How to choose Best 10 Microwave Air Fryer Combo according to 8 Points

Due to technology, everything has changed with time, and so do our cooking methods. A plethora of kitchen appliances has conveniently replaced traditional cooking methods. Air fryers and microwaves are two among them, these two machines have many advantages and will surely cook your food in a few minutes to save time and energy.

The main difference between these two appliances is that the air fryer blows hot air to fry food with less or no oil, giving crispy fried food, while the microwave emits radiation that cooks food with less oil but not as crispy as the former. But on the other hand, microwaves are versatile; they offer cooking, reheating, and defrosting.  

So you want an appliance that combined their functions: the microwave air fryer combo is coming!

Are you ready to start the 7,000 words review? Keep scrolling!

Best 10 microwave air fryer combo reviews in 2023

From high cost-performance(cheap) to high quality(a bit expensive).

Picture	key decision-making factor	Main Features
	Best for Offices and Dorms Check the price	Compact & space-saving Convenient preset control Lockable controls
	Best for Convection Cooking Check the price	5 one-touch menus 10 power levels Stainless steel finish
	Best for Fast and Even Cooking Check the price	Inverter microwave technology Sound on/off Stainless steel build
	Best Small Air Fryer Microwave Combo Check the price	Stage and combo cooking Stainless steel interior Child lock option
	Best Versatile Air Fryer Microwave Combo Check the price	8-in-1 cooking functions Low-temperature cooking Eco & mute mode
	Best Large Capacity Air Fryer Microwave Combo Check the price	Larger 1.6 Cu.Ft capacity Total fry 360 technology Combi-speed cooking
	Best for Baking  Check the price	True convection cooking Sensor cook and reheat Patented Inverter Technology
	Best Over-the-Range Air Fryer Microwave Combo Check the price	Total Fry 360 technology Large 1.7 Cu. Ft. Capacity Powerful exhaust vents
	Best for Smart Cooking Check the price	Smart cooking functions Smoothing Inverter technology Fast combi function
	Best for High Heat Cooking Check the price	Heat up to 425 °FInverter microwave technology Stainless steel interior

1. GE 3-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven With Air Fryer, Broiler & Convection Mode

The GE 3-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a fantastic appliance for anyone looking for something powerful. But it is still quite compact. It is a highly versatile model that will work perfectly in different environments.

Pros

• Quite versatile
• It takes up little space
• Highly energy efficient
• Easy to use with convenient presets
• Super quiet operation

Cons

• Has a learning curve
• The provided quick manual is not very good

Main Features

The GE 3-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen appliance. It can air fry, microwave and work as a convection oven. And it also has a broil function making it highly useful in any kitchen. 

The appliance comes with several preset controls. There is a presets for the 3 cooking functions and foods like pizza and potato. These presets will make cooking more effortless. You only need to push one button. For instance, you can air-fry sweet potato fries by just pushing the air fry button.

Another key feature is the electronic touch LED control panel. This highly intuitive and user-friendly control panel makes operation hassle-free.

Air Fryer Features and Functions

GE keeps the air frying function on this appliance quite simple. There are no complicated controls or settings to deal with. Simply choose the air fry mode and then the time and temperature. The appliance will do the rest.

But it also comes with a stainless steel crisper pan. The pan ensures faster and more even air frying. It allows hot air to circulate all around the food. This way, your chicken wings or french fries always get crispier. They also cook much faster. 

Microwave Features and Functions

The microwave mode is more feature-rich than the others. Here the manufacturer equips it with impressive features like time and automatic defrost. You can either allow the microwave to set the defrost time and power automatically or do it yourself.

Also, there are dedicated presets for foods you will typically cook in a microwave. There is one for nuggets and fries and much more. This makes microwaving them quick and easy.

The microwave comes with a removable glass turntable plate like most other models. And it also has a child lock function that allows you to lock the controls for safety.

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer?

Buy this GE air fryer microwave combo if you want something more compact. It is the perfect choice if you want a model you can use in the office or dorm room.

