Can You Use Convection Oven as Air Fryer Here Is the Answer

Yes, you can use a convection oven as an air fryer—both rely on circulating hot air for faster, crispier cooking. With minor adjustments like lowering the temperature by 25°F and reducing cook time, your convection oven can mimic air frying effectively, though dedicated air fryers offer more even results in smaller batches.

Key Takeaways

• Yes, you can: Convection ovens mimic air frying with faster, crispier results.
• Adjust temperature: Lower heat by 25°F to match air fryer cooking.
• Use shallow trays: Maximize airflow for even, crispy browning.
• Preheat first: Ensures consistent cooking like an air fryer.
• Batch carefully: Avoid overcrowding to prevent soggy food.
• Oil lightly: Enhances crispiness without excess fat.
• Check often: Convection cooks faster—monitor to avoid burning.

The Great Kitchen Showdown: Can You Use Convection Oven as Air Fryer?

Picture this: You’re standing in your kitchen, staring at your convection oven, wondering if it can do double duty as an air fryer. After all, both appliances promise crispy, golden results without the guilt of deep frying. But can you truly use a convection oven as an air fryer? The short answer is yes—but with a few caveats. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how these two kitchen workhorses compare, and whether your convection oven can step up to the air frying challenge.

I remember the first time I tried to air fry chicken wings in my convection oven. I was skeptical, but also eager to avoid spending another $100 on a countertop gadget. The results? Not quite the same as my friend’s dedicated air fryer, but still pretty darn good. That experience sparked my curiosity, and after countless experiments, I’ve learned the tricks to make convection ovens mimic air fryers effectively. Whether you’re short on counter space or just don’t want to add another appliance to your kitchen, this guide will help you decide if your convection oven is up to the task.

How Convection Ovens and Air Fryers Work: The Science Behind the Crisp

The Basics of Convection Cooking

Convection ovens have been around for decades, and their core technology is simple: a fan circulates hot air around the food. This constant airflow ensures even cooking and reduces hot spots, which is why convection ovens often cook faster than conventional ovens. The fan also helps moisture escape, leading to crispier exteriors—a key factor in achieving that “fried” texture without oil.

Think of it like a wind tunnel for your food. For example, when roasting potatoes, the circulating air ensures they brown evenly on all sides. But here’s the catch: convection ovens typically have a larger cavity, so the air isn’t as intensely focused as it is in an air fryer.

How Air Fryers Take Crispiness to the Next Level

Air fryers are essentially mini convection ovens with a few tweaks. They use rapid air technology—a high-speed fan that pushes hot air (up to 400°F) in a tight, circular motion. This creates a super-concentrated airflow that mimics deep frying by searing the outside of food while keeping the inside juicy. The smaller cooking chamber and elevated basket design also allow excess fat to drip away, enhancing crispiness.

For instance, air-fried mozzarella sticks come out with a shatteringly crisp coating, while convection oven versions might be slightly softer due to less aggressive airflow. But don’t write off your convection oven just yet—there are ways to bridge the gap.

Key Similarities and Differences

• Fan Power: Air fryers have more powerful, targeted fans. Convection ovens have slower, broader airflow.
• Cooking Space: Air fryers are compact (2–6 quarts). Convection ovens are larger (1–5 cubic feet).
• Temperature Range: Both typically go up to 400°F, but air fryers heat up faster.
• Design: Air fryers use perforated baskets to maximize airflow. Convection ovens use flat racks or trays.

The takeaway? While convection ovens can’t fully replicate an air fryer’s precision, they can get close with the right techniques.

Can You Use a Convection Oven as an Air Fryer? The Verdict

Yes, But Adjust Your Expectations

You absolutely can use a convection oven as an air fryer—but it’s not a 1:1 swap. The biggest challenge is the airflow. Air fryers blast food with concentrated heat, while convection ovens distribute it more broadly. This means convection-cooked foods might lack the ultra-crispy texture of air-fried items, especially for delicate foods like fish or thin-cut fries.

