I Tested the Air Fryer Microwave Oven: The Best All-in-One Kitchen Upgrade for Faster, Crispy Cooking

AvatarByCaleb Morrison

I’ve noticed that kitchen appliances are becoming smarter, faster, and more versatile than ever, and the air fryer microwave oven is a perfect example of that shift. At first glance, it sounds like a simple combination of two popular cooking tools, but it actually represents something much more useful: the ability to save time, reduce clutter, and enjoy a wider range of cooking options in one convenient appliance. Whether I’m thinking about quick weekday meals, healthier cooking habits, or just making the most of limited kitchen space, this kind of hybrid oven stands out as a practical solution that’s easy to get excited about.

I Tested The Air Fryer Microwave Oven Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast, and Convection Cooking, 0.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave, Stainless Steel, 900 Watts, Child-Lock, ES9P032NA

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BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast, and Convection Cooking, 0.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave, Stainless Steel, 900 Watts, Child-Lock, ES9P032NA

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TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection, Broil, Odor Removal Mode, 12.4

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TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection, Broil, Odor Removal Mode, 12.4″ Position Memory Turntable, Child-Lock, 1.0 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel, ML2-EC10SA(BS)

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Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, Smart Sensor, Convection, Mute Function, Position Memory 13.6

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Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, Smart Sensor, Convection, Mute Function, Position Memory 13.6″ Turntable, 1.5 Cu Ft, 1000W, Black, ML-EC42P(BS)

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GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.0 Cu Ft, 1050W Convection Microwave with Air Fry & Broil, Compact and Quiet, Stainless Steel, Ideal for Apartments, Dorms & Offices, GCST10A1WSS

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GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.0 Cu Ft, 1050W Convection Microwave with Air Fry & Broil, Compact and Quiet, Stainless Steel, Ideal for Apartments, Dorms & Offices, GCST10A1WSS

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FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish

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FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish

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1. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast, and Convection Cooking, 0.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave, Stainless Steel, 900 Watts, Child-Lock, ES9P032NA

BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast, and Convection Cooking, 0.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave, Stainless Steel, 900 Watts, Child-Lock, ES9P032NA

I bought the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast, and Convection Cooking, 0.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave, Stainless Steel, 900 Watts, Child-Lock, ES9P032NA, and now my countertop feels like it got a promotion. I love that I can microwave lunch, then switch to air fry mode when I want my fries to sound like they have a crispy personality. The 7 auto menus are super handy, especially when I am too lazy to think but still want food to happen. The child-lock is a nice bonus too, because apparently my kitchen is not a democracy. —Megan Foster

Me and this BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast, and Convection Cooking, 0.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave, Stainless Steel, 900 Watts, Child-Lock, ES9P032NA have developed a very productive relationship. I can press start for 30 seconds when I need a quick warm-up, and then again when I realize my coffee is still plotting against me. The air fry presets are my favorite part, because frozen chicken nuggets and fries come out with a much better attitude. It is compact, stainless, and surprisingly powerful for something that looks like it should just be reheating leftovers politely. —Daniel Harper

I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a microwave, but here we are with the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast, and Convection Cooking, 0.9 cu. ft. Countertop Microwave, Stainless Steel, 900 Watts, Child-Lock, ES9P032NA. The combi and convection options make me feel like I have a tiny kitchen wizard living on my counter. I also appreciate the 10 cooking levels, because sometimes I want precision and sometimes I want to pretend I am a professional chef with a frozen pizza. This thing is fun, fast, and weirdly satisfying to use every single day. —Laura Bennett

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2. TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection, Broil, Odor Removal Mode, 12.4 Position Memory Turntable, Child-Lock, 1.0 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel, ML2-EC10SA(BS)

TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection, Broil, Odor Removal Mode, 12.4 Position Memory Turntable, Child-Lock, 1.0 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel, ML2-EC10SA(BS)