2. RCA RMW1205 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer   

The RCA RMW1205 combines the power of convection cooking with the speed of a microwave. This ensures it delivers consistently perfect cooking. Also, it gives you more control over how your food cooks with its 10 power levels.

Pros

• Multiple power levels
• Sleek and easy-to-clean finish
• Easy cooking one-touch menus
• Multifunctional 
• It takes up little counter space

Cons

• No preheat function for air fryer

Main Features

The RCA RMW1205 1.2 cu ft Microwave air fryer combo is a multifunctional appliance. Like all the other models in this review. Besides microwave and air fry functions, it can also bake and roast. 

Also, this air fryer has one of the most reliable convection ovens. It is almost as powerful as a full-size convection oven. But it still comes at a more affordable price and without taking up as much space.

There are also some special programs such as defrosting and frozen dinners. The defrost allows you to quickly thaw your food before cooking. The frozen dinner feature makes it possible to cook food from frozen.

Air Fryer Features and Functions

The digital air fryer function is designed to easily air fry your favorite snacks. The manufacturer provides a handy air fry kit with the appliance. It will allow you to crisp all your favorite dishes. The kit holds at least 2 pounds of wings or french fries. And it can also air fry other foods like chicken nuggets and tater tots. 

Microwave Features and Functions

This appliance is built to be more of a microwave than an air fryer. And so it features more microwave functions. One of the main ones is the 10 power levels. You can easily adjust the power setting, which gives you more control over how your foods cook.

You can also combine microwave and convectional cooking. This ensures you get even better cooking results. You benefit from the power of convection cooking and the speed of the microwave.

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer?

Buy this air fryer microwave combo if you want a powerful convectional cooking appliance. It is also perfect if you want something with more straightforward functions.

3. Toshiba 6-in-1 Inverter Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo

The Toshiba 6-in-1 Inverter Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo is built to deliver speed and even cooking. It relies on highly efficient microwave cooking technology. The technology ensures you spend less time cooking without compromising the outcomes.

Pros

• Cook faster and more evenly
• Versatile with multiple cooking functions
• You can turn the sound on and off
• Includes several air fry presets

Cons

• Temperature adjustment is not very precise – it changes in 25° increments

Main Features

The Toshiba 6-in-1 Inverter Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo is built for versatility. Besides microwave and air fry functions, it also has 4 other functions. It can also defrost, broil and work s a convection oven.

This top-rated air fryer microwave combo also has a speedy-combo mode. The mode allows you to cook food super fast. It does this by combining multiple cooking modes like convection and grill. You can make most of your meals in 20 to 30 minutes.

You also control the power output and how the food cooks. You can choose from 10 different power levels. And you can do it easily on the easy-to-use digital panel.

Another feature that makes this a fantastic appliance is the Inverter Microwave Technology. The technology ensures heat distributes more even inside the microwave. Foods will then cook faster and more evenly. Inverter technology also helps defrost foods fast and evenly.

Air Fryer Features and Functions

The Toshiba air fryer microwave combo is built to allow you to cook healthier meals. It uses 360 Rapid air circulation to allow you to air fry the crispiest foods without using too much oil. The technology also makes air frying faster. 

Air frying should also be more straightforward and precise. There are at least 10 air fry presets. The preset cover everyday dishes like french fries and chicken wings. You can cook these foods at the push of one button. The appliance will automatically set the time and temperature.

You also get several accessories for air frying. There is a baking tray for air-frying your veggies and nuggets. Also, there are wire racks for your chicken and other proteins.

Microwave Features and Functions

The microwave function features 11 automatic menus. The menus make cooking a breeze. You can microwave your favorite meals at the press of one button. Also, it has 6 defrost presets to bring any food to room temperature quickly.

The appliance comes with a larger 11.3-inch turntable. You can quickly microwave an 11-inch pizza and cook it perfectly on one of the provided racks.

Toshiba includes a controls lock function. It will make the appliance safer to use around children. And you can also control the sound by turning it on or off at the press of a button.

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer?

Get this air fryer microwave combo to speed up your cooking. You should also buy it if you want a model that cooks all food types more evenly.

