Air fryers have exploded in popularity, but if you already own a toaster oven, you might be wondering—do you really need an air fryer too? Both appliances promise crispy, delicious food without deep frying, so is it worth having both in your kitchen?
Let’s break it down by comparing their functions, pros and cons, and whether an air fryer offers anything a toaster oven can’t.
How Do Air Fryers and Toaster Ovens Work?
Before deciding if you need both, let’s look at how each appliance works:
- Air Fryer: Uses powerful convection heating with a fan to circulate hot air rapidly, cooking food quickly and creating a crispy texture similar to deep frying.
- Toaster Oven: Functions as a small oven that can bake, broil, toast, and (in some models) use convection heating.
In short, an air fryer is a specialized convection oven, while a toaster oven is a more versatile appliance.
Key Differences Between an Air Fryer and a Toaster Oven
| Feature | Air Fryer | Toaster Oven |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Method | Rapid hot air circulation | Radiant heat + convection (in some models) |
| Crispiness | Excellent for fries, wings, and crispy foods | Good, but may require extra time |
| Cooking Time | Faster due to intense airflow | Slightly slower |
| Versatility | Mainly for air frying | Can bake, broil, toast, and roast |
| Size & Capacity | Smaller, limited space | Can cook larger meals |
| Ease of Cleaning | Usually nonstick, easy to clean | Can be harder to clean with crumbs & spills |
Can a Toaster Oven Replace an Air Fryer?
In most cases, yes! A convection toaster oven can achieve the same crispy results as an air fryer if you follow a few tricks:
How to Air Fry with a Toaster Oven:
✅ Use a convection setting – This mimics an air fryer’s rapid air circulation.
✅ Use an air fryer basket or wire rack – This allows air to circulate around the food.
✅ Preheat properly – A toaster oven may take longer to preheat than an air fryer.
✅ Don’t overcrowd the tray – For best crispiness, space food out evenly.
✅ Increase cook time slightly – A toaster oven may take a few extra minutes to match an air fryer’s crisping ability.
Bottom line: If you have a convection toaster oven, you don’t need a separate air fryer—your toaster oven can do the same job with a little technique.
When You Might Want an Air Fryer Anyway
Despite their similarities, an air fryer could still be useful if:
- You cook a lot of fried foods and want maximum crispiness with minimal effort.
- You have limited counter space and prefer a compact air fryer over a large toaster oven.
- You want faster cooking times for small batches of food.
- You don’t have a convection toaster oven and want true air frying capabilities.
However, if you already have a toaster oven with convection, getting a separate air fryer is probably unnecessary.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy an Air Fryer If You Have a Toaster Oven?
💡 If your toaster oven has a convection setting, you don’t need an air fryer. It can air fry just as well with the right accessories and cooking techniques.
❗ If your toaster oven doesn’t have convection, or if you cook a lot of crispy foods in small batches, an air fryer could still be a good investment.
For most people, a good toaster oven can replace an air fryer and do even more. If space and budget are concerns, stick with a toaster oven and skip the extra appliance!
