Air fryers have been a game-changer in the kitchen, making it easier and healthier to enjoy fried foods without the added oil. But recently, there’s been a new player in town – air roast. So, what’s the difference between air fryer vs air roast, and which one should you choose? Let’s find out.

What is an Air Fryer?

An air fryer is a kitchen appliance that uses hot air to fry food instead of oil. It works by circulating hot air around the food, cooking it to crispy perfection. Air fryers come in various sizes and capacities, and some even come with additional features like dehydrating or grilling.

Air fryers are popular because they allow you to enjoy your favorite fried foods without the added calories and fat from oil. They’re also convenient because they cook food quickly and with minimal mess.

What is Air Roast?

Air roast is a feature that’s found on some newer air fryer models. It’s a cooking function that combines hot air with a rotating drum to cook food evenly and with a crispy texture. Air roast is designed to replicate the taste and texture of food that’s been roasted in an oven.

The main difference between air fryer and air roast is that air roast uses a rotating drum to cook food, whereas air fryer uses a basket. The rotating drum ensures that the food is cooked evenly on all sides, resulting in a crispy and tender texture.

Air Fryer vs Air Roast: Key Differences

Cooking Method

The main difference between air fryer and air roast is their cooking method. Air fryers use hot air to fry food, while air roast combines hot air with a rotating drum to cook food evenly.

Cooking Time

Air roast typically takes longer to cook than air fryer because of its rotating drum. The rotating drum ensures that the food is cooked evenly on all sides, but it also means that it takes longer to cook. Air fryer, on the other hand, cooks food quickly and evenly because of its basket design.

Texture

Air roast is designed to replicate the taste and texture of food that’s been roasted in an oven. It’s ideal for foods like chicken, vegetables, and potatoes that are traditionally roasted. Air fryer, on the other hand, is better suited for fried foods like chicken wings, french fries, and onion rings.

Capacity

Air fryers come in various sizes and capacities, ranging from small single-serve models to larger family-sized models. Air roast, however, is typically only found on larger air fryer models because of its rotating drum design.

Price

Air roast is a newer feature that’s only found on some of the newer, more expensive air fryer models. Air fryers, on the other hand, come in various price points, making them more accessible to a wider range of budgets.

Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing between air fryer and air roast, it really depends on your cooking needs and preferences. If you’re looking to cook fried foods like chicken wings, french fries, or onion rings, an air fryer is the way to go. Air fryers cook these foods quickly and evenly, resulting in a crispy texture without the added calories and fat from oil.

If you’re looking to cook foods like chicken, vegetables, and potatoes that are traditionally roasted, then air roast is the way to go. Air roast is designed to replicate the taste and texture of food that’s been roasted in an oven, resulting in a tender and juicy texture. However, it’s important to note that air roast typically takes longer to cook than air fryer because of its rotating drum design.

If you’re someone who loves both fried and roasted foods and want the best of both worlds, you can consider investing in an air fryer that comes with an air roast function. These models allow you to switch between air fryer and air roast modes, giving you the flexibility to cook a variety of foods without having to invest in multiple appliances.

Another factor to consider when choosing between air fryer and air roast is the size of the appliance. Air fryers come in various sizes and capacities, so if you’re cooking for a large family or like to cook in bulk, it’s best to opt for a larger model. Air roast, on the other hand, is typically only found on larger air fryer models because of its rotating drum design.

FAQs

What is the difference between air fryer and air roast?

Air fryer uses hot air to circulate and cook food quickly, resulting in crispy, fried-like texture. Air roast, on the other hand, uses a rotating drum to circulate hot air and cook food evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy texture.

Can you air roast in an air fryer?

Yes, some air fryers come with an air roast function that allows you to switch between air fryer and air roast modes, giving you the flexibility to cook a variety of foods.

Is air frying healthier than air roasting?

Both air frying and air roasting are healthier cooking methods than traditional deep frying. Air frying uses little to no oil, resulting in lower fat and calorie content in the food. Air roasting also uses little to no oil and allows the natural flavors of the food to come through, resulting in a healthier and more flavorful dish.

How do I clean my air fryer or air roast appliance?

Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your air fryer or air roast appliance. Most models have dishwasher safe parts that can be easily removed and cleaned. For the appliance itself, use a soft cloth or sponge to clean the interior and exterior, avoiding abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.

Can I cook frozen foods in an air fryer or air roast appliance?

Yes, you can cook frozen foods in an air fryer or air roast appliance. Just adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the manufacturer’s instructions or recipe recommendations. However, it’s important to note that some frozen foods may require preheating or defrosting before cooking for the best results.

Can I cook a variety of foods in an air fryer or air roast appliance?

Yes, air fryers and air roast appliances are versatile and can be used to cook a wide variety of foods. You can use them to cook everything from chicken and vegetables to french fries and desserts. However, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recipe recommendations to ensure the best results. Additionally, it’s important to note that some foods may require special accessories or attachments to cook properly in an air fryer or air roast appliance.

Final Thoughts

Air fryer and air roast are two cooking methods that have their own unique features and benefits. Air fryer is ideal for fried foods like chicken wings and french fries, while air roast is better suited for roasted foods like chicken and vegetables. However, if you’re someone who loves both fried and roasted foods, you can consider investing in an air fryer that comes with an air roast function.

When choosing between air fryer and air roast, it’s important to consider your cooking needs and preferences, the size of the appliance, and the price point. With this information, you’ll be able to choose the right appliance that meets your cooking needs and fits your budget.