4. Cuisinart AMW-60 3-in-1 Microwave Airfryer Oven 

The Cuisinart AMW-60 is a small air fryer microwave combo that occupies little space. It is a perfect choice when you want a reliable combo appliance but don’t have a lot of room in the kitchen.

Pros

• It takes up little counter space
• Allows for stage cooking
• Easy to use with user-friendly controls
• Includes several convenient features
• Odor-free and easily clean interior

Cons

• Relatively smaller capacity
• Can be quite loud

Main Features

The Cuisinart AMW-60 3-in-1 Microwave Airfryer Oven is a small, powerful kitchen appliance. It features a 1500-watt air fryer oven and a 700-watt microwave. It ensures you get the best of both appliances.

The oven also includes several convenient features to enhance user experience. These features include a turntable on/off, an illuminated interior, and a child lock. And you can easily use these functions thanks to the sleek touchpad control panel. The intuitive controls and LED display make operation hassle-free.

This microwave oven also allows for combination cooking. You can combine the speed of the microwave with the power of an air fryer to deliver excellent cooking outcomes.

Air Fryer Features and Functions

The air frying function on this appliance includes at least 3 air fry presets. There is a preset for french fries, wings, and air-fried snacks. The presets mean you only need to press one button to air fry common foods.

Also, the manufacturer provides a spacious air fry basket. The basket can hold up to 2 pounds of chicken wings or a 4-pound chicken. Despite this being a smaller air fryer, it can cook enough food for a small family.

Microwave Features and Functions

The 700-watt microwave function on this appliance has all the basic features of any microwave. They include 11 power levels to give you more control over your cooking. You can adjust the power more precisely to suit any food.

The microwave also has an auto-cook function to simplify your cooking. And the defrost functions allow you to choose whether to defrost by time or food weight.

Other functions include a unique fan design for optimal cooking and 6 presets. 

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer?

Buy this microwave air fryer oven if you have limited space in your kitchen. Also, it is a good choice for a single person or a couple.

5. Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS) 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave 

The 8 functions make the Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS) a highly versatile appliance. It will be very useful in any kitchen as it replaces several appliances. You have your go-to appliance if you pair its versatility with convenient features. And this is regardless of what you are cooking.

Pros

• Highly versatile
• Allows you to switch off the sound
• Simple control
• Preserves more nutrients by cooking at low temperature
• Easy clean stainless steel interior

Cons

• Functions and operations come with a learning curve

Main Features

The highlight of this appliance is its 8-in-1 functionality. The 8 functions make it one of the most versatile appliances in this review. And they ensure it will be more useful in your kitchen.

But this is also a feature-rich model with several functions. These functions help enhance your cooking experience. They include combo cooking that allows you to combine microwave and convection cooking. 

Also, it has an energy-saving eco mode, position turntable memory, and a sound mute function. And operation should be a breeze thanks to the touch control and easy-to-use knobs.

Air Fryer Features and Functions

The air fryer mode includes 10 cooking presets. There is a dedicated preset for potatoes, pizza, and all your favorite foods. Presets ensure cooking them is quick and hassle-free.

It is also more powerful, with an 1800-watt rating. You can hence air fry foods faster and cook them at a higher temperature. Air-fried snacks and foods like fries and wings will take under 20 minutes. And they cook to a crispy golden brown finish.

Microwave Features and Functions

The microwave is also quite powerful. It is rated at 1,000 watts, making it more powerful than what you get on most other combo models.

Besides power, this model also has 11 microwave preset menus. The menus eliminate guesswork from your cooking and help speed up things.

There are 10 power levels to give you more control when cooking. Also, you get both keep warm and odor removal functions 

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer?

Toshiba makes this air fryer for versatility. It will be the best choice if you prefer something that goes beyond air frying and microwaving. 

6. Galanz GSWWA16S1SA10 3-in-1 SpeedWave with TotalFry 360

The 1.6 cubic feet capacity of the Galanz GSWWA16S1SA10 3-in-1 SpeedWave makes it perfect for a family. Also, it is perfect if you have guests over often. And it has multiple features. They include combi cooking that will ensure you can cook a lot of food quickly.