For example, I once tried to air fry salmon in my convection oven. The result was perfectly cooked, but the skin wasn’t as shatteringly crisp as when I’ve used my friend’s air fryer. The trade-off? I could fit a whole salmon fillet (or multiple pieces) instead of just one or two.

Best Foods for Convection Oven “Air Frying”

Not all foods are created equal for convection oven air frying. Here’s what works well:

• Roasted Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, carrots, and sweet potatoes become caramelized and crisp.
• Meats: Chicken wings, sausages, and pork chops develop a nice sear.
• Baked Goods: Cookies and small pastries benefit from even browning.
• Frozen Foods: Store-bought nuggets or fries crisp up nicely.

Foods that don’t work as well:

• Thin, delicate items (e.g., fish fillets, tempura shrimp).
• Foods requiring a basket design (e.g., breaded chicken cutlets).

When to Stick With a Dedicated Air Fryer

If you’re a die-hard fan of ultra-crispy textures or cook in small batches regularly, a dedicated air fryer might still be worth the investment. Air fryers excel at:

• Single-serving meals (e.g., one chicken breast, a handful of fries).
• Reheating leftovers without sogginess.
• Cooking foods with a light, airy texture (e.g., onion rings, zucchini chips).

But if you already have a convection oven, don’t rush to buy an air fryer—try these tips first.

Pro Tips to Make Your Convection Oven Perform Like an Air Fryer

Use the Right Cookware

The secret to air frying in a convection oven lies in your cookware. Here’s what works:

• Wire Racks: Elevate food to let air circulate underneath. A cooling rack set over a baking sheet works perfectly.
• Perforated Pans: These mimic an air fryer basket. Look for pizza crisper trays or specialty pans.
• Cast Iron Skillets: Retain heat for searing meats (e.g., steaks, burgers).

I keep a cheap cooling rack in my oven just for “air frying.” It’s a game-changer for chicken wings—no more soggy undersides!

Adjust Cooking Times and Temperatures

Convection ovens cook faster than conventional ovens, but slower than air fryers. Here’s how to adapt:

• Lower the Temperature: Air fryer recipes often start at 375–400°F. Reduce by 25°F for convection ovens (e.g., 350°F instead of 375°F).
• Increase Time Slightly: Add 2–5 minutes to air fryer cook times, but check early.
• Flip or Shake: Turn food halfway through for even browning (like you’d shake an air fryer basket).

Example: Air fryer chicken tenders take 12 minutes at 375°F. In a convection oven, cook at 350°F for 15–17 minutes, flipping once.

Maximize Airflow

Air fryers win on airflow, but you can improve convection oven performance:

• Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space between items. If needed, cook in batches.
• Use the Top Rack: Heat rises, so placing food higher ensures more direct airflow.
• Preheat: Always preheat your convection oven (10–15 minutes) to match an air fryer’s instant heat.

Oil and Seasoning Hacks

Air fryers use minimal oil (1–2 tsp), and so can your convection oven. Try these tricks:

• Spritz Instead of Drizzling: A spray bottle with oil ensures even coating without excess.
• Add Cornstarch or Breadcrumbs: A light dusting helps foods crisp up (e.g., toss chicken in cornstarch before oil).
• Season Generously: Salt, pepper, and spices adhere better to slightly oiled surfaces.

Pro tip: For crispy roasted potatoes, toss them in 1 tsp oil, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and your favorite herbs before baking.

Real-Life Examples: Convection Oven vs. Air Fryer Recipes

Chicken Wings: The Crisp Test

Air Fryer Method: 20 minutes at 400°F, no oil needed (if wings are fatty).

Convection Oven Method: 25 minutes at 375°F, wings on a wire rack. Flip halfway. Spritz with oil at 10 minutes for extra crispness.

Result: Air fryer wings are slightly crispier, but convection oven wings are juicier and can be cooked in larger batches.

