Can an Air Fryer Be Used as a Toaster Oven Discover the Truth

Yes, an air fryer can often be used as a toaster oven—many models offer similar convection heating and versatile cooking functions like toasting, baking, and reheating. With the right accessories and settings, it can toast bread, melt cheese, and even handle small casseroles, making it a powerful multi-cooker alternative to a traditional toaster oven.

Key Takeaways

• Air fryers can replace toaster ovens for most small-batch cooking tasks.
• Adjust cooking times and temps—air fryers cook faster than toaster ovens.
• Not ideal for large trays—air fryers have smaller capacity than toaster ovens.
• Use toast mode if available for evenly toasted bread, bagels, or waffles.
• Preheat for best results—improves crispness and reduces cooking time.
• Clean regularly to maintain performance—residue affects taste and efficiency.

Can an Air Fryer Be Used as a Toaster Oven? Discover the Truth

Let’s face it—kitchen counter space is precious. Between the coffee maker, blender, and that fancy new gadget you just had to try, it’s easy to feel like you’re living in a culinary Tetris game. So when you hear about the air fryer, it’s natural to wonder: *Can it do everything a toaster oven can?* Maybe even more? You’re not alone. I’ve stood in my own kitchen, staring at my toaster oven and my air fryer side by side, wondering if I could ditch one and simplify my life.

That’s exactly why I’ve spent months testing, comparing, and even slightly burning a few slices of bread (oops!) to answer the big question: Can an air fryer be used as a toaster oven? The short answer? Yes, but with a few caveats. In this guide, we’ll explore the similarities, differences, and practical tips to help you decide whether your air fryer can truly replace your toaster oven—or if both still have a place in your kitchen.

How Air Fryers and Toaster Ovens Work (The Science Made Simple)

Before we dive into whether one can replace the other, let’s break down how each appliance actually works. Think of this as your “Kitchen Appliances 101” crash course.

The Toaster Oven: A Mini Oven with a Toast Button

A toaster oven is essentially a small convection oven. It uses heating elements (usually at the top and bottom) to warm the air inside, which then cooks your food. Most models have multiple settings:

• Bake – heats evenly for casseroles, cookies, or roasted veggies
• Broil – uses top heat for browning or melting cheese
• Toast – a timed setting that browns bread evenly
• Warm – keeps food at a safe temperature without cooking further

The key here is consistent, ambient heat. It’s like a tiny version of your big oven, which makes it great for a wide range of cooking tasks.

The Air Fryer: Crispy Food with a Lot of Air

An air fryer, on the other hand, is a high-powered convection device. It uses a heating element *plus* a powerful fan to circulate hot air rapidly around food. This rapid circulation creates a crispy, “fried” texture with little to no oil.

• It’s not actually frying—it’s supercharged convection baking.
• The fan speed and heat intensity mimic deep-frying results.
• Most models have presets like “fries,” “chicken,” “bake,” and “reheat.”

So while both use heat and air, the air fryer’s fan is the star of the show. It’s designed for speed and crispiness, not necessarily even, slow cooking.

Key Difference: Airflow vs. Ambience

Here’s the real takeaway: a toaster oven relies on ambient heat, while an air fryer relies on high-velocity airflow. This affects everything from cooking time to texture. For example, a toaster oven will gently brown a piece of toast, while an air fryer might crisp the edges too much unless you’re careful.

Think of it like this: a toaster oven is a steady hand, while an air fryer is a sprinter. Both can get the job done, but they do it differently.

Can You Actually Toast Bread in an Air Fryer?

Now, the million-dollar question: can you toast bread in an air fryer? I tested this myself with three types of bread—white, whole wheat, and sourdough—and here’s what happened.

Yes, But It’s Not Always Perfect

You *can* toast bread in an air fryer. Just place a slice in the basket, set the temperature to 350°F (175°C), and let it go for 3–4 minutes. But here’s the catch: the airflow can cause uneven browning. The edges often crisp up faster than the center, especially if the slice is thick or dense.

• White bread: Toasted evenly in 3 minutes. Light golden brown—perfect for a quick breakfast.
• Whole wheat: Edges got a bit too dark at 3.5 minutes. Had to pull it at 3 minutes for a balanced toast.
• Sourdough: Took 4 minutes. The crust crisped beautifully, but the center was slightly underdone.

So yes, it works. But it’s not as foolproof as a dedicated toaster or toaster oven with a “toast” setting that uses infrared sensors to monitor browning.

Pro Tips for Better Air Fryer Toasting

If you’re determined to toast in your air fryer, here are a few tricks I learned:

• Use parchment paper – it helps reduce direct airflow and prevents sticking.
• Flip halfway – this evens out browning, especially for thicker breads.
• Lower the temp – try 325°F (160°C) for 4–5 minutes to avoid burning edges.
• Don’t overcrowd – one or two slices at a time work best. Airflow matters!

I also tried toasting bagels. The result? A crispy outside, but the inside was still a bit doughy. Not terrible, but not the perfect bagel you’d get from a toaster oven with a dedicated bagel setting.

When Air Fryer Toasting Falls Short

There are a few scenarios where air fryer toasting just doesn’t cut it:

• Multiple slices – most air fryer baskets only fit 2–3 slices. A toaster oven can do 4–6 at once.
• Frozen bread – it thaws unevenly. You’ll end up with soggy centers and burnt edges.
• Delicate breads – brioche, challah, or artisanal loaves can dry out too quickly.

So while it’s possible, it’s not always the best option—especially if you’re making toast for a crowd or want consistent results every time.

Cooking Beyond Toast: What Else Can an Air Fryer Do?

Now that we’ve covered toast, let’s talk about the bigger picture. Can your air fryer handle the other jobs your toaster oven does? Spoiler: it can, but with some trade-offs.

Baking: Cookies, Muffins, and More

You can bake in an air fryer! I made chocolate chip cookies using a small silicone mold. The result? Crispy edges and a soft center—just like a regular oven. But here’s the catch:

• Small batch only. Most air fryers max out at 6–8 cookies.
• No preheating in some models, which affects texture.
• You can’t monitor doneness through a window like in a toaster oven.

For muffins or small cakes, it works fine. But if you’re baking a casserole or a full-sized quiche, a toaster oven is still the better choice.

Reheating Leftovers (The Air Fryer’s Superpower)

This is where the air fryer shines. I reheated pizza, fried chicken, and even french fries—and the results were *incredible*. The high airflow restored crispiness without drying out the food.

• Pizza: 350°F for 3–4 minutes. Crust was crispy, cheese melted perfectly.
• Fried chicken: 375°F for 5 minutes. Skin was crunchy, meat stayed juicy.
• French fries: 400°F for 6 minutes. Crisp on the outside, fluffy inside.

Compare that to a microwave (soggy) or a toaster oven (takes longer, less crisp), and the air fryer wins every time.

Roasting and Broiling: Close, But Not Quite

You can roast vegetables or small cuts of meat in an air fryer. I made roasted broccoli and chicken wings—both came out great. But there are limits:

• No broil setting. You can’t melt cheese on a casserole or brown the top of a lasagna.
• Small capacity. A whole chicken? Not happening in most air fryers.
• No drip pan. Grease and juices collect in the basket, which can smoke or burn.

So while it’s great for small roasting jobs, it’s not a full replacement for a toaster oven’s broiling and roasting capabilities.

Defrosting and Warming: A Mixed Bag

Some air fryers have a “warm” or “defrost” setting. I tested it with frozen chicken tenders and a bowl of soup.

• Defrosting: Took longer than a microwave. Chicken was partially thawed but not evenly.
• Warming: Soup warmed up, but the top layer got hot while the bottom stayed cool.

For defrosting, stick with the microwave. For warming, a toaster oven with a “warm” setting is more reliable.

Air Fryer vs. Toaster Oven: Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s put it all together. Here’s how the two appliances stack up across key categories.

Size and Capacity

Toaster ovens typically have larger interiors. Most hold 6–12 slices of toast, a 9-inch pizza, or a small casserole dish. Air fryers, on the other hand, are smaller. A standard 5-quart model might fit 4–6 chicken wings or 2–3 slices of toast.

If you cook for a family or host guests, a toaster oven wins. If you’re solo or a couple, an air fryer might be enough.

Speed and Efficiency

Air fryers win here. They preheat faster (usually 2–3 minutes) and cook food more quickly due to intense airflow. A toaster oven can take 5–10 minutes to preheat and cooks slower overall.

For quick meals, the air fryer is the speed demon. For slow-cooked dishes, the toaster oven is more patient.

Energy Use

Air fryers are generally more energy-efficient. They use less electricity because they’re smaller and cook faster. A toaster oven, while still efficient for its size, uses more power over longer cooking times.

If you’re trying to cut energy bills, the air fryer has the edge.

Ease of Use and Cleanup

Both are easy to clean, but in different ways. Air fryer baskets are usually nonstick and dishwasher-safe. Toaster ovens have removable crumb trays and interior racks.

However, toaster ovens often have more intuitive controls (especially older models). Air fryers rely on digital presets, which can be confusing for beginners.

Versatility

This is where the toaster oven pulls ahead. It can handle:

• Baking (cakes, casseroles, pies)
• Broiling (melting cheese, browning tops)
• Toasting (with precise settings)
• Slow cooking (with a timer and low heat)

An air fryer is great for crispy foods, reheating, and small roasting jobs—but it lacks the full range of functions.

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

Feature	Air Fryer	Toaster Oven
Best For	Crispy foods, reheating, small batches	Baking, broiling, toasting, family meals
Capacity	2–6 quarts (small to medium)	12–20 quarts (large)
Cooking Speed	Fast (2–10 mins)	Moderate (5–30 mins)
Energy Use	Lower (1,400–1,800 watts)	Higher (1,200–1,800 watts)
Toasting	Possible, but uneven	Consistent, precise
Baking	Limited (small items)	Full range (pies, casseroles)
Broiling	No (no top heating element)	Yes (dedicated setting)
Cleanup	Basket is dishwasher-safe	Crumb tray, removable racks
Best Buy For	Singles, couples, snack lovers	Families, bakers, entertainers

Should You Replace Your Toaster Oven with an Air Fryer?

So, after all this testing and comparing, what’s the verdict? Can an air fryer be used as a toaster oven? The answer is a qualified **yes**—but only if your cooking needs align with its strengths.

When to Go All-In on the Air Fryer

You might not need a toaster oven if:

• You mostly cook for 1–2 people.
• You love crispy foods (fries, wings, nuggets).
• You reheat leftovers often and hate soggy results.
• You have limited counter space and want one multi-use appliance.
• You’re okay with small-batch baking and no broiling.

In this case, your air fryer can handle most daily tasks. Just keep a microwave for defrosting and a regular oven for big meals.

When to Keep Both (or Choose a Toaster Oven)

Stick with a toaster oven (or keep both) if:

• You bake regularly (cookies, casseroles, lasagna).
• You toast multiple slices or use frozen bread.
• You need to broil (melt cheese, brown toppings).
• You cook for a family or host guests.
• You want precise, even toasting every time.

Some people even buy a toaster oven with air fryer function—the best of both worlds. These hybrid models have a convection fan *and* traditional heating elements, so you get crispiness and versatility.

A Smart Compromise: The Hybrid Model

If you’re torn, consider a combo appliance. I tested a few “air fryer toaster ovens,” and the results were impressive. One model had:

• Air fry basket
• Traditional oven rack
• Broil setting
• Toast with shade control

It took up the same space as a regular toaster oven but gave me all the benefits of an air fryer. It’s a bit more expensive, but worth it if you want one gadget to do it all.

Final Tip: Think About Your Routine

Ask yourself: *What do I cook most often?* If it’s toast and frozen snacks, an air fryer might suffice. If it’s casseroles, baked potatoes, or homemade pizza, a toaster oven is still king.

And remember: no appliance is perfect. The goal isn’t to replace everything—it’s to find tools that make your life easier, tastier, and more efficient.

So, can an air fryer be used as a toaster oven? Yes, in many cases. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you keep both, choose one, or go for a hybrid, the best choice is the one that fits your kitchen—and your cooking style. Happy toasting, crisping, and cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, many modern air fryers can function as a toaster oven, especially models with multiple cooking settings like bake, roast, and toast. However, larger items like a full-sized loaf of bread or a whole chicken may be better suited to a traditional toaster oven due to space limitations.

Is it safe to use aluminum foil in an air fryer like a toaster oven?

Yes, you can use aluminum foil in most air fryers just as you would in a toaster oven, but ensure it doesn’t block airflow or touch the heating elements. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid damage or fire risks.

Can an air fryer be used as a toaster oven for reheating leftovers?

Absolutely. Air fryers excel at reheating foods like pizza, fries, and casseroles, giving them a crispy texture similar to a toaster oven. Just adjust the time and temperature to avoid overcooking.

Do air fryers and toaster ovens cook food the same way?

Both use convection heating, but air fryers typically circulate hot air more intensely, resulting in crispier food in less time. Toaster ovens offer more space and versatility for baking or roasting larger dishes.

Can I toast bread in an air fryer instead of a toaster oven?

Yes, you can toast bread in an air fryer by using the “toast” setting or setting a low temperature (300°F) for 2–4 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as air fryers can toast faster than traditional ovens.

What’s the main difference when using an air fryer as a toaster oven?

The main difference is capacity and cooking speed—air fryers are compact and cook faster, while toaster ovens offer more space for larger dishes. Choose based on your needs: speed and crispiness (air fryer) or volume and versatility (toaster oven).