Air frying and convection cooking have both revolutionized the way we prepare meals, so it comes as no surprise that ZLINE Kitchen and Bath included both modes on their newest electric wall ovens. With both modes available, you may be wondering when you should use air fry and when you should use convection.
Both cooking methods provide faster cooking times and healthier alternatives to traditional frying or baking. However, subtle differences in the way hot air is circulated exist between the two modes, and understanding when to use each technique will bring your recipes to another level.
This blog answers the question: “What’s the difference between air frying and convection cooking?” Knowing this difference will help you make the best choice for your next dish.
Understanding Air Frying
What is Air Frying?
Air frying is a cooking method that uses hot air circulation to cook food quickly, giving it a crispy texture similar to deep frying but without the excessive use of oil. By using a fan to circulate heat, air frying cooks food evenly on all sides, mimicking the results of traditional frying methods in a healthier way.
Benefits of Air Frying
Healthier Cooking with Less Oil: Air frying requires just a small amount of oil, making your meals lower in fat while achieving that coveted crunchy exterior.
Faster Cooking Times: Foods like French fries or chicken wings cook much faster than traditional ovens.
Crispy Texture: The rapid hot air circulation creates a golden, crispy texture, similar to what you’d get from a deep fryer.
Best Uses for Air Frying
Ideal for foods that benefit from a crispy texture, such as:
- Fries: Achieve golden, crunchy French fries without deep frying.
- Chicken Wings: Get crispy, juicy wings without all the extra oil.
- Vegetables: Brings out the best in veggies like zucchini, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes.
Tips for the Best Results:
- Preheat for even cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation.
- Lightly coat food with oil to enhance crispiness.
Understanding Convection Cooking
What is Convection Cooking?
Convection cooking uses a fan to circulate hot air within an oven, allowing food to cook more evenly and efficiently than in traditional ovens. This method speeds up cooking times and ensures an even heat distribution, making it perfect for baking and roasting.
Benefits of Convection Cooking
Even Cooking and Browning: The circulating air ensures that your food is browned evenly, whether you’re roasting a chicken or baking a batch of cookies.
Faster Cooking Times: Convection ovens typically cook food faster than conventional ovens, making them ideal for busy weeknight meals.
Versatility: From savory roasts to sweet pastries, convection cooking is highly versatile and suitable for a wide range of dishes.
Best Uses for Convection Cooking
Convection shines in cooking dishes that benefit from even heat distribution:
- Roasts: Whether it’s a juicy chicken or tender beef, convection helps achieve the perfect roast.
- Baked Goods: Cookies, pies, and cakes bake more evenly, resulting in a beautiful, golden crust.
- Casseroles: Cooking multiple layers evenly is a breeze in a convection oven.
Tips for the Best Convection Results:
- Lower the temperature and check your food often when using convection settings to prevent overcooking.
- Avoid covering food with foil, as it can block the airflow and hinder even cooking.
When to Use Air Fry vs. Convection
Both air frying and convection can deliver similar results on many dishes, but for true perfection, you’ll want to consider the mode carefully. When choosing between the two modes, consider the type of food, the desired texture, and the cooking time:
- Type of Food: Air frying is best for small, crispy foods, while convection excels with larger dishes or baked goods.
- Desired Texture: Air frying offers a crispier result, while convection is better for even cooking and browning.
- Cooking Time and Convenience: Both methods speed up cooking times, but air fryers are great for quick snacks, while convection ovens are ideal for multi-rack cooking and roasting.
- Air Fry: Perfect for quick snacks, reheating leftovers, and achieving that irresistible crunch.
- Convection: Best for baking, roasting, or cooking multiple dishes simultaneously.
Air Fry vs. Convection: Which is Better?
Both air frying and convection cooking bring their own unique benefits to the kitchen. Mastering both methods will unlock a variety of possibilities. With ZLINE’s all-new built-in electric wall ovens with convection and air fry, you won’t need to decide between two appliances!
Recipes to Try
Air Fry Recipes
Crispy Chicken Wings
Ingredients: Chicken wings, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika.
Instructions: Toss wings in oil and spices. Air fry at 400°F for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
French Fries
Ingredients: Potatoes, olive oil, salt.
Instructions: Cut potatoes into fries, toss with oil and salt, and air fry at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
Vegetables
Ingredients: Your choice of vegetables (e.g., Brussels sprouts, zucchini), olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Instructions: Toss veggies in oil and seasoning, air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
Convection Recipes
Convection Oven Roasted Chicken
Ingredients: Whole chicken, olive oil, herbs, salt, pepper.
Instructions: Rub chicken with oil and seasonings. Roast in a convection oven at 375°F for 60-75 minutes.
Convection Baked Cookies
Ingredients: Your favorite cookie dough.
Instructions: Drop spoonfuls of dough on a baking sheet. Bake in a convection oven at 325°F for 10-12 minutes.
Convection Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients: Mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, potatoes, bell peppers), olive oil, herbs.
Instructions: Toss veggies in oil and seasonings. Roast at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
