Air Fryer vs. Convection Oven: What Should You Really Buy?

When I was first choosing between an air fryer and a convection oven, I thought they did the same thing—just circulate hot air, right? But after some research (and kitchen experiments), I realized they actually serve different purposes. If you’re stuck choosing between the two, this post breaks down the differences, and I also reviewed some of the best options I came across.

What’s the Difference?

While both use hot air circulation to cook food evenly, air fryers are typically smaller and faster, great for crispy snacks and small meals. Convection ovens, on the other hand, can handle larger dishes and are a better fit if you like to bake, roast, or cook for a family.

So, let’s get into the pros and cons of each plus some top-rated models I think are worth your money.

• Air Fryers: Compact appliances ideal for quick meals and snacks. They preheat rapidly and are perfect for small kitchens.The Sun
• Convection Ovens: Larger units suitable for baking and roasting. They can handle bigger portions and offer more versatility.

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Top Air Fryers to Consider

1. Ninja AF101 Air Fryer

This was one of the first air fryers I looked into because Ninja is such a reliable brand. It has a 4-quart capacity which was perfect when I was cooking for one or two people. It offers 4 functions : air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. Super handy!

What I loved:
It preheats in minutes, which makes dinner prep so fast. The control panel is really simple too, so no stress figuring it out. Plus, it’s easy to clean—always a win.

What to keep in mind:
If you’re cooking for more than two people, you might find the size limiting. I had to do multiple batches when I had guests over

• Capacity: 4 quarts
• Features: 4-in-1 functionality—air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate.
• Pros: Compact design, easy to clean, and user-friendly controls.
• Cons: Limited capacity for larger families.

2. Chefman Air Fryer

This one surprised me with its price! It has a larger 6-quart capacity, which is amazing if you want to make full meals like chicken and veggies in one go. The touchscreen controls are modern and intuitive, and it comes with 4 cooking presets.

Why I liked it:
It’s affordable, sleek, and fits a decent amount of food. I could easily make crispy potato wedges and salmon fillets without needing to babysit it.

Downside:
It does take up more space on the counter, so it’s not ideal for tiny kitchens.

• Capacity: 6 quarts
• Features: Touchscreen controls with 4 presets, nonstick and dishwasher-safe basket.New York Post
• Pros: Larger capacity, sleek design, and affordable price point.
• Cons: May occupy more counter space.

3. COSORI Compact Air Fryer

I tested this because COSORI is super popular on TikTok. It has 9 different cooking functions and heats up to 450°F, which gives you a lot of flexibility.I liked how precise it was with temperature control.

My experience:
It’s a great choice if you want a little more control over how your food turns out. It’s energy-efficient and pretty quiet. I made everything from roasted veggies to crispy tofu in it.

Not ideal for:
Bigger families, it’s compact and best for small meals.

• Capacity: 6 quartsSerious Eats
• Features: 9-in-1 functionality with precise temperature control up to 450°F.
• Pros: Versatile cooking options, compact design, and energy-efficient.
• Cons: Smaller capacity may not suit larger households.

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Top Convection Ovens to Consider

If you’re someone who loves to cook larger meals, bake regularly, or simply want more versatility in the kitchen, a convection oven can be a game-changer. Unlike standard ovens, these come with built-in fans that circulate hot air, making food cook more evenly and efficiently. From baking cookies to roasting a whole chicken, these ovens handle it all without heating up your entire kitchen like a traditional oven might. Below are some of the top convection ovens that I personally recommend based on performance, size, and value for money.

1. COSORI Convection Countertop Oven

This was like having a mini smart oven on my counter. You can bake, roast, air fry, dehydrate, and more. It’s perfect if you’re someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen and doesn’t want too many appliances cluttering up your space.

What I noticed:
It feels high-end and fits a lot—great for pizzas, whole chickens, or meal prep. Definitely one of the most versatile appliances I’ve used.

Consider this:
It takes up space and isn’t cheap, but if you cook often, it’s worth it.

• Capacity: 25 liters
• Features: 12-in-1 functionality including air fry, bake, roast, and dehydrate.The Sun
• Pros: Spacious interior, versatile cooking options, and sleek stainless-steel design.New York Post
• Cons: Higher price point and larger footprint.

2. BLACK+DECKER TO62D5 Convection Oven

This one is a budget-friendly pick and surprisingly powerful. It’s compact but does a solid job at evenly cooking and toasting. I used it mostly for toast, reheating leftovers, and small casseroles.

My take:
Great for students or small apartments. It’s basic, but it gets the job done.

Limitations:
You won’t fit a big roast in here, and it’s not ideal for baking large batches.

• Capacity: 6 slices of toast or a 12-inch pizza
• Features: Convection technology for fast, even heating.
• Pros: Affordable, compact design, and user-friendly controls.
• Cons: Limited capacity for larger meals.

3. CHEFMAN Multifunction Convection Oven

This one’s a beast! It has a rotisserie function (yes, you can roast a whole chicken!) and also works as a dehydrator. If you love meal prepping or cooking for your family, it’s a dream.

Pros I noticed:
Spacious, stylish, and gives you so many cooking options in one unit. I used the rotisserie for a dinner party, and it was a hit!

Downsides:
Make sure you have counter space—it’s big. Also, a bit of a learning curve with all the features.

• Capacity: 20 quarts
• Features: Multifunctional with rotisserie and dehydrator options.
• Pros: Large capacity, versatile cooking functions, and sleek design.
• Cons: Takes up significant counter space.The Sun

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So, Which Should You Get?

Go for an Air Fryer if:

• You’re cooking for 1–2 people
• You want something fast, simple, and easy to clean
• You love crispy textures with little to no oil

Choose a Convection Oven if:

You have the counter space and budget

You cook for a family or batch cook meals

You like baking, roasting, or using multiple functions in one appliance

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Final Thoughts

In the end, it really comes down to your lifestyle. I personally use an air fryer more often during busy weekdays and the convection oven on weekends or when friends come over. If you can, get both! But if not, think about your space, cooking habits, and what kinds of meals you actually enjoy making.

Let me know in the comments which one you’re leaning toward or if you already have one, share your go-to recipes!