’s no space for the other, and a decision must be made.

Luckily, this dilemma has been addressed. The toaster oven-air fryer combo brings together the best of both worlds, offering the convenience of a toaster oven and the air-frying capabilities that have become so popular. This dual functionality appeals to those who appreciate the flexibility to switch between cooking methods without cluttering their kitchen with multiple appliances—and to those who dislike having to make decisions.

Comparing and contrasting air fryers and countertop ovens.

For anyone on a budget, the convenience of a dual air fryer and toaster oven might not be as accessible as a standalone appliance. In this case, a decision may still be required. So how do the two compare?

Understanding the capacity of a toaster vs. air fryer.

Air fryers, while excelling in producing crispy delights, may fall short in terms of capacity for larger meals. On the other hand, toaster ovens, with their broader range of cooking functions, may lack the specific finesse needed for achieving the perfect air-fried texture.

Accepting slower toaster ovens or relishing speedy air fryers.

If speed and simplicity is your jam, you might stick with an air fryer. Toaster ovens simply take longer to achieve their trademark crisping jobs.  

Pricing out air fryers and toaster ovens.

When considering cost, the prevalence of air fryer deals tips the scale slightly in favor of the old toaster oven standby, although it’s not unheard of to find a small toaster oven for a budget-friendly price. And of course, for those seeking an all-in-one solution, the dual air fryer and toaster oven's ability to handle various cooking tasks might justify the investment.

Considering whether an air fryer or a toaster will fit your kitchen better.

In terms of size, your kitchen capacity might make or break the decision. A mini-air fryer will be easier to fit into a cramped kitchen, while a large air fryer might be the centerpiece that replaces both your toaster oven and microwave (unless, of course, you opt for an air fryer microwave). But the small toasters that are available still might take up more countertop space than the smallest air fryer. 

Whether you go with an air fryer or a toaster oven, you’re bound to be pleased.

Both toasters and air fryers carry a lot of weight in the convenient cooking world. For those enchanted by the allure of guilt-free fried foods and speedy cooking times, the air fryer emerges as a worthy selection. On the flip side, if you seek a versatile kitchen companion capable of handling an array of culinary tasks, the toaster oven may be your culinary soulmate.

In the end, whether you opt for an air fryer, toaster oven or even indulge in the luxury of a dual-function appliance like a dual air fryer, the key lies in embracing the culinary possibilities each brings to your kitchen. Happy cooking!