We all know that microwaves and air fryers offer totally different styles of cooking. A microwave is a fantastic device for heating food quickly and efficiently. On the other hand, an air fryer is perfect for those who are looking to cook healthier and more deliciously.
But what if you could have the best of both worlds? Actually, you can!
Meet the Microwave Air Fryer!
Just after the first try, we were amazed by the power of the air fryer microwave and the results it provided for us. So read along to learn more about why we think this convenience kitchen appliance can be a great addition to your kitchen!
- Air Fryer vs Microwave – What Is The Difference Between A Convection Microwave And An Air Fryer?
- Getting To Know The Microwave Air Fryer – What Every Beginner Should Know
- How To Use The Microwave Air Fryer – 5 Easy Steps
- What Is The Best Microwave With An Air Fryer? 5 TOP Choices
- The Winner?
- What Can You Cook In An Air Fryer Microwave? Here’s What We Tried…
- 8 Tips For Successful Cooking With Microwave Air Fryer
- FAQ About Microwave Air Fryer
- Is There A Microwave Air Fryer Combo?
- Are Microwave Air Fryers Any Good?
- What Is The Best Microwave With Air Fryer?
- What Is The Difference Between A Convection Microwave And An Air Fryer?
- What Can You Cook In An Air Fryer Microwave?
- Can Any Of These Microwave Air Fryer Models Be Installed Above A Stove? I Want To Replace My Built-in Microwave (And Eventually The Oven) With An All-in-one.
- Final Words
Air Fryer vs Microwave – What Is The Difference Between A Convection Microwave And An Air Fryer?
The major difference between an air fryer and a microwave is their way of preparing the food. The microwave uses friction to heat the food while air fryers actually use air for cooking it. So in other words, microwaves cook from the inside out, whereas air fryers cook from the outside in.
A microwave cooks and heats your food in a swift manner by vibrating the molecules in your food. However, the microwave method doesn’t crisp or brown your food, so often you are left with pale and soggy food.
Air fryers are great at crisping things. They come with a heating element and a powerful fan that creates airflow in a circular motion, which cooks your food with a crispy, golden exterior. However, this process takes a bit longer than the microwave.
As you can see, microwaves and air fryers offer totally different styles of cooking. However, combining the two devices into one multi-functional machine gives you both of their benefits in one package!
By having a microwave air fryer combo that can fulfill both functions of speed and deliciousness, so you can get really creative and “go crazy” with your recipes in a fraction of time. And we mean a very tiny fraction ⏳
The best part is, you and your family will enjoy tasty low-fat food without an excessive amount of oil. And the fact that the microwave air fryer eliminates the greasy splatters and mess, makes things even better for you when you step into your kitchen.
Getting To Know The Microwave Air Fryer – What Every Beginner Should Know
Microwave air fryers combine the convenience of a microwave with the healthy benefits of cooking with an air fryer. This device utilizes microwaves to cook your food from the inside and rapid hot air to crisper it on the outside.
This cooking process occurs very quickly, so it’s a perfect solution for busy families who want to enjoy crispy fried foods, but in a healthy way with reduced use of oil or fats.
Depending on your model, you can use multiple popular cooking presets that usually come with all air fryer microwaves:
- Air fry – For air frying chicken, fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, etc.
- Baking – Mostly used for baking a cake, brownies, and cookies.
- Micro – The regular microwave function.
- Roasting – For roasting pork, whole chicken, salmon, etc.
- Popcorn – For making delicious popcorns when binge-watching Netflix.
- Reheat – For reheating your leftovers and bringing back their original taste.
Yes, you can even reheat your food as a regular microwave would! And thanks to microwaves, they ensure that vitamins and minerals are not destroyed in the process.
Other functions that most microwave air fryers come with:
- Timer
- Defroster
- Security lock
- Stop/cancel function
So if you’re looking for a multi-functional, oven-like device combined with a traditional microwave, then this could be the cooking tool that’s missing from your kitchen!
How To Use The Microwave Air Fryer – 5 Easy Steps
A microwave air fryer can be a very convenient kitchen appliance to have. But before you start using your new appliance, here are five easy steps for how to use the microwave air fryer:
- Unpack your machine and clean its accessories with hot water and dishwashing liquid. Remember, never immerse the main unit in water.
- Place it on a flat surface that is stable enough. Also, make sure there are eight inches of free space about its top and five inches from the sides.
- Plug it in and run it empty for 10-15 minutes at 425 °F (to burn off its “new factory smell”). Please refer to your manual for specifics here.
- Now you are ready to put your food inside and select the appropriate cooking preset. For example, “Air Fry” for air frying chicken wings.
- Set the cooking time and temperature and start cooking! Note: On some appliances, you don’t even need to set time and temperature manually. Just select the food code from the manual, and you are good to go.
Using a microwave air fryer can make your life easier and more delicious! It’s also easy enough that even a beginner could use the appliance easily, but only after reading the manual first 🙂
What Is The Best Microwave With An Air Fryer? 5 TOP Choices
Many people are looking for the best microwave with an air fryer. However, “the best” can actually be a relative term here. It is essential to research and identify what appliance will work best for your cooking needs.
Thankfully, there are many microwaves with air fryers available on the market today, that are designed to meet or exceed all of your needs.
Below you’ll find a list of five recommended options:
Breville Microwave Air Fryer And Smart Oven
This microwave air fryer provides all of the capabilities you would want from a microwave oven, including air frying your food! The unit is designed to cook everything you can imagine using super convection technology for tasty results every time.
- The Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Pro with Element iQ System is a versatile countertop oven allowing you to roast, air fry...
- ELEMENT iQ SYSTEM: Using 6 independent quartz elements, smart algorithms steer power to where and when it's needed to create...
- AIR FRY & DEHYDRATE SETTINGS: Air fry French fries and other family favorites; Higher temperatures combined with super...
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It also features smart steer power in order to heat up foods evenly on all sides and much faster than other microwaves on the market today.
This product comes with an extra-large capacity capable of cooking a whole 14 lb turkey, and there are included multiple accessories that will make your life much easier when preparing large meals.
The Breville microwave air fryer comes with 13 different cooking functions (air fry, bake, broil, roast, etc.) that allow you to prepare a perfect family dinner in 30% less time than usual.
The stainless steel exterior gives this product an attractive look that will fit right into any kitchen setting, while its sturdy design ensures durability over time so you can cook with ease without worrying about its lifespan.
And cleaning this appliance has never been easier, thanks to its easy-wipe enamel interior lining.
For your peace of mind, it also comes with a two-year warranty!
Toshiba Multifunctional Microwave Oven with Healthy Air Fry
Another great microwave air fryer is the Toshiba model.
- 【4-in-1 Multifuntional Countertop Microwave】One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, convection,...
- 【Healthy Air Fryer Combo】 Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry
- 【One Kitchen Appliance, Better Texture】 Combines microwave and convection cooking in one appliance; with auto bake,...
Last update on 2024-03-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This convenient multifunctional appliance comes with a Smart Humidity Sensor that ensures delicious, moist results from your favorite foods.
With the Toshiba microwave air fryer, you can air fry, cook, bake, roast, defrost, and more. You can easily prepare any popular food from potato, steak, vegetables, and just about everything of fried foods.
This unit can be used as both a microwave or an air fryer, so all of its convenience features are covered in one appliance design which saves space in the kitchen while offering maximum convenience at the same time!
The easy-wipe interior makes clean-up effortless, while the stainless steel exterior gives it a sleek look that will enhance your kitchen décor.
Panasonic Microwave Oven With Air Fryer
The top-notch quality and modern design make this microwave air fryer combo perfect for any stylish kitchen.
- The Ultimate All-In-One Multi Oven: It’s a countertop microwave, broiler, airfryer, and convection oven all in one! Use...
- Healthy Air Fryer Mode: Quickly circulates hot air around food, producing crispy, brown results, no pre-heat required. Make...
- Use as a Main or Second Oven: Use Convection Bake function up to 425°F, with or without preheat, for baking and roasting....
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It comes from a well-known brand – Panasonic, which is proven with its quality, and that’s why many people will choose this appliance without any second thoughts.
Although the all-in-one multi oven comes with a little more expensive tag, it definitely lives up to its price when considering its looks and design.
With its smart inverter microwave technology, you can quickly cook, reheat, defrost and warm any meals that you have in mind.
The Panasonic unit scores high in the plus points for being super simple and easy to use, so you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure it out (not even a regular scientist).
