What is the difference between air bake and insulated cookie sheets?

You're asking about two different ways to get more even baking results, but they work in different ways:

Air Bake:

* What it is: Air baking is a function found on some ovens. It uses a fan to circulate hot air throughout the oven cavity.

* How it works: The fan helps create more even temperatures, reducing hot and cold spots within the oven.

* Benefits:

* More consistent baking results.

* Faster cooking times.

* Can be used with standard baking sheets.

Insulated Cookie Sheets:

* What they are: These are cookie sheets made with a layer of insulation beneath the metal.

* How they work: The insulation helps retain heat, preventing the bottom of the cookie from becoming too brown or burnt.

* Benefits:

* More even browning and cooking.

* Reduced risk of burning.

* Can be used in any oven, whether or not it has an air bake function.

In Summary:

* Air bake is an oven function that helps create more even temperatures overall.

* Insulated cookie sheets are a specific type of baking sheet that helps with more even cooking and browning.

Which is better?

It really depends on your needs and preferences. Air bake can be beneficial for all types of baking, but it requires an oven with the function. Insulated cookie sheets are great for cookies and other items that tend to burn easily, but you can use them in any oven.

You might even find yourself using both! For example, you could air bake a batch of cookies on an insulated cookie sheet for the best of both worlds.