Air Fryer And Microwave: Two-In-One Appliance?

Air fryers and microwaves are two different appliances that can be used for cooking and heating food. While an air fryer heats food from the outside in, a microwave heats food from the inside out. Air fryers are great for achieving a crispy texture and are healthier as they require less oil, while microwaves are perfect for quickly reheating food and cooking frozen meals.

With the growing popularity of air fryers, some companies have started offering microwave-air fryer combo appliances that combine the functionality of both devices. These combo appliances can be a great way to save countertop space and provide additional cooking methods. However, some people argue that the air fryer function in these combo appliances may not perform as well as a dedicated air fryer.

In this article, we will explore the features, benefits, and drawbacks of microwave-air fryer combos and help you decide if this innovative appliance is worth adding to your kitchen.

Air fryer microwave combos save space

Air fryer microwave combos are a fantastic way to save space in your kitchen. By combining two appliances in one, these combos help you regain valuable countertop real estate, increasing your workflow and efficiency.

More Cooking Methods, Less Counter Space

Air fryer microwave combos provide at least twice the cooking methods while occupying the same space as a standard microwave. This means you can microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and more, all with a single appliance. No need to clutter your counters with multiple gadgets and gizmos.

Over-the-Range Options

If you're looking to maximise space, consider an over-the-range air fryer microwave combo. These units are installed above your stove, essentially doubling your countertop workspace while providing the functionality of two appliances.

Efficient and Versatile

The beauty of air fryer microwave combos is their multifunctionality. They offer the convenience of quickly heating up leftovers and the ability to crisp up foods like pizza or appetizers without using a separate oven. This makes them incredibly versatile, allowing you to prepare a diverse range of dishes with just one appliance.

Larger Capacity, More Accessories

Air fryer microwave combos typically offer more cooking space than countertop air fryers. This means you can cook more food at once, and many models also come with a metal rack accessory, enabling multi-level cooking similar to a conventional oven.

A Smart Investment

While initial costs may be higher for air fryer microwave combos, they often prove to be a wiser investment in the long run. By consolidating two appliances into one, you save not only space but also the cost of purchasing and maintaining separate devices.

In summary, air fryer microwave combos are a fantastic option for anyone looking to save space in their kitchen without sacrificing functionality. They provide a wide range of cooking methods, efficient performance, and the convenience of combining two appliances into one sleek package.

They provide more cooking methods

Microwave air fryer combos provide more cooking methods than a standard microwave or air fryer alone. They combine the speed of a microwave with the ability to crisp up foods like an air fryer.

The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven, for example, can perform simple tasks like popping a bag of popcorn, as well as more complicated jobs like baking a cake or air frying chicken wings. The Toshiba 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven offers seven different ways to cook, including microwave, air fry, convection, broil, defrost, "sensor cook" and “combi cook".

Microwave air fryer combos also typically offer additional settings like convection bake, broil, toast, steam clean, and more. This allows you to prepare a wider variety of dishes with just one appliance.

The combination of microwave and air fryer technology provides a versatile cooking appliance that can be used for a range of purposes, from reheating leftovers to cooking crispy, golden chicken wings. With a microwave air fryer combo, you can expand your kitchen's possibilities without taking up additional counter space.

You can cook with less oil

Air fryers are a healthy alternative to deep-fat frying, as they require significantly less oil. This is because air fryers heat food from the outside in, using hot air circulation to cook food. This hot air circulation is created by a fan, which blows hot air from a heating element over the food, which sits in a cooking basket. This technology helps air fryers create a crispy exterior and evenly cooked interior.

Microwaves, on the other hand, heat food from the inside out, using electromagnetic waves to generate heat. This means that microwaves are better for heating up food, rather than taking it from raw to cooked.

Air fryers are a great option if you're looking for a versatile cooking appliance. Most air fryers offer settings that mimic frying, roasting, and grilling, so you can use them to prepare a diverse range of dishes, from steaks to roasted vegetables.

If you're looking to cut down on the amount of oil you use when cooking, an air fryer is a great option. You can also try using a spritz of avocado oil on your veggies, or even use maple syrup to help your ingredients caramelise.

If you're looking for a healthier way to cook your favourite fried foods, an air fryer is a great option. They can give you the same crispy, golden results as traditional frying, but with much less oil. This means you can enjoy your favourite fried treats while cutting down on calories.

You can also try roasting your vegetables without oil. Simply season them with spices and herbs, and a little vegetable stock or a light water-soy sauce mixture, and roast them in the oven. They will take a little longer to cook, but they will eventually brown and roast nicely.

So, if you're looking to cook with less oil, an air fryer is a great option. They're versatile, healthy, and can give you the same great-tasting results as traditional frying.

They have more wattage

Microwave air fryer combos typically have a higher wattage than standard microwaves, which means they can cook food faster and more efficiently. While a standard microwave uses around 1,000 watts of power, combination microwave air fryers can use 1,500 watts or more, depending on the brand. This extra power means that food spends less time cooking, which helps to prevent overcooking or food becoming rubbery.

For example, the GE 4-in-1 Microwave Oven has a wattage of 1,050 watts, while the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave has a wattage of 1,400 watts. The Kucht 30-inch W 1.6 cu. ft. Stainless Steel Air Fryer and Convection Oven is another powerful option, with 1,000 watts.

The higher wattage of these appliances means that they can handle the multiple cooking functions they offer without compromising on performance. This extra power also means that they can cook food more quickly, making them a convenient option for busy cooks.

The wattage of a microwave air fryer combo is an important consideration when purchasing one of these appliances. A higher wattage means faster cooking times and more efficient performance. It also means that the appliance can handle a wider range of cooking tasks, from simple reheating to more complex air frying or convection baking.

When choosing a microwave air fryer combo, it is important to consider the wattage in conjunction with the size and features of the appliance. A higher wattage will generally mean faster cooking times, but it is also important to ensure that the appliance has the features and functions that you need and that it is the right size for your kitchen and your cooking needs.

They are larger than countertop air fryers

Microwave air fryer combos are larger than countertop air fryers. This means you have access to more cooking space, allowing you to cook larger quantities of food at once. This can be particularly useful if you're cooking for a family or a large household.

The larger size of microwave air fryer combos also means you can do multi-level cooking. Many of these appliances come with a metal rack accessory, providing even more versatility than a countertop air fryer. This means you can cook multiple dishes at once, which can be a real time-saver if you're preparing a meal with several components.

The larger size of microwave air fryer combos doesn't just refer to the cooking space; the appliances themselves are bigger, too. This is something to consider if you have limited counter space in your kitchen. While they can help you regain some workspace by combining two appliances in one, they will take up more room than a standard countertop air fryer.

If you're thinking of purchasing a microwave air fryer combo, it's worth measuring your available counter space and comparing this to the dimensions of the appliance. It's also worth considering an over-the-range model if you want to save counter space. These units are designed to fit above your stove and often provide the same features as countertop models but with a more compact footprint.

Overall, the increased size of microwave air fryer combos can be a benefit if you're looking for more cooking space and versatility. However, if you're working with a small kitchen, you may need to consider alternative options or opt for a more compact model.

Frequently asked questions