The air fryer conquered American kitchens in only a few years. Now a new generation of countertop appliances is pushing it aside: smart ovens that air fry, bake, roast, broil and toast in a single box. Here is what they are, why so many households are switching, and what to check before you buy.
The appliance replacing the air fryer
It is the air fryer oven, sometimes called a smart countertop oven or a multifunction oven. Instead of a drawer basket, it has a door, racks and an interior about the size of a small oven. Inside, the same principle as an air fryer, a powerful fan blowing very hot air, is combined with several heating elements.
The result is one appliance that can air fry, bake, roast, broil, toast, reheat and often dehydrate. Many models add automatic programs, a digital panel, a rotisserie spit or a probe that stops cooking when the food reaches the right temperature.
Why people are switching
- Capacity. A basket air fryer cooks for one or two people at a time. An oven-style model fits a whole chicken, a 12-inch pizza or two trays of vegetables.
- Visibility. With a glass door, you can watch the food without pulling out the basket and losing heat.
- Fewer appliances. It replaces the toaster, the air fryer and often the big oven for everyday meals, freeing counter space.
- Energy and time. Heating a small cavity is faster than heating a full-size oven, which matters on busy weeknights and during holiday cooking, when the main oven is full.
What to check before buying
These ovens are larger than basket air fryers, so measure the counter space and the clearance under the cabinets: they need room around them to vent heat. Check the interior capacity against what you actually cook, and look for removable crumb trays and racks that go in the dishwasher, because cleaning is where many models disappoint.
Prices have come down as the category grew. Simple air fryer ovens now cost about the same as a large basket model, while premium versions with smart programs, probes and app control sit at the high end of the countertop market.
Basket air fryers still have an edge for small portions: they heat up almost instantly and crisp fries and wings slightly faster, because the food sits closer to the fan.
The honest limit
“Farewell” is a strong word. A good basket air fryer still does its job, and nobody needs to replace one that works. The oven-style models make the most sense for families, for people who cook for guests, or for anyone ready to retire a toaster and an air fryer at once.
One safety rule applies to both: like any heating appliance, plug it directly into a wall outlet, never into a power strip. And while you are reorganizing the kitchen, take a look at the dirtiest place in your kitchen, and at the habit of putting foil on the refrigerator shelves.
One box that fries, bakes and roasts, plugged straight into the wall. That’s the trick.
