Microwaving In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Microwave air fryer combos are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. These appliances combine the convenience of a microwave with the crispy results of an air fryer, all while saving valuable countertop space in your kitchen.

Microwaves with air fryer functions are available from brands such as GE, Panasonic, Toshiba, and LG, offering features such as convection baking, steam cleaning, and child-lock technology.

With a microwave air fryer combo, you can quickly heat up leftovers, cook a bag of popcorn, or crisp up foods like pizza without having to use a separate oven or countertop air fryer.

So, if you're looking to upgrade your kitchen appliances, a microwave air fryer combo might just be the versatile and space-saving solution you need.

Pros of microwave air fryer combos

Microwave air fryer combos are a great addition to your kitchen, offering a range of benefits that can make cooking easier and more efficient. Here are some of the pros of investing in a microwave air fryer combo:

Versatility and Convenience

Microwave air fryer combos are incredibly versatile and convenient. They combine the speed of a microwave with the crispiness of an air fryer, allowing you to cook a wide range of dishes, from simple tasks like popping popcorn to more complex recipes like baking a cake or air frying chicken wings. You can even steam or par-cook vegetables and then switch to the air fryer setting to add a crispy texture.

Space-Saving

If you have limited counter space, a microwave air fryer combo can be a great solution. Instead of having two separate appliances, you can save space by combining the functions of a microwave and an air fryer into one sleek machine. This is especially beneficial for small apartments or kitchens with limited counter space.

Efficient Cooking

The combination of microwave and air fryer technology can lead to more efficient cooking. For example, you can use the microwave to quickly heat up your food and then switch to the air fryer setting to add a crispy texture without having to turn on your stovetop or oven. This can save time and energy, making it a more efficient way to cook your favorite meals.

Advanced Features

Microwave air fryer combos often come with advanced features that enhance your cooking experience. Some models offer smart sensors that automatically adjust the cooking time and power level based on the humidity of your food. Others have removable turntables that ensure even heating and are easier to clean. Preset functions for defrosting, reheating, and cooking specific items like popcorn or potatoes are also common in these combo appliances.

Easy to Use and Clean

Many microwave air fryer combos are designed with ease of use in mind. They often feature user-friendly control panels with presets listed on the front, making it simple to select the right setting for your needs. Additionally, these combos may have smooth interiors with fewer nooks and crannies, making them easier to clean, especially after air frying messier foods.

Cons of microwave air fryer combos

While microwave air fryer combos can be convenient and versatile, there are some drawbacks to consider before purchasing one. Here are some cons of microwave air fryer combos:

• Limited Space: Microwave air fryer combos tend to be larger than standard microwaves to accommodate the additional air fryer function. This may be a concern if you have limited counter space in your kitchen.
• Cost: These combo appliances are typically more expensive than purchasing a microwave or air fryer separately. If you already own a microwave, investing in a separate air fryer may be more cost-effective.
• Performance Trade-offs: Some users have reported that the air fryer function in combo units may not perform as well as a dedicated air fryer. The larger space in the microwave may require more power and time to achieve the same crispy results as a standalone air fryer.
• Complexity: With multiple settings and accessories, microwave air fryer combos can be more complex to operate and maintain. The various accessories, such as trays and racks, may require additional storage space when not in use.
• Cleaning: Air frying inside a microwave can result in more mess and grease buildup compared to a standard microwave. The interior of the combo appliance may require more frequent and thorough cleaning.
• Installation: Over-the-range and built-in microwave air fryer combos often require professional installation, adding to the overall cost and complexity of the purchase.

While microwave air fryer combos offer the convenience of two appliances in one, it's important to consider these potential drawbacks and decide if a separate microwave and air fryer would better suit your needs.

How to choose the right microwave air fryer combo

Microwave air fryer combos are a convenient two-in-one appliance that can be a great addition to your kitchen. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right one for you:

Size

The internal size of a microwave is measured in cubic feet and determines how much food you can fit inside. The most common capacity for microwaves is around 1.2 cubic feet, but they can range from 0.8 to 2.2 cubic feet. Microwave air fryer combos tend to be larger due to their additional settings. Consider how much space you have available on your countertop or above your stove, and choose a size that fits your needs and space.

Wattage

Wattage indicates the power of the microwave. For more versatile use, look for a microwave air fryer combo with at least 1,000 watts of power. Higher wattage models will generally provide faster and more efficient cooking. Most combos have higher wattage than traditional microwaves, so you're likely to find one that suits your needs.

Settings

Microwave air fryer combos usually offer a variety of settings beyond just microwaving and air frying. Consider whether you would benefit from additional settings such as broil, convection, defrost, or combi cook. If you plan to use multiple cooking methods, look for a model with a wide range of settings. However, keep in mind that more settings may require more troubleshooting and could make the appliance slightly more challenging to use.

Features

Microwave air fryer combos can come with various features that enhance their functionality and ease of use:

• Smart sensors: Automatically adjust the time and power level based on food humidity.
• Turntables: Ensure even heating of food and look for removable ones for easier cleaning. Some models offer non-stick metal turntables for air frying.
• Plus-30-seconds button: Allows quick and convenient time adjustments.
• Preset functions: Common presets include defrosting, reheating, and popcorn, but some models offer additional presets.

Accessories

Microwave air fryer combos with multiple settings usually come with various accessories, such as air fry baskets, baking trays, wire racks, and grill racks. Consider whether you have the storage space to accommodate these accessories and if you want to deal with multiple accessories.

