Imagine a kitchen gadget that can reheat your leftovers perfectly, crisp up your fries, and bake a small cake, all while taking up less counter space than a microwave alone. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, the microwave air fryer combo is making that dream a reality for many home cooks.
But with so many different models hitting the market, how do you know which one is the best fit for your kitchen? It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what features really matter and which ones are just fancy extras. You might be wondering about things like cooking power, capacity, and whether it’s truly as easy to use as they say.
Don’t worry! This post is here to help you navigate the world of microwave air fryers. We’ll break down what makes these appliances so special, highlight the key things to look for when shopping, and answer those burning questions you have. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing a microwave air fryer that will make your cooking easier and tastier.
Our Top 5 Microwave Air Fryers Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave Air Fryers Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven – your new kitchen superstar! This sleek black stainless steel appliance does it all, from microwaving and air frying to baking, broiling, and even removing odors. Its compact size is a perfect fit for any kitchen, but don’t let that fool you; it boasts a generous 1.0 cubic foot capacity. You can easily fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza inside!
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 wonder: microwave, air fry, bake (convection), broil (grill), combi, low temp, odor removal, and defrost all in one.
- Enjoy healthier fried foods with the air fry function – get that crispy taste with less fat.
- The 12.4-inch position memory turntable is a handy feature that remembers where your food was before you opened the door.
- It has a powerful 1000-watt microwave output to cook your food quickly.
- Safety is a priority with the two-step child lock, preventing accidental use.
- The classic black stainless steel looks great on any countertop.
- Convenience features like one-touch popcorn and easy-to-turn knobs make cooking a breeze.
What Could Be Improved:
- The odor removal mode might require specific steps to operate effectively, as shown in the manual.
- While compact, it still requires a decent amount of counter space.
This TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering incredible versatility and convenience. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to upgrade their cooking experience.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 8.9/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper that can do more than just reheat leftovers. This countertop appliance is designed to handle a variety of cooking tasks, making it a great addition to any kitchen. It’s sleek stainless steel finish looks good on any counter.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 machine! You can microwave, air fry, use combi (grill/convection), bake, and roast. This covers almost any meal you want to cook.
- The air fryer has 11 special settings for foods like fries, chicken wings, and fish sticks. It makes cooking these items super easy.
- It has 10 power levels and 900 watts of power, so it heats up food fast.
- There are 7 auto menus for common foods like popcorn and potatoes.
- The “Speedy Cooking” feature lets you press start to cook at full power for 30 seconds, and you can press it again to add another 30 seconds.
- The child-lock feature is a great safety addition for families with young kids. You just hold the stop button for 3 seconds to lock it.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. size might be a bit small for cooking large meals or for bigger families.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take a little practice for some users.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave oven is a fantastic option for those who want a multi-functional appliance in a compact size. It simplifies cooking and offers convenience for busy kitchens.
3. FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave
Rating: 9.0/10
The FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish is a kitchen powerhouse. It does more than just heat up leftovers; it bakes, roasts, and fries your food to perfection. This appliance simplifies cooking with its easy-to-use digital display and handy one-touch menus for common items like potatoes and popcorn. Plus, you can enjoy crispy, delicious fried foods with up to 70% less fat.
What We Like:
- It’s super versatile, handling baking, roasting, microwaving, and convection oven tasks all in one.
- The five one-touch cook menus make cooking simple for busy days.
- You get healthier fried foods with the air fryer feature.
- It has a powerful 1000W oven and 900W microwave for quick cooking.
- The stainless steel finish looks sleek and modern in any kitchen.
- The 1.2 cu ft capacity is large enough for family meals.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the initial learning curve for all its functions a bit steep.
- While powerful, the wattage of the convection oven and microwave might require adjusting cooking times for familiar recipes.
This Frigidaire combo appliance is a fantastic addition for anyone looking to save space and cook a variety of meals efficiently. It truly offers a lot of cooking options in one stylish package.
4. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 8.6/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, ML-EC42P(SS). This appliance does more than just reheat leftovers. It can microwave, air fry, convection bake, and even combine microwave and convection cooking. This means you can make crispy fries, roast a chicken, or bake cookies, all in one machine. It’s a great way to save space in your kitchen and try new recipes. The large capacity and smart sensor features make cooking easier and healthier.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance, so it can microwave, air fry, convection bake, and do combination cooking.
- You can enjoy fried foods with less fat thanks to the healthy air fry feature.
- It combines microwave and convection cooking for better food texture and offers auto menus for baking, defrosting, and roasting.
- The large 1.5 cubic foot capacity and 13.6-inch turntable can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- It has a stylish stainless steel look that will fit in any kitchen.
- The mute function lets you turn off the buzzer so it won’t disturb anyone.
- It offers convenience features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, and speedy cooking.
- The 1000W microwave power with 10 settings is strong and versatile.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior enclosure is black, even though the door frame is stainless steel, which might not match all kitchen decors.
