Tired of juggling multiple appliances on your kitchen counter? Does the thought of perfectly crispy fries without pulling out a bulky, separate air fryer make you sigh with relief? You are not alone! Kitchen space is precious, and finding one machine that can both quickly reheat leftovers *and* deliver that satisfying crunch can feel like searching for a unicorn.
The world of countertop microwaves with built-in air fryers is booming, but navigating the features, power levels, and true performance can be confusing. Should you prioritize speed, crispiness, or capacity? We know you want convenience without sacrificing the quality of your meals, and the wrong choice can lead to soggy results or wasted counter space.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what makes a great combination unit, highlight the best features to look for, and show you how to choose the perfect model that truly does it all. Get ready to reclaim your counter space and enjoy perfectly cooked food every time. Let’s dive into the top picks for countertop microwaves that pack an air frying punch!
Top Countertop Microwave With Air Fryer Recommendations
- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, plesase open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
- 8-in-1 Multifuntional Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, bake(convection), broil (grill), combi., low temp., odor removal, defrost can fulfill more usages.
- Healthy Air Fryer Microwave Combo: Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry.
- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimension (WxDxH): 20.6*18.0*11.8 inches, internal dimension (WxDxH):14.0*13.2*9.5 inches, 12.4-inch position memory turntable
- Compact Size but Large Capacity & Powerful: Small Footprint as Kitchen Essential, 12.4inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12 inch pizza and 8*4 inch casserole, offers the perfect balance of size and convenience.
- 5-in-1 Microwave Oven: Use this essential countertop appliance for cooking in five functions: microwave, air fryer, combi (grill/convection), bake, and roast for all of your culinary needs.
- 10 Cooking Levels: Featuring a 900-watt output, this compact microwave has 7 auto menus, including settings for Beverage, Fresh/Frozen Vegetables, Oatmeal, Potato, Popcorn, and Frozen Pizza.
- Air Fry Presets: This small-but-mighty microwave has 11 preset air fry menus, including for cooking frozen French fries, steak fries, squid rings, chicken nuggets/wings/legs, fish sticks/fillets, cheese sticks, vegetables, and spring rolls with an easy-to-use operation.
- Speedy Cooking: Directly press the start button to cook food at 100% power for 30 seconds and press again for an additional 30 seconds.
- Child-Lock Setting: Press the stop button for 3 seconds to lock the control panel to keep little hands from clicking buttons on the appliance.
- COMPACT YET POWERFUL: This 1,050-watt & 1.0 CU FT. compact microwave offers the perfect balance of size and convenience, designed to fit perfectly in dorm rooms, offices and kitchens alike
- AIR FRY MODE: Enjoy healthier, crispier versions of your favorite foods with the built-in air fryer that delivers fast, perfectly browned results
- CONVECTION MODE: Enjoy perfectly even browning using convection technology and an elevated rack that lets hot air flow around your food for consistent results
- BROIL MODE: Built-in broiler radiates high heat to sear, caramelize, and finish foods just like a traditional grill rack
- PRESET CONTROLS: Use microwave preset controls like Fries and Nuggets to make operation quick and easy, while ensuring precisely cooked results
- Multi functionality: BAKE, ROAST, MICROWAVE, CONVECTION OVEN
- 5 ONE TOUCH COOK MENUS: POTATO, POPCORN, BEVERAGE, REHEAT, FROZEN DINNER
- Air fryer: Up to 70% less fat than traditional frying methods
- SPECIAL PROGRAM: DEFROST/TIME/WEIGHT; 1000W power
- 10 POWER LEVELS
- 4-in-1 Multifuntional Countertop Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, convection, combination cooking (microwave plus convection) can fulfill more usages.
- Healthy Air Fryer Combo Enjoy your wholesome fried food with original taste but less fat with healthy air fry
- One Kitchen Appliance, Better Texture Combines microwave and convection cooking in one appliance; with auto bake, defrosting and auto roast menus; Also with pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum result of popular foods like frozen pizza, vegetables and more.
- Large Capacity for a Family Size 13.6inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12-inch pizza
- Stylish Appearance: Black Stainless steel finish with easy to clean stainless steel interior.
- 3-IN-1 APPLIANCE: Combines Air Fryer, Convection Oven and Microwave into one versatile kitchen appliance; Create French fries with Air Fry function; Enjoy chocolate brownies with Convection Oven function; Defrost delicious soup with Inverter Microwave
- ELEMENT IQ SYSTEM: Smart algorithms steer power where and when it's needed to create a specifically tailored cooking environment; Enjoy crispy golden results and delicious meals with Air Fry and Bake functions; Power: 1200 W - Convection Input Power
- FAST COMBI & COOK FROM FROZEN FUNCTIONS: Cook dishes faster than traditional ovens with Fast Combi, which combines Convection Oven, Grilling and Microwave; Cook from Frozen achieves precisely cooked results from frozen; All in one countertop appliance
- POWER SMOOTHING INVERTER: Automatically adjust intensity and deliver smooth, even power when you need more or less; Breville appliance reheats pizza slices, soup and lasagna with precision; Defrost meats and meals without overheating or drying out edges
- SMART COOK, SMART REHEAT & SMART DEFROST: 19 built-in smart presets put all the power at your fingertips; Smooth, low temperature delivers heat evenly without overheating and drying out, allowing you to cook, reheat and defrost your favorite dishes
- Get more out of your microwave than the standard reheat capabilities. All-in-One has Air Fry, Grill Mode, Roast Mode and more to gives you everything you need for everyday cooking.
- Free up counter space with Air Fry Mode, which gives you the flexibility of a microwave and air fryer in one. Crisp up nuggets, bacon, fries and more with little to no additional oil*. *Compared to traditional deep frying
- Grill juicy hamburgers and more in your microwave with Grill Mode. The Air Fry Basket allows direct heat to sear the outside of your food, creating a nice crust and flavor the whole family can enjoy.
- Roast Mode helps you lock in juicy flavors for meat, vegetables and more to get a crunchy, caramelized outer layer directly in the microwave. Convection cooking helps circulate hot air throughout the microwave, so your family's favorites get a crispy cook.
- Combi Grill combines convection and traditional microwave technology to quickly heat your meals to ideal temperatures.
- Advanced User Interface: Equipped with a 2.4-inch colorful screen with an intuitive user interface that is highly responsive and easy to operate, making complex cooking tasks simple and more accessible.
- ChefFry Plus: Features a top fan and heating element that replicates an air fryer oven, allowing for healthier cooking options.
- Intuitive Humidity Sensor: Built-in sensor ensures even heating and retains moisture for perfectly cooked dishes every time.
- Origin Inverter: Ensures even cooking, precise temperature control, better textures, juicier meats, and enhanced flavor preservation. It also reduces cooking time and energy consumption to get your meals on the dinner table more quickly.
- Dimensions: This 1.3 cubic foot microwave easily accommodates a 13-inch pizza or a whole chicken. Overall measurements (W x D x H): 21.8 x 19.4 x 12.8 inches; cavity dimensions (W x D x H): 14.5 x 16.4 x 9.3 inches. Delivers 1100W of output power, 1250 input power.
Your Guide to Buying the Best Countertop Microwave with Air Fryer
A countertop microwave with an air fryer combo is a fantastic kitchen helper. It saves space and cooks food in many ways. You can quickly reheat leftovers, cook frozen meals, and even make crispy fries! This guide helps you pick the best one for your kitchen.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look closely at what these machines can do. The best ones offer flexibility and power.
1. Combination Functions
- Microwave Power: Check the wattage. Higher wattage (like 1000W or more) heats food faster.
- Air Fryer Capacity: See how much food fits inside. A larger capacity is better for families.
- Pre-set Programs: Good models have dedicated buttons for popcorn, pizza, or air frying chicken. This makes cooking simple.
2. Controls and Display
- Digital vs. Dial: Digital touchpads are easier to clean and offer precise settings. Dials are simple but sometimes less exact.
- Intuitive Layout: Can you easily switch between microwave mode and air fry mode? If the instructions are confusing, you won’t use the features.
3. Cleaning Ease
- Look for a stainless steel interior. This material resists stains and wipes clean easily.
- Removable accessories, like the air fryer basket or turntable, should be dishwasher safe.
Important Materials and Build Quality
The materials used affect how long your appliance lasts and how safely it cooks.
Interior Construction
Most quality units use stainless steel inside. Stainless steel handles high heat well, which is crucial for the air fryer function. Avoid models with too much plastic inside, as plastic can degrade faster under intense heat.
Exterior Design
Look for a sturdy casing, often made of durable coated metal. Ensure the door handle feels strong when you pull it. A lightweight, flimsy door suggests lower overall quality.
Air Fryer Components
The air fryer basket must be made of non-stick, high-heat-safe material. Good baskets allow air to circulate completely around the food for even crisping.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few details can make a big difference in your daily cooking experience.
Quality Boosters
- Inverter Technology (Microwave): This technology provides smoother, more consistent heating than traditional microwave power settings. It prevents hot spots in your food.
- Convection Heating: Some advanced models include a convection fan for baking, which acts like a mini oven alongside the air fryer.
- Safety Locks: Features that prevent the air fryer from starting accidentally improve safety.
Quality Reducers
- Loud Operation: Air fryers use powerful fans. If the fan is too noisy, it makes using the appliance annoying. Read reviews about noise levels.
- Small Turntable: A small microwave turntable means you cannot use large dinner plates, limiting your standard microwave use.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use this appliance most often. This machine is perfect for small apartments, dorm rooms, or busy families who want speed and crispiness.
Ideal Use Cases
- Quick Meals: Use the microwave for reheating soup or defrosting meat quickly.
- Healthy Snacking: Use the air fryer to make crispy sweet potato fries or chicken wings without deep frying.
- Small Kitchens: It replaces three separate appliances (microwave, toaster oven, air fryer) with one unit, saving valuable counter space.
Test the transition between functions. Can you easily go from microwaving a meal to air frying the leftovers to make them crispy? A smooth transition means you use all the features the product offers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does it really air fry well, or is it just a weak broiler?
A: A true air fryer function uses a powerful heating element and a high-speed fan to circulate very hot air. Good models create genuinely crispy results, similar to a dedicated air fryer. Lower-quality ones might just heat the food without achieving true crispness.
Q: Can I use metal pans inside when using the air fryer setting?
A: Never put metal inside when using the microwave function. However, for the air fryer or convection setting, you usually must use oven-safe glass or the specific metal basket provided by the manufacturer. Always check the manual first!
Q: How much counter space does it take up?
A: These units are generally larger than standard microwaves because they need room for the air fryer heating element and fan system. Measure your space carefully before buying.
Q: Is the cleaning process complicated?
A: It can be slightly more complex than a standard microwave. You must clean the microwave splatter area and scrub the air fryer basket after each use. Look for models with easy-to-remove parts.
Q: What is the typical price range for a good model?
A: Expect to pay more than a standard microwave. Good combination units usually start around \$150 and can go up past \$300, depending on capacity and brand name.
Q: Do I need to preheat the air fryer function?
A: Yes, most air fryer functions require a 3 to 5-minute preheat time to reach the correct temperature for the best, crispiest results.
Q: Will the outside of the unit get very hot during air frying?
A: Yes, the exterior casing, especially near the vents, will get hot when using the air fryer. Keep flammable items away from the unit while it is operating.
Q: Can I use both functions at the same time?
A: No. You use the microwave for speed or the air fryer/convection for crisping. You must select one cooking mode at a time.
Q: What size capacity is best for a couple?
A: A capacity between 1.0 and 1.3 cubic feet usually offers enough room for the air fryer basket without making the entire unit too bulky for two people.
Q: Are these machines energy efficient?
A: They are generally efficient because they cook food faster than a full-sized oven. The air fryer function uses less energy than preheating a large oven for a small batch of food.
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!