Cleanability

Air frying inside a microwave can make it messier than a standard microwave. Look for a model with a smooth interior and minimal nooks and crannies for easier cleaning.

Reviews and Recommendations

Before purchasing, be sure to read reviews and seek recommendations from trusted sources. Some models may perform better than others, so it's essential to research and compare different options to find the best fit for your needs.

Best microwave air fryer combos for your kitchen

Microwave air fryer combos are a convenient way to save space and money. They combine the speed of a microwave with the crispiness of an air fryer, and many include additional settings like convection bake, broil, and toast. Here are some of the best microwave air fryer combos on the market:

Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven

The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a sleek and powerful machine that offers microwave, broiler, convection oven, and air fryer functions. It features inverter technology for even heating and comes with 20 different presets. During testing, it baked a nice cake and air-fried great chicken wings. It also comes with multiple accessories, including a glass tray, enamel tray, wire rack, and air fry basket, which all fit inside the microwave when not in use. The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is available for $500 at Amazon, Target, and Best Buy.

GE 4-in-1 Microwave Oven

The GE 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a great value for its mix of features and performance. It offers microwave, convection, air fry, broil, and combi cook settings, and all presets are conveniently listed on the control panel. This model is easy to operate and performed well in testing, producing perfectly tender baked potatoes and evenly melted cheese. It also air-fried juicy chicken wings. The GE 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is available for $333 at Walmart.

Toshiba 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven

The Toshiba 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile option that offers seven different ways to cook: microwave, air fry, convection, broil, defrost, "sensor cook," and "combi cook." It has the best heat distribution out of all the microwaves tested and reheated a large casserole more evenly than other models. This Toshiba model also has helpful settings like "sensor cook," which adjusts the power and cooking time based on the humidity of the food, and "combi cook," which combines microwave, convection, and broil technology. The Toshiba 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is available for $340 at Amazon, $410 at Wayfair, and $300 at Walmart.

Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave

The Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave is a stylish and attractive option that combines microwave, air fryer, and convection oven functions. It features a fast combi setting that utilizes microwave, convection, and air frying power to cook food quickly and evenly. In testing, it produced crispy and juicy chicken wings and a moist cake. The Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave is available for $484 at Walmart, $500 at Amazon, and $500 at Macy's.

KitchenAid Over-the-Range Convection Microwave

The KitchenAid Over-the-Range Convection Microwave is a space-saving option that offers a wide range of settings, including microwave, toast, broil, roast, bake, and air fry. It also has a built-in ventilation hood and can be connected to the KitchenAid app. During testing, it produced golden and juicy chicken wings and evenly toasted bread. The KitchenAid Over-the-Range Convection Microwave is available for $898 at AjMadison and $899 at Lowe's and Walmart.

How does a microwave air fryer combo work?

A microwave air fryer combo combines the functionality of a microwave with that of an air fryer, offering the convenience of two appliances in one sleek machine. Here's how it works and what you need to know about this versatile kitchen appliance:

Microwave air fryer combos harness the power of microwaves for speedy cooking and incorporate air frying technology for crispy, golden results. The air frying feature utilizes a fan to circulate hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior similar to deep frying but without the need for a large amount of oil. This combination of microwave energy and hot air circulation allows for a range of cooking techniques, from simple tasks like popping popcorn to more complex recipes like baking cakes or air frying chicken wings.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Versatility: Microwave air fryer combos offer multiple cooking options in one appliance, saving countertop space and providing a wide range of cooking techniques, including microwaving, air frying, convection baking, broiling, and more.
• Convenience: With this combo appliance, you can steam or par-cook vegetables in the microwave and then switch to the air fryer setting to add a crispy texture, all without needing to use additional cookware or turn on your stovetop or oven.
• Performance: These appliances often feature smart sensors that adjust cooking time and power levels based on food humidity, ensuring optimal cooking results. The air fryer function also provides crispier outcomes compared to traditional convection ovens due to its larger, faster fan.
• Ease of Use: Many models have user-friendly control panels with presets for various cooking tasks, eliminating the need to search for preset codes. Some even have child-lock technology for added safety.
• Accessories: Microwave air fryer combos typically come with accessories like glass trays, wire racks, and air fry baskets, enhancing their versatility and functionality.

Examples of Microwave Air Fryer Combos:

• Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Microwave Oven: This model offers inverter technology for even heating and includes 20 different presets. It performed well in tests, baking cakes and air frying chicken wings to perfection.
• GE 4-in-1 Microwave Oven: Featuring a child-lock function and an easy-to-use control panel, this appliance offers great value for its mix of features and performance. It excelled in heat distribution tests and produced excellent results for air-fried chicken wings.
• Toshiba 7-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven: With seven cooking methods, this Toshiba model offers the most even heat distribution among the tested microwaves. It includes helpful presets like "sensor cook" and "combi cook," making it a versatile and efficient choice.
• Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave: This stylish and attractive appliance combines microwave, air fryer, and convection oven capabilities. It features a fast combi setting that utilizes all three cooking methods for efficient and even cooking.
• KitchenAid Over-the-Range Convection Microwave: This space-saving option is designed to fit above your stove and offers a wide range of settings, including microwave, toast, broil, roast, bake, and air fry. It connects to the KitchenAid app for added convenience.

Frequently asked questions