A Guide to the Oven With Air Fryer Function

Think of an oven with an air fryer function as the ultimate kitchen multi-tasker. It’s a full-sized convection oven that has a special, super-powered fan and heating mode built right in. This lets you bake, roast, and grill just like you normally would, but also get that distinct crispy, crunchy texture of an air fryer, all from a single appliance.

It’s the perfect solution for anyone who loves that "fried" taste but wants to cook healthier meals and keep their kitchen benchtops clear.

Why Air Fryer Ovens Are a Kitchen Game Changer

Picture this: perfectly golden, crunchy hot chips or crispy chicken wings, but without the hassle, lingering smell, and litres of oil that come with deep-frying. That’s exactly what an oven with an air fryer setting delivers. These appliances are changing the game in Australian kitchens by blending the reliable, even cooking of a convection oven with the fast, intense heat of an air fryer.

This isn't just about adding another button to your oven; it's a genuine upgrade to how we approach everyday cooking. It supports a modern lifestyle where convenience and health go hand-in-hand. Instead of juggling multiple gadgets, you have one streamlined appliance that does it all, which is a huge part of why they’ve become so popular.

The Surge in Popularity

This isn't just a fleeting trend—it's a real shift in how we equip our kitchens. The Australian air fryer market has exploded, with forecasts predicting it will more than double to USD 64 million by 2033. Ovens that incorporate this technology are a major reason for that growth.

It makes sense, doesn't it? The hybrid appeal has sent ownership skyrocketing. Recent surveys show that a staggering 45% of Australian households now have an air fryer, a massive jump from just 15% a few years ago. You can read more about the Australian air fryer market growth on imarcgroup.com.

The core appeal is simple: it offers the best of both worlds. You get the large capacity and even heat of a conventional oven, plus the ability to create healthier, crispier versions of your favourite fried foods with the simple push of a button.

This dual capability makes an oven with an air fryer function an incredibly practical choice. Whether you're cooking for a family, a busy professional trying to get dinner on the table quickly, or just someone who wants delicious food without the fuss, it’s a game changer. It simplifies meal prep, opens up a world of new recipes, and helps you get amazing results with far less effort and oil.

How Do Ovens With an Air Fryer Function Actually Work?

An oven with an air fryer function might sound like a bit of space-age tech, but the concept behind it is surprisingly simple. It’s not so much a brand-new invention as it is convection cooking dialled up to eleven. The secret is all about moving intensely hot air, very, very fast.

At its heart, the technology takes the standard convection oven principle—using a fan to circulate hot air for even cooking—and puts it on steroids. The "air fry" mode kicks in a more powerful, high-speed fan that blasts a column of concentrated hot air directly down onto your food. This action perfectly mimics what happens when food is submerged in hot oil.

It’s this rush of superheated air that triggers the Maillard reaction, the brilliant chemical process that gives browned food that delicious, savoury flavour and golden colour we all love. The intense heat cooks the outside of the food incredibly quickly, crisping it up while locking all the moisture and juices inside. This is how you get chips that are perfectly fluffy on the inside and chicken that stays succulent.

The Science of the Crisp

This whole process is built for efficiency and healthier cooking. By using hot air to do the "frying," you get that fantastic golden, crunchy texture with a tiny fraction of the oil you’d need for deep frying—often just a light spray is enough.

If you’re curious about the mechanics of moving hot air around, this comprehensive commercial convection oven guide offers some great context, as air fryer ovens are essentially applying the same professional technology on a home-kitchen scale.

This clever approach is making a big splash in Australian kitchens. These combination ovens blend the familiar reliability of convection baking with the speed and crunch of air frying. The results speak for themselves: think air-fried veggies with up to 75% less fat than their deep-fried counterparts. It’s no surprise that with 62% of Aussies actively looking for ways to cook with less oil, this trend is a major driver of the Australian air fryer market’s projected US$42 million revenue.

The diagram below really brings these benefits to life.

As you can see, it's about getting healthier, crispier food while saving a heap of bench space. The oven’s design ensures that every surface of your food gets maximum exposure to the hot, circulating air, which means no more soggy bottoms or uneven cooking. That all-over crunch is precisely why these appliances are becoming a must-have.

What Are The Real Benefits for Your Kitchen and Health?

Bringing an oven with an air fryer function into your home is more than just getting a new gadget; it’s a genuine upgrade to your entire cooking routine. The perks go way beyond just one feature, touching on everything from healthier eating habits to making daily meals a whole lot easier. It's one of those investments that quickly proves its worth in any modern kitchen.

The biggest drawcard, and for good reason, is how much healthier your meals can be. This technology gives you that golden, satisfying crunch you love from fried foods, but with a tiny fraction of the oil—we’re talking up to 90% less.

Think about it: crispy hot chips, perfectly crunchy chicken schnitzel, or golden spring rolls that only need a light spray of oil, if any at all. Instead of submerging food in fat, you're using super-heated, fast-moving air to do the work. You get all the texture you crave without the excess fat and calories.

A New Level of Convenience

Beyond the obvious health advantages, the convenience factor is a total game-changer for busy households. For starters, these combo ovens preheat significantly faster than traditional models. Some are ready to go in less than three minutes, which is a lifesaver on a hectic weeknight.

That speed carries through to the cooking itself. The intense, circulating heat cooks food more quickly and evenly, shaving precious minutes off your total cooking time. And when you're done? Cleanup is a breeze. No more dealing with a big pot of used cooking oil—plus, most air fryer trays and racks are designed to go straight into the dishwasher.

You're essentially combining a convection oven, a separate air fryer, and often a toaster into one sleek appliance. This clears up a surprising amount of bench space, making your kitchen feel tidier and more functional.

Incredible Versatility from a Single Appliance

Maybe the most practical benefit is just how much one of these ovens can do. An oven with an air fryer function is like a Swiss Army knife for your kitchen, tackling jobs that used to require a whole collection of different appliances.

• Air Fry: Whip up healthier versions of all your fried favourites, from chips to chicken wings.
• Roast: Get that perfect, crispy skin on meats and a delicious char on your veggies.
• Bake: The powerful convection fan ensures everything from cakes and biscuits to bread bakes evenly.
• Reheat: Forget soggy microwave leftovers. This brings food back to its crispy, fresh-out-of-the-oven glory.

This single machine streamlines everything. You can roast a whole chicken for Sunday dinner, bake a batch of muffins for the week ahead, and air fry some frozen chips for a quick afternoon snack—all with the same appliance. It declutters your kitchen and simplifies the way you cook.

How to Choose the Right Air Fryer Oven

Picking out the perfect oven with an air fryer function can feel a bit daunting with all the options out there. But if you break it down into a few key considerations, it becomes much easier to find the right fit for your kitchen, your cooking habits, and your family.

Think of it like buying a car. You wouldn't just choose one based on its colour; you’d look at the engine, the seating capacity, and the special features. It's the same deal here. Making the right choice means you'll end up with a versatile appliance you'll genuinely use day in and day out, making meals quicker, healthier, and a lot more fun.

What to Look for in an Air Fryer Oven

Before you even start comparing models, take a look at your own kitchen and how you cook.

• Size and Capacity: Are you usually cooking for one or two, or do you have a full house to feed? A compact benchtop model might be all you need for apartment living, easily handling a 9-inch pizza or a few pieces of toast. They're brilliant for saving space.
• Installation Type: If you’re after a more permanent, integrated solution, a full-sized wall oven with an air fry setting is a fantastic investment, especially for larger households. These give you a massive amount of room—enough to roast a 4.5kg chicken or air fry an entire tray of veggies at once.
• Performance: The real difference between models comes down to performance. Check the power of the air frying fan and the oven's temperature range. A high-speed fan and a wide temperature range give you incredible versatility, letting you do everything from gently dehydrating fruit to searing a steak at high heat.
• Ease of Use: Don't overlook the simple things. Look for models with clear, intuitive controls and maybe even some handy preset cooking programs for things like chips or chicken wings. These presets take the guesswork out of timings and temperatures.
• Cleaning: This is a big one. An oven that’s a pain to clean will quickly gather dust.

Prioritise models with removable, dishwasher-safe parts like the air fry basket and crumb tray. Some high-end ovens even have pyrolytic self-cleaning functions, which are an absolute game-changer for maintenance.

Feature Comparison for Air Fryer Ovens

To help you weigh up your options, here’s a breakdown of the most important features to keep an eye on when you're comparing different models.

By paying attention to these features, you can narrow down the choices and find an oven that truly works for you. Remember, the goal is to find an appliance that makes your life in the kitchen easier and more enjoyable.

And of course, no matter which oven you choose, having a top-quality oven-safe pan on hand is a must for getting brilliant results, whether you’re baking, roasting, or air frying.

Practical Tips for Perfect Air Frying Results

Knowing how an oven with an air fryer function works is one thing, but actually mastering it is another. Let's move from the theory to the kitchen with some practical tips to help you get that perfect golden crunch, every single time. These are the little things that take your results from good to great.

If there's one golden rule of air frying, it's this: avoid overcrowding the tray. For the hot air to do its job properly, it needs space to swirl around every single piece of food. Spreading everything out in a single, even layer is the only way to expose all surfaces to that intense, circulating heat.

When you pile food high, you're essentially trapping moisture and steaming everything instead of frying it. You'll end up with a disappointing mix of soggy bits and unevenly cooked pieces—the exact opposite of what you want. It's always better to cook in two smaller batches than one big, crowded one.

Essential Techniques for Crispy Perfection

Getting that restaurant-quality finish often comes down to a few simple actions during the cooking cycle. These small adjustments ensure every side of your food gets equal attention from that powerful fan.

• Flip and Shake: About halfway through the cooking time, pull the tray out and give it a good shake. For larger items like chicken pieces, use tongs to flip them over. This simple step ensures all-over crispiness by exposing new surfaces to the direct heat.
• A Little Oil Goes a Long Way: Air frying is famous for using less oil, but a tiny amount can make a huge difference. A light spritz of olive or avocado oil on things like potato chips or brussels sprouts helps them brown beautifully and gives them an incredible crunch.
• Use the Right Tools: A perforated air fry tray is your best friend here. The holes let the hot air circulate underneath your food, which is key to avoiding a soggy bottom. For messier recipes or delicate items, a quality baking ware set designed for high temperatures is a must-have.

Adapting Recipes and Choosing Foods

Remember, an oven's air fryer setting is more intense and cooks faster than a standard convection mode. When you're adapting a traditional oven recipe, a good rule of thumb is to reduce the temperature by about 15°C and cut the cooking time by 20%. Just be sure to keep a close eye on your food the first time you try a new recipe.

Start with foods that are practically guaranteed to succeed. This builds your confidence and helps you get a feel for how your specific oven model performs.

Not sure where to begin? These foods are fantastic for beginners and almost always turn out perfectly:

1. Frozen Favourites: Chips, chicken nuggets, and spring rolls come out brilliantly crispy and couldn't be easier.
2. Hearty Vegetables: Think brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower. They transform into flavourful, slightly charred snacks that are genuinely delicious.
3. Chicken Wings: Get that crispy skin and juicy meat you love, without all the mess and hassle of deep-frying.
4. Salmon Fillets: The intense heat cooks salmon incredibly quickly, leaving it flaky and moist on the inside with a perfectly crisped top.

Why a Clean Prep Station Matters

So, you’ve got your fantastic oven with an air fryer function, ready to whip up healthier meals. But the journey to a truly healthy dish doesn't start in the oven—it begins on your countertop. A spotless prep area is the first step, ensuring your clean cooking process isn't sabotaged before you even press 'start'.

