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When my trusty little air fryer suddenly stopped working last fall, I was right in the middle of prepping dinner. Instead of panicking, I decided to give my convection oven a shot. I had read that convection ovens worked similarly to air fryers, using circulating hot air to cook and crisp food. So, I tried roasting some frozen sweet potato fries—and to my surprise, they came out just as crispy as they did in my air fryer!
That simple dinner hack turned into a full-blown experiment, and over the next few weeks, I learned exactly how to use my convection oven as an air fryer. If you’re asking, “Can I use a convection oven to air fry?” or “How do I adjust the time and temp for my recipes?”—you’re in the right place. This guide is packed with everything I’ve discovered, tested, and now swear by. Let’s dive into the crispy, golden world of convection oven air frying.
Can I Use a Convection Oven to Air Fry?
Yes, you can use a convection oven to air fry! The key lies in how both appliances work. Air fryers are essentially small convection ovens. They cook food using rapid air circulation, producing that crispy, golden texture we all love.
Your convection oven has the same technology—hot air circulates around the food thanks to built-in fans. The main difference? Air fryers are more compact, which means air circulates more quickly and evenly. But with a few adjustments, your full-size convection oven can deliver the same results.
To bridge the gap, use accessories that elevate your food (like wire racks) and avoid crowding the tray. Think of it as giving your food space to breathe so hot air can reach every surface. When done right, your convection oven can rival any air fryer.
How to Use a Convection Oven as an Air Fryer
Ready to give it a shot? Here’s my go-to method for air frying in a convection oven:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Always preheat to the recommended temperature. A cold oven won’t deliver the same crispy results. I usually go with 400°F for most air fryer recipes.
Choose the Right Tools
Use a baking sheet topped with a wire rack. This lifts the food and allows hot air to circulate all around. Bonus: it keeps the bottom from getting soggy.
Arrange the Food in a Single Layer
No stacking! Just like in an air fryer basket, space is your friend. Crowding leads to steaming, not crisping.
Spray or Brush Lightly with Oil
Use minimal oil for that golden crunch. I prefer avocado or olive oil spray.
Monitor and Flip
Check halfway through and flip your food for even browning.
This method works wonders for everything from fries and chicken tenders to vegetables and even salmon. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be amazed at what your oven can do.
Air Frying in Specific Convection Oven Brands
LG Convection Oven
Can I air fry in my LG convection oven? Yes! If your LG oven has an “Air Fry” setting, use it. It mimics air fryer conditions by combining high heat and fan convection.
If yours doesn’t, just use the convection roast setting. I often set it to 400°F and follow the same steps I shared above. My chicken wings come out juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Samsung Convection Oven
How to air fry in a Samsung convection oven? Some Samsung models include a dedicated air fry mode. Use a mesh basket if your oven came with one, and follow the on-screen prompts.
In my experience, the air fry feature on Samsung works best for frozen foods and small portions. Just like with LG, you can use regular convection settings too. I made breaded cauliflower bites once and they came out perfectly golden using convection roast.
Adjusting Temperature and Time: Convection Oven vs Air Fryer
One of the most common questions is, “Is the time on an air fryer the same as a convection oven?” The answer is: not quite. Air fryers cook faster due to their compact size. So if you’re converting an air fryer recipe to your convection oven, here’s a handy rule:
Quick Conversion Tips:
- Reduce the temperature by 25°F.
- Add 3 to 5 extra minutes of cooking time.
- Always check for doneness and crispness toward the end.
For example, if an air fryer recipe calls for 400°F for 15 minutes, try 375°F for 18-20 minutes in your oven. Keep an eye on it and adjust as needed. Once you experiment a few times, it becomes second nature.
What Results Can You Expect? Does It Get Crispy?
Does a convection oven make food crispy? Yes, absolutely—when used properly. I’ve tried all kinds of foods: French fries, Brussels sprouts, wings, and even mozzarella sticks. They all came out beautifully crisp.
