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This detailed guide will help you find the best air fryer microwave combos for your kitchen! You'll learn all about this helpful appliance, what to consider when looking for one, and the pros and cons of the top 10 air fryer microwaves available on the market today!In modern day cooking, we all have our favorite appliances. There are microwave ovens, microwave toasters, and convection ovens, but what about an air fryer microwave? If you haven't heard of this amazing kitchen tool yet, don't worry. Air fryer microwave combos just recently hit the culinary market and are already taking it by storm.
So, are countertop air fryer microwave combos worth it? In this helpful guide, I'm covering everything you need to know about these trendy convection microwave ovens. Of course, I'll also let you know how to get your hands on the best air fryer microwave combo around.
What Is An Air Fryer? How Do They Work?
If you're not already on the air fryer bandwagon, allow me to be the first to welcome you. Trust me, you're going to love it here. Over the last decade, air fryers have gained tremendous popularity for essentially being chic countertop convection ovens.
The air fryer technology is made to simulate a deep fryer, although it doesn't deep fry foods (hello, less oil and healthier food). Instead, air fryers rapidly circulate hot air, which crisps up your food in less time than it would take to deep fry it.
Types Of Air Fryers
Now when you go to buy an air fryer, you're going to have to choose between three different kinds of air fryers with different features.
The first is a paddle-type air fryer, which gets its name from a paddle that is rotated inside the machine's basket. The paddle helps to circulate the air, so you don't have to manually flip your food.
Then, we have the basket-type air fryer. This one got its name because it cooks food in -you guessed it- a basket. The basket is punctuated with holes so air can circulate easily, but you still have to manually flip your food. Basket-type air fryers are great for cooking foods like chicken wings and pizza bagels, but I would stay away from anything soupy or saucy.
The third kind of air fryer is a countertop convection oven with an air fryer function. Essentially, they use convection technology that is super similar to air frying. In general, convection toaster ovens boast a large capacity and lots of unique features that allow for variety when cooking meals.
What Is The Difference Between An Air Fryer And A Microwave?
The major difference between the two is that microwaves heat and reheat food, while air fryers alter the way it is cooked.
Air fryers use a heating coil to produce heat, then hot air is circulated within the basket or chamber. Microwaves, on the other hand, have internal heating elements that create microwaves (aka microwave radiation) that are zapped at your food to warm it through.
Air fryers are typically safer than microwaves (electromagnetic radiation can put your food at risk) and produce a much more desirable flavor and texture than microwaves. However, air fryers have longer cooking times and microwaves are the best option for heating large portions of food.
I recommend using air fryers to cook anything raw that you want transformed into crispy, delicious perfection.
However, microwave ovens may be the better choice for reheating cold food and leftovers. That being said, determining which is the better kitchen appliance will depend on your specific cooking needs at any given time.
What Are Air Fryer Microwaves?
An air fryer microwave or microwave air fryer is a small kitchen appliance that combines air fryers and microwaves into a single machine. The best way to describe it is as an appliance that has both a microwave setting and an air fryer setting, so you're able to reap the benefits of both appliances.
The best microwave air fryer combos will save you time and money and are able to cook food without using oil. A compact microwave air fryer combo is also easier to clean than a traditional oven, and it takes up minimal counter space.
On the flip side, a lot of folks don't want to sacrifice additional counter space for their microwave air fryers. Furthermore, even though the overall cooking process is shorter than in a conventional oven, food still takes longer to cook in an air fryer microwave than in a regular microwave.
What To Look For When Buying An Air Fryer Microwave
If you're in the market for a top-rated microwave air fryer combo, there are a few key items to consider.
First and foremost, are you looking to cook big family meals? If so, you will need to select a combo microwave air fryer that is large enough to accommodate the whole crew.
On the other hand, if you have a smaller kitchen (with lower power levels), you're going to be looking at a smaller appliance.
You should also consider a microwave air fryer's features. If you're looking to do more than simply roast chickens and cook fries, then you want to find an appliance with lots of cooking options and settings.
Of course, you should also consider the price you're willing to pay, as everyone has different budgets. With microwave air fryers, you are paying for quality, so keep in mind that splurging initially might be worth it later on.
List Of 10 Best Air Fryer Microwave Combos
Ready to take the plunge? I've rounded up some of the best air fryer microwave combos on the market for you to choose from. Check out these air fryer microwave combo reviews to choose the one that makes the most sense for your home.
This top-of-the-line appliance lands at the top of our list with TotalFry 360, a convection feature, a microwave, and an air fryer. Basically, it's got everything you need to cook perfect meals every time for any occasion.
My runner-up for the best air fryer microwave is the definition of multifunctional. (Think: air fry mode, microwave function, convection cooking, and grill/combi). This air fryer microwave is the best way to cook a ton of different foods.
Looking for an all-in-one appliance to cook your whole meal? Allow me to introduce you to the Panasonic HomeChef. Yes, this thing really can do it all: microwave, broil, air fry, and convection bake. Seriously, this microwave air fryer is perfect for everything from quick weeknight dinners to crave-worthy desserts.
This is the best 3-in-1 microwave air fryer convection oven because it has a multitude of uses. It doesn't matter if you're looking to quickly reheat something, put together a complex meal, or fry up a quick snack, this appliance can handle it.
This GE microwave air fryer combo is equipped with cooking controls and carved oven racks that ensure your food cooks to perfection every time. Its large size allows users to cook more at once than many other models, making it great for families.
Calphalon microwave air fryer reviews boast that this unit is one of the best air fryer microwave combinations available online, with a 4.5/5-star rating from over 2,500 reviews. With 11 precision cooking functions and turbo convection, this unit really can do it all.
This Breville 3-in-1 appliance is one of the best microwave air fryers. It combines the speed of a microwave, the precision of a convection oven, and the efficiency of an air fryer for delicious, no-fuss meals in no time.
The Toshiba ML-EC42P(BS) was one of the best microwave air fryer combos of 2021 for several reasons. Not only is it high-quality and adaptable, but this microwave air fryer is probably the most user-friendly of the bunch.
Talk about the holy grail of the best microwave convection oven air fryer combos. Believe it or not, this NuWave appliance boasts 10 functions in a single machine, making it the ultimate gadget for anyone looking to cook like a professional. If you can only afford one cooking appliance, why not make it one that functions as 10 appliances?
Last but not least, this Cuisinart air fryer takes all the benefits of a microwave air fryer combo and compacts it into the smallest amount of surface area. It's perfect for college dorms and smaller kitchens!
Air Fryer Recipes To Try!
Now that you've gotten your hands on one of the best microwaves with an air fryer, it's time to put it to use! From wings and fries to bread and baked goods, there are tons of incredible ways to use an air fryer. Here are some of the best air fryer recipes to try:
Air Fryer FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about air fryers:
Final Thoughts
So, is an air fryer microwave combination worth it? After reading about the best microwave convection air fryer combos, I hope you've figured out your answer! Both air fryers and microwaves are amazing kitchen gadgets to have at home, but a combination of the two is a terrific way to save counter space and maximize your cooking abilities.
If you're considering a new microwave air fryer, I hope this guide to air fryers provided the gentle push that you might have needed. Have fun shopping for your new favorite appliance and feel free to browse my air fryer recipe list for some tasty ways to get started. Happy frying!