Imagine this: you’re craving crispy, golden fries, but you don’t want to heat up a big oven or deal with a separate air fryer. What if your microwave could do that for you? That’s the magic of a countertop microwave with an air fryer built right in! It sounds amazing, but choosing the right one can feel like a puzzle.
There are so many brands and features out there. Do you need a big one or a small one? Which one cooks the best? It’s easy to get confused and wonder if it’s worth the upgrade. You want something that makes cooking easier and tastier, not something that adds more stress to your day. Picking the wrong one means you might end up with a clunky appliance that doesn’t do what you hoped.
But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll understand exactly what to look for. We’ll break down the important features, what makes one microwave-air fryer combo better than another, and how to find the perfect fit for your kitchen. Get ready to discover how this amazing appliance can change the way you cook!
Our Top 5 Countertop Microwave With Air Fryer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Countertop Microwave With Air Fryer Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.7/10
The TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen appliance that can do a lot more than just heat up leftovers. It’s a microwave, an air fryer, a convection oven, a broiler, and more, all in one sleek black stainless steel package. This appliance is designed to make cooking easier and healthier, offering a variety of cooking options without taking up too much counter space.
What We Like:
- 8-in-1 Functionality: This microwave does it all! You can microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and even use a low-temperature setting for things like dehydrating. It also has a special odor removal mode.
- Healthy Air Frying: Enjoy crispy, delicious fried foods with less oil. It gives you that fried taste without all the fat.
- Compact Size, Big Capacity: It doesn’t take up a lot of room, but it’s big enough inside to fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza. The 12.4-inch turntable can even remember where your food was before it stopped, so it starts in the right spot.
- User-Friendly Features: It has easy-to-use knobs, a popcorn button, a clock, and a timer. Plus, you can mute the sounds if you want some quiet.
- Safety First: The two-step child lock is a great safety feature to keep little hands from accidentally turning it on.
- Stylish Design: The black stainless steel looks modern and sophisticated, and the inside is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- Learning Curve for Air Frying: While it offers air frying, learning the best settings and times for different foods might take a little practice.
- Input Power: The input power is 1600 watts, which is higher than some basic microwaves, so ensure your kitchen circuit can handle it.
This TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and healthy cooking options. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 9.1/10
Meet the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven, your new kitchen superhero! This countertop appliance does more than just reheat leftovers. It’s a powerful tool that can microwave, air fry, combi-cook (that means grill and convection!), bake, and roast. With its sleek stainless steel finish and a compact 0.9 cubic foot size, it fits perfectly on your counter without taking up too much space. Plus, at 900 watts, it gets the job done quickly and efficiently. It even has a handy child-lock feature to keep curious little fingers safe.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, offering tons of cooking options. You can microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and use combi-cooking.
- The air fryer function is great! It has 11 presets for things like fries, chicken wings, and even spring rolls.
- Cooking is fast. You can start cooking at full power for 30 seconds with just one button press.
- It has 10 cooking levels and 7 auto menus for common foods like popcorn and pizza.
- The child-lock feature is a smart safety addition for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. capacity might be a bit small for larger families or cooking big meals.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take a little practice.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a versatile addition to any kitchen. It brings a lot of cooking power and convenience to a small package.
3. GE GCST10A1WSS 1.0 Cu Ft Convection Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS is a 1.0 cubic foot countertop microwave that packs a lot of power and versatility into a compact stainless steel design. It’s a great option for small spaces like dorm rooms or offices, and even adds new cooking capabilities to your kitchen.
What We Like:
- It’s compact but still offers a good 1.0 cubic foot capacity.
- The 1050-watt power makes cooking and reheating quick.
- The air fry mode lets you make healthier, crispy foods without a separate appliance.
- Convection cooking ensures your food is evenly browned and cooked through.
- The broil function is like having a mini grill for searing and finishing dishes.
- Preset cooking options make it super easy to use for common items like fries.
- A two-step child lock provides safety for families with young children.
- The glass turntable rotates food for consistent cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- While compact, some users might prefer a slightly larger capacity for bigger meals.
