Is your kitchen due for an upgrade?
If counter space is at a premium, consider combining two popular appliances into one: the air fryer microwave combo. These hybrid units merge the speed of a microwave with the crisping power of an air fryer, giving you more cooking options without taking up extra room.
Air fryer microwave combos pair convection heating and circulating hot air with microwave energy so you can reheat, defrost, bake, roast, broil and air-fry in one unit. If you want to modernize your kitchen appliances, here are five top choices and a clear guide to help you select the right model.
Below we explain how these appliances work, list their advantages and drawbacks, and offer a simple buyer’s guide so you can choose with confidence.
Difference Between Air Fryer And Microwave
Understanding the core differences between an air fryer and a microwave helps when comparing combo units. The primary distinction is how they generate heat.
Air fryers operate like small convection ovens. An electric heating element warms the air while an integrated fan circulates that hot air evenly around the food. The result is even cooking with a crisp outer texture similar to frying but with much less oil.
Microwaves use electromagnetic waves to agitate water molecules inside food, producing heat from the inside out. Microwaved food is reheated quickly, but it rarely gets crisp or browned the way convection cooking can.
An air fryer microwave combo gives you the convenience and speed of microwaving plus the browning and texture that convection air frying delivers. This makes the combo a versatile countertop appliance that can replace multiple single-function devices.
Our Top Pick
Panasonic Microwave Oven With Air Fryer
Editor’s choice
Cuisinart 3-In-1 Air Fryer Microwave Oven
Best Value
RCA Air Fryer Microwave
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Our Top Pick
Panasonic Microwave Oven With Air Fryer
If your oven is giving you trouble or you want a single appliance that does it all, the Panasonic HomeChef model is a versatile choice. It acts as a microwave, air fryer, convection oven and broiler. That flexibility lets you crisp foods in the air fryer, roast with convection and speed through reheating, defrosting and simple cooking tasks with the microwave function.
The air fryer function significantly reduces the oil needed for traditionally fried foods, making it easier to prepare healthier meals. For microwave tasks, the unit offers quick reheating, defrosting and preset cooking options for convenience.
Pros:
- 4-in-1: Functions as an air fryer, microwave, convection oven and broiler.
- Design: Compact and sleek—good for limited counter space.
- Power: Strong heating performance for even cooking.
Cons:
- Price: Higher cost than a single-function microwave or air fryer.
Editor’s Choice
Cuisinart 3-In-1 Air Fryer Microwave Oven
For small kitchens, dorms or first apartments, the Cuisinart 3-in-1 unit offers a compact but capable option. It uses controlled airflow technology to speed reheating and improve air frying results. With multiple presets for both air frying and microwave cooking, it handles everything from popcorn and frozen snacks to roast chicken and crispy wings.
This model includes several cooking presets, adjustable temperature and time controls, and multiple power levels so you can fine-tune results. A glass window and interior light make it easy to monitor progress without opening the door.
Compact dimensions make it ideal where space is limited, while included accessories such as an air fry basket and drip tray increase versatility.
Pros:
- Child Safety Lock: Optional lock adds safety for households with kids.
- Stainless Interior: Durable and easy to clean.
- Accessories: Often includes an air fry basket, drip tray and turntable.
- Compact Size: Small footprint with adequate cooking space for one or two people.
Cons:
- Wattage: Some compact models run at lower microwave wattage, so reheating can take longer than a full-size 1000W microwave.
- Interior Size: Smaller turntables may not fit large dinner plates.
- Turntable Use: In some units the glass turntable must be removed for air-fry mode; forgetting to do so can damage the turntable.
BEST VALUE
RCA Air Fryer Microwave
The RCA Air Fryer Microwave is a family-friendly option that offers convection roasting, air fry capability, baking and reheating. The simple controls and touchscreen options reduce the learning curve, while a variety of power levels gives more control than a basic microwave. Built-in safety features such as a child lock help protect curious hands during cooking.
Pros:
- 5-in-1: Multiple cooking modes and one-touch smart programs.
- Touch Screen: Easy-to-read controls.
- 10 Power Settings: Greater control over cooking intensity.
- Child Lock: Adds safety for households with children.
Cons:
- Size: Some models may be large for shared living spaces—measure your available counter space before buying.
