Air fry vs bake: what’s the difference?

What's the difference between air frying and baking?

You may have heard that air frying and baking are the same, but there are some major differences between the two. Air frying uses intense heat and a fan that rapidly circulates air, helping to remove moisture from the exterior of foods for a crispy finish. Baking uses still air and heat from top and bottom heating elements. It’s best for liquid batters and bakes meant to retain moisture throughout, like cakes, or that need to rise, like yeasted bread.

Air fry vs bake setting

Some appliances include both a bake setting and a separate air fry setting. The main difference between bake vs air fry settings is temperature, airflow and time. A default bake setting will generally run for a longer time at a lower temperature while the air fry setting will default to higher heat for less time and activate the interior fan. On full-sized ovens without default settings, the bake option will simply use top and bottom heating elements without the fan for a still environment. The air fry setting will activate the fan and any additional heating elements for a more intense heat. On full-sized ovens, you generally set the time and temperature yourself.

When to use a bake setting on an air fryer

Use the bake setting on your air fryer when you are cooking liquid batters like cakes and quiche, or something that needs to rise like bread or souffles. Baking in a countertop air fryer is also a great choice when you’re baking a single dish and don’t want to heat the entire oven. A countertop air fryer will usually preheat faster than an oven, saving a bit of time as well. If your air fryer doesn’t have a bake setting, try covering dishes loosely with aluminum foil to help prevent scorched surfaces from the intense heat. You’ll also want to lower the temperature by about 25°F and cook for about 20% less time. Learn more air fryer tips and hacks with our guide.

When you’re baking large portions, like dozens of cupcakes, a traditional, full-sized oven is usually the best option. Select models of Whirlpool^® ranges and wall ovens feature air fry alongside bake, broil, roast and other standard oven settings. This allows you to bake or air fry your family’s favorites in the same large capacity appliance.

Is air frying better than baking?

Whether baking vs air frying is better really depends on your dish and your desired outcome. Air fryers are great for quick, crispy results, while ovens remain essential for baking soft, delicate cakes, souffles and yeasted breads. For example, chocolate chip cookies can be air fried for a crispy, crunchy exterior that gives way to a warm, gooey center. However, that same crunchy texture on a cake? Not quite as tempting. Opting for a traditional bake setting vs air frying is better for certain recipes. When comparing air frying to baking, there are pros and cons to each method:

Air frying advantages:

• Produces crispy results with little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying

• Cooks most foods faster than traditional ovens due to rapid air circulation

• Ideal for quickly cooking smaller portions or reheating leftovers

• Great for foods that benefit from a crispy exterior like fries, chicken wings, skin-on roasts and cookies

Baking advantages:

• More suitable for delicate foods or dishes with runny batters

• Provides a still environment with less intense heat

• Lack of blowing air is ideal for items that need to rise like yeasted breads

• Preferred for items like thin filets, cakes and other delicate baked goods

Whether air frying is better than baking depends on what you're cooking and your goals:

• For crispy, fried-like results or a crusty exterior with soft or juicy insides, air frying excels

• For baking cakes, yeasted breads, and delicate ingredients, traditional baking is a great go-to

What to bake in an air fryer

Air frying recipes that are usually baked can yield some delicious results. Try air frying casseroles, pizzas or other cheese-topped dishes for a golden-brown finish. Air frying baked shrimp, salmon, chicken or other meats also helps create a crispy exterior that locks in juices. Potato recipes shine in an air fryer with recipes like crispy French fries, baked potatoes and tater tots. Don’t forget dessert with air fried cookies, hand pies and non-yeasted quick breads.

Get a quick glance at some dishes that are better for baking vs air frying and vice versa below:

Many home cooks find having both options valuable. Select Whirlpool^® ovens and ranges now include an air fry setting so you can choose to bake or air fry all in the same large appliance.

Shop Whirlpool^® ranges with air fry

Temperature difference between an air fryer and an oven

The intense heat and rapidly moving air inside an air fryer tends to bake dishes faster than a conventional oven. To bake in an air fryer, reduce the bake temperature by 25°F and reduce the cook time by 20%. For example, cookies baked at 375°F for 10 minutes, should be baked in an air fryer at 350°F for 8 minutes. 425°F in an oven vs air fryer would be 400°F, and so on. Every model varies, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model of air fryer. 

Some full sized ovens, including models from Whirlpool brand, now offer an air fry setting. Find out whether an air fryer oven or a countertop air fryer is right for you with our guide.

Other cooking methods vs air frying

Air frying has gained immense popularity as a healthier alternative to traditional frying, but how does air frying compare to convection baking, roasting, and grilling? Learn the pros and cons of each cooking method compared to air frying below.

Convection bake vs air fryer

When comparing air fryer vs convection bake, the primary difference lies in the heat intensity and speed of air circulation. Though both methods use a fan and sometimes an extra heating element, Air fryers generally operate at higher temperatures and use faster fan speeds than convection ovens.

Roasting vs air frying

Roasting and air frying both use higher temperatures vs baking. The main difference is that air frying adds rapidly circulating air to the mix. The airflow removes excess moisture from the exterior of your roast, helping to crisp up skins and add a caramelized finish to veggies, potatoes and more. Next time a roast is on the menu, try cooking it in your air fryer or your Whirlpool^® range with an air fry setting.

Grilling vs air frying

Grilling and air frying both create a crispy exterior that locks in moisture by applying intense heat to the exterior of food. Grilling uses flames or radiant charcoal heat that imparts a smoky taste, while air frying uses rapid air circulation and high oven heat. Although grilling enhances the flavor of meats and vegetables, the heat level can be harder to control, making results more varied. Air frying generally offers a shorter cook time and a more controlled environment.

Air frying vs baking in an air fryer

Some air fryers offer both air fry and bake settings. The air fry setting usually uses higher heat and faster fan speeds for crispier results, while the bake setting provides more gentle, even heat distribution similar to a traditional oven. You can also try baking in your air fryer without a bake setting, sometimes known as “air baking”. When using the technique of air bake vs bake,  just lower the recommended temperature by 25°F and reduce the cook time by 20%. Recipes like baked chicken breasts, cornbread and casseroles do well baked in an air fryer.

Shop Whirlpool^® wall ovens with air fry