In today’s busy kitchens, both the air fryer and the oven have become go-to appliances for quick meals, crispy textures, and family favourites. But when should you choose one over the other? And how do the results compare? This guide breaks down the pros, cons, and ideal uses for each plus easy recipes so you can try both methods at home.
🔥 Air Fryer vs. Oven: What’s the Difference?
Air Fryer
An air fryer is essentially a compact convection oven that circulates hot air at high speed in a small chamber.
Best for: quick meals, snacks, crispy textures, small batches.
Traditional Oven
A standard oven heats using coils or gas burners with (or without) a convection fan.
Best for: large meals, baking, roasting, casseroles, and multi-tray cooking.
⭐ When to Use an Air Fryer
✔️ 1. When you need speed
Air fryers heat up almost instantly and cook 20-30% faster than an oven.
✔️ 2. When you want crispy results
Because of the compact interior and strong airflow, air fryers excel at turning food golden and crunchy.
✔️ 3. When cooking for 1-3 people
Perfect for small households or quick lunches.
✔️ 4. When you want to use less oil
Air fryers achieve a “fried” texture using only a light spray.
⭐ When to Use an Oven
✔️ 1. When cooking larger portions
Roasts, big batches of chips, or multiple trays simply fit better in an oven.
✔️ 2. When baking
Ovens offer steady, even heat for cakes, cookies, bread, and pastries.
✔️ 3. When slow roasting or braising
Ovens provide long, controlled heat that air fryers can’t match.
✔️ 4. When you need multiple functions at once
Grilling, broiling, steaming trays, casserole dishes, ovens handle it all.
🥘 Best Foods for Each Appliance
Air Fryer Favourites
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Chips and wedges
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Chicken wings
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Breaded fish
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Veggie bites
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Garlic bread
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Convenience meals (spring rolls, nuggets, mozzarella sticks)
Oven Winners
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Sheet-pan dinners
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Whole chickens
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Casseroles and lasagne
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Cakes, muffins, cookies
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Roasted vegetables in large batches
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Pies and baked desserts
🍽️ Easy Recipes to Try Both Ways
🍟 Crispy Air Fryer Chips
Perfect for: weeknight sides, kids’ meals
Time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients:
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3 potatoes, cut into chips
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1 tbsp oil
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Salt, pepper, paprika
Method:
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Toss potatoes in oil and seasoning.
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Preheat air fryer to 200°C.
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Cook for 18-22 minutes, shaking halfway.
Why the air fryer works:
The high-speed air circulation crisps chips quickly without excess oil.
🍗 Oven-Roasted Chicken Thighs
Perfect for: family dinners, meal prep
Time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients:
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4 chicken thighs
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt, pepper, garlic, herbs
Method:
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Preheat oven to 200°C.
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Rub thighs with oil and seasoning.
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Roast for 35-40 minutes until golden and juicy.
Why the oven works:
It maintains moisture and ensures an even cook for thicker cuts.
🍪 Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies
Perfect for: quick dessert cravings
Time: 8-10 minutes
Ingredients:
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Ready-made or homemade cookie dough
Method:
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Preheat air fryer to 160°C.
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Place small balls of dough on parchment.
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Cook 8-10 minutes until soft in the centre and crisp on the edges.
Note:
An air fryer cooks these faster, ideal when you don’t want to heat the whole oven.
🥦 Oven Sheet-Pan Veggies
Perfect for: healthy sides, large batches
Time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
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Mixed chopped veg (broccoli, carrots, peppers)
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Olive oil, salt, pepper
Method:
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Preheat oven to 200°C.
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Spread veg on a tray, drizzle with oil, season.
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Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway.
Why the oven works:
You get perfectly caramelised vegetables and enough for the whole family.
🥇 So, Which Is Better?
Use an air fryer when:
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You want fast cooking
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You prefer crispy textures
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You’re cooking for 1–3 people
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You want to reduce oil
Use an oven when:
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You’re feeding a family
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You’re baking
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You need slow or large-batch cooking
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You want versatile cookware options
Most kitchens benefit from having both - each appliance shines in different situations.
Explore our latest air fryers, cooking essentials, and key kitchen appliances to help you make the most of every recipe.