The best microwave and air fryer in one delivers unparalleled kitchen convenience, perfect for busy households and culinary explorers alike. These innovative appliances blend the rapid heating of a microwave with the browning and crisping capabilities of an air fryer, offering a versatile solution for a wide range of meals. However, not all combination units perform equally.
Choosing a model with insufficient air circulation or uneven heating can lead to soggy food or burnt edges, significantly impacting your cooking experience and wasting valuable counter space. The right pick will redefine your meal preparation, offering speed, efficiency, and delicious results.
To help you navigate the options and find the perfect appliance for your needs, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best microwave and air fryer in one units available.
The best microwave and air fryer in one is a versatile appliance that combines multiple cooking functions to save space and time. Key models like the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven and the Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 offer features such as convection baking, air frying, and microwave capabilities, making them a comprehensive solution for modern kitchens seeking efficiency and culinary breadth.
Best Microwave and Air Fryer in One: Top Picks
| Image | Product | Buy |
|---|---|---|
Best Pick 1  | TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection, Best for: Versatile cooking appliance | Check Price |
Best Pick 2  | BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast, Best for: Multi-function kitchen tool | Check Price |
Best Pick 3  | Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer and Convection Best for: All-in-one convenience | