An air fryer and a fan oven are similar in that they both use a fan to circulate hot air for cooking, but they are not exactly the same.
An air fryer is a compact kitchen appliance designed to replicate the results of deep frying using significantly less oil. It typically has a heating element and a powerful fan that circulates the hot air around the food, creating a crispy outer layer while cooking the inside. Air fryers are especially popular for making foods like french fries, chicken wings, and other crispy snacks without the need for excessive oil.
On the other hand, a fan oven, also known as a convection oven, is a standard oven equipped with a fan that circulates hot air throughout the cooking chamber. This helps to distribute heat evenly, resulting in faster and more even cooking. Convection ovens are commonly used for baking, roasting, and other cooking tasks.
While both appliances use a fan to circulate hot air, air fryers are generally more compact and designed specifically for air frying, whereas convection ovens are larger and more versatile, offering various cooking modes beyond just air frying.
In summary, an air fryer can be considered a specialized type of fan oven that focuses on air frying and requires less oil to achieve crispy results, while a fan oven (convection oven) is a more general-purpose oven that utilizes a fan to improve overall cooking performance.