French Fries: Store-Bought vs. Homemade

Air Fryer (Store-Bought): 15 minutes at 380°F, shake halfway.

Convection Oven (Store-Bought): 20 minutes at 350°F, flip halfway. Use a wire rack.

Homemade Fries (Convection Oven): Soak cut potatoes in water, pat dry, toss with 1 tsp oil, and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Flip once.

Result: Air fryer fries are crunchier, but homemade convection fries are more flavorful and customizable.

Vegetables: Roasting vs. Air Frying

Air Fryer (Broccoli): 10 minutes at 375°F, no oil.

Convection Oven (Broccoli): 15 minutes at 350°F, toss with 1 tsp oil and salt. Spread on a wire rack.

Result: Both methods yield crispy, charred edges. Convection oven broccoli is more tender in the center.

Data Table: Convection Oven vs. Air Fryer Performance

Food	Air Fryer Time/Temp	Convection Oven Time/Temp	Texture Difference	Best for Convection?
Chicken Wings	20 min / 400°F	25 min / 375°F	Air fryer: crispier skin	Yes (for larger batches)
Frozen Fries	15 min / 380°F	20 min / 350°F	Air fryer: crunchier	Yes (with wire rack)
Salmon	12 min / 400°F	15 min / 375°F	Air fryer: crispier skin	No (skin less crispy)
Roasted Vegetables	15 min / 375°F	20 min / 350°F	Similar	Yes
Chicken Nuggets	10 min / 375°F	12 min / 350°F	Air fryer: crispier coating	Yes (with oil spritz)

The Bottom Line: Should You Use Your Convection Oven as an Air Fryer?

So, can you use a convection oven as an air fryer? Yes—with a few adjustments. Your convection oven can handle most air frying tasks, especially if you:

• Use a wire rack or perforated pan.
• Lower the temperature by 25°F.
• Flip or shake food halfway.
• Spritz with oil for crispiness.

But remember: it’s not a perfect substitute. If you crave ultra-crispy textures, small-batch cooking, or reheating leftovers without sogginess, a dedicated air fryer might still be worth the investment. However, if you’re short on counter space, already own a convection oven, or cook for a crowd, your oven can absolutely step up to the plate.

At the end of the day, both appliances are tools—and the best tool is the one that fits your lifestyle. I’ve happily used my convection oven for “air frying” for years, and I’ve saved money, space, and countertop clutter. Give it a try, experiment with these tips, and you might just find yourself reaching for your oven more often than you thought. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use a convection oven as an air fryer?

Yes, you can use a convection oven as an air fryer since both appliances rely on circulating hot air to cook food. However, convection ovens typically have a larger capacity and less concentrated airflow, so cooking times may need slight adjustments.

What’s the difference between a convection oven and an air fryer?

A convection oven uses a fan to circulate air, while an air fryer is a smaller, more compact version with a powerful fan and tighter space for faster, crispier results. Air fryers often require less oil, making them ideal for achieving a fried texture.

How do I adjust cooking times when using a convection oven like an air fryer?

Reduce the temperature by 25°F (or 15°C) and check food 20-25% earlier than the recipe time, as convection ovens cook more evenly and efficiently. This prevents overcooking, especially for foods like fries or chicken wings.

Can you use convection oven as air fryer for frozen foods?

Absolutely! A convection oven works well for frozen foods like nuggets or fries, but you may need to add 2-5 minutes to the cooking time compared to a dedicated air fryer. Shake or flip items halfway for even crispness.

Do I need special cookware to use a convection oven as an air fryer?

Use a wire rack or perforated pan to elevate food and allow air circulation, mimicking an air fryer basket. Avoid covering food completely, as this reduces the crisping effect of the convection oven.

Is it worth buying an air fryer if I already have a convection oven?

If you frequently cook small batches or want faster results, an air fryer’s compact design and intense airflow offer better crispiness. For larger meals or versatility, a convection oven may suffice with minor adjustments.