Can You Air Fry in a Toaster Oven? What to Expect and How to Do It Right

Air fryers are everywhere.
Toaster ovens are already on the counter.

So it’s only natural to ask:

Can you air fry in a toaster oven, or do you really need a separate air fryer?

The short answer is yes—sometimes.
The longer, more useful answer is it depends on the toaster oven and on our expectations.

Let’s clear up the confusion and talk about what actually works in real kitchens.

Not exactly—but they’re related.

Air frying is essentially:

• Very hot air

• Circulating quickly

• Around the food

That’s it. No magic. No oil bath.

A toaster oven—especially a convection model—also uses hot air circulation. The difference is how fast and how focused that airflow is.

This difference matters more than most people realize.

Yes, you can air fry in a toaster oven—if it has strong convection or a dedicated air fry mode.

However:

• Results won’t always match a standalone air fryer

• Some foods work better than others

• Technique matters more

A toaster oven can imitate air frying. It doesn’t always replace it.

Air frying relies on:

• High heat (usually 375–425°F)

• Rapid air movement

• Space around the food

That fast airflow dries the surface slightly and creates crispiness—similar to deep frying, but without the oil.

If airflow is weak or blocked, the result is closer to baking than air frying.

This is where expectations need to be realistic.

Air Fryer Strengths

• Extremely fast airflow

• Compact cooking chamber

• Very crisp results

• Minimal preheating

Toaster Oven Strengths

• Larger cooking area

• More versatile (bake, broil, toast)

• Better for full meals

• Can handle multiple food types at once

In short:

• Air fryers are specialists

• Toaster ovens are generalists

Not all toaster ovens are equal.

Best Options

• Toaster ovens with a dedicated air fry mode

• Strong convection toaster ovens

• Models with rear or side-mounted fans

These move air faster and more evenly.

Less Effective Options

• Basic toaster ovens with no fan

• Weak convection systems

• Overcrowded interior designs

Without good airflow, air frying just won’t happen properly.

Some foods adapt beautifully.

Great Candidates

• Frozen fries and tater tots

• Chicken wings and tenders

• Breaded foods

• Roasted vegetables

• Fish fillets

These benefit from dry heat and air movement.

• Burgers

• Thick cuts of meat

• Very wet batters

They cook, but don’t always crisp the same way.

Technique matters—a lot.

Use a Rack, Not a Solid Tray

Air needs to move around the food. A rack with a drip pan underneath works best.

Don’t Overcrowd

Crowding blocks airflow and creates steam. Fewer pieces = better crisping.

Use Less Oil Than You Think

A light spray or brush is enough. Too much oil actually reduces crispiness.

Flip or Shake Halfway Through

Toaster ovens don’t circulate air as aggressively as air fryers. Manual flipping helps.

Air-fry-style cooking usually works best at:

• 375–425°F

Cooking times may be:

• Slightly longer than an air fryer

• Slightly shorter than regular baking

Always check early the first time—we’re working with smaller spaces and higher heat.

It can be.

Compared to deep frying:

• Much less oil

• Lower calorie load

• Less greasy food

Compared to baking:

• Similar nutrition

• Better texture for some foods

Health-wise, the biggest win comes from using less oil, not the appliance itself.

Let’s be honest.

A toaster oven may not be ideal if:

• We want ultra-crispy results every time

• We cook very small snack portions

• Speed is the top priority

In those cases, a standalone air fryer often wins.

Generally:

• Air fryers heat faster

• Toaster ovens use more space but less cycling

For small batches, air fryers can be more efficient.
For full meals, toaster ovens often make more sense.

These mistakes turn “air frying” into plain baking:

• Using a solid pan with no airflow

• Skipping preheating

• Using too much oil

• Overloading the oven

Fixing these usually improves results immediately.

It depends on how you cook.

You probably don’t need an air fryer if:

• Your toaster oven has strong convection

• You cook full meals

• You value versatility

You might want one if:

• You love extra-crispy snacks

• You cook small portions often

• Speed matters more than flexibility

Can You Air Fry in a Toaster Oven?

So—can you air fry in a toaster oven?

Yes.
With the right toaster oven.
With the right technique.
And with realistic expectations.

A toaster oven won’t always replace an air fryer—but it can get surprisingly close for many foods. And for many kitchens, that’s more than enough.