The secret is airflow. That’s why a wire rack or mesh tray is essential. Also, using a small amount of oil helps achieve a golden finish. If you skip the oil completely, you may get a drier or more uneven texture.
For example, I once made frozen onion rings without any oil. They turned out okay but lacked that rich crunch. The next time, I sprayed them lightly with avocado oil and boom—crispy perfection.
Do You Need to Flip Food in a Convection Oven?
Do you have to flip food in a convection oven? Most of the time, yes. Even though hot air circulates all around, flipping ensures even browning on both sides.
I recommend flipping halfway through cooking for things like nuggets, fries, or roasted vegetables. For delicate items like fish fillets or battered foods, be gentle when flipping. A wide spatula helps prevent breaking.
Do You Use Oil in an Air Fryer or a Convection Oven?
Do you use oil in an air fryer? Yes, but only a little. The same goes for a convection oven. In both cases, oil helps with browning and flavor but isn’t necessary for all foods.
I usually spray my food lightly with oil before cooking. For roasted potatoes or breaded chicken, a quick brush of olive oil gives amazing results.
Best Oils to Use:
- Avocado oil (high smoke point)
- Light olive oil
- Canola oil spray (for neutral flavor)
Avoid using butter or low smoke point oils directly, as they can burn at high temperatures.
Baking and Other Uses
Can You Bake a Cake in an Air Fryer?
Can you bake a cake in an air fryer? Yes, but space is limited. Air fryers can handle small batches like cupcakes or mini cakes.
In comparison, a convection oven is ideal for baking. It provides even heat across a larger area. I once baked a small vanilla cake in both appliances. The air fryer worked, but the convection oven version had a more even rise and softer crumb.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
What can I use if I don’t have an air fryer? Your convection oven is the best substitute. You can also try a convection toaster oven or even stovetop with a mesh crisper basket.
I once used my stovetop cast-iron skillet with a splatter screen to replicate an air fryer’s effect. It worked decently for fries but wasn’t as effortless as the oven.
Are Glass Air Fryers Safe? What You Should Know
Are glass air fryers safe? Some models use heat-resistant borosilicate glass, but they must be used cautiously.
Glass can crack if exposed to rapid temperature changes. If you use a glass container in your convection oven, make sure it’s labeled as oven-safe. Avoid putting cold glassware directly into a hot oven.
I once placed a room-temp glass bowl in a 450°F oven—big mistake. It cracked after 10 minutes. Since then, I stick with metal or ceramic trays for high-heat cooking.
How to Avoid Them
- Overcrowding: Leads to uneven cooking. Use multiple racks or bake in batches.
- Skipping preheat: Cold ovens delay crisping. Always preheat.
- Wrong cookware: Don’t use deep pans; they block airflow. Stick with wire racks or perforated trays.
My early mistake? I tried cooking frozen fries in a deep casserole dish. They turned into soggy potato lumps. Lesson learned!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a convection oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes! Just follow some simple adjustments in time and temperature.
What’s the difference between air frying and convection baking?
They both use hot air, but air frying involves faster circulation and often higher heat.
Do I need special trays or racks to air fry in an oven?
Not necessarily, but wire racks help a lot with airflow and crispness.
Can I convert air fryer recipes to the oven?
Yes. Reduce the temperature by 25°F and extend the cooking time slightly.
Why is my food not getting crispy in the oven?
Could be due to overcrowding, low temperature, or skipping oil.
Conclusion
After months of testing, I can confidently say that my convection oven delivers everything my air fryer used to—and more. It handles bigger batches, crisps beautifully, and saves counter space.
If you’re someone who cooks for a family, or just wants to simplify your kitchen tools, learning how to use your convection oven as an air fryer is a total game-changer.
So next time you’re craving something crispy, don’t rush to buy another gadget. Fire up your oven, follow these tips, and enjoy the crunch. Trust me, you might not miss your air fryer at all.
Let me know in the comments what you tried first—and how it turned out!
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