RUNNER UP
Toshiba Multifunction Microwave Oven With Air Fryer
Toshiba’s multifunction model is notable for an extensive list of presets—many dedicated to air frying—and a broil feature that helps create crisp, browned finishes. It also offers baking, dehydration and low-temperature settings for tasks like making dried fruit or fermenting yogurt. The unit’s eco-mode helps reduce standby energy use. Thanks to multiple power levels and a roomy interior, it can handle whole chickens and large pizzas with ease.
Pros:
- Wide Variety of Settings: Air fry, dehydrate, bake and more.
- Attractive Design: Modern look fits well in most kitchens.
- Eco-Setting: Reduces energy consumption in standby mode.
- Large Interior: Suitable for 12-inch pizzas and whole roasts.
Cons:
- Complicated: Extensive features can feel overwhelming to some users.
RUNNER UP
Galanz 4-In-1 ToastWave
The Galanz 4-in-1 ToastWave upgrades the brand’s earlier models by adding a toaster oven function. In addition to microwave and air fry modes, it toasts and crisps, and with TotalFry360 technology it improves air circulation for better frying coverage. Sensor cook and reheat features help prevent undercooking or overcooking by monitoring humidity and adjusting cook time automatically.
Pros:
- Toaster Oven: Adds toasting and crisping capabilities not found on all combos.
- TotalFry 360 Technology: Improves crispiness and air circulation.
- Sensor Cook & Reheat: Smart sensors help avoid overcooking.
Cons:
- Ease of Use: Advanced features may take time to learn for less tech-savvy users.
Best Air Fryer Microwave Combo Buying Guide
Choosing the right air fryer microwave combo requires attention to a few practical factors. Because this category blends two cooking technologies, you should weigh power, size, design and specific functions.
The guide below highlights the most important considerations to help you find a model that fits your kitchen and cooking habits.
Power Settings And Usage
Check the wattage of both microwave and air fry functions. Many combos run around 1000–1500 watts for the air fryer element and 700–1000 watts for the microwave. Higher wattage typically means faster cooking and better browning in convection mode. Look for multiple power levels (10 is common) and useful presets like defrost, reheat and air fry.
Eco or standby modes can save electricity when the unit is idle. Adjustable temperature ranges and precise time controls increase cooking flexibility and help you achieve better results on a variety of foods.
Size
Select a size that matches your household. A 0.6 cubic foot unit is compact and ideal for one or two people or small living spaces. Families of three or more should consider models larger than 1.0 cubic foot. The largest units approach 2.0 cubic feet and are suited for bigger meals or entertaining but take up more countertop space. Always measure your available area before you buy.
Design
Durability and ease of cleaning should outweigh cosmetic appeal. Stainless steel interiors resist scratches and are easier to sanitize. Look for a scratch-resistant viewing window and an internal light so you can monitor cooking without opening the door. Quality materials and reliable construction generally prolong an appliance’s useful life.
Function
Decide which functions you will actually use. Common features include reheating, defrosting, air frying, baking, roasting, broiling and toasting. If a model lacks a function you frequently need, you may end up disappointed. Read user reviews to understand real-world performance and reliability before making a purchase.
Best Air Fryer Microwave Combo FAQs
What Are Air Fryer Microwaves?
An air fryer microwave combines microwave heating with a convection air-fry system in one appliance. That lets you reheat quickly with microwaves and finish or crisp foods using circulating hot air.
What Can You Cook In An Air Fryer Microwave?
These combos are versatile: prepare fries, roast chicken, bake small desserts, reheat leftovers, and crisp pre-cooked frozen foods. They’re useful for a wide range of everyday meals and snacks.
Can You Use Oil In An Air Fryer Microwave?
You can add a small amount of oil for browning and flavor, but air fryers are designed to cook with little to no oil, which makes them a healthier alternative to deep-frying.
Final Thoughts
An air fryer microwave combo is an excellent choice if you want to expand cooking capabilities while saving space. These units deliver microwave speed and convection crisping in one appliance, reducing the need for a separate oven or deep fryer.
Review the models and buying tips above to identify a unit that matches your kitchen size, cooking preferences and budget. With the right combo, you can enjoy faster meals, crispy results and healthier cooking without sacrificing counter space.