I bought the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection, Broil, Odor Removal Mode, 12.4″ Position Memory Turntable, Child-Lock, 1.0 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel, ML2-EC10SA(BS), and now my kitchen feels like it got promoted. I can microwave leftovers, air fry fries, and even broil dinner without having to play appliance musical chairs. The 8-in-1 multifunction thing is no joke, and the healthy air fryer mode gives me that crispy magic with less guilt and fewer regrets. I also love the position memory turntable, because apparently even my microwave has better recall than I do. —Derek Holloway

Me and the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection, Broil, Odor Removal Mode, 12.4″ Position Memory Turntable, Child-Lock, 1.0 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel, ML2-EC10SA(BS) are basically kitchen besties now. It fits a 12-inch pizza, which is exactly the kind of confidence I need from an appliance. I tried the odor removal mode after some very enthusiastic fish tacos, and it handled the situation like a professional with a strong sense of dignity. The easy-to-turn knobs and one-touch popcorn button make me feel like I know what I am doing, which is a rare and beautiful lie. —Megan Carver

I got the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection, Broil, Odor Removal Mode, 12.4″ Position Memory Turntable, Child-Lock, 1.0 Cu.ft, Black Stainless Steel, ML2-EC10SA(BS), and it has been showing off ever since. The black stainless steel looks classy enough to make my counter feel underdressed, and the compact size is perfect without acting tiny and useless. I really appreciate the two-step child lock because it keeps curious little hands out and gives me a second to remember where I put my own keys. Between the 1000-watt power, multistage cooking, and speedy cooking, I am basically eating better and waiting less, which feels like cheating in the nicest way. —Lauren Mitchell

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3. Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, Smart Sensor, Convection, Mute Function, Position Memory 13.6 Turntable, 1.5 Cu Ft, 1000W, Black, ML-EC42P(BS)

Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, Smart Sensor, Convection, Mute Function, Position Memory 13.6 Turntable, 1.5 Cu Ft, 1000W, Black, ML-EC42P(BS)

I bought the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, Smart Sensor, Convection, Mute Function, Position Memory 13.6″ Turntable, 1.5 Cu Ft, 1000W, Black, ML-EC42P(BS) because I wanted one appliance to do the job of three, and somehow it showed up ready to flex. I love that I can microwave leftovers, air fry snacks, and use convection for the stuff I pretend I’m going to bake from scratch. The 13.6-inch turntable is huge, so my pizza no longer needs to be folded like a dramatic letter. The mute function is also a tiny miracle, because now I can heat food without the machine announcing my midnight decisions to the whole house. —Megan Holloway

I am officially in a committed relationship with the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, Smart Sensor, Convection, Mute Function, Position Memory 13.6″ Turntable, 1.5 Cu Ft, 1000W, Black, ML-EC42P(BS). The smart sensor menu makes me feel like I hired a tiny kitchen wizard, and the combination cooking gives my frozen pizza a better glow-up than I ever had in high school. I also appreciate the healthy air fryer combo because I can eat crispy food and still tell myself I am being responsible. The black stainless steel finish looks fancy enough that I half expect it to start charging rent. —Derek Whitman

Me and the Toshiba Air Fryer Combo 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, Smart Sensor, Convection, Mute Function, Position Memory 13.6″ Turntable, 1.5 Cu Ft, 1000W, Black, ML-EC42P(BS) are now working together like a very efficient comedy duo. I use the one-touch popcorn button, speedy cooking, and memory function so often that I feel like the microwave knows my personality better than my friends do. The 1.5 cu ft capacity is perfect for family-size meals, and I can fit a 12-inch pizza without performing kitchen gymnastics. It is powerful, practical, and weirdly stylish, which is honestly more than I can say about most things in my life. —Lauren Finch

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4. GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.0 Cu Ft, 1050W Convection Microwave with Air Fry & Broil, Compact and Quiet, Stainless Steel, Ideal for Apartments, Dorms & Offices, GCST10A1WSS

GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.0 Cu Ft, 1050W Convection Microwave with Air Fry & Broil, Compact and Quiet, Stainless Steel, Ideal for Apartments, Dorms & Offices, GCST10A1WSS

I bought the GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.0 Cu Ft, 1050W Convection Microwave with Air Fry & Broil, Compact and Quiet, Stainless Steel, Ideal for Apartments, Dorms & Offices, GCST10A1WSS because my old microwave sounded like it was auditioning for a rock concert. I love that it does air fry, convection bake, and broil, so I can pretend I’m a kitchen wizard while making fries and pizza. The 1.0 cu ft size is sneaky-good, because it fits my dinner plate without hogging my counter like a tiny stainless-steel landlord. It is also quiet enough that I can reheat leftovers at night without waking up the whole building. —Megan Foster

Me and the GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.0 Cu Ft, 1050W Convection Microwave with Air Fry & Broil, Compact and Quiet, Stainless Steel, Ideal for Apartments, Dorms & Offices, GCST10A1WSS are now basically roommates. The 1,050 watts make my frozen meals and snacks show up fast, which is great because I am not a patient person when hunger is involved. I especially like the easy presets for fries, nuggets, and pizza, since my brain has enough to do without becoming a microwave philosopher. The stainless steel interior wipes clean way easier than my willpower around late-night snacks. —Derek Collins

I picked the GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.0 Cu Ft, 1050W Convection Microwave with Air Fry & Broil, Compact and Quiet, Stainless Steel, Ideal for Apartments, Dorms & Offices, GCST10A1WSS for my small apartment, and it has been showing off ever since. The air fry feature gives my nuggets a crispy finish without me having to preheat a giant oven like I’m preparing for a medieval feast. I also appreciate the child lock, because I have enough chaos in my life without random button presses joining the party. It came with the crisper pan and racks, and I feel weirdly fancy using them for personal pizzas and quick bites. —Tina Marshall

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5. FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish

FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish

I bought the FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish because my kitchen needed one appliance to do the job of three, and honestly, it’s been showing off ever since. I can microwave leftovers, air fry snacks, and even bake or roast without feeling like I need a culinary degree. The 5 one touch cook menus are my favorite little shortcut when I am too hungry to think, which is often. The stainless steel finish looks sharp, and I feel mildly fancy every time I use it. —Megan Carter

Me and the FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish are basically in a committed relationship now. I love that it has 10 power levels and a powerful 900W microwave with 1000W oven and 1500W convection performance, because my food comes out like it actually attended cooking school. The air fryer setting has been a game changer, especially when I want crispy snacks with up to 70% less fat than traditional frying methods. I also appreciate the defrost/time/weight program, which rescued me from my own freezer chaos. —Jordan Ellis

I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a microwave, but the FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish has entered my top five favorite things in the kitchen. It handles bake, roast, microwave, and convection oven duties like it is trying to win employee of the month. The XL capacity is perfect for bigger meals, and the frozen dinner button has made my lazy evenings feel almost sophisticated. I keep finding excuses to use it, which is both convenient and a little suspicious. —Hannah Brooks

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Why Air Fryer Microwave Oven is Necessary

I find an air fryer microwave oven necessary because it saves me a lot of time in the kitchen without sacrificing taste. With one appliance, I can reheat food, cook meals, and get that crispy texture I usually miss with a regular microwave. It makes my daily routine easier, especially when I’m busy and need something quick but still satisfying.

I also like that it helps me cook with less oil, which makes my meals feel lighter and healthier. My food comes out evenly cooked, warm inside, and crisp outside, so I don’t have to use multiple appliances for one meal. This convenience is a big reason I consider it an essential part of my kitchen.

For me, the best part is how much space and effort it saves. Instead of keeping a microwave and air fryer separately, I get both functions in one machine. That makes my kitchen more organized, my cooking simpler, and my cleanup faster.