Pros

• Large capacity
• Faster cooking with comb mode
• Makes foods crunchier
• Sleek stainless steel finish
• Express cooking knob included

Cons

• The heating element gets spluttered easily
• The selection knob takes some getting used to

Main Features

Galanz GSWWA16S1SA10 3-in-1 SpeedWave is a large-capacity air fryer microwave combo. The appliance has enough space to fit a 12-inch pizza or large chicken. It is hence perfect for a bigger family.

Versatility is also at the heart of the design. Besides air frying and microwave, the 10-in-1 model has 8 other functions. These functions include roasting and baking. You can prepare all your meals without using any other appliance.

This combo appliance has sensor cooking and reheat function. The built-in sensors sense the amount of humidity in your food. They then use this information to ensure your food is never over or undercooked.

Overall, this is also a more solid appliance. It features heavy-duty construction and a sleek stainless steel finish.

Air Fryer Features and Functions

The main feature of the air fryer is Totalfry 360 Technology. The technology allows you to make the crunchiest foods without too much oil. It also speeds up cooking. 

This combo model will also support combi-speed cooking. The combi mode combines microwave with convection to cook meals even faster.

Air frying should also be hassle-free, as you will get a nice air fry kit. The 10.6-inch air fry kit holds lots of food. It will allow you to air fryer several pounds of french fries or veggies in one batch.

Microwave Features and Functions

The express cooking knob is one of the highlights of the microwave. With this knob, you can quickly reheat or cook food. You do not have to bother with the complicated time and temperature settings.

The reheating and cooking sensors are also nice. They ensure your food always cooks perfectly. Also, the microwave has a smart defrost function. The function allows you to choose whether to defrost food with time or weight.

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer?

You should buy this air fryer microwave combo if you cook for a large family. It can hold more food and cook faster. It allows you to make large batches of food within a short time.

7. Galanz GTWHG12S1SA10 4-in-1 ToastWave with TotalFry 360

The Galanz GTWHG12S1SA10 4-in-1 ToastWave is built to cook faster and more evenly. It keeps the heat consistent throughout cooking, making it perfect for baking foods. 

Pros

• Maintains even heat for perfect baking results
• Supports various cooking functions
• Uses sensors to ensure food is never under or overcooked
• Multiple heating elements

Cons

• The Interior lighting is not very bright
• The air fryer is a bit underpowered

Main Features

This Galanz combo delivers the ultimate cooking no matter what you are cooking. It uses advanced technologies like True Convection cooking. This technology ensures faster and more even cooking.

Besides air frying and microwaving, it can also work as a toaster oven and broil food. It has one of the most reliable bake functions. Thanks to Patented Inverter Technology, your desserts and pastries always turn out perfect.

There are also more pre-programmed meal options on this model than most others in its class. Cooking common foods like pizza and fries only require you to push one button. You never have to set the time or temperature manually.

And the air fryer microwave combo is made from stainless steel. The material makes it safe to use as it does not emit harmful substances. Stainless steel surfaces are also easy to clean.

Air Fryer Features and Functions

The air fryer uses TotalFry 360 Technology. This advanced air fry technology makes it possible to air fry your favorite snacks with little to no oil. It ensures the foods get super crispy while remaining tender inside.

You also get a handy 10.6-inch air fry kit for all your air frying. The kit is not the largest, but it makes it possible to air fryer at least 2 pounds of chicken wings or french fries.

Microwave Features and Functions

The microwave function includes some handy cook and reheat sensors. These sensors ensure your food always cooks well by sensing the amount of moisture.

Also, the microwave uses patented inverter technology to ensure more even cooking. The technology allows the appliance to generate continuous and consistent heat during cooking. This way, the food always cooks and browns evenly.

The microwave also has to add 30 seconds feature and a lockable turntable. And you can customize the defrost function by choosing to defrost by weight or time.

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer?

Get this air fryer if you make a lot of baked goods. It bakes some of the tastiest desserts and pastries and never dries them like other ovens.

