How to Get Air-Fried Crispiness — Without Owning an Air Fryer
You don’t need a special appliance to get that crispy, golden texture everyone loves from air frying. Whether you’re short on counter space, not ready to buy another kitchen gadget, or just want to make do with what you already own — you can achieve air-fried results using tools you already have.
The truth is, an air fryer is just a small, powerful convection oven. It works by rapidly circulating hot air around food, creating a crispy exterior with little to no oil — the same way many modern ovens already do.
In recent years, more ranges, wall ovens, toaster ovens, and even microwaves come with convection or dedicated “air-fry” settings. And with the right techniques, you can get results that are nearly as crisp as a countertop air fryer — often with the added benefit of cooking larger portions at once.
Here’s how to get that crunchy, satisfying bite — without buying a single new appliance.
How to Air-Fry in a Regular Oven (With Convection)
If your oven has a convection or convection roast setting, you already have the key feature that makes air frying possible: a fan that circulates hot air.
In testing, we found that ovens with convection settings can produce golden french fries, crispy chicken tenders, and crunchy Tater Tots using just a teaspoon or two of oil — and often in less time than traditional baking.
One major advantage? Capacity. A full-size oven can hold more than double the amount of food compared to most air fryers. That’s a game-changer for families or meal preppers.
Pro tips for best results:
- Skip preheating if your oven has an air-fry mode — many ramp up heat quickly without it.
- Use a dark-colored baking sheet or tray — darker surfaces absorb and radiate more heat, helping food crisp up faster.
- Avoid overcrowding — leave space between pieces so air can circulate.
- Flip halfway through for even browning on both sides.
Even if your oven doesn’t have an “air-fry” button, convection roast or convection bake will get you close. Just set the temperature slightly lower than you would for a countertop air fryer (try 375°F instead of 400°F) and adjust time as needed.
How to Air-Fry in a Toaster Oven
Many modern convection toaster ovens are designed to mimic air fryers — some even come with air-fry baskets and dedicated settings.
These compact ovens are perfect for small kitchens or quick meals. They heat up fast, use less energy than a full oven, and can deliver impressively crispy results.
What to look for:
- A convection fan (essential)
- An air-fry mode (helpful but not required)
- A dark or nonstick tray or included basket
If your toaster oven has convection but no air-fry setting, use convection bake and follow the same tips as above: dark pan, light oil, good airflow.
Toaster ovens are ideal for:
- Reheating pizza (no soggy crust!)
- Roasting vegetables
- Cooking frozen snacks like fries or nuggets
Just remember: they’re smaller than full ovens, so cook in batches if needed.
Can You Air-Fry in a Microwave?
It sounds odd — after all, microwaves are known for steaming, not crisping. But convection microwaves combine microwave energy with a built-in fan and heating element, allowing them to bake, roast, and yes — air-fry.
These models (often countertop or over-the-range) can circulate hot air just like a convection oven. While we haven’t tested all models yet, early feedback shows they can produce crispy wings, roasted potatoes, and toasted sandwiches — all without deep frying.
Best practices:
- Use the convection or air-fry mode, not the microwave setting.
- Avoid plastic or microwave-only containers — use oven-safe pans.
- Add a light coating of oil to help with browning.
Convection microwaves are a great space-saver for small kitchens, offering multiple cooking methods in one appliance.
Don’t Have Convection? You Can Still Get Crispy Results
Even if your oven doesn’t have a fan, you can still make food crispy with a few smart tricks:
- Broil at the end to crisp up the top.
- Use a wire rack on a baking sheet to lift food off the surface and let air flow underneath.
- Pat food dry before cooking — moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Spray or toss with a little oil to help with browning.
These methods won’t be as fast or even as convection, but they work in a pinch.
When an Air Fryer Might Still Be Worth It
If you don’t have a convection oven, toaster oven, or convection microwave, a stand-alone air fryer is still the easiest and most affordable way to get consistent, crispy results.
They’re:
- Compact and affordable (some under $60)
- Fast and energy-efficient
- Simple to use and clean
And if you cook for one or two people regularly, the smaller size is actually an advantage.
But if you already have a convection-equipped oven or toaster oven, you probably don’t need one — especially if you’re trying to save space or avoid more clutter.
Final Tip: It’s All About Airflow
Whether you’re using a full oven, toaster oven, or microwave, the key to air-fried texture is circulating hot air. So: ✔️ Use convection when available
✔️ Avoid overcrowding
✔️ Choose the right cookware
✔️ Give food space to breathe
With these techniques, you can enjoy crispy, healthier meals — no extra appliance required.