Think about it. You're about to air fry some beautiful, fresh vegetables. If you chop them up on a scratched, porous old cutting board, you could be introducing unwanted bacteria or even tiny microplastics into your food. Suddenly, all those good intentions for a healthier meal are compromised right from the get-go.

It really highlights how your prep surface is just as vital as the high-tech appliance you're cooking with.

The Foundation of a Healthy Meal

For a meal to be genuinely healthy, every step of the process needs to be clean. This means paying attention to the tools you use to prepare your food, creating a complete health-focused ecosystem in your kitchen.

The journey to a healthier plate starts long before the oven door closes. A non-porous, durable surface ensures that what you're cooking is as clean and pure as how you're cooking it.

If you're serious about creating a non-toxic kitchen, knowing the difference between materials is crucial. We've put together a detailed guide on the best cutting board material for health that explains why options like titanium are a far better choice. In the same spirit of a pristine cooking environment, maintaining the cleanliness of oven glass keeps your entire setup spotless and running perfectly.

Got Questions? We've Got Answers

Stepping into the world of modern kitchen appliances can feel a bit overwhelming, so let's clear a few things up. We’ve gathered the most common questions people ask when considering an oven with a built-in air fryer.

Here are some straight-up answers to help you figure out if this is the right move for your kitchen.

Is an Air Fryer Oven Better Than a Standalone Air Fryer?

This is the big one, isn't it? The honest answer is that it really comes down to how you cook and what your kitchen looks like. One isn’t necessarily “better” than the other; they’re just built for different jobs.

For families or anyone who loves to entertain, an oven with an air fryer function is an absolute game-changer. You get a massive amount of cooking space, meaning you can whip up a whole tray of chips or even air fry a whole chook. The best part? It combines two bulky appliances into one, freeing up precious bench space.

On the other hand, a little standalone air fryer might heat up a touch faster and use less power if you're just making a small snack. But it simply can't compete with the sheer versatility of a proper oven that can also bake, roast, and grill to perfection.

Here’s a good way to think about it: a standalone air fryer is like a specialist sprinter—fast and brilliant for small, specific tasks. An air fryer oven is the all-rounder, excelling at a huge range of cooking jobs, both big and small.

Does the Food Taste the Same as Deep-Fried Food?

An oven with an air fryer function does a fantastic job of creating that golden, crispy texture we all love, but the flavour is a little different. In fact, most people find they prefer it. Because you're using super-heated air instead of vats of oil, the food just tastes cleaner.

You still get that incredible crunch and beautiful browning, but without the heavy, greasy feeling that deep-frying leaves behind. This lets the food’s natural flavours shine through, whether it’s the earthy taste of potatoes or the savoury goodness of seasoned chicken.

Are Ovens With an Air Fryer Function Difficult to Clean?

Not at all. In fact, they’re a breeze to clean compared to a traditional deep fryer. The single biggest win is not having to deal with a massive pot of used cooking oil that needs filtering, storing, or throwing away.

Most modern air fryer ovens are designed with easy cleanup in mind:

• Removable Parts: The air frying tray or basket can usually be popped right out and put straight into the dishwasher.
• Less Mess: You're using a tiny fraction of the oil, so there's far less grease splattering all over the inside of your oven.
• Self-Cleaning Cycles: Many high-end models come with pyrolytic or steam-cleaning functions that do the grunt work for you, turning any baked-on grime into a simple wipe-away ash.

It all adds up to a much faster and less painful cleanup after dinner.

Ready to create a cleaner, healthier, and more durable kitchen environment? The Everti Titanium Cutting Board is the perfect foundation for all your culinary creations, ensuring every meal starts with a pure, non-toxic surface. Explore the full collection of lifetime titanium essentials at https://everti.com.au.