Imagine crispy fries and perfectly reheated leftovers, all from the same kitchen appliance. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s becoming a reality for many, thanks to the rise of the microwave with an air fryer combo. But with so many models hitting the market, picking the right one can feel like navigating a maze. You want the convenience of a microwave and the delicious crunch of air-fried food, but the sheer number of features and brands can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start.
This is where we come in! We’re here to cut through the confusion and guide you towards finding the microwave with an air fryer that truly fits your needs. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what to look for, the key features that make a difference, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Get ready to discover how this versatile appliance can revolutionize your cooking and save you precious time and counter space. Let’s dive in and find your perfect kitchen companion!
Our Top 5 Microwave With Air Fryer Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Microwave With Air Fryer Detailed Reviews
1. TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.5/10
The TOSHIBA Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It does more than just heat food; it can also air fry, bake, broil, and more. Its stylish black stainless steel finish looks great on any counter. This microwave is designed to make cooking easier and healthier.
What We Like:
- It’s an 8-in-1 appliance, meaning it can microwave, air fry, bake with convection, broil, use low temp settings, remove odors, and defrost.
- The healthy air fryer function lets you enjoy fried foods with less fat.
- It has a powerful 1000-watt microwave output.
- The 12.4-inch turntable is large enough for a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- It has a convenient two-step child lock to keep little ones safe.
- Features like one-touch popcorn and a mute function add to its convenience.
- The position memory turntable remembers where your food was before it stopped, so it starts in the same spot.
- The compact size fits well in kitchens without taking up too much space.
- The stainless steel interior is easy to clean.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions for the two-step child lock might need a clear diagram to follow easily.
- While it has many functions, mastering all of them might take some practice.
This TOSHIBA microwave oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering many cooking options in one compact unit. It’s a great choice for those seeking versatility and healthier cooking methods.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
Rating: 8.7/10
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven is a super versatile kitchen helper. It’s not just a microwave; it can also air fry, bake, roast, and use convection cooking. This means you can cook a lot of different foods with just one appliance. It’s a great addition to any countertop, especially if you want to save space. Its stainless steel design looks nice in most kitchens. The 900-watt power makes it cook food quickly.
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance, so you can microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and use convection cooking.
- It has 10 cooking levels and 7 auto menus for easy cooking of common foods like pizza and popcorn.
- The air fryer has 11 preset menus for popular items like french fries and chicken wings.
- You can quickly start cooking at full power for 30 seconds at a time.
- The child-lock feature keeps kids from accidentally changing the settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.9 cu. ft. size might be a bit small for cooking large meals or multiple dishes at once.
- Some users might find the 11 air fry presets a little limited if they like to cook a wider variety of air-fried foods.
This BLACK+DECKER microwave is a smart choice for busy kitchens. It offers many cooking options in one compact machine.
3. 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. It combines a microwave, air fryer, convection oven, and a special combination mode. This means you can cook many different kinds of food with just one appliance. It offers a healthy way to enjoy fried foods with less oil. Plus, its smart sensor helps cook popular foods perfectly.
What We Like:
- It’s a 4-in-1 appliance: microwave, air fryer, convection, and combination cooking.
- You can make healthier fried foods with the air fry feature.
- It cooks food with a better texture using both microwave and convection.
- It has auto menus for baking, defrosting, and roasting, plus sensor menus for common foods.
- The large 1.5 cu ft capacity with a 13.6-inch turntable fits a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza.
- It has a stylish stainless steel look with an easy-to-clean interior.
- Convenient features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, and speed cooking are included.
- The mute function lets you turn off the buzzer sound.
- It has 1000 watts of microwave power with 10 power levels.
What Could Be Improved:
- The exterior enclosure is black, while the door frame is stainless steel, which might not match all kitchen decors perfectly.
- The product dimensions are quite large, so measure your counter space carefully.
This Toshiba Air Fryer Combo is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering a wide range of cooking options in one sleek appliance. It makes cooking easier and healthier for families.
4. GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven
Rating: 9.2/10
The GE GCST10A1WSS 4-in-1 Microwave Oven is a versatile kitchen helper. It microwaves, air fries, broils, and uses convection heat. This stainless steel appliance is compact but powerful, with 1,050 watts of power and a 1.0 cubic foot capacity. It’s a great addition to any countertop, dorm room, or office kitchen. The appliance also features child-lock technology for safety.
What We Like:
- It has four cooking functions: microwave, air fryer, broiler, and convection.
- The air fryer mode cooks food crispier and healthier.
- Convection mode circulates air for even cooking and browning.
- Broil mode sears and caramelizes food perfectly.
- Preset controls make cooking simple.
- The two-step child lock adds an extra layer of safety.
- It’s compact at 1.0 cubic feet but still powerful at 1,050 watts.
- The glass turntable ensures food cooks evenly.
What Could Be Improved:
- The user manual could be clearer for some functions.
- Some users might find the preset options limited for very specific recipes.
This GE microwave oven offers a lot of cooking options in one convenient appliance. It’s a smart choice for saving space and getting delicious results.
5. TOSHIBA ML2-STC13SAIT(SS) Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Ovenwith 2.4-Inch Color Screen
Rating: 8.7/10
Meet the TOSHIBA ML2-STC13SAIT(SS) Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Oven, a silver powerhouse that brings smart cooking to your kitchen. This 1.3 cubic foot oven boasts a vibrant 2.4-inch color screen and an easy-to-use interface, making even tricky recipes simple. It’s more than just a microwave; it’s a versatile cooking companion designed for modern life.
What We Like:
- The ChefFry Plus feature lets you air fry for healthier meals, just like a separate air fryer.
- Origin Inverter Technology cooks food evenly and preserves its delicious flavor.
- The intuitive humidity sensor ensures your food stays moist and perfectly cooked.
- Smart connectivity with the TSmartLife APP and Alexa means you can control it from your phone or with your voice.
- The AI-Chef Smart Microwave Oven learns and updates, offering a personalized cooking experience.
- Chef Defrost significantly speeds up thawing time while keeping food tasting great.
- Its spacious interior fits a 13-inch pizza or a whole chicken, perfect for families.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might prefer a larger screen for more detailed recipe viewing.
- While compatible with Alexa, the setup process could be more streamlined for some.
This TOSHIBA oven is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering convenience and advanced cooking features in one sleek package.
Your Guide to a Kitchen Game-Changer: Microwave with Air Fryer
Are you tired of juggling multiple appliances? Do you dream of crispy fries and perfectly cooked meals without a bulky oven? Then a microwave with an air fryer function might be your next kitchen hero! This handy appliance combines the speed of a microwave with the crisping power of an air fryer, giving you more options and saving precious counter space.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a microwave with an air fryer, keep these important features in mind:
- Air Fry Wattage: This is super important. A higher wattage means your air fryer will get hotter and cook food faster and crispier. Look for at least 1000 watts for good air frying results.
- Capacity: How much food do you usually cook? Microwaves with air fryers come in different sizes. A larger capacity is great for families or when you’re cooking for a crowd. Smaller ones are perfect for singles or couples.
- Preset Cooking Functions: Many models come with pre-programmed settings for common foods like fries, chicken wings, pizza, or even vegetables. These make cooking a breeze.
- Turntable or Convection Fan: A turntable helps food cook evenly in microwave mode. For air frying, a strong convection fan circulates hot air to make things crispy. Some models have both!
- Ease of Cleaning: No one likes scrubbing stubborn messes. Look for models with non-stick interiors or removable parts that are dishwasher safe.
Important Materials
The materials used in your microwave with air fryer matter for durability and safety.
- Interior: Stainless steel interiors are durable and easy to clean. Some models might have a ceramic enamel coating, which is also a good choice for non-stick properties.