- The stainless steel finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints.
This GE microwave is a fantastic all-in-one appliance for anyone looking to save space and expand their cooking options. It brings convenience and advanced cooking features to your countertop.
4. FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave
Rating: 9.2/10
Meet the FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft microwave, a kitchen superstar that does it all! This appliance isn’t just a microwave; it’s a digital air fryer and a convection oven all rolled into one. Its XL capacity means you can cook more food at once. The sleek stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It’s super versatile! You can bake, roast, microwave, and use it as a convection oven.
- It has five special one-touch cook menus for easy cooking of potatoes, popcorn, beverages, leftovers, and frozen dinners.
- The air fryer cooks food with up to 70% less fat, making it a healthier choice for fries and chicken wings.
- It has a special defrost setting that works by time or weight.
- With 1000W of microwave power and 10 power levels, it cooks food quickly and evenly.
- The oven and convection functions also pack a punch with 1000W and 1500W power, respectively.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Combo-Fry” feature might take a little practice to master.
- While it has an XL capacity, very large dishes might still be a tight fit.
This Frigidaire appliance is a fantastic all-in-one solution for busy kitchens. It simplifies cooking and offers healthier alternatives.
5. 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, ML-EC42P(SS), is a versatile kitchen helper that does more than just microwave. It also air fries, bakes with convection, and combines microwave and convection cooking. This means you can make healthier fried foods, bake delicious cakes, and roast meats, all in one appliance. Its large capacity and smart sensor features make cooking easier and give you great results every time. Plus, its sleek silver finish looks good in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and combination cooker.
- You can enjoy fried foods with less fat thanks to the healthy air fry function.
- It cooks food with better texture using both microwave and convection.
- It has auto menus for baking, defrosting, and roasting, plus sensor menus for popular foods.
- The large 1.5 cu ft capacity fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza on its 13.6-inch turntable.
- The stainless steel interior is stylish and easy to clean.
- Convenience features include popcorn button, memory function, speedy cooking, and a mute function to silence the buzzer.
- It has 1000 watts of microwave power and 10 power settings for precise cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior enclosure is black, while the door frame is stainless steel, which might not match all kitchen decors perfectly.
- While it has many features, some users might find the initial learning curve for all the functions a bit steep.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition for anyone looking to simplify their cooking with a multi-functional appliance. It offers a healthy way to enjoy your favorite foods with impressive convenience and capacity.
Your Guide to the Best Countertop Microwave with Air Fryer
Are you looking for a kitchen helper that can do more than just reheat leftovers? A countertop microwave with an air fryer is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It saves space and offers a lot of cooking options. This guide will help you find the perfect one for your needs.
What to Look For: Key Features
1. Capacity
Microwaves come in different sizes. Think about how much food you usually cook. Smaller families or individuals might be fine with a 0.7 to 1.0 cubic foot model. Larger families or those who cook bigger meals should look for 1.1 to 1.6 cubic feet or more.
2. Wattage
Higher wattage means faster cooking. Most microwaves are between 700 and 1200 watts. For general use, 900 to 1000 watts is a good balance. If you plan to air fry often, a higher wattage might be beneficial for crispier results.
3. Air Fryer Functionality
Not all air fry features are the same. Look for models with specific air fry presets for common foods like fries, chicken wings, or vegetables. Some have a dedicated air fryer basket or rack for better air circulation, leading to crispier food.
4. Presets and Smart Features
Many microwaves have helpful presets for popcorn, defrosting, and reheating. Smart features can include sensor cooking (which adjusts time and power automatically) or even Wi-Fi connectivity for app control. These can make cooking easier and more efficient.
5. Cleaning and Maintenance
A turntable that can be removed and washed is a big plus. Stainless steel interiors are often easier to clean than painted ones. Some models have steam cleaning functions, which simplifies the process.
Materials That Matter
Interior Material
Most microwave interiors are made of stainless steel or painted metal. Stainless steel is durable and resists stains and odors better. Painted interiors are usually less expensive but can chip or scratch more easily over time.
