Experts caution against using air fryers instead of ovens

Limited Capacity and Versatility

While air fryers excel at small batches, experts say their limited capacity can be a drawback for families or meal prep.

“Cooking multiple portions in an air fryer often requires several rounds,” says Holt. “That can cancel out the time and energy savings people expect.”

Traditional ovens also offer more versatility. They handle baking bread, slow-roasting meats, cooking casseroles, and preparing multiple dishes simultaneously—tasks that are either difficult or impossible in most air fryers.

Energy Efficiency Isn’t Always Clear-Cut

Air fryers are often advertised as more energy-efficient than ovens, but experts say the reality is nuanced.

“For a small portion, an air fryer uses less energy,” Holt explains. “But if you’re cooking for more than one or two people and running the air fryer multiple times, a conventional oven may actually be more efficient overall.”