- Exterior: Most exteriors are made of sturdy plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks sleek and is very strong, but it can show fingerprints.
- Air Fry Basket/Tray: This is where your food gets its crisp. Look for a basket or tray made of durable, food-grade metal that’s easy to clean. Non-stick coatings are a big plus here.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Certain things can make your appliance fantastic or frustrating.
- Improved Quality:
- Even Cooking: A good convection fan ensures hot air reaches all parts of your food for consistent crisping.
- Intuitive Controls: Easy-to-understand buttons and a clear display make using the appliance a joy.
- Safety Features: Auto shut-off and cool-touch handles add peace of mind.
- Reduced Quality:
- Weak Air Fry Function: If the air fryer doesn’t get hot enough or the fan isn’t strong, your food might end up soggy instead of crispy.
- Difficult Cleaning: Stubborn baked-on food can make cleaning a chore.
- Flimsy Build: A cheaply made appliance might not last long and could feel wobbly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a microwave with an air fryer is all about making your life easier and your food tastier.
- Quick Snacks: Craving crispy potato wedges or chicken tenders? Pop them in the air fryer setting for a fast, delicious snack.
- Weeknight Meals: Reheat leftovers perfectly or cook small portions of meals like roasted vegetables or fish. The microwave function is great for speed, and the air fryer adds that desirable crisp.
- Healthier Cooking: Air frying uses less oil than deep frying, making it a healthier way to enjoy your favorite fried foods.
- Space Saving: This appliance replaces two machines, freeing up valuable counter space in smaller kitchens.
- Versatility: From defrosting and heating to roasting and crisping, this appliance does it all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between a regular microwave and one with an air fryer?
A: A regular microwave heats food using microwaves. A microwave with an air fryer adds a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air, allowing it to “fry” food with little to no oil, making it crispy.
Q: Can I air fry anything in this appliance?
A: Yes, you can air fry many things! This includes fries, chicken wings, vegetables, fish, and even some baked goods. Always check your appliance’s manual for specific recommendations.
Q: How do I clean the air fryer basket?
A: Most air fryer baskets are non-stick. You can usually wash them with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge. Some are also dishwasher safe, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions.
Q: Does the air fryer function make the microwave noisy?
A: Yes, the fan in the air fryer function can make some noise, similar to a regular convection oven or a standalone air fryer. The level of noise can vary between models.
Q: How long does it take to air fry food compared to a regular oven?
A: Air frying is generally faster than baking in a regular oven because the hot air is circulated more intensely. It’s often comparable to or slightly faster than using a convection oven.
Q: Will the microwave still work if the air fryer function breaks?
A: Usually, yes. Most models have separate microwave and air fryer functions. If the air fryer component fails, the microwave should still operate normally.
Q: Is an air fryer microwave energy efficient?
A: For small portions, it can be more energy efficient than heating up a large oven. The faster cooking times also contribute to energy savings.
Q: Do I need to preheat the air fryer function?
A: Many models recommend preheating the air fryer for best results, especially for achieving maximum crispiness. The manual will usually specify if preheating is needed.
Q: Can I use metal utensils inside the air fryer basket?
A: It’s best to use silicone, wood, or plastic utensils to avoid scratching the non-stick coating on the air fryer basket. Metal can damage the surface.
Q: What is the warranty like for these appliances?
A: Warranties vary by brand and model. Most come with a standard one-year warranty on parts and labor. It’s always a good idea to check the warranty information before purchasing.
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 Larry Fish, the mind behind MyGrinderGuide.com.. With a passion for all things kitchen appliances, I created this blog to share my hands-on experience and expert knowledge. Whether it’s helping you choose the right tools for your culinary adventures or offering tips to make your kitchen more efficient, I’m here to guide you. My goal is to make your time in the kitchen not only easier but also enjoyable! Welcome to my world of kitchen mastery!