Air fryers and halogen ovens both cook with rapidly circulated hot air, and look fairly similar — but they're not the same. Here's how they compare, and which suits which kitchen.
Key takeaways
Q: What's the difference between an air fryer and a halogen oven?
A: An air fryer is compact with a powerful fan for fast, crispy results; a halogen oven is a larger glass bowl that sees inside and fits bigger items, but crisps a little less aggressively.
Q: Which is crispier?
A: The air fryer, thanks to its concentrated airflow.
Head to head
| Air fryer | Halogen oven | |
|---|---|---|
| Crispiness | Excellent | Good |
| Capacity | Smaller basket | Larger glass bowl |
| See inside | No | Yes (glass) |
| Speed | Very fast | Fast |
| Big items | Limited | Whole chicken fits |
Which to choose
- Air fryer — for the crispiest chips and wings, fast everyday cooking, and easy cleaning.
- Halogen oven — for larger items, watching food cook through the glass, and a do-it-all countertop oven.
- Both are far cheaper to run than a full-size oven — see our electricity guide.
Comparing with a conventional oven instead? See air fryer vs oven.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an air fryer and a halogen oven?
An air fryer is compact with a powerful fan for fast, very crispy results; a halogen oven is a larger glass bowl that lets you see inside and fits bigger items, but crisps slightly less aggressively.
Which is crispier, an air fryer or a halogen oven?
The air fryer, generally — its smaller chamber and concentrated airflow crisp food more aggressively than a halogen oven's larger bowl.
Are they both cheaper to run than an oven?
Yes — both heat a small space quickly, so they typically use far less energy than preheating and running a full-size oven.