Exterior Material
The exterior is typically stainless steel, plastic, or a combination. Stainless steel looks sleek and is easy to wipe down. Plastic exteriors are lighter and often more affordable.
What Makes a Quality Microwave with Air Fryer?
Factors That Improve Quality
- Even Cooking: A good microwave distributes heat evenly. This means your food cooks thoroughly without hot or cold spots.
- Powerful Air Fryer: The air fryer function should get hot enough and circulate air well to create crispy textures.
- Durable Build: The appliance should feel sturdy and well-made. The door should open and close smoothly.
- Intuitive Controls: Buttons and dials should be easy to understand and use. A clear display helps.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Uneven Heating: If food is cooked unevenly, it’s a sign of a weaker microwave.
- Weak Air Fryer: If food doesn’t get crispy or takes too long to cook with the air fryer, the feature isn’t performing well.
- Flimsy Construction: A microwave that feels cheap or wobbly might not last long.
- Confusing Interface: If the controls are hard to figure out, it can be frustrating to use.
User Experience and Use Cases
Everyday Convenience
These appliances are perfect for busy households. You can microwave your lunch, then air fry some chicken tenders for dinner, all in one unit. It saves you from using multiple appliances and reduces cleanup.
Healthy Cooking Options
The air fryer function lets you enjoy crispy foods with less oil. This is a healthier alternative to deep frying. You can make crispy fries, roasted vegetables, and even “fried” chicken with a fraction of the fat.
Space Saving
If you have limited counter space, a microwave with an air fryer is a game-changer. It combines two essential kitchen tools into one compact appliance. This frees up valuable space in your kitchen.
Versatile Cooking
Beyond microwaving and air frying, some models offer convection cooking, broiling, and baking. This makes them incredibly versatile for a wide range of recipes. You can bake a small cake or roast a chicken with ease.
Choosing the right countertop microwave with an air fryer means considering your cooking needs and kitchen space. With the right features, these appliances can truly transform your cooking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can a microwave with an air fryer really make food crispy?
A1: Yes, the air fryer function circulates hot air around the food, which helps to crisp it up. It works similarly to a small oven.
Q2: Is it safe to microwave and air fry at the same time?
A2: No, you cannot microwave and air fry at the same time. You use one function at a time.
Q3: How do I clean the air fryer basket or tray?
A3: Most baskets and trays are removable and dishwasher safe. Always check your owner’s manual for specific cleaning instructions.
Q4: Will the microwave function affect the air fryer’s performance?
A4: No, the microwave and air fryer functions are separate. Using the microwave will not change how well the air fryer works.
Q5: Are these appliances energy efficient?
A5: Energy efficiency varies by model. Look for ENERGY STAR certified models for better energy savings.
Q6: What is the difference between air fry and convection bake on a microwave?
A6: Air fry focuses on circulating very hot air for crisping, while convection bake uses a fan to circulate hot air for more even baking and roasting.
Q7: Can I put metal in a microwave with an air fryer?
A7: You can usually put metal in a microwave with an air fryer *if* you are only using the microwave function. However, never put metal in when using the air fryer or convection settings, as it can cause sparks and damage the appliance.
Q8: How long do these appliances typically last?
A8: With proper care, a good quality countertop microwave with an air fryer can last anywhere from 5 to 10 years.
Q9: Do I need special cookware for the air fryer function?
A9: You can often use oven-safe dishes. Some models come with a specific air fryer basket or rack. Avoid plastic unless it’s specifically marked as heat-safe for air frying.
Q10: Are microwaves with air fryers more expensive than regular microwaves?
A10: Generally, yes. The added air fryer technology increases the price, but they offer more cooking versatility.
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 Florence Disha, the creator behind HomesMend.com. With a passion for making every house a home, I share my personal experiences, tips, and expertise to help you transform your living spaces. Whether it’s practical advice, creative ideas, or tried-and-true solutions, my goal is to inspire and guide you in creating a home that feels just right. Let’s make every corner of your space truly yours!