The difference between an air fryer and a toaster oven is that an air fryer relies on a large fan to circulate hot air around food in a small space to both cook and crisp. A toaster oven uses metal conductors to generate heat and cook food. Air fryers generally have a smaller capacity than most toaster ovens but cook quickly. Their major claim to fame is being able to cook crispy dishes, like french fries, without the need for additional oils. Toaster ovens have a larger capacity for cooking more at once but offer less versatility in terms of the possible dishes one can make. However, many toaster ovens feature an air fryer cooking mode, delivering the best of both worlds.