If the price isn’t a factor for you, then this premium kitchen appliance can be a great addition to your modern kitchen.
Galanz Microwave With Air Fryer And Convection Oven
This 3-in-1 kitchen appliance is designed to cook your food perfectly by using three different options: air fry, microwave, and convection oven.
- Ultimate Cooking Versatility - 3 Different Cooking Methods In 1 Multifunctional Appliance! Features Air Fry, Convection, And...
- Total Fry 360 Technology - Using Our Enhanced Air Fry Technology And Built In Heating Elements, You Can Air Fry You Favorite...
- Combi Speed Cooking & True Convection - Cook Your Favorite Dishes Faster! Heated Air Circulates Throughout The Oven As Food...
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Its TotalFry 360 Technology will prepare crunchy large-sized meals in a much healthier way, better than other traditional air fryers.
It has multiple cooking presets for baking, roasting, air-frying… that can be used automatically or adjusted manually depending on the type of dish being prepared or the level required by your recipe. And because it has a built-in humidity sensor that provides an ideal cooking environment, your food will never be overcooked or undercooked.
The Galanz microwave air fryer features Combi-Speed cooking for extra fast cooking results if you are in a hurry.
Another benefit is the easy cleaning. For this appliance, you can really just “wash and go.”
Farberware Microwave Oven With Healthy Air Fry
The Faberware Microwave Air fry cooks food quickly and evenly with Healthy Air Fry Technology.
- SPACIOUS & STYLISH: With 1. 0-cu. ft. of cooking capacity, a sleek black stainless steel exterior and stainless steel...
- 11 COOKING PROGRAMS: Auto cooking programs (Auto Reheat, Potato, Meat, Vegetable, Fish, Pasta, Soup, Bake, Pizza, Chicken and...
- UNIQUE HEALTHY AIR FRY TECHNOLOGY: This extraordinary functionality allows you to cook healthier versions of your favorite...
Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This microwave oven with an air fryer is designed for health-conscious people because they don’t have to fry food under hot oil anymore; just give it a crispy exterior!
It has great features such as 11 cooking programs to choose from, so you don’t have to guess how long or what temperature setting your food should use. You can try out recipes from the pre-programmed options or experiment with your own cooking methods by setting different time/temperature settings.
This microwave oven air fryer features two cooking functions in one (Combination Function). The microwave is great for reheating and speeding up the process of food preparation, while the convection setting lets you brown your food on the outside without overcooking it inside. So you will be able to cook delicious meals every single time.
The unit comes with two accessories, a non-stick Teflon pan and grill rack, so that you can make fish or steaks in your new machine much faster than before!
This Faberware air fryer microwave is easy to use, and even easier to clean, so that’s why it deserves its “best of” status in our list of the best microwave air fryers.
The Winner?
These five options are just some of what’s available on the market today in terms of microwaves with air fryer capabilities!
If we have to pick one, then the winner for today is Breville Microwave Air Fryer, but that doesn’t mean that it would be suitable for you. So when shopping for an appliance like this, do your research to make sure you’re choosing a unit that is compatible with your cooking needs and has all of the features you may need in your cooking journey.
What Can You Cook In An Air Fryer Microwave? Here’s What We Tried…
In an air fryer microwave, you can cook any food that you would normally cook in a microwave and in an air fryer. So you are able to cook potatoes, meat, vegetables, pizza, popcorn and so much more.
To test it out, we’ve tried to prepare 10oz mozzarella sticks in our air fryer microwave. And after dozen minutes, trust us when we tell you that those were the best mozzarella sticks we’ve ever tasted! Along with our sauce for dipping, they were literally mealing in our mouths.
However, before cooking, always check your manual for instructions on how much time does a specific food needs to be cooked.
Also, the temperature of the air fryer microwave also has an impact on how well prepared your food will be. Some models adjust the temperature automatically when choosing a preset, but you can easily change it depending on what you are trying to cook or if you want your food cooked faster.
8 Tips For Successful Cooking With Microwave Air Fryer
Microwave air fryers are an interesting and innovative way to quench your appetite. Cooking food with a microwave air fryer is easy as it utilizes the same technology used in microwaves and air fryers. Here are eights quick tips for successful cooking.
