Can an Air Fryer Replace a Toaster Oven Find Out Here

An air fryer can replace a toaster oven for most everyday tasks—like toasting, baking, and reheating—thanks to its faster, more even convection cooking. While it excels at crisping and air frying, its smaller capacity and lack of a dedicated toast setting may limit large batches or precise browning. For versatility and speed, an air fryer is a worthy, space-saving alternative—but dedicated bakers or toast lovers might still want both.

Key Takeaways

• Air fryers excel at crispy foods but lack the toaster oven’s versatility for baking and broiling.
• Toaster ovens handle larger meals with racks and trays, ideal for casseroles and sheet-pan dishes.
• Air fryers preheat faster and cook quicker, saving time for small-batch cooking.
• Toaster ovens offer more space for toasting multiple slices or reheating large leftovers.
• Air fryers are compact and efficient for small kitchens, but may require batch cooking.
• Choose based on your needs: speed and crunch vs. capacity and multi-functionality.
• Both save counter space compared to full ovens, but toaster ovens mimic conventional oven tasks better.

Why the Air Fryer vs. Toaster Oven Debate Matters

Imagine this: It’s a busy weekday morning. You’re juggling breakfast, packing lunches, and trying not to burn the toast. You reach for your toaster oven, but then you pause. That shiny air fryer sitting next to it has been calling your name for weeks. You’ve seen the TikToks, the YouTube videos, and the rave reviews. “Could this replace my toaster oven?” you wonder. “Would I even need both?”

You’re not alone. The air fryer vs. toaster oven debate has taken over kitchens worldwide. Both promise quick, healthy cooking with less oil and more convenience. But can one truly replace the other? As someone who’s tested both appliances in real-life scenarios—from reheating pizza to roasting a whole chicken—I’ve learned that the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on your lifestyle, cooking habits, and space constraints. In this post, I’ll walk you through the pros, cons, and surprising overlaps between air fryers and toaster ovens. By the end, you’ll know whether an air fryer can replace a toaster oven—or if you’re better off keeping both.

How Air Fryers and Toaster Ovens Work (And Why It Matters)

Before we dive into comparisons, let’s break down how each appliance works. Understanding their mechanics helps explain why they perform differently for certain tasks.

Air Fryers: The Science of Crispy Magic

An air fryer uses rapid air circulation to cook food. A powerful fan sits at the top, forcing superheated air (typically 350°F to 400°F) down through the cooking basket. This creates a convection effect that crisps food from all sides—similar to a mini convection oven, but with a much more intense airflow.

• Key feature: Focused, high-speed air flow for maximum crispiness.
• Best for: Foods that benefit from even browning and texture—fries, chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and frozen snacks.
• Example: When I air-fried sweet potato fries, they came out crispy on the outside and tender inside in just 12 minutes—no flipping needed.

The small cooking basket means air fryers heat up faster (often in 2–3 minutes) and use less energy overall. But it also limits batch size.

Toaster Ovens: The Swiss Army Knife of Countertops

Toaster ovens are essentially compact electric ovens with heating elements on the top and bottom. They offer multiple cooking modes: toast, bake, broil, and sometimes convection. Unlike air fryers, they don’t force air with a fan (unless they’re convection models).

• Key feature: Larger capacity and versatility in cooking methods.
• Best for: Baking casseroles, roasting vegetables, reheating leftovers, toasting bread, and even baking cookies.
• Example: I once baked a 9-inch lasagna in my toaster oven during a power outage (when the main oven was unusable). It took longer than a full oven, but it worked perfectly.

Toaster ovens take longer to preheat (5–10 minutes) but can handle larger dishes and multiple racks. Many also include accessories like baking trays and broiler pans.

The Core Difference: Air Flow vs. Ambient Heat

The real game-changer is airflow. Air fryers force hot air around food, creating a crisp exterior without oil. Toaster ovens rely on ambient heat, which cooks more slowly and evenly but doesn’t deliver the same crunch.

Think of it like this: An air fryer is like a wind tunnel for food. A toaster oven is more like a quiet, cozy room where heat gently surrounds everything.

Cooking Performance: What Each Appliance Does Best

Now let’s get practical. How do air fryers and toaster ovens stack up in real cooking tasks? I tested both with common kitchen jobs—and the results were eye-opening.

Toasting Bread and Bagels

Toaster Oven: Hands-down winner. Most toaster ovens have dedicated “toast” settings with browning controls. You can toast thick sourdough, English muffins, or even a whole bagel without overcrowding.

• My 4-slice toaster oven toasted four bagel halves evenly in 3 minutes.
• Bonus: It doesn’t dry out the inside like a traditional pop-up toaster.

Air Fryer: Possible, but awkward. You have to lay slices flat in the basket, which limits how many you can do at once. The intense air flow can dry out bread or burn edges if you’re not careful.

• Tip: Use the “bake” or “air fry” setting at 300°F for 3–4 minutes for a lighter toast.
• Downside: Not ideal for thick or dense breads.

Reheating Leftovers

Air Fryer: Excellent for crispy leftovers. Pizza, fries, chicken tenders, and even fried rice reheat beautifully with restored crunch.

• My leftover pepperoni pizza came out crisp on the bottom and melty on top in 5 minutes at 375°F.
• No soggy microwave texture—just restaurant-quality results.

Toaster Oven: Great for larger portions or delicate foods like casseroles, lasagna, or stuffed shells. The slower, gentler heat prevents drying.

• Reheating a 9×9-inch casserole? The toaster oven is your friend.
• Convection models can mimic air fryer crispiness for smaller items.

Baking and Roasting

Air Fryer: Limited but capable. You can bake muffins, brownies, or small cakes in silicone molds, but the basket size restricts volume. Roasting whole vegetables or chicken pieces works well—especially with a rack.

• I roasted 1.5 pounds of Brussels sprouts in 18 minutes with great caramelization.
• Tip: Shake the basket halfway for even browning.

Toaster Oven: The clear winner here. It can handle full-size baking sheets, casserole dishes, and even small turkeys. The larger cavity allows for even heat distribution and multiple racks.

• Baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies? No problem. The toaster oven gave them golden edges and chewy centers.
• Roasting a 4-pound chicken? Possible—but you’ll need a rotisserie or frequent basting.

Frozen Foods and Snacks

Air Fryer: Unbeatable. Frozen fries, mozzarella sticks, chicken nuggets, and spring rolls cook faster and crispier than in a toaster oven.

• Frozen tater tots: 12 minutes at 400°F = golden, crunchy perfection.
• No preheating needed—just pop them in.

Toaster Oven: Works, but takes longer and often requires flipping. The lack of forced air means edges may cook faster than the center.

• Same tater tots: 18–20 minutes, and I had to flip them once.
• Good for larger frozen meals (like mini pizzas), but not as efficient.

Space, Cost, and Convenience: The Practical Trade-Offs

Let’s talk real life. Even if an air fryer can do most of what a toaster oven does, should you ditch one for the other? Here’s where practicality comes in.

Counter Space and Size

Air fryers are generally smaller and more compact, making them ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or RVs. Most models are 10–12 inches wide and fit easily under cabinets.

• My 5.8-quart air fryer (Ninja) takes up half the space of my toaster oven.
• Perfect if you’re short on counter real estate.

Toaster ovens are bulkier but offer more interior space. A typical 6-slice toaster oven is about 18 inches wide and 14 inches deep.

• Great if you cook for families or entertain often.
• Downside: Hard to store if you have limited space.

Cost Comparison

Air fryers range from $50 to $200. Basic models are affordable, but premium ones (with smart features, dual baskets, or rotisserie) can be pricey.

• My go-to: A $90 Cosori air fryer—great value for performance.

Toaster ovens start around $60 and go up to $250+ for high-end convection models.

• My $150 Breville toaster oven has convection, bake, broil, and toast modes—worth it for the versatility.

Tip: Some “air fryer toaster ovens” (like the Ninja Foodi or Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven) combine both functions. They cost $150–$300 but save space and offer the best of both worlds.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

Air Fryer: Simple controls—usually just time and temperature dials or digital presets. The basket is dishwasher-safe (in most models), making cleanup fast.

• Wipe the exterior, toss the basket in the dishwasher, and you’re done in 5 minutes.

Toaster Oven: More settings, which can be confusing for beginners. Crumbs and grease tend to accumulate on the bottom tray and heating elements.

• I clean mine every 2 weeks—wiping the crumb tray, interior, and glass door.
• Tip: Line the bottom with foil or a silicone mat to catch spills.

Energy Efficiency

Air fryers win here. They heat up faster and cook food more quickly, using less electricity overall.

• My energy monitor showed a 30% lower power draw for air frying vs. toaster oven baking.
• Bonus: Less heat in the kitchen—great for summer months.

Who Should Choose Which? Matching Appliances to Your Lifestyle

Not everyone needs both. Your choice depends on your cooking habits, household size, and priorities.

Choose an Air Fryer If You:

• Love crispy, fried-like foods with less oil.
• Have limited counter space.
• Live alone or cook for 1–2 people.
• Want fast, energy-efficient cooking for snacks and leftovers.
• Don’t bake often or need large oven capacity.

Real-life fit: I recommended an air fryer to my sister, who’s single and loves frozen meals. She uses it daily for fries, chicken wings, and reheating takeout—and her energy bill dropped slightly.