8. Galanz GLOMJB17S2ASWZ-10 30″ SpeedWave Over The Range Microwave Oven

The Galanz GLOMJB17S2ASWZ-10 30″ SpeedWave is a perfect choice if you want an over-the-range appliance. But, it is also a larger capacity model that allows you to make family-sized meals quickly.

Pros

• Delivers crispier results
• Large capacity
• More powerful fan
• Multiple power levels
• Handy cooktop lighting

Cons

• Hard to see inside as it cooks
• The exhaust fan can be loud

Main Features

The Galanz microwave air fryer combo uses a True Convection heating technology. Also, it has 3 heating elements to ensure it produces enough heat to cook almost any food. 

What’s more, it uses a powerful 400CFM fan. The fan ensures the heat generated circles the food from all angles for fast and even cooking.

The appliance also includes a powerful exhaust vent. The vent provides excellent airflow to eliminate heat and odors from your kitchen.

Galanz makes the air fryer with primarily stainless steel construction. The material gives it a sleek look and also makes it safe to use. Also, you can easily wipe it clean.

Air Fryer Features and Functions

Like most other air fryer microwave combos from Galanz, this one uses their TotalFry 360 technology. The technology guarantees you always get crispier veggies and potatoes and use little oil when cooking.

The air fryer comes with a complete air fry kit and a steam kit. You can hence make healthier steamed veggies and fry several pounds of french fries. Additionally, the air fryer has presets to speed up and simplify cooking.

Microwave Features and Functions

The microwave features multiple presets to simplify cooking. There is a preset for reheating beverages and one for popcorn.

The microwave also uses built-in humidity sensors. The sensors eliminate hotspots by sensing humidity. They ensure more even reheating and cooking.

The turntable is also removable for easy hand washing. And the 1.7 cubic feet capacity is large enough to allow you to reheat all kinds of food.

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer?

Buy this model if you want a powerful over-the-range air fryer microwave combo. It is also the perfect choice if you cook large, family-sized meals.

9. Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer, and Toaster Oven   

The Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave Air Fryer Combo uses multiple smart features to simplify operation. It also has several presets to ensure using it is hassle-free. You can use it even if you have never owned a similar appliance.

Pros

• Simplifies cooking with smart functions
• Creates an ideal cooking environment for better outcomes
• Can cook from frozen to plate
• Cooks without drying out food
• Quieter operation

Cons

• Instructions are not very detailed

Main Features

This Breville air fryer microwave combo includes several smart functions and presets. There is a smart cook and reheat function. Also, the defrost function is smart, and there are 19 cooking presets. These smart functions all you to cook most foods without doing much.

The appliance uses an Element IQ system to ensure more optimal cooking results. The technology delivers power where needed for better cooking and crispier results. Also, a Power Smoothing Inverter technology adjusts cooking power automatically. This ensures optimal cooking for all food types.

Fast combi and cooking from frozen are other fantastic features. The fast combi function speeds up cooking and improves outcomes. It does this by combining two cooking modes. Cook from frozen eliminates the need to defrost food before air frying..

Air Fryer Features and Functions

The air fry function on this appliance is the most basic in this review. It does not have any complicated features. It just produces and circulates hot air to cook and crisp foods.

There are also not many accessories besides the rack. But you can always get a better air fry kit separately to better use the air fry function.

Microwave Features and Functions

The microwave features smart defrost and reheat functions. The smart features ensure your foods always defrost or reheat quickly and evenly.

Also, the microwave turntable is lockable. You can lock it when using other cooking functions. This helps get it out of the way when you do not need to use it.

Other top microwave features are sound on/off and child. Also, there are some handy shortcuts for common cooking functions. There is one for softening butter and another for melting chocolate.

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer?

Get this air Breville air fryer microwave combo if you prefer a smart model. Its smart function will make both air frying and microwaving effortless.

10. Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer

The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer is built for high-temperature cooking. It heats up to 425°F to allow you to roast and bake all your favorite foods.

