An air fryer and a toaster oven serve different cooking purposes, but they do share some similarities. Both appliances can be used to cook various foods and can be found in fancier designs with added features.
An air fryer uses a convection mechanism to circulate hot air around the food, creating a crispy texture similar to deep-frying but using much less oil. It's especially popular for cooking items like French fries, chicken wings, and other crispy snacks. The air fryer's main selling point is its ability to provide a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying.
On the other hand, a toaster oven primarily functions as a small-scale oven. It uses heating elements to cook or toast food items, like bread, bagels, pizzas, or even small dishes. Some toaster ovens come with convection settings to enhance cooking efficiency by circulating hot air, but not all models have this feature.
While some air fryers might resemble a taller, fancier looking toaster oven, the primary difference lies in their cooking methods and intended purposes. Air fryers are specifically designed to create crispy, fried-like results with minimal oil, while toaster ovens are more versatile and can handle a broader range of cooking tasks.
That said, there are hybrid appliances available that combine the functionalities of an air fryer and a toaster oven into one unit. These multi-functional appliances offer the benefits of both cooking methods in a single package, allowing users to air fry, toast, bake, and more, depending on the model.