With the rise of air fryers in kitchens worldwide, many home cooks are wondering whether these nifty gadgets can truly deliver the perfect roast chicken. To get to the bottom of this culinary debate, I asked five professional chefs for their expert opinions on whether an air fryer or a traditional oven is best for roasting chicken.
While air fryers have gained popularity for their ability to cook food quickly and achieve crisp textures, the consensus among chefs is clear: the oven remains the top choice for roasting chicken to perfection.
Jamie Newman, executive chef of the Croeso Pubs chain in Wales, shared, “I always roast in the oven rather than an air fryer; you just can’t beat the even heat and the way the vegetables caramelise underneath.” His point highlights one of the key benefits of the oven — more uniform heat distribution and the ability to roast accompanying vegetables simultaneously, enhancing flavor.
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Private chef and medical meal specialist Chuck Hayworth explained his method: “I start the oven high at 230°C for 15 minutes uncovered to get the skin crisp, then reduce to 190°C until the chicken is done.” This technique achieves that coveted crispy skin and tender meat, a hallmark of great roast chicken.
Kyle Taylor, founder and chef at He Cooks, remarked, “Air fryers are fine for a quick weeknight meal, but for the perfect bird, the oven is the best. You get better fat rendering, more even browning, and you get to keep the drippings — which is where the best flavor comes from.”
Steven Carter-Bailey, food expert at ProCook, pointed out a limitation of air fryers: “The oven’s hot air circulation allows the chicken to cook evenly all around. An air fryer’s confined space just can’t match that.”
Mark McShane, a chef and food safety expert at Food Hygiene Certificate, added, “The oven ensures consistent cooking from breast to thigh thanks to even heat circulation. I like to roast the chicken on a rack over a pan with onions, carrots, and celery beneath it to catch drippings and keep the chicken from sitting in fat.”
In summary, although air fryers offer convenience, the chefs unanimously recommend the oven for roasting chicken. Its ability to provide evenly distributed heat, superior caramelization, and flavorful drippings makes it the best tool for creating a truly perfect roast chicken.