Pros

• Gets hotter
• Easy clean interior
• Space-saving design
• Includes over 20 presets

Cons

• Controls are not very intuitive
• It can be a little loud

Main Features

The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer is built to get hotter. This ensures it supports more cooking functions. It will heat up to 425°F to allow you to quickly broil your meat and roast anything that requires high heat.

Cooking is also guaranteed to be smart and more even. Panasonic equips the air fryer microwave combo with inverter microwave technology for this. Also, the appliance has genius sensors. They ensure even cooking by sensing the moisture in foods.

Cleanups will be quick and easy, thanks to the stainless steel interior. The stainless steel material also provides safer cooking. It will not leach any harmful compounds like BPA.

You do not need much space to use this 1.2 cubic feet appliance. It comes in a sleek and more space-saving design, making it perfect for RVs or offices. 

Air Fryer Features and Functions

The air fryer cooking mode is all about making your meals healthier. It uses a powerful fan and efficient air frying technology to deliver the crispiest and tastiest foods.

Also, Panasonic provides everything you need to utilize this function fully. There is an air fry basket and a wire rack. Also, you get an enamel tray that will be handy when air frying most foods.

Microwave Features and Functions

The microwave mode uses Panasonic’s inverter microwave technology. The technology allows for smart and even defrosting. Also, it will make other features like cooking and reheating more efficient.

The microwave also has a turbo defrost function. This function reduces the time it takes to defrost your frozen foods. There is also a cooking sensor that senses humidity in food. This ensures you never under or overcook any food.

Who Should Buy this Air Fryer?

You should buy this model if you prefer something that gets hotter. It will get to a higher temperature, allowing you to broil steaks.

Still don't know which one to buy? Let's check more detail about the differences between air fryers and microwaves.

Air fryer vs microwave: Top 8 differences

Before going into a war between these two appliances, you must understand what they are and why they are used. 

Microwave’s Working Mechanism

A microwave operates by utilizing electromagnetic waves to heat food particles. Inside the oven, an electron tube known as a magnetron generates and sends high radio frequency waves. When your food absorbs these waves, they force the water molecules to vibrate, generating heat and thus cooking the meal. The energy utilized is comparable to 2,450 megahertz, making cooking and heating meals efficient.

Air fryer’s Working Mechanism

While using the convection theory, an air fryer cooks food by circulating hot air throughout its chamber, assisted by a high-speed fan. A crispy coating forms due to the air-sucking moisture from the meal. With processes like Maillard and the caramelization effect, it produces a deep-fried browning effect on the meals. It imparts a fried flavor to the meal.

What are the 8 Differences

Differences	Air Fryer	Microwave
Cooking technology	It cooks meals primarily using hot air.	It cooks meals primarily using electromagnetic waves as the main energy source.
Cooking time	They take a long time, like 15-20 minutes, to cook crispy food	They are efficient; they cook food in 4 to 6 minutes mostly.
Multifunction	They are single-doers; they only fry your favorite food.	They are multifunctional; they defrost, reheat, cook, and even bake.
Power	They consume less power, like 800 watts.	They consume more power, like above 1000 watts. Don’t buy with fewer watts; they add no value to your kitchen.
Healthier and hygienic options	As they use no oils, they are healthier than other conventional methods.	Uses less oil and cooks healthier food, but sometimes uneven cooking causes food poisoning.
Capacity and size	They are small in size and cook minimum food.	Large in size and cook food for the whole family
Radiation	Use hot air instead of radiation	Emits microwave radiation to heat up and vibrate water molecules on the surface of food and cook it.
Maintenance	Cleaning and maintaining this small appliance is quick and easy.	Compared to other kitchen equipment, air fryers are less challenging to keep up with and maintain.

Cooking technology

The fundamental difference between air fryers and microwaves is how they are heated. For the most part, air fryers function on the concept of convection heating. Air fryers have a built-in heating coil. First, this coil heats up. After that, the air fryer’s onboard fan begins spinning, spreading the heat created by the coil over the food within the frying basket, thus cooking it evenly. It generally takes a good deal of time to cook food.

On the other hand, microwaves use electromagnetic energy to heat and prepare food in the microwave frequency range. The water molecules in your meal vibrate in your microwave, causing the food to heat up, resulting in the food cooking. 

