an air fryer is just a smaller (read: less efficient) convection oven, which is itself basically just an oven with a big fan. it circulates the air and gets a crispier and more even bake than a regular oven.
i think the “air fryer” term is just a marketing fad right now? the moving air is a little similar to the way hot oil would cook, but you’re absolutely right about them not really “frying” anything lmao
i wonder if the forums still exist...
e: well the original VERY SERIOUS forum is deffo gone, supposedly they migrated but i can’t find where :c
pour one out for the dead thread, it’s finally dead for real