Basket Vs Oven: What's The Best Type Of Air Fryer?
By Betsy Parks
If you're looking to buy an air fryer, you must decide between a basket model or a toaster oven-style fryer. Each has pros and cons, depending on how you plan to use it.
All air fryers essentially work like tiny convection ovens. They heat up quickly and use a fan to circulate air around the food to cook and crisp it quickly.
A basket-style air fryer has a metal basket with a handle, which you can slide in and out to fill with food, while an oven-style fryer looks similar to a standard toaster oven.
Many home chefs prefer basket air fryers because they are easy to use, heat up very quickly, and are easy to clean. You can also grab the handle to shake or turn your food safely.
The biggest drawback is a lack of space. Tater tots can be shaken to get even browning, but if you're trying to make multiple pieces of fish, you can only cook one layer at a time.
Oven-style air fryers usually have more space, layered racks, and a glass door to check on the food without opening the device. Some models even include a rotisserie attachment.
Although they tend to have more features, oven-style air fryers tend to cost more. They're also harder to clean, and it's harder to turn your food over manually.