Air fry vs. air roast: Differences & when to use each

What is the air fry setting on a range?

The air fry setting enables you to prepare many family favorites, including some baked goods. For instance, on select Whirlpool^® Ranges, the air fry setting uses intense heat and a powerful fan to rapidly circulate hot air around food. This helps remove surface moisture, creating a crispy, browned finish.

What is the Air Roast setting on a range?

The Air Roast setting uses a high-speed fan and intense heat to circulate hot air throughout the oven for deep, thorough cooking. It’s ideal for hearty dishes like whole chicken or vegetables that benefit from caramelization.

What is the difference between air fry vs. air roast?

Air frying uses rapid air circulation to cook food quickly, producing crispy results with little to no oil. It’s ideal for small portions or reheating leftovers, especially foods that benefit from a crisp exterior like fries, wings or cookies.

Air roasting (sometimes also referred to as convection roasting) uses high heat to brown or caramelize food. Due to its rapid circulation of air, air frying is generally faster by comparison.

Food texture differences

Depending on the outcome you’re after, you might opt for either air fry or air roast. Here are the results you might be able to expect from each setting.

• Air fry: Air frying in your range mimics the taste and texture of deep-fried foods, or those cooked in a countertop air fryer, by using rapidly circulating hot air to achieve a crispy result with little to no oil.

• Air roast: Air roasting creates crispy, flavorful exteriors with browned, caramelized surfaces, while keeping interiors tender and juicy.

Best foods for each setting

The air fry setting works especially well for cooking frozen foods or foods that benefit from a crispy exterior. The air roast setting is great for proteins and hearty vegetables that benefit from browning and caramelization. Here are some foods you can cook using each method.

• Air fry: French fries, chicken wings, onion rings, chicken nuggets

• Air roast: Chicken, turkey, duck, pork loin, leg of lamb, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli

Air cooking tips

Air cooking, found on select Whirlpool^® Ranges, may include No Preheat Air Fry, Air Baking, Air Roast, Air Broil and Air Reheat, or use traditional heating modes like No Preheat Mode, Bake, Slow Cook, Broil, and Keep Warm. These tips can help you get your desired results no matter which mode you’re in.

Tip 1: Don’t overcrowd the pan
Leave space between foods so hot air can circulate evenly and promote browning.

Tip 2: Use low-sided pans or sheet pans
Lower sides allow more airflow around the food, helping improve crisping and encourage even cooking.

Tip 3: Check food earlier than usual
Air cooking can cook food faster than traditional settings, so monitor doneness to avoid overcooking.

Shop Whirlpool^® Ranges with air cooking modes

Select Whirlpool^® Ranges offer No Preheat Air Fry, which lets you save up to 10 minutes.¹ Get the right heat at the right time with Whirlpool brand’s most advanced Air Fry mode, and get fast, crispy results on chicken wings and mozzarella sticks without the guilt. Select ranges from Whirlpool brand feature 10 Cooking Modes that let you take your favorite meals from fresh, fridge or freezer to fabulous with the Air Cooking Technology of No Preheat Air Fry, Air Baking, Air Roast, Air Broil and Air Reheat, or use traditional Bake, Slow Cook, Broil, Proof, and Keep Warm Cooking Modes. Browse Whirlpool^® Ranges to learn even more about their features.