Using convection oven as air fryer has become a popular kitchen hack. Whether you don’t have an air fryer or just want to make full use of your existing oven, this guide will walk you through every step to get that perfect, crispy texture you crave.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Basics
A convection oven and an air fryer may seem like different appliances, but they operate on similar principles: they both cook food by circulating hot air around it. The main differences are the size and speed of air circulation. Air fryers are smaller and circulate air more rapidly, but you can achieve very similar results by adjusting a few settings on your convection oven.
Using Convection Oven as Air Fryer
Follow the steps below to use your convection oven as an air fryer…
Step 1: Setting the Right Temperature
The temperature at which you cook your food plays a pivotal role in achieving that air-fried crispiness. To properly set your convection oven for this purpose, follow these steps:
Start by preheating your convection oven to a temperature that’s 25°F lower than the recommended temperature for an air fryer. For example, if the air fryer recipe suggests 375°F, set your convection oven to 350°F.
Wait for the oven to reach the desired temperature. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Most ovens will beep or display a signal to indicate that they’re ready.
Read more articles on convection oven cooking here – Convection Oven: Your Ultimate Guide
Step 2: Preparing the Food
The preparation of the food you intend to “air fry” is crucial for success. Here’s how to go about it:
Firstly, coat your food lightly but evenly with cooking spray or brush it with a thin layer of oil. This helps to crisp up the food and mimics the effects of deep-frying without the excess grease. Season your food as desired with salt, herbs, spices, or any other flavorings you prefer.
Place your seasoned food items on an oven-safe tray or dish. Make sure they’re arranged in a single layer and that the pieces do not overlap. Overlapping can cause the food to steam rather than crisp.
Step 3: Optimizing Air Circulation
For optimal results when using a convection oven as an air fryer, proper air circulation is a must. Ensure that:
You place the oven rack in the middle or lower position. This allows the hot air to circulate more evenly around the food. Use a shallow oven-safe tray or, better yet, a wire rack that fits into your oven tray. This allows hot air to circulate around the food more freely, leading to more even cooking and crispiness.
Step 4: Monitoring and Final Steps
As the food cooks, vigilance is your best friend. Here’s how to ensure optimal results:
About halfway through the recommended cooking time, open the oven and carefully turn or flip your food items for even crisping and browning. When the timer goes off, take a piece and check for the desired level of crispiness. If it’s not quite there, extend the cooking time in increments of 2-5 minutes and continue monitoring.
Using Convection Oven as Air Fryer: Conclusion
Using your convection oven as an air fryer is not only possible but also incredibly practical. With some simple adjustments to temperature, food preparation, and cooking time, you can enjoy crispy, delicious meals without the need for a standalone air fryer. So go ahead, give it a try and make the most out of your kitchen appliances.