- While it’s versatile, learning all the functions might take a little time.
This Toshiba air fryer combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering versatility and convenience for a wide range of cooking needs.
5. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo ML-EC42P(BS), a kitchen game-changer that does it all! This isn’t just a microwave; it’s a 4-in-1 countertop powerhouse that can microwave, air fry, convection cook, and even combine microwave and convection for super-fast, perfect results. Imagine crispy, healthy fried chicken without all the oil, or a perfectly baked cake, all from one sleek appliance. It’s designed to make your cooking easier and your food tastier.
What We Like:
- Four cooking functions in one: microwave, air fry, convection, and combo cooking.
- Air frying lets you enjoy fried foods with less fat.
- Combines microwave and convection for better food texture and faster cooking.
- Large 1.5 cu ft capacity fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- Stylish black stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
- The mute function lets you turn off the annoying beeping sounds.
- Smart sensor menus take the guesswork out of cooking popular foods.
- 1000W microwave power cooks food quickly.
- Position memory turntable keeps your food centered.
- Includes useful accessories like a grill rack and tray.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior dimensions are quite large, so measure your counter space carefully.
- While it has many features, learning all the cooking modes might take a little time.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic all-in-one solution for busy households. It simplifies cooking and delivers delicious results, making it a worthwhile addition to your kitchen.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Microwave Air Fryer
Why a Microwave Air Fryer?
A microwave air fryer is a kitchen gadget that combines the speed of a microwave with the crisping power of an air fryer. This means you can reheat leftovers quickly and also make crispy snacks like fries or chicken wings. It’s a great way to save space and cook a variety of foods.
Key Features to Look For
What to Consider When Buying
- Combination Cooking: Look for models that let you microwave, air fry, or do both at the same time. This lets you cook food faster and make it crispy.
- Capacity: Think about how much food you usually cook. Smaller models are good for one or two people, while larger ones work for families.
- Power Levels: More power usually means faster cooking. Check the wattage to see how strong the microwave and air fryer functions are.
- Presets: Some models have special buttons for common foods like popcorn, pizza, or chicken. These make cooking easier.
- Turntable: A rotating plate helps food cook evenly in microwave mode.
- Ease of Cleaning: Removable parts that are dishwasher safe make cleanup much simpler.
Important Materials
What Your Air Fryer is Made Of
Most microwave air fryers have an outer casing made of durable plastic or stainless steel. The inside cooking chamber is usually stainless steel, which is easy to clean and lasts a long time. The air fryer basket and any racks are often made of metal with a non-stick coating. Make sure these materials are food-safe and can handle high heat.
Factors That Affect Quality
What Makes a Good vs. a Not-So-Good Model
- Build Quality: A well-built unit feels sturdy. Doors should open and close smoothly. Buttons should work well.
- Airflow Design: Good airflow is key for air frying. Look for models with well-placed vents and fans that circulate hot air effectively.
- Heating Elements: Powerful and evenly distributed heating elements help food cook and crisp up nicely.
- Control Panel: An easy-to-use control panel with clear labels makes operation simple.
- Noise Level: Some air fryers can be loud. Check reviews to see if a model is quieter than others.
User Experience and Use Cases
How You’ll Use It Every Day
These appliances are great for busy people. You can quickly reheat leftovers with the microwave function. Then, use the air fryer to make them crispy again, like pizza or fries. They are also perfect for cooking frozen snacks. Families can use them to make quick weeknight meals. Single people can enjoy perfectly cooked portions. It’s a versatile tool for many different cooking needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can a microwave air fryer really make food crispy?
A: Yes, the air fryer function uses hot air to circulate around the food, making it crispy just like a regular air fryer.
Q: Is it hard to clean a microwave air fryer?
A: Many models have non-stick baskets and removable parts that are dishwasher safe, which makes cleaning much easier.
Q: How big is a typical microwave air fryer?
A: They come in different sizes, but many are about the same size as a standard microwave. Check the dimensions before buying.
Q: Can I use metal in the air fryer part?
A: Generally, you can use metal racks that come with the appliance. Always check the user manual for what is safe to use.
Q: How long do microwave air fryers last?
A: With good care, most microwave air fryers can last for several years, typically 5-10 years.
Q: Are they energy efficient?
A: Using the air fryer function can be more energy efficient than using a large oven for small portions.
Q: What kind of foods cook best in a microwave air fryer?
A: Foods like chicken wings, fries, nuggets, and roasted vegetables cook very well. They also reheat leftovers nicely.
Q: Can I use it for baking?
A: Some models have convection bake settings that allow for some baking. Check the specific model’s features.
Q: Is the microwave function affected by the air fryer?
A: No, the microwave and air fryer functions are separate. You can use them individually or sometimes together for faster cooking.
Q: Where should I place my microwave air fryer?
A: Place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface with good ventilation. Make sure there’s enough space around it for the air to circulate.
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!