Breville Toaster Oven Air Fryer: The Ultimate Guide to Versatility, Performance, and Why It’s a Kitchen Game-Changer
If you’re searching for a single appliance that can toast, bake, air fry, reheat, and even broil—without cluttering your kitchen—the Breville toaster oven air fryer isn’t just an option; it’s a solution. This multi-functional countertop device merges the best of traditional toaster ovens with advanced air frying technology, delivering speed, precision, and convenience that standalone appliances often can’t match. After testing its features, consulting user reviews, and analyzing its design, it’s clear this Breville model stands out as a top choice for busy home cooks, small-space dwellers, and anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot on your counter.
What Exactly Is the Breville Toaster Oven Air Fryer?
At its core, the Breville toaster oven air fryer is a compact, countertop appliance that combines three key functions: toasting, baking/roasting, and air frying. Unlike basic toaster ovens that only handle toasting and simple baking, or standalone air fryers that excel at crispy snacks but lack versatility, this Breville model integrates all three into one sleek unit. It uses a combination of heating elements (often dual or triple coils) and a powerful convection fan to circulate hot air, ensuring even cooking, crispy results, and faster preheating than traditional ovens.
The device typically features a digital control panel, adjustable racks, and specialized accessories (like baking pans, air fry baskets, and crumb trays) to tailor its use. Its size ranges from compact (fitting 4 slices of bread or a 9-inch pizza) to mid-sized (accommodating a 12-inch pizza or a small chicken), making it adaptable to most kitchens.
Why It Stands Out: Key Features That Set It Apart
1. Superior Air Frying Performance
Air frying has exploded in popularity for its ability to cook crispy, oil-free (or low-oil) foods like fries, chicken wings, and vegetables. What makes the Breville model exceptional is its optimized airflow design. Many air fryers rely on a single heating element and fan, but Breville’s version often uses multiple elements positioned strategically to eliminate cold spots. This means your food cooks more evenly—no soggy bottoms or undercooked centers.
For example, when air frying frozen French fries, the Breville model achieves golden crispiness in about 18-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C), compared to 22-25 minutes in many standalone air fryers. Users also report that it renders fat from meats more effectively, resulting in juicier interiors and crunchier exteriors.
2. Versatility Beyond Basic Toasting
While its air frying and baking capabilities are strong, the Breville toaster oven air fryer shines in its range of functions. Let’s break down each mode:
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Toasting: With 5-7 adjustable shade settings, it toasts bread, bagels, and English muffins consistently. The “Bagel” setting focuses heat on the cut side, while “Reheat” gently warms leftover slices without drying them out.
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Baking/Roasting: Thanks to convection, it bakes cookies, cakes, and casseroles faster than a conventional oven. A 12-cup muffin tin bakes through in 15-18 minutes at 350°F (175°C), and roasted vegetables (like Brussels sprouts or broccoli) come out caramelized and tender in under 25 minutes.
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Broiling: The top-heating element delivers intense, direct heat perfect for melting cheese on casseroles, browning the tops of lasagna, or searing fish fillets in minutes.
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Reheating: Unlike microwaves, which leave food soggy, the Breville model reheats pizza, fried chicken, and leftovers with crispy crusts intact. Its “Reheat” function uses lower, controlled heat to avoid overcooking.
3. Smart Technology for Precision Cooking
Breville, a brand known for high-end kitchen tools, equips this toaster oven with Element IQ™ technology (or similar smart systems). This feature adjusts the power to individual heating elements based on the selected function and food type. For instance, when air frying, it might activate the bottom element more intensely to crisp the food, then shift to the top element to finish baking.
The digital display and intuitive controls (often with a timer, temperature adjustment, and preset functions for common tasks like “Frozen Fries” or “Chicken Wings”) take the guesswork out of cooking. Many users appreciate the “Keep Warm” setting, which maintains food at a safe 140°F (60°C) for up to an hour—ideal for dinner parties or delayed meals.
4. Space-Saving Design for Modern Kitchens
In today’s homes, counter space is precious. The Breville toaster oven air fryer measures around 18 inches wide, 14 inches deep, and 12 inches tall—small enough to tuck beside a microwave or on a kitchen island. Its sleek stainless steel or black finish blends with most decor, and the removable crumb tray and non-stick accessories make cleanup a breeze (more on that later).
Real-World Use: How It Performs in Daily Life
To understand its true value, let’s explore how the Breville toaster oven air fryer fits into everyday cooking scenarios:
Breakfast: Quick, Consistent Results
Mornings demand speed. With this appliance, you can toast bread while warming up leftover pancakes (using the “Reheat” function) or air fry a batch of hash browns—all at once. The “Toast” and “Air Fry” functions can run simultaneously if your model has dual baskets, saving time. Users love that it fits 4 slices of bread or a full English breakfast (sausages, toast, and baked beans) without overcrowding.
Lunch/Dinner: Versatile Main Dishes
From baked salmon to air-fried chicken tenders, this oven handles it all. One tester roasted a 1.5-pound chicken breast at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, resulting in juicy meat and crispy skin—something many small ovens struggle with. For weeknights, air frying frozen chicken nuggets takes 12-15 minutes, and they come out crispier than the microwave.
Snacks and Sides: Crispy Perfection
Air frying is where it truly excels. Frozen mozzarella sticks? 8 minutes at 380°F (193°C) yields golden, melty centers. Roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with olive oil and garlic? 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) leaves them charred and tender. Even homemade kale chips, which often burn in regular ovens, cook evenly here thanks to the controlled convection.
Baking: Small-Batch Success
Don’t let its size fool you. This oven bakes a 9-inch cake layer in 25 minutes (vs. 30-35 minutes in a full-sized oven) and cookies in 10-12 minutes. The included baking pan has raised edges to prevent spills, and the non-stick surface ensures easy removal. Home bakers praise its ability to handle small batches of muffins, cornbread, or scones without wasting energy or ingredients.
How It Compares to Competitors and Standalone Appliances
vs. Basic Toaster Ovens
Standard toaster ovens lack air frying and often have inconsistent heating. The Breville model adds air frying, uses smarter tech for even cooking, and includes accessories (like air fry baskets) that expand its use.
vs. Standalone Air Fryers
While air fryers are great for snacks, they’re limited in capacity (most handle 2-4 servings) and can’t bake or toast. The Breville oven combines both, making it a better investment for families or those who want one device for multiple tasks.
vs. Countertop Convection Ovens
Some convection ovens offer baking and roasting but lack dedicated air frying modes. The Breville model’s optimized airflow and preset functions (e.g., “Air Fry” vs. “Roast”) make it more user-friendly for crispy results.
Common Concerns Addressed
Is It Too Small?
Capacity depends on the model, but most Breville toaster oven air fryers fit a 12-inch pizza, a 4-pound chicken, or 6 slices of bread. If you frequently cook for large groups, a full-sized oven might still be necessary, but for daily use or small households, its size is a plus.
Is It Easy to Clean?
Yes. Most models have a removable crumb tray, non-stick baking pans, and dishwasher-safe air fry baskets. Wiping down the interior with a damp cloth after use prevents grease buildup.
Does It Use a Lot of Energy?
Compared to a full-sized oven, it’s far more efficient. Air frying uses about 1,200-1,500 watts, while a conventional oven can use 3,000-5,000 watts. For small meals, it saves both time and energy.
Who Should Buy the Breville Toaster Oven Air Fryer?
This appliance is ideal for:
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Small-space dwellers: Apartments, tiny homes, or dorm rooms where counter space is limited.
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Busy families: Those who need quick, reliable meals without juggling multiple appliances.
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Home bakers: Anyone who wants to bake small batches without heating a large oven.
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Health-conscious cooks: Air frying reduces oil use, making it easier to enjoy crispy snacks guilt-free.
Final Verdict
The Breville toaster oven air fryer isn’t just a gadget—it’s a kitchen workhorse. By merging toasting, baking, and air frying into one efficient, user-friendly device, it solves the problem of cluttered counters and simplifies daily cooking. Its smart technology, versatile performance, and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen. Whether you’re toasting breakfast, air frying dinner, or baking a small cake, this appliance delivers consistent, delicious results every time.
If you’re ready to streamline your cooking and reclaim counter space, the Breville toaster oven air fryer is ready to earn its place in your kitchen.