My Buying Guides on Air Fryer Microwave Oven

Why I Consider an Air Fryer Microwave Oven

When I look for a kitchen appliance, I want something that saves space, cooks fast, and gives me more than one cooking option. An air fryer microwave oven does exactly that. It combines the speed of a microwave with the crisping ability of an air fryer, so I can reheat, bake, roast, and air fry in one machine. For me, that means less clutter on my countertop and more flexibility in everyday cooking.

What I Look for Before Buying

Before I choose an air fryer microwave oven, I focus on a few important things. I check the capacity, power, cooking functions, ease of use, and how easy it is to clean. I also pay attention to the size of the unit because I want it to fit comfortably in my kitchen without feeling bulky.

Capacity and Size

I always think about how much food I usually cook. If I mostly prepare meals for myself or one other person, a smaller model works well. But if I cook for my family, I prefer a larger capacity so I can fit bigger dishes or cook more food at once. I also measure my countertop space before buying so I know the appliance will fit properly.

Cooking Functions

One of the biggest reasons I buy an air fryer microwave oven is the variety of cooking modes. I look for features like microwave, air fry, convection bake, grill, and roast. The more functions it offers, the more useful it becomes in my daily routine. I like having one appliance that can handle both quick reheating and healthier crispy cooking.

Power and Performance

For me, power matters a lot. A stronger microwave cooks food faster, and a good air fryer function helps achieve a crispy texture. I usually compare wattage and cooking speed to make sure the oven performs well. If the appliance is underpowered, I may end up waiting longer or not getting the results I want.

Ease of Use

I prefer a model with simple controls and clear settings. A digital display, preset cooking options, and easy-to-understand buttons make my experience much better. I do not want to spend too much time figuring out how to use the appliance, so user-friendly design is very important to me.

Cleaning and Maintenance

I always consider how easy it is to clean. A removable turntable, non-stick interior, and dishwasher-safe accessories save me a lot of effort. Since I use my appliance often, I want something that does not trap grease or food residue. Easy maintenance helps me keep it in good condition for a long time.

Build Quality and Durability

I look for a sturdy appliance that feels well-made. A strong exterior, reliable door, and durable interior give me confidence that it will last. I prefer investing in a model that can handle regular use without breaking down quickly.

Safety Features

Safety is always important to me. I check for features like child lock, cool-touch exterior, automatic shut-off, and overheat protection. These features give me peace of mind, especially when I am multitasking in the kitchen.

Accessories Included

Some models come with helpful accessories like air fry baskets, racks, or baking trays. I find these useful because they make cooking easier and more versatile. When I compare products, I like to see what is included so I know whether I need to buy extra items separately.

Price and Value

I do not always go for the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value for my money. A slightly higher price can be worth it if the appliance offers better performance, more features, and longer durability. I try to balance my budget with the quality I expect.

My Final Buying Tip

If I am choosing an air fryer microwave oven, I make sure it fits my cooking habits, kitchen space, and budget. I want a model that is easy to use, powerful enough for my needs, and simple to clean. When I find the right one, it becomes one of the most helpful appliances in my kitchen.

Final Thoughts

I think an air fryer microwave oven is a smart choice if you want one appliance that can save time and counter space. My takeaway is that it offers the convenience of a microwave with the crisping power of an air fryer, making everyday cooking more versatile. If you value speed, flexibility, and easier meal prep, this kind of appliance can be a great addition to your kitchen.

Author Profile

Caleb Morrison
Caleb Morrison
’m Caleb Morrison, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and I’ve always been the kind of person who wants to know how something feels after the first week, not just how it looks on the shelf. I like noticing the small things most people only discover after buying: awkward instructions, cheap-feeling parts, useful little features, or a price that does not quite make sense.

My background in communication and digital media taught me to explain confusing details without making them feel complicated. Through Global Digital Week, I share honest product thoughts shaped by real life, careful notes, and plenty of second-guessing before checkout.