Should You Use an Air Fryer Instead of an Oven? Here’s What Experts Say

Air fryers have quickly become a popular kitchen appliance, promising crispy food with less oil and less cooking time.

But are they actually better for you than a conventional oven?

The answer isn’t simply yes or no. Both appliances can be useful, and the healthiness of the meal depends heavily on what you’re cooking, how you prepare it, and how often you eat it.

Here’s what you should know before deciding which appliance deserves a permanent place on your countertop.

How Does an Air Fryer Work?

Despite its name, an air fryer doesn’t actually fry food in the traditional sense.

Instead, it circulates very hot air around the food, creating a browned and crispy exterior with little or no added oil.

The cooking chamber is relatively small, which allows the hot air to circulate efficiently. This is one reason air fryers can cook many foods faster than a conventional oven.

A traditional oven also uses hot air, but it generally has a much larger cooking space and may take longer to preheat.

Does an Air Fryer Use Less Oil?

Often, yes.

One of the biggest advantages of an air fryer is that you can achieve a crisp texture without immersing food in oil.