Imagine biting into perfectly crispy chicken wings, golden fries, or even fluffy baked goods, all without the mess and oil of traditional frying. Sounds amazing, right? But what if you could achieve that crunch using the same appliance that heats up your leftovers in a flash? That’s where the magic of the microwave air fryer comes in.
In today’s busy kitchens, we’re all looking for ways to save time and space. Many of us already have a microwave, and the idea of adding an air fryer’s crisping power to it is super appealing. However, diving into the world of microwave air fryers can feel a bit confusing. There are so many different brands and features, and it’s tough to know which one will really deliver those delicious, healthy results you’re hoping for.
This post is here to help clear the air. We’ll break down what makes a good microwave air fryer, explain the key features to look for, and give you the inside scoop on how to pick the perfect one for your kitchen. By the end, you’ll feel confident in choosing an appliance that not only reheats your food but also transforms it into crispy, flavorful meals.
Our Top 5 Microwave Air Fryer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Air Fryer Detailed Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.3/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a kitchen game-changer. It’s a countertop appliance that does more than just microwave food. You can also air fry, grill, bake, and roast with it. This makes it super handy for all sorts of cooking tasks.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance: You can microwave, air fry, combi cook (grill/convection), bake, and roast. This means you can cook almost anything with it.
- It has 10 cooking levels, including 7 auto menus for things like popcorn and frozen pizza. It also has 11 air fry presets for fries, chicken, and more.
- It cooks fast. You can press the start button to cook at full power for 30 seconds at a time.
- It has a child-lock setting. You hold the stop button for 3 seconds to lock the controls. This keeps kids from messing with it.
- The stainless steel finish looks nice on any counter.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be small for larger families or big meals.
- Some advanced users might find the 900-watt power a bit limiting for certain cooking styles.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a versatile and convenient addition to any kitchen. It simplifies cooking and offers multiple functions in one sleek unit.
2. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.0/10
Meet the TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, a kitchen workhorse designed to simplify your cooking. This stylish black stainless steel appliance packs a punch with its versatile functions, making it ideal for busy households and aspiring home chefs alike.
What We Like:
- 8-in-1 Versatility: It’s not just a microwave! You can air fry, bake with convection, broil, and even use a low-temperature setting. This means fewer appliances cluttering your kitchen.
- Healthy Air Frying: Enjoy crispy, delicious fried foods with less oil. It’s a healthier way to get that satisfying crunch.
- Powerful Performance: With 1000 watts of microwave power, it heats food quickly and efficiently.
- Spacious Interior: The 1.0 cu.ft. capacity and 12.4-inch turntable fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza, offering great convenience for family meals.
- Smart Features: The position memory turntable ensures your food is always centered, and the one-touch popcorn button is a handy extra.
- Safety First: The two-step child lock prevents accidental use, giving parents peace of mind.
- Stylish Design: The classic black stainless steel looks great on any countertop.
- Odor Removal: A thoughtful feature that keeps your kitchen smelling fresh.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve: With so many functions, there might be a slight learning curve to master all its capabilities.
- External Dimensions: While the interior is spacious, the external dimensions might be a consideration for very small kitchens.
This TOSHIBA combo microwave oven truly offers a lot of bang for your buck, blending convenience, health, and style.
3. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a super versatile kitchen helper. It’s more than just a microwave; it can air fry, broil, and even use convection heat. This makes it a real game-changer for busy people or anyone with limited kitchen space. With its sleek stainless steel finish, it looks great on any countertop, and it’s a perfect fit for dorm rooms too.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, saving you space and money.
- The air fryer feature lets you make crispy foods without all the oil.
- Convection mode cooks food evenly and gives it a nice golden-brown finish.
- Broil mode sears and caramelizes food, just like a grill.
- Preset controls make cooking specific foods simple and quick.
- The child-lock feature adds an extra layer of safety.
- It’s compact at 1.0 cu. ft. but still powerful with 1,050 watts.
- The glass turntable ensures food cooks evenly.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it offers many functions, some users might find the initial learning curve for all modes a bit steep.
- The 1.0 cu. ft. capacity, while good for its size, might be a bit small for larger families or bulk cooking.
This GE microwave is a fantastic all-in-one solution for modern kitchens. It truly simplifies cooking with its multiple functions and user-friendly design.
4. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.1/10
The Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a game-changer for any kitchen. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s a versatile cooking companion. This appliance combines microwave, air fry, convection, and combination cooking, meaning you can microwave your leftovers, air fry some crispy fries, bake a cake with convection, or even do both at once for faster cooking. It’s designed to make your cooking easier and healthier.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, doing the job of four different machines.
- You can enjoy fried foods with less fat thanks to the air fryer function.
- It has smart cooking features like auto bake, defrosting, and roast menus.
- The large 1.5 cubic feet capacity and 13.6-inch turntable fit big items like a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- It looks stylish with its black stainless steel finish.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, and a mute button add to its ease of use.
- The position memory turntable always returns the glass tray to its starting position.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it has many functions, learning all of them might take a little time.
- The external dimensions are quite large, so make sure you have enough counter space.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options in one sleek appliance. It simplifies meal preparation and encourages healthier eating habits.