Choose a Toaster Oven If You:

• Bake, roast, or reheat large dishes regularly.
• Need to toast multiple slices at once.
• Cook for families or entertain guests.
• Want one appliance that can replace your full oven for most tasks.
• Prefer gentler, more even cooking for delicate foods.

Real-life fit: My neighbor, a mom of three, swears by her toaster oven. She uses it for breakfast toast, after-school snacks, and weeknight casseroles—saving her full oven for holidays.

Can You Use Both? Yes—And Here’s Why

Many people keep both—and for good reason. The air fryer handles quick, crispy tasks, while the toaster oven takes care of baking and large batches.

• Morning: Toast bagels in the toaster oven, air fry frozen breakfast sausages.
• Evening: Reheat pizza in the air fryer, bake a casserole in the toaster oven.

Pro tip: If you’re short on space, consider a 2-in-1 appliance like the Ninja Foodi DualZone or the Cuisinart TOA-60. These combine air frying and toaster oven functions in one unit.

Data Table: Air Fryer vs. Toaster Oven at a Glance

Feature	Air Fryer	Toaster Oven
Cooking Method	Forced convection (rapid air circulation)	Convection or radiant heat (top/bottom elements)
Best For	Frozen snacks, crispy foods, reheating leftovers	Baking, roasting, toasting, large dishes
Cooking Time	Fast (5–15 mins for most tasks)	Slower (10–30 mins, depending on dish)
Capacity	Small (2–6 quarts)	Large (6–12 slices, fits baking sheets)
Preheat Time	2–3 minutes	5–10 minutes
Energy Use	Low (shorter cook times)	Moderate to high
Space Required	Compact (10–12″ wide)	Larger (15–18″ wide)
Cleanup	Easy (dishwasher-safe basket)	Moderate (crumb tray, interior wipe-down)
Price Range	$50–$200	$60–$250+

Final Verdict: Can an Air Fryer Replace a Toaster Oven?

So—can an air fryer replace a toaster oven? The short answer: It depends on what you cook and how you cook it.

If your kitchen routine revolves around crispy snacks, quick reheats, and small-batch cooking, an air fryer can absolutely take over most toaster oven duties. It’s faster, more energy-efficient, and delivers unbeatable texture for fried favorites—without the oil. I’ve used mine for everything from “baked” potatoes to chicken wings, and the results are consistently impressive.

But if you bake casseroles, toast multiple slices, roast whole chickens, or need space for large dishes, a toaster oven is still essential. The air fryer’s small basket and focused airflow simply can’t match the toaster oven’s versatility and capacity. I’ve tried baking a batch of cookies in my air fryer—and while they turned out okay, they were cramped, uneven, and required constant monitoring.

The best solution? Assess your needs. Are you a solo cook who loves frozen meals? Go air fryer. Are you a family cook who bakes, roasts, and toasts daily? Keep the toaster oven—or consider a hybrid model. And if you’re lucky enough to have space, keeping both might be the ultimate kitchen hack. Use the air fryer for speed and crunch, the toaster oven for volume and variety.

At the end of the day, these appliances aren’t enemies—they’re allies. They each have strengths, and when used wisely, they can make your life easier, healthier, and tastier. So don’t stress about choosing just one. Instead, ask: What do I cook most? How much space do I have? And what makes my kitchen feel like home? The answer will guide you to the right choice—or the perfect pair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an air fryer replace a toaster oven for everyday use?

Yes, an air fryer can replace a toaster oven for most tasks like toasting, baking, and reheating, thanks to its rapid hot air circulation. However, its smaller capacity may limit batch cooking compared to larger toaster ovens.

What are the key differences between an air fryer and a toaster oven?

Air fryers use concentrated, high-speed air for faster crisping, while toaster ovens rely on radiant heat with more consistent temperature control. Toaster ovens often offer more space and versatile rack positions for diverse cooking needs.

Can an air fryer handle toast and bagels as well as a toaster oven?

Most air fryers can toast bread and bagels effectively, but the process may take slightly longer than a dedicated toaster oven. Some models include specific toast settings to optimize browning and texture.

Is an air fryer more energy-efficient than a toaster oven?

Generally, yes—air fryers preheat faster and use less energy due to their compact size and efficient convection technology. This makes them a cost-effective option for quick meals and snacks.

Which cooks faster: an air fryer or a toaster oven?

An air fryer typically cooks 20–30% faster than a toaster oven because of its powerful, targeted airflow. This speed advantage is ideal for crispy foods like fries or chicken wings.

Can an air fryer replace a toaster oven for baking and roasting?

For small batches (like cookies, muffins, or roasted veggies), yes—an air fryer can mimic a toaster oven’s baking results. Larger items (whole chickens, casseroles) may still require a toaster oven’s spacious interior.