Cooking time 

Between these two appliances, the air fryer is not too efficient in making food, but on the other hand, its food is more delicious. You merely need 3 to 4 minutes of cooking time for your chicken wings in Microwave; instead, the air fryer takes 20 minutes to cook them. 

But when you taste both of the dishes, you will feel like me that wings from the air fryer are more delicious, crispy, and nutritious. It is all because of the proper and more extended cooking period. 

Multifunction 

You will find the microwave in a topper position when you talk about this topic. Air fryers can do only one task, cook food and make it crispy and brownish, you can only make it multifunction by using various accessories. In contrast, the microwave can do a lot of tasks, like reheating, cooking, defrosting, and grilling. 

Power

When it comes to power consumption, there is no winner. Although the air fryer consumes less energy, it takes longer to deliver crispy food. While on the other hand, microwave cooking is a matter of a few minutes; the food is only cooked and does not offer crispiness. 

Healthy and hygienic options 

Air fryers need a tiny amount of oil, just a sprinkle of it while cooking in the microwave needs at least 1-2 spoonfuls of oil. Here the problem is not related to oil, as food with less oil is always healthy. 

The matter of discussion is the heating process and utensils. Air fryers use only hot air for cooking food by evenly distributing it; they are not harmful. At the same time, electromagnetic radiations from your microwave pose a threat to your health. 

The air fryers come with a frying basket, but you have to put cookware for cooking food in the microwave. So, be careful while choosing them as they also cause harmful effects on your health. 

Do not use anything other than microwave-safe utensils and containers. Some include heat-resistant glassware like Pyrex and pyro ceramic glass cookware like CorningWare, strong plastics, and chinaware. Moreover, other recommended polythene like Tupperware and various designated glass, ceramic, and plastic containers for use in a microwave oven. 

Capacity and size

Again at this point, Microwaves take the game to their court. Air fryers are small and can’t cook food for a large family. Most probably you can cook food in several parts. While in the microwave, you can easily and quickly cook food for your family, friends, or colleagues. 

But don’t try to put bulk food in it as electromagnetic radiation can’t enter the food after 1.5 inches, leaving the center of your food uncooked, which causes serious health problems. 

Maintenance

Because microwaves are easy to use and clean, they need little maintenance. Regular cleaning is all that’s required. If you don’t remove food stuck to the surface, it will collect heat from the cooking process and reduce the efficiency of the subsequent dish.

In contrast to conventional deep-fat fryers, air fryers use so little oil that less grease accumulates, and no splashing of oil, reducing the frequency with which you need to clean the machine.

Advantages and disadvantages of air fryers and microwaves

Advantages of Air fryer

Healthy: 

Eating deep-fried foods can make you obese. They have a high fat and calorie content, which contributes to obesity. Changes in diet, such as switching from deep-fried to air-fried foods and avoiding the use of toxic oils daily, can assist in weight loss. Thus, it contributes to keeping you healthy. 

Safe: 

If you don’t know how to cook and are also fearful of cooking as it might burn you, buying an air fryer is a wiser decision. To deep-fry foods, you need a large container and searing hot oil. 

While cooking or putting food into it, the oil splashes and may harm you, but this is not the case with air fryers. However, they are hot; you don’t have to handle any oil directly because it has a self-contained space. 

Thus, it lessens the dangers of spilling, splashing, or accidentally coming into touch with the boiling oil.

Cleaning: 

As air fryers are closed machines, you will not find any mess on your kitchen counter. Moreover, they are also easy to clean because the food fries very efficiently, without causing oil splashes. 

So, there are no food or oil stains or grease you need to clean. 

After cooking, you merely have to clean the cooking chamber, which is easily detachable. If your machine is dishwasher safe, it also reduces hand cleaning stress.

Disadvantages of Air Fryer

• Because air fryers take longer to cook than traditional methods, they are not appropriate for heavy-duty cooking. 
• They are not best for family meals or preparing massive amounts, not even a whole chicken. 
• They are more expensive than fellow appliances like a microwave. 
• As they have a metal exterior, they become heated when in use. Thus, it renders it hazardous to touch.
• When it comes to pre-set cooking programs, you will not find as many possibilities as microwaves, such as defrosting, reheating, grilling, browning, etc.

Advantages of Microwave 

Saves time and energy:

In contrast to air fryers, microwaves don’t need to warm up to work. They are energy-efficient appliances. Many people say that air fryers consume less energy. Yes, it is true, but what about the time? 

They have a small footprint so they can cook whole foods in small chunks. So, cooking food several times consumes more power and wastes your time.

Instead, you can cook food once for the whole family in a microwave. It can complete tasks in a single pass. It saves both electricity and time in the long run.

Faster: 

With the purpose of heating the rest of the meal, a microwave uses conduction to warm water pockets on the outer surface of food rather than heating air. Microwaves prepare food in the shortest time compared to other heating methods. 

I can quickly cook meat for my whole family (6 members) in just a few minutes, while the fryer machine takes 15-30 minutes to work unstoppable. 

Precision: 

Cooking isn’t the only thing you can do with a microwave. In addition to cooking, you may use it to reheat food, thaw meat, and melt butter. It’s a versatile tool with a slew of advantages. 

Baking:

If you are searching for a multi-purpose appliance, you might want to think a lot before purchasing. Although you can cook most meals in an air fryer, baking is not one of them. When it comes to working with dough, an oven is usually preferable. 

Cheese is another substance that creates problems with the former, whilst the microwave is a master of it. Similarly, popping popcorn needs the latter machine, not the former.

Disadvantages of Microwave 

• When you cook food in a microwave, it may cause overcooking and drying out food due to the high heat intensity. The heat removes the water from the food and makes it dry. 
• Microwave does not provide consistent taste. Whenever I cook food in it, most dishes lack flavor. It is all because of the way radio waves operate and propagate.
• If you want crispy brownish food, this machine is not suitable.
• There are some chances of food poisoning because of it. There are hot and cold areas in food because of the microwave oven’s standing waves pattern, which barely penetrates 1.5 inches into your food. Maintaining the meal’s form and size is also essential to minimize uneven cooking.
• Air fryers have a container to place food for cooking, but for a microwave oven, you have to buy extra cookware that is compatible and safe to use with them.  

Are air fryers microwave combo worth it?

Yes, if you count speed and crispness, they are worth buying more than the other products. Having a smaller footprint, they are also energy efficient. These environmentally-friendly machines are perfect for fitness freaks who always wish for less oily or no oil food. 

Moreover, they do not put your piggy bank under stress; instead, they are pocket friendly and durable. The only drawbacks it will have are they burn your food because of scorching air, and is not a good option for large families. 

If your meal mainly contains battered foods, fresh greens, cheese, raw grains, and whole roasts, avoid buying an air fryer; the microwave is suitable. But if you are time-poor and permanently have frozen meals in your deep freezer, then choose one of the air fryers.   

Can air fryers replace microwaves?

Air fryers are a great addition to your appliances, but you can’t replace the air fryer for your microwave oven. Which device you are going to use depends upon what type of food you genuinely want.  

The air fryer uses dry air to fry things and offers crispiness. It is a single-task doer, uses a small amount of oil, and only fries food for you. Moreover, the quantity of food it fries is less than the latter. 

A microwave is a multitasker; it cooks food, defrosts, and reheats it perfectly. This versatile machine manages a large quantity of food for your family. It uses radio-frequency radiation to perform tasks. 

If you want to fry food, the former is your ultimate need. However, for enjoying baked potatoes and popcorn, go for the latter one. So if you need both of their functions, the air fryer microwave combo is your better choice! 

Final verdict

Both gadgets have their uniqueness, pros, and cons. Comparing them is not a wise idea because the food you can get from an air fryer isn’t possible from the microwave and vice versa. 

I hope that now you have a clear idea from our air fryer vs microwave war which machine would go best for you. Both machines are specifically designed for your convenient cooking with different methods. Moreover, I think as their functions are different, you would need both of their functions with a microwave air fryer combo.

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