Assorted vegetables on a sheet pan broiling in an open wall oven

GUIDE TO AIR FRYING IN A CONVECTION OVEN

Air frying can give a golden, crispy layer to a variety of foods, from roasted potatoes and cauliflower to tender fish fillets. However, owning a dedicated countertop air fryer isn't always necessary to achieve that crunch. This guide will help you understand how an air fryer compares to a convection oven, teach you how to use your convection oven for air frying, and offer recipe suggestions to kickstart your cooking.

Open, single wall oven with food cooking on the top and bottom racks Open, single wall oven with food cooking on the top and bottom racks

What Sets an Air Fryer Apart From a Convection Oven?

Both appliances use fans to spread heat and mimic the crispiness of deep frying without the oil. However, they're not quite the same. Air fryers are compact, making food cook quicker due to their small size. They're designed to perfect the "fried" effect with specific heat and airflow settings. On the other hand, convection ovens boast a larger capacity, allowing you to brown multiple servings simultaneously, ideal for cooking in bulk.

Person setting controls on a KitchenAid® countertop oven Person setting controls on a KitchenAid® countertop oven

How Does an Air Fryer Oven Operate?

Air fryer ovens utilize a convection fan to quickly move hot air around the food, evenly cooking it from all sides for a crispy and browned finish. Countertop air fryers like the KitchenAid® Digital Countertop Oven with Air Fry—and convection ovens equipped with an air fry setting excel at this task. However, you can also achieve similar crispy results by using an air fry basket along with the convection function of your oven.

Double wall oven with a whole turkey and dutch oven cooking inside the compartments

How to Use a Convection Oven for Air Frying

You can utilize a convection oven equipped with an air fry basket to enhance the crunchiness of roasted vegetables, meats, fish, and other dishes. Follow the steps outlined below to set up your oven, cookware, and food to experiment with air fry recipes using a convection oven.

SUPPLIES

  • Oil

  • Foil or parchment paper

TOOLS
  • Air fry basket
  • Baking sheet or pan
  • Oven mitts
  • Heat-resistant tongs

 

Person removing a baking dish from a wall oven slide-out rack

STEP 1: Get Your Oven Ready

Ensure your food cooks uniformly by placing the rack in the center of the oven. Adjust the rack before preheating if necessary. If you're looking to catch any crumbs or drips, line a tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place it below the cooking rack. Avoid placing anything on the oven floor to not block airflow, and then preheat your oven to the required temperature.

Person placing a dirty air fry basket in a loaded dishwasher

STEP 2: Choose Suitable Cookware

A perforated air fry basket is crucial for surrounding your dish in hot air, ensuring a crisp and evenly browned exterior for foods like vegetable fritters or chicken katsu. If an air fry basket isn't available, a dark or nonstick baking tray with low sides, or an oven-safe cooling rack to hold your food, can be effective alternatives.

Vegetable kabobs on a grilling pan slid out on a gliding oven rack

STEP 3: Prepare Your Food

Increase the surface area of foods such as vegetables by cutting them into cubes, spears, or medallions, allowing more of the food to interact with the circulating hot air. Lightly coating foods destined for air frying with oil can enhance browning.


For meats or fish, dry the surface thoroughly before lightly oiling it. Always choose breading over a wet batter for coating foods like fried chicken. Place your food in the air fry basket or on the pan with enough space around each piece to ensure hot air can circulate freely; crowding can cause uneven cooking and moisture buildup.

Person selecting settings on the digital display of an oven

STEP 4: Set Time and Temperature

The cooking duration and heat setting will vary depending on the recipe. Typically, air frying in a convection oven might take slightly longer than using a countertop air fryer. Consult your oven's manual for specific times and temperatures for air frying. If there's no guidance in your manual or you can't find it, stick to the recipe's suggested time and temperature, but keep an eye on your food to ensure it's cooked just right.

Person arranging food with tongs

STEP 5: Turn Your Food Over

A perforated air fry basket aims to ensure your food becomes crisp, but for an extra boost in even browning, consider turning or lightly shaking the food midway through cooking. Remember, flipping isn't necessary for all dishes, so only open the oven door to turn the food when absolutely needed for optimal results. Air fryers such as KitchenAid® countertop ovens, feature an Air Fry function that uses a No-Flip Air Fry Basket, so you can rely on crispy outcomes, preventing the nuisance of flipping ingredients.

KitchenAid® Smart Oven+ 30" Combination Oven with Powered Attachments and PrintShield™ Finish
30" Combination Wall Oven with Even-Heat™ True Convection (Lower Oven)
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Tarts in a pan inside a convection microwave

Recipes for a Convection Oven as an Air Fryer

While the crispiest outcomes are usually achieved with a specific air fryer or an oven featuring air fry capabilities, using a convection oven with an air fry basket can still enhance the crunchiness of your meals. Below are recipes tailored for using your convection oven to air fry vegetables, meats, and fish.

Baked chicken thighs in a dish

1. Chicken Thighs Air-Fried in a Convection Oven

A convection oven might not replicate the exact crispiness of an air fryer, but adjusting the recipe can yield significantly crunchier chicken thighs than traditional oven baking. Marinate, bread the chicken thighs, and lightly oil them before air frying in the basket for a satisfyingly crispy texture.

Herb garnished french fries on a plate with dip

2. French Fries Air-Fried in a Convection Oven

Although an air fryer speeds up the process and reduces oil use, you can still achieve deliciously crispy French fries in a convection oven. Cut russet or thinly Yukon gold potatoes, choose from oils like olive or canola, and air fry to perfection.

Person chopping carrots on cutting board

3. Air-Fried Vegetables

Air frying vegetables such as zucchini, cauliflower, or asparagus creates a yummy appetizer or side. Season and lightly oil your veggies, then air fry in a basket for a delightful dish.

Salmon on a plate with Brussels sprouts and orange wedges next to a KitchenAid® countertop oven

4. Air-Fried Salmon in a Convection Oven

Enjoy salmon that's crispy on the outside and tender within by air frying in a convection oven. Prepare the salmon, dry it, season, and lightly oil it before cooking in an air fryer basket for a delicious entrée.

Grilled filets of steak on a serving board

5. Air-Fried Steak

Achieve a lightly scorched exterior and juicy interior for your steak with this air fryer method. Oil and season a 1-inch thick slice of your chosen cut, then air fry in a convection oven for a fresh steak.

Roasted potatoes garnished with herbs in a bowl

6. Twice-Baked Potatoes Air-Fried in a Convection Oven

Air-fried twice-baked potatoes offer a dish that's soft and creamy on the inside with a crisp skin. They're perfect with steak, chicken, or a side salad for a well-rounded meal.

 

EXPLORE KITCHENAID®OVENS AND COUNTERTOP OVENS

Explore multiple nutritious and flavourful disheswith KitchenAid® countertop ovens. Certain models offer as many as 12 essential cooking functions so you can do everything from air frying and dehydrating to toasting, proofing and more. Additionally, select KitchenAid® ranges feature Even-Heat™ True Convection, so you can enjoy air frying your favourite foods using consistent temperatures and even heating.

*When compared to deep frying.