- Always ensure that you read through the instructions before you cook anything – this is vital to ensure that you don’t make any mistakes and result in something not tasting good or, even worse, causing a fire! And no, you don’t have a right to leave a negative review if you didn’t follow the manual beforehand 🙂
- Only use microwave-safe materials such as porcelain or ceramic. Avoid using glass jars, plastic food containers, or metal utensils.
- Check on the food while it’s cooking to ensure that it doesn’t overcook. Doing this will also allow for a perfect dish every time.
- Make sure that the food in question has been cooked properly before you take it out of the microwave air fryer.
- Ensure the lid of your microwave air fryer has been securely fastened before you turn it on – if not, there could be accidents or injuries. Once again, make sure to read through the instructions thoroughly!
- Clean the inside walls after every use with a damp cloth. Also, clean the accessories with soapy water and a non-abrasive cleaning pad.
- When cooking with a microwave oven air fryer at home, always ensure that you follow all safety precautions as recommended by food health agencies. This will allow everyone to enjoy their meal without any issues coming up!
- When steam builds up on the outside of the appliance, make sure to wipe it with a soft cloth. That’s normal and nothing to be afraid of because it can happen as a result of a humid condition.
FAQ About Microwave Air Fryer
Is There A Microwave Air Fryer Combo?
Yes, there are many microwave air fryer combo models on the market today. Most of them are 3-in-1 combo kitchen appliances, including an air fryer, microwave, and convection oven.
Some of the popular choices are Breville Microwave Air Fryer, Toshiba Multifunctional Microwave With Air Fry, and Panasonic Microwave Oven With Air Fryer.
Are Microwave Air Fryers Any Good?
In general, yes, but it’s a matter of personal preference. Some users may find them too bulky and taking too much space on their countertops, while others love them because they replace even three devices in their kitchens (air fryer, microwave, and oven).
Because they combine the best of both appliances, we can say that microwave air fryers can be a great addition to your kitchen for preparing healthy meals much faster.
What Is The Best Microwave With Air Fryer?
Although there is no “best universal appliance” for everyone, we can say that according to our testing and research, the best microwave with an air fryer is Breville Microwave Air Fryer. It offers versatile cooking programs that can fulfill almost all of your cooking needs.
What Is The Difference Between A Convection Microwave And An Air Fryer?
A convection microwave and air fryer operate differently. The microwave cooks the food from the inside-out by vibrating the food molecules, while the air fryer cooks the food from outside-in with rapid air technology circulating evenly around the food. The microwave just dries the food, while the air fryer makes it crispy.
What Can You Cook In An Air Fryer Microwave?
Pretty much everything that you can usually cook in a microwave and an air fryer. So you can cook popular foods like French fries, chicken wings, chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, salmon, vegetables, pizza, pasta, rice, and much more.
Can Any Of These Microwave Air Fryer Models Be Installed Above A Stove? I Want To Replace My Built-in Microwave (And Eventually The Oven) With An All-in-one.
A microwave air fryer can be installed above a stove if you have enough clearance between the microwave air fryer and the top of the stove. Remember: You must ground it on a flat and stable surface.
Also, make sure there is space for your unit to breathe, 8 inches from the top unit’s surface and 5 inches from the sides. As a good rule of thumb, your appliance should be positioned on a countertop over 3 feet where there is no heat or moisture around.
Microwave air fryer models are best suited for smaller kitchens because they can completely replace your microwave, oven, and air fryer. So you will save a significant amount of space while maximizing convenience at the same time.
Final Words
In this article, we took a look at the microwave air fryer as a convenient kitchen appliance that combines the best of both worlds (air frying and microwaving).
By now, you probably have some basic understanding of how it works and how it can be used in your everyday life. We gave our best to provide the clearest instructions and tips on how to make the most of your microwave air fryer.
Also, to make your decision easier, we discussed the five most popular microwave air fryers that are proven to provide the best crispy results in a record time.
Our winner in the category of best microwave air fryer goes to the Breville Microwave Air Fryer And Smart Oven, simply because we tested it thoroughly and we saw for ourselves what it’s capable of.
So if you still have doubts and don’t know which one to choose from, then we definitely recommend trying our winning air fryer microwave today! You would be surprised by the results even after the first meal.
Read More of Our Reviews on the Best Air Fryers:
