Cooking Modes Are Available in Typical Air Fryer Ovens

When shopping for an air fryer oven, you’ll find models with a variety of cooking modes. A fry mode is great for making crispy foods like chicken wings and French fries, while a bake mode works best for baked goods and cakes. Some ovens also have a roast, grill, or reheat mode that are suitable for different types of meat and vegetables. Some even have a dehydrate mode that can be used to make dried fruits and vegetables.

A popular upgrade feature in some models is an air fry setting that combines hot air from the bake, broil, and convection fan settings to produce fried-style foods without using oil. This is a common add-on that many appliance brands offer alongside convection oven upgrades. However, while this new feature may be a great substitute for traditional deep frying, it’s important to keep in mind that it still cooks with dry heat and doesn’t have the same moistness and browning of oven baking.

The main difference is that air frying uses a high concentration of heat in a smaller cooking area and focuses it close to the food, which results in quicker cooking times. The high heat and concentrated heat also creates some additional browning on the foods that you’re preparing.

Another main difference is that while air fryers are able to hold and cook larger volumes of food than a conventional oven, they still can’t accommodate as much food as a full-size range. This makes it essential to read your recipes and oven manuals carefully and to be ready to adjust recipe cook times and temperatures.

What Cooking Modes Are Available in Typical Air Fryer Ovens?

To help you do this, we’ve provided a handy chart with air fryer oven cook time conversions for some commonly used foods that are typically cooked in a conventional oven. You can also reference your oven manufacturer’s instructions for a guide to how to convert your favorite recipes.

As the popularity of air fryers continues to rise, accessories and add-ons are popping up, such as liners, racks, and doughnut pans. However, if you’re looking for a complete kitchen solution that can do everything from air frying and baking to grilling and roasting, consider a model with a dual oven with separate heating zones.

This type of oven has two roomy ovens that let you run different dishes at the same time, and it also includes a dedicated air fry mode that lets you enjoy crisp, tasty foods with less effort. It’s available from several manufacturers, including Hamilton Beach and Cosori, and we think it’s an excellent choice for busy families.

Before placing your battered or breaded food into the air fryer basket, it’s crucial to preheat the appliance. Preheating ensures that the hot air starts circulating immediately upon placing the food inside, promoting even cooking and a crisp texture. While traditional deep frying involves submerging food in oil, air frying requires a different approach. Lightly coat your food with cooking spray or a small amount of oil before placing it in the air fryer. This helps achieve a crispy texture without the excessive use of oil.