Choosing an air fryer starts with a practical question: do you need a new countertop appliance, or could an oven you already own do the job? This 2026 buying guide compares two Just For The Kitchen listings and explains oven-based air fryer alternatives.
The model comparison uses store specifications, not hands-on testing. Check each product page for current price and availability. Cooking results depend on the appliance, recipe, food quantity, and settings.
Air Fryer Alternatives: What Can You Use Instead?
Convection oven
A convection oven uses a fan to circulate heated air, making it an alternative worth considering if you already have one. Air fryers also circulate hot air, but their smaller cooking chambers and different fan and heating arrangements mean the results and timings are not necessarily identical. An oven offers more room when you need to cook larger quantities.
Conventional oven
A conventional oven can handle many baking and roasting tasks without adding another appliance to your counter. It does not use the same fan-driven cooking arrangement as an air fryer. When adapting a recipe, expect to adjust timing and possibly temperature rather than transferring air-fryer instructions unchanged.
Toaster oven or air-fryer toaster oven
A toaster oven may suit shoppers who also want to toast, bake, and roast in a countertop appliance. Some models include convection or an air-fry setting; others do not. Check the exact functions before assuming it will perform like a basket air fryer.
| Option | Reason to consider it | Main limitation to check |
|---|---|---|
| Convection oven | Fan-assisted cooking and space for larger batches | Different airflow, heating layout, and recipe timings |
| Conventional oven | Use existing baking and roasting equipment | No equivalent fan-driven air-fry arrangement |
| Toaster oven | Several countertop cooking tasks in one unit | Convection and air-fry functions vary by model |
| Dedicated air fryer | Compact cooking chamber for smaller portions | Usable cooking area and countertop footprint |
For background on these differences, see Good Housekeeping's air fryer versus convection oven explanation.
Two Available Air Fryer Models to Compare
12.5-Qt Multi-Function Air Fryer & Grill
This listing describes a 12-liter appliance, labeled 12.5 quarts, with three knobs for cooking mode, temperature, and timer. Its listed functions include air frying, grilling, baking, and defrosting. Consider it if you prefer knob controls and want several cooking modes, but check usable interior dimensions rather than assuming a specific number of servings.
View the 12.5-Qt Multi-Function Air Fryer & Grill.
Compact 2.2-Qt Nonstick Air Fryer
If you usually cook snacks or small portions for one, the Compact 2.2-Qt Nonstick Air Fryer is a smaller alternative. Its listing highlights 1150W power, auto shutoff, and a 175–400°F temperature range. Compare usable basket space and appliance dimensions before deciding whether it meets your needs.
View the Compact 2.2-Qt Air Fryer and current price.
Availability note: The previously featured 7.5-quart digital air fryer with a viewing window is currently out of stock, so it is not included among our available recommendations.
Which Size Fits Your Cooking Routine?
| Available model | Best suited to | Important consideration |
|---|---|---|
| 2.2-qt compact air fryer | Small portions and limited counter space | May require batches for larger meals |
| 12.5-qt multifunction air fryer and grill | Shoppers wanting more cooking modes and room | Measure its usable cooking area and counter footprint |
What to Check Before Buying
- Usable cooking area: Basket or tray dimensions matter alongside the advertised volume.
- Counter space: Allow for the footprint and the clearance required by the manufacturer.
- Controls: Choose the interface you prefer; a touchscreen alone is not evidence of better cooking performance.
- Functions: Verify the modes you will actually use rather than assuming every air fryer can toast, bake, grill, or dehydrate.
- Cleaning: Check which removable parts are washable and follow the model's instructions.
- Existing appliances: Consider whether your oven already covers your main cooking needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a convection oven replace an air fryer?
It can handle many overlapping tasks, but differences in size and airflow mean you should not expect identical results or timings.
Do I need an air fryer if I already own an oven?
Not necessarily. Compare the portions you usually cook, your available space, and whether the additional appliance would fill a genuine gap.
Can I use the same recipe settings in an oven and an air fryer?
Do not assume the same timing and temperature will work. Use instructions suited to your appliance and verify that food is properly cooked.
Is a larger advertised capacity always better?
No. Match the usable basket or tray area to your meals and the unit's dimensions to your kitchen. Advertised volume alone does not guarantee a whole meal will fit in one batch.
Are these independently tested best-of recommendations?
No. This guide compares listed features and practical buying considerations; it does not claim hands-on testing or a universal best model.
What size air fryer do you actually need?
Capacity labels are only a starting point because basket shape determines how much food can cook in a single layer. A smaller unit can suit one or two people and occasional snacks, while a larger basket or dual-zone design may reduce batches for a household. Measure the usable basket dimensions when they are available and compare them with the foods you cook most often.
Basket air fryer or air-fryer oven?
A basket model is usually compact and convenient for fries, vegetables, wings and reheating. An air-fryer oven can provide more rack area and may replace some toaster-oven tasks, but it occupies more counter space and may require rotating trays for even results. Dual-basket models are useful when two foods need different times or temperatures, although the overall appliance can be wide.
Five checks before you buy
- Counter and clearance space: Measure width, depth and height, including room for ventilation and for the basket or door to open.
- Usable cooking area: Think in portions and food shape instead of relying only on the stated quart capacity.
- Cleaning: Check which components are removable and whether the maker identifies them as dishwasher-safe.
- Controls: Presets are convenient, but clear manual time and temperature controls are more important for adapting recipes.
- Power requirements: Follow the appliance instructions and avoid using an extension cord unless the manufacturer expressly permits it.
How to get better air-fryer results
Leave space for air to circulate, cook in batches when the basket is crowded, and turn or shake food when the recipe calls for it. A light coating of oil can help browning on some foods, but more oil is not always better. Dry wet ingredients before cooking and avoid loose parchment or foil that could move toward a heating element. Use a food thermometer where doneness matters.
When an air fryer is not the best choice
A full-size oven may be more efficient for several trays or a large family meal, while a skillet can be faster for foods that need frequent stirring or a pan sauce. Choose an air fryer when its speed, compact cooking chamber and easy reheating match your routine—not because every recipe needs another appliance.
Compare current options in our small kitchen appliances collection.
