Is an air fryer just a mini convection oven?

In theory, yes.  I have used these little interesting little machines before while doing off premise catering events.  I have worked with other chefs who swear by them, as getting garnishes to the beloved crispy texture right before serving has been a lifelong struggle for these chefs.  Aside from this non conventional use in catering, given the choice of air fryer or convention oven, I am choosing convection oven 99% of the time. Controlling the heat of an air fryer is not as easy as the manufacturers would like consumers to believe.  They are great in a bind, but I wouldn’t recommend going and throwing out your convection oven just yet. Here is short clip that further explains how these little machines work.

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