An air fryer is a small countertop convection oven designed to simulate deep frying without submerging the food in oil. A fan circulates hot air at high speed, producing a crisp layer via browning reactions such as the Maillard reaction. Some product reviewers find that regular convection ovens or convection toaster ovens produce better results. Air fryers bake food at a high temperature with a high-powered fan, while deep fryers cook food in a vat of oil that has been heated up to a high temperature.
An air fryer is essentially a small countertop convection oven that circulates very hot air at a super high-powered speed. It’s almost like a cross between a convection oven and a deep fryer. The air fryer’s cooking chamber radiates heat from a heating element near the food, and a fan circulates hot air. The technique was patented as Rapid Air technology.
