The air fryer isn't just a glorified toaster oven—it's a kitchen revolution that has rendered the traditional oven obsolete for at least nine specific foods. After years of daily air frying, CNET's kitchen experts have identified the dishes that will never see an oven rack again, proving the countertop appliance does far more than reheat leftovers.
Air fryers work by circulating superheated air at high speed, creating a Maillard reaction that crisps food with minimal oil. The technology, which gained mainstream traction around 2018, has since become a staple in over 40% of U.S. households. The shift from oven to air fryer is driven by speed, efficiency, and texture: air fryers preheat in minutes, cook 20–30% faster than conventional ovens, and use up to 80% less oil.
For frozen french fries, chicken wings, bacon, salmon fillets, roasted vegetables, pizza reheats, chicken tenders, Brussels sprouts, and tortilla chips, the oven is now a last resort. Frozen fries emerge crisp rather than soggy in half the time. Bacon cooks flat and evenly without splatter. Salmon develops a caramelized crust while staying moist inside. Even pizza reheats perfectly—crisp bottom, melty cheese—without the oven's lengthy preheat.
The key is the air fryer's concentrated airflow and compact chamber, which mimics deep frying without submerging food in oil. Moreover, air fryers use less energy than a full-sized oven—about 1,400 watts versus 2,500–5,000 watts for an oven. For singles and couples, the smaller footprint also means less wasted space.
But the oven isn't dead. Large batch cooking, sheet pan meals, and anything requiring even, ambient heat (like casseroles or bread) still favor the oven. Yet for these nine items, the air fryer's convenience and superior texture have permanently won the battle.
As manufacturers continue to introduce larger, multi-function models—some capable of dehydrating and rotisserie cooking—the air fryer's dominance will only expand. The traditional oven may soon be relegated to holiday turkeys and baking projects, while everyday cooking migrates to the countertop.
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Nine Foods I’ll Never Make in the Oven Again Now That I Have an Air Fryer
After years of daily air frying, these nine foods are the ones that proved the appliance does more than just heat up leftovers.
David Watsky
CNET
2 min read
5/10
Key Takeaways
- Air fryers cook frozen french fries in 12–15 minutes versus 20–25 minutes in a conventional oven, using 80% less oil.
- Chicken wings achieve crisp skin in 20 minutes at 400°F in an air fryer, compared to 45–50 minutes in an oven.
- Bacon cooks flat and evenly in a single layer in 8–10 minutes without flipping, vs. 15–20 minutes in an oven with splatter.
- Air fryers preheat to 400°F in under 3 minutes; a conventional oven takes 10–12 minutes to reach the same temperature.
- According to CNET's Kitchen editor, air fryers use roughly 1,400 watts versus 2,500–5,000 watts for a standard electric oven, saving energy for small batches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Avoid wet batter or cheese-heavy items that can drip through the basket, such as mozzarella sticks or tempura. Leafy greens like spinach may blow around. Also, oversized foods that block airflow should be avoided.
Air fryers require significantly less oil—up to 80% less than deep frying—and often less than oven roasting. For the same food, air frying can reduce calories and fat, but the health difference versus oven baking is minimal unless you add oil.
Yes, but with adjustments. Baked goods like cookies, cakes, and bread may brown faster due to concentrated heat. Reduce temperature by 25°F and check doneness early. Small batches work well in an air fryer.
Generally, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F and reduce cooking time by 20–30%. Check progress frequently, as air fryers cook faster. Use a thermometer for meats to avoid overcooking.
Frozen foods like fries, chicken wings, and fish sticks are excellent. Also, vegetables like Brussels sprouts and broccoli crisp beautifully. Reheating pizza is a standout use—crisp crust in minutes.
Typical air fryers last 2–5 years depending on usage and brand. Ovens last 15–20 years. However, air fryers are cheaper to replace and often more energy-efficient for small meals.
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