An air fryer toaster oven does the job of several appliances in one countertop box. Here is what the "air fry" function really adds — and who benefits most.
What "air fry" actually means
Air frying is just powerful convection: a fan drives hot air fast around the food so the outside crisps like frying, using little or no oil. In a toaster oven it is the same idea, in a shape that also toasts, bakes and reheats.
One appliance, many jobs
- Crisp chips, wings and snacks without a vat of oil.
- Toast, bake and reheat — it replaces a separate toaster and small oven.
- Multi-function models (8-in-1, 10-in-1) add roast, broil, dehydrate and more on one dial.
Who it suits
- Small kitchens where counter space is tight and one machine has to multitask.
- Households that want fried texture with less oil.
- Anyone cooking for one or two — it heats faster than a full oven.
If you would use the air-fry and the oven functions both, a combo unit earns its space. Browse our air fryer ovens to compare capacities.