5. Uten 8-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Combo – Large 25.4QT
Rating: 9.4/10
The Uten 8-in-1 Air Fryer Microwave Combo is a game-changer for your kitchen. It’s a powerful 2-in-1 appliance that combines an air fryer and a microwave, saving you counter space. You can easily switch between making crispy fries and reheating your favorite meals in just seconds. This means you won’t have to deal with multiple bulky appliances anymore.
What We Like:
- It’s a 2-in-1 powerhouse, saving you space.
- The 25.4QT capacity is huge, perfect for families or parties.
- You can cook a whole meal at once on three racks.
- It has 8 preset cooking options for easy use.
- You can also create your own custom cooking settings.
- The 1800W power cooks food super fast, much faster than other methods.
- It’s made of stainless steel, making it easy to wipe clean.
- It’s safer and more hygienic because it’s easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The large capacity might be too big for very small kitchens.
- Learning all the custom settings might take a little time for some users.
This Uten Air Fryer Microwave Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It makes cooking faster, easier, and more versatile.
Choosing Your Next Kitchen Hero: The Microwave Air Fryer Guide
Are you looking for a kitchen gadget that does it all? A microwave air fryer might be your next best friend. It’s like having two appliances in one! You can reheat leftovers quickly and also get your food crispy and delicious. Let’s dive into what makes a good microwave air fryer.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop, keep an eye out for these important things.
- Multiple Cooking Functions: A good one will have more than just microwave and air fry. Look for options like bake, roast, grill, and even dehydrate. This means you can cook a lot of different foods.
- Capacity: How much food do you usually cook? Microwave air fryers come in different sizes. A family might need a larger one, while a single person might be fine with a smaller one.
- Power Levels: More power usually means faster cooking. Microwaves often have different power settings for delicate foods. Air fryers also have power that affects how crispy your food gets.
- Digital Display and Presets: Easy-to-use controls make cooking simple. Presets for common foods like fries or chicken are a big help.
- Turntable or Air Frying Basket: Some models have a turntable that spins food for even microwave heating. For air frying, a basket or rack helps hot air circulate.
- Safety Features: Look for things like cool-touch exteriors and auto shut-off. These keep you and your family safe.
Important Materials
The materials used can affect how well your appliance cooks and how long it lasts.
- Stainless Steel Interior: This is a great material. It’s durable and easy to clean. It also helps reflect heat for better cooking.
- Glass Turntable: Most microwaves have a glass turntable. Make sure it’s sturdy and easy to remove for cleaning.
- Non-stick Coating: The air fryer basket or rack often has a non-stick coating. This makes it easier to get food out and clean up afterward.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a microwave air fryer better, while others can make it less useful.
What Makes it Great:
- Even Cooking: A good appliance cooks food evenly, whether you’re microwaving or air frying.
- Easy Cleaning: Removable parts and smooth surfaces make cleaning a breeze.
- Quiet Operation: Some appliances can be noisy. A quieter one is more pleasant to use.
- Good Air Circulation: For air frying, strong and consistent airflow is key to getting food crispy.
What Can Make it Less Than Ideal:
- Uneven Heating: If your food is cooked in some spots and not others, it’s a problem.
- Difficult Controls: Confusing buttons or a tricky display can make you frustrated.
- Poor Build Quality: If it feels flimsy or parts don’t fit well, it might not last long.
- Limited Air Frying Space: If the air frying area is too small, you can’t cook much at once.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you’ll use your microwave air fryer.
This appliance is perfect for busy households. You can quickly reheat your lunch with the microwave function. Then, you can use the air fryer to make healthy, crispy chicken wings or fries without a lot of oil. It’s also great for small kitchens because it saves counter space. Imagine making a whole meal in one appliance! You can bake a small cake, roast vegetables, or even toast bread. It’s a versatile tool for anyone who wants to cook a variety of foods easily.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a microwave and an air fryer?
A: A microwave heats food using electromagnetic waves. An air fryer cooks food by circulating hot air around it, making it crispy like deep-frying.
Q: Can I use the microwave and air fryer functions at the same time?
A: Some models allow you to combine functions, like microwaving to cook something quickly and then air frying to crisp it up. Always check your model’s manual.
Q: How do I clean my microwave air fryer?
A: Most have removable trays or baskets that you can wash with soap and water. The interior can usually be wiped down with a damp cloth.
Q: What kind of cookware can I use in a microwave air fryer?
A: For microwave use, you need microwave-safe dishes. For air frying, use racks, baskets, or oven-safe pans that are designed for high heat.
Q: Is an air fryer healthier than deep frying?
A: Yes, air frying uses much less oil, making your food healthier and lower in fat.
Q: Can I cook frozen foods in a microwave air fryer?
A: Absolutely! You can often use the microwave function to thaw and cook frozen foods, or the air fryer function to make them crispy.
Q: What foods cook best in an air fryer?
A: Foods that benefit from crispiness, like fries, chicken nuggets, vegetables, and even some baked goods, cook well.
Q: Will a microwave air fryer replace my regular oven?
A: It’s a great addition, but it likely won’t completely replace a full-sized oven, especially for larger meals or baking multiple items.
Q: How much space does a microwave air fryer take up?
A: They vary in size, but they are generally designed to fit on a countertop, similar to a standard microwave.
Q: Are microwave air fryers noisy?
A: The air frying function does involve a fan, so there will be some noise, but most modern units are designed to be reasonably quiet.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!