Did you know that air fryers function similarly to a convection oven? If you own a convection oven, you may not need a separate air fryer to achieve those deliciously crispy results. This guide dives into how air fryer ovens work, why they’re a fantastic option for crisping food, and the must-have accessories for the best results.
What Is an Air Fryer Oven?
An air fryer oven is a type of convection oven equipped with an air fry mode, making it ideal for crisping foods like fries, wings, and veggies with minimal oil.
Unlike traditional deep frying, air frying circulates hot air around the food for a crunchy exterior, similar to what you’d get from a countertop air fryer.
Select models like the Whirlpool® Air Fry Mode integrate air frying capabilities directly into the oven, allowing you to cook crispy foods without the need for another appliance on your countertop.
Why Isn’t My Air Fryer Oven Producing Crispy Results?
If your air fryer oven isn’t giving you the crispy finish you expected, it might be due to a few common factors:
- Overcrowding the Tray – For best results, avoid placing too much food on the tray at once. Allowing space between pieces ensures hot air circulates evenly, which is crucial for achieving that golden crunch.
- Not Using the Right Accessories – Using an air fryer basket or perforated tray designed for your oven, like this popular crisper tray, can greatly enhance airflow and create a crispy texture. Alternatively, a dark, nonstick tray also promotes browning and helps with the even cooking process.
- Skipping Oil – Although air frying is known for being low-oil, adding a light spritz of oil to the surface of foods like veggies or chicken wings can improve crispiness. Consider using an oil spray bottle for easy, controlled application.
Do You Need a Special Basket for an Air Fryer Oven?
While an air fryer oven can still work without a special basket, investing in an air fryer basket, like this versatile model, can significantly improve your cooking results.
These baskets are designed with small perforations, allowing hot air to circulate beneath and around your food.
This circulation creates an even, crispy texture similar to what you would achieve with a countertop air fryer.
Alternatively, a nonstick baking sheet or dark tray can also work well, especially if you don’t want to purchase additional accessories.
A cooling rack placed over a cookie sheet covered in parchment paper or foil is another option to catch drips and help air reach every side of your food.
Essential Accessories for the Best Air Fryer Oven Results
To enhance your air fryer oven experience, consider these accessories:
- Perforated Air Fryer Tray or Basket: As mentioned, a specialized tray or basket helps achieve better airflow, leading to crispier results. This tray can be used for anything from potatoes to fish sticks.
- Thermometer for Accurate Cooking: Ensuring your food is cooked to perfection is key. A digital meat thermometer helps you avoid under- or overcooking, especially with meats.
- Parchment Paper Liners or Silicone Liners: These liners make cleanup easy and prevent sticking, all while allowing enough air circulation to maintain a crispy texture. They’re especially useful for foods that may release a lot of juices, like chicken.
- Oil Spray Bottle: A handy spray bottle allows you to control the oil application, giving your food that perfect light coating to enhance browning without using excessive oil.
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Results in an Air Fryer Oven
- Preheat the Oven: Some air fryer ovens require a short preheating period to achieve the right temperature for crisping. Check your oven’s manual to see if this step is needed.
- Use the Right Temperature: Generally, air frying works well at temperatures between 350-400°F, depending on the food. Experiment with a few degrees higher or lower for the perfect finish.
- Flip or Shake the Food Midway: For certain foods, flipping halfway through cooking helps the air reach all surfaces for an even crisp. This is particularly helpful for items like French fries or small veggie pieces.
- Cook in Batches if Needed: To avoid sogginess, consider cooking larger amounts in batches so each piece has enough room to crisp up.
Wrapping Up: Choosing the Right Accessories
To maximize your air fryer oven’s performance, consider adding one or more of these tools to your kitchen:
- Air Fryer Tray or Basket for optimal airflow
- Oil Spray Bottle for light, even oil application
- Thermometer for accurate cooking
With the right tools and a few easy techniques, you’ll be able to enjoy the crispy, golden results that make air fryer ovens a favorite in many kitchens. Happy air frying!