Air Fryer Basket vs Oven Style: Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to air frying, there are two main options: air fryer ovens and air fryer baskets.

While both appliances use the same technology to cook food, there are some significant differences.

These differences can affect your cooking experience.

In this article, we’ll compare air fry ovens and basket-type air fryers to help you decide which one is superior for your needs.

Types of Air Fryers

As mentioned above, there are two main types of air fryers in the market.

They include basket-type air fryers and air fryer ovens.

        I. Basket Style Air Fryer

A basket-type air fryer is designed with a removable basket that fits inside a cooking chamber.

These appliances are compact and can have one or two baskets.

The size of basket-type air fryers varies. Their capacities range from 1 to 10 quarts.

Basket-style air fryers are perfect for individuals or small families who want to cook small to medium-sized meals and side dishes quickly.

The design of a basket-type air fryer includes temperature control, a timer, and a heating element that heats the air inside the cooking chamber.

Some models like the Ninja AF161 Max XL also include additional features such as preset cooking functions, a digital display, and automatic shut-off.

Advantages of Basket-type Air Fryers

• Takes up less space on the kitchen counter
• Perfect for cooking small food portions
• More affordable than oven-style air fryers
• Easier and quick to clean

Disadvantages of Basket-type Air Fryers

• Smaller cooking capacity compared to air fryer ovens
• They may require shaking or turning of food when cooking to ensure even cooking

      II. Air Fryer Ovens

An oven-type air fryer combines the functions of an air fryer and a traditional oven.

Air fryer ovens are designed to look and function like a traditional oven, but with added air frying capabilities.

You may also find air fryer toaster ovens with toasting capabilities.

The design of an oven-type air fryer includes a large cooking chamber with multiple shelves, a heating element, and a display control panel.

The size of an air fryer oven is larger than a basket-type air fryer.

They have a capacity of 6 to 16 quarts.

This size is perfect for families or individuals who want to cook larger meals, or multiple items at once.

Advantages of Air Fryer Ovens

• Larger cooking capacity
• More accessories such as trays and racks are provided
• Multiple cooking functions
• More even cooking

Disadvantages of Air Fryer Ovens

• Expensive compared to basket-type air fryers
• Takes up more counter space

Air Fry Basket vs. Air Fry Oven: The Differences

The main differences between the two types of air fryers are as follows:

1. Size and Capacity

One of the most significant differences between air fry ovens and air fry baskets is size and capacity.

Air fry ovens are larger and can hold more food than air fry baskets.

This makes them an excellent option for families or those who like to cook large meals.

Air fry baskets, on the other hand, are smaller and better suited for individuals or small families.

2. Design

Basket-style air fryers have a removable basket that you place your food in while oven-style air fryers have trays.

Basket-type air fryers can have multiple baskets for example the Ninja DZ201 Foodi 2-Basket Air Fryer.

Air fryer ovens only have one chamber where food cooks.  

3. Cooking Flexibility

Air fry ovens offer more cooking flexibility than air fry baskets.

Some basket-type air fryers such as the Dash Deluxe Air Fryer have limited cooking functions, only offering air frying.

Air fry ovens feature additional cooking space, more accessories, and functions to experiment with.

4. Ease of Use

Both air fry ovens and air fry baskets are relatively easy to use.

However, air fry ovens may require a bit more setup and maintenance than air fry baskets.

For example, air fry ovens often come with multiple racks and trays that need to be positioned correctly for optimal cooking.

They also require more space on your countertop or in your kitchen.

Air fry baskets, on the other hand, are small and easy to use and store. This makes them more convenient for those with limited counter space.

5. Cleaning

Air fry baskets are easier to clean than air fry ovens.

They have fewer sections to clean.  The removable basket, crisper plate, and racks can be easily washed in the sink or dishwasher.

Air fry ovens, on the other hand, can be more challenging to clean due to their size and multiple trays.

6. Cost

Basket-style air fryers are more affordable than air fryer ovens.

You can find a small-size air fryer that costs under $50.

Basket-type air fryers are cheaper because they are smaller and have a simple design.

Air fryer ovens cost anywhere between $100 and $300. These models are larger and have a more complex design and functionality.

They have multiple accessories that make cooking versatile. Also, check out cheap vs expensive air fryers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which one should I choose, an air fry basket or an air fry oven?

A: It depends on your cooking needs. If you frequently cook small portions of food, an air fry basket may be more practical.

However, if you cook for a larger family or like to cook a variety of foods at once, an air fry oven may be a better choice.

Q: What types of food can I cook in an air fryer?

A: You can cook a wide range of foods in an air fryer, including vegetables, meats, seafood, and desserts.

Q: How do I know if my food is cooked properly in an air fryer?

A: You know food is cooked properly by checking the temperature, color, and texture. A meat thermometer comes in handy to check the internal temperature of food.

Q: Can I cook multiple items at once in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook multiple items at once in an air fryer. However, make sure to not overcrowd the air fryer basket as it can prevent proper air circulation.

Also, keep in mind that different foods may require different cooking times and temperatures, so you may need to adjust these parameters.