Airfryer vs Traditional oven, which one to choose?

The traditional oven is a kitchen essential, found in almost every household. However, in recent years, a new appliance has emerged and gained increasing popularity: the Air Fryer. Fast, energy-efficient, and known for its healthier cooking, the Air Fryer is attracting more and more enthusiasts. But does this mean it's time to put your traditional oven away?

In this article, we will compare these two cooking appliances and help you make the right choice based on your needs, budget, and cooking habits. To learn more and find the perfect model, check out our article: Which Air Fryer Suits You Best? Did you know that Philips was the first to market the Air Fryer, revolutionizing healthy, oil-free cooking? Discover everything in our article: Philips Air Fryer – Healthy, Oil-Free Cooking.

1. How the two devices work

Air Fryer

Cooking Principle
: The Air Fryer operates using high-speed hot air circulation. This technique allows food to be cooked with very little oil while giving it a crispy exterior and a soft interior.
Advantages: Fast cooking.
- Crispy texture with minimal fat (fries, donuts, nuggets, etc.).
- Significant reduction in fat intake, leading to fewer calories.

Traditional Oven

Cooking Principle : The traditional oven is heated by electric (or gas) resistances that increase in temperature and distribute heat.
- Even cooking, ideal for large quantities.
- Wide variety of culinary preparations (pastries, roasts, gratins, etc.).
- Often larger capacity than an Air Fryer.
Advantages:

2. Comparison: Cooking time and energy savings

Air Fryer

Preheating Time : Short or nonexistent. Some Air Fryer Ninja models reach the ideal cooking temperature in just a few seconds.
Cooking Speed : Generally faster for small portions like homemade fries, nuggets, or vegetables.
Energy Consumption : With a power range of 1400 W to 2000 W and a shorter usage time, an Air Fryer is less energy-consuming for small preparations.

Traditional Oven

Preheating Time : Longer, ranging from 10 to 15 minutes depending on the model and target temperature.
Cooking Speed : Suitable for large quantities and slow-cooked dishes (roasts, gratins, etc.).
Energy Consumption : Higher, especially for long cooking times or large volumes. However, if you need to prepare large batches at once, a traditional oven can be more practical and cost-effective in the long run.

3. Culinary results: Texture and taste

Air Fryer

For crispy dishes : Thanks to concentrated hot air circulation, the Air Fryer is ideal for cooking foods that require a light layer of oil for a crispy texture (fries, donuts, chicken wings).
Less suitable for large surfaces : For family-sized pizzas, certain cakes, or gratin dishes spread over large surfaces, the Air Fryer may have limitations in capacity and heat distribution.

Traditional Oven

Even cooking : Heat distribution is generally more uniform in a larger volume, making it ideal for pastries, large dishes, roasts, and gratins.
Versatility : The oven allows for different cooking methods (convection, natural heat, grilling, etc.), offering a wider range of culinary possibilities than the Air Fryer.

4. Health: Which Appliance Is the Healthiest?

Air Fryer

Reduced fat content : By cutting oil usage by up to 80%, the Air Fryer helps lower the consumption of saturated fats, which are particularly harmful to cardiovascular health.
Less frying odor : The absence of an oil bath reduces fumes and cooking residues.

Traditional Oven

Cooking without added fat : It is entirely possible to cook food without oil or butter, for example, by roasting with parchment paper or using steam cooking if the oven supports it.
Choice of cooking method : Whether you prefer roasting, steaming, or grilling, you can choose the healthiest methods according to your dietary preferences and needs.

5. Ease of use and maintenance

Air Fryer

Simple interface : Most models come with preset programs (fries, chicken, vegetables, etc.), making them very easy to use.
Maintenance : The removable baskets and trays are usually dishwasher-safe, ensuring quick and efficient cleaning.

Traditional Oven

More complex cleaning : With walls, racks, and the door, cleaning can be tedious.
Self-cleaning functions : Some ovens feature pyrolysis or catalytic cleaning, reducing maintenance efforts.

6. Price and Long-Term Investment

Air Fryer

Purchase price : Ranges from €50 to €300 depending on the brand, capacity, and features (programs, electronic thermostat, etc.).
Long-term savings : With low energy consumption and minimal oil usage, the Air Fryer proves economical for those who frequently cook small portions.

Traditional Oven

Acquisition cost : Higher, especially if you opt for a high-quality built-in model with multiple functions.
Lifespan : A traditional oven generally lasts longer than an Air Fryer and offers greater versatility in cooking.
Energy consumption : Higher, but can be optimized by cooking large quantities for multiple meals at once.

Air Fryer vs. traditional oven: which one to choose?

Air Fryer: Choose this appliance if you’re looking for quick, healthy, and crispy cooking for small portions or snacks. It’s ideal for fries, nuggets, donuts, chicken wings, and other foods that require little oil.
Traditional Oven: Opt for this option if you cook for multiple people, enjoy preparing large slow-cooked dishes, pastries, or gratins. The oven remains the most versatile choice for a large family or big meals.
Why not both?: If your budget and kitchen space allow, having both an Air Fryer and a traditional oven provides total flexibility. This way, you can take advantage of each appliance’s benefits depending on the recipe.

Airfryer