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Sorta OT - Convection Oven vs Air Fryer

Botch
Botch Posts: 16,287
in EggHead Forum
I have a Breville toaster oven with a convection/fan feature that I'm really happy with, though I don't cook things that spatter (bacon, chicken, etc) as its a b*tch to clean.
The guy at Pro Home Cooks did a video on his air fryer being ideal for certain foods, and it looked very convincing.  He was using (and sells) this model:
https://prohomecooks.com/products/lite-4-0-quart-smart-air-fryer
...and I was surprised at how little space it takes up, looks very easy to clean with the removable drawer/basket, and it's only $99.  
Does anyone here have/use both, and does the air fryer do a better/different job than a convection oven, or is it just easier to clean?  ie here's your chance to spend my money.   ;)  
___________

"When small men begin to cast big shadows, it means that the sun is about to set."

- Lin Yutang


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Comments

  • OhioEgger
    OhioEgger Posts: 947
    My Ninja air fryer (also $99) has been doing a fantastic job for me for the last few years. I love it, and it's very easy to clean. Just get one.
    Cincinnati, Ohio. Large BGE since 2011. Still learning.
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  • WeberWho
    WeberWho Posts: 11,289
    They're priceless if you have young kids. (Which I know doesn't help you any but for anyone with kids who might be on the fence about purchasing one.)

    It does come in handy for side dishes. 
    "The pig is an amazing animal. You feed a pig an apple and it makes bacon. Let's see Michael Phelps do that" - Jim Gaffigan

    Minnesota
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  • GrateEggspectations
    GrateEggspectations Posts: 10,131
    Fundamentally, is an air fryer not simply a small convection oven?

    Bought a Gourmia on sale from Costco in Florida in March. used the savings to buy Moët at said Costco. Have been happy with it (as well as the Moët), though we use it sparingly. Excellent for wings. Great for bacon, though for me, it’s quite hard to beat microwaved bacon when done correctly. Bought one locally for my parents. Looks great in their storage area. 
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  • Canugghead
    Canugghead Posts: 12,243
    Cut n paste below from an old post, FWIW the product sticker label says convection oven, I guess back in the day the marketing guys didn't think of 'air fryer'

    Fast forward five years...use it occasionally, mostly for chicken pieces and meatballs, it's fun watching meatballs transform, start to finish in under ten minutes 🤣

    Canugghead said:
    No experience with air fryer, but if I may digress... picked up an older model halogen oven from thrift store, missing rack and glass bowl bottom, it has never been used and price is right, about $5-$6 CAD!
    An old wok fits perfectly as bottom. Haven't played much with it yet, so far tried sweet potato fries, reheating fried food, it sure is a fun toy!  With the extension collar should have no problem roasting a big bird.



    turned sous vide turkey skin into crackling easily...


    canuckland
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  • GrateEggspectations
    GrateEggspectations Posts: 10,131
    @canugghead: Pic #1 looks like you about to hatch some baby chicks. Pic #2 looks delicious.
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  • Canugghead
    Canugghead Posts: 12,243
    GrateEggspectations said:
    @canugghead: Pic #1 looks like you about to hatch some baby chicks. Pic #2 looks delicious.
    Great idea, I'm sure @paqman can reprogram it to ...
    Stage 1 - hatch
    Stage 2 - roast, no feather to pluck 🤣

    Apology to OP for botching his thread.
    canuckland
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  • GrateEggspectations
    GrateEggspectations Posts: 10,131
    Canugghead said:
    GrateEggspectations said:
    @canugghead: Pic #1 looks like you about to hatch some baby chicks. Pic #2 looks delicious.
    Great idea, I'm sure @paqman can reprogram it to ...
    Stage 1 - hatch
    Stage 2 - roast, no feather to pluck 🤣

    Apology to OP for botching his thread.
    The like is for the pun. Don’t know about progeny, but it’s a certified dad joke regardless. 
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  • Botch
    Botch Posts: 16,287
    Thanks for the input, guys.
    After making this post I also checked EweTube, and found a few comparisons.  It did look like my current Breville can do mostly what an air fryer does, and the messy stuff, well, I've got a couple Eggs.  Have fought off the urge to buy a new toy.
    Until next week, at least.  
    ___________

    "When small men begin to cast big shadows, it means that the sun is about to set."

    - Lin Yutang


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  • fishlessman
    fishlessman Posts: 33,537
    Occasionally I deep fry. Don't see a need.   I don't fry enough to affect my health.  Cast iron, some oil
    fukahwee maine

    you can lead a fish to water but you can not make him drink it
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  • Canugghead
    Canugghead Posts: 12,243
    Fwiw I bought a Gourmia here at Costco for 50 loonies around the same time @GrateEggspectations got his. Thought better of it and ended up returning it untouched, could have used it for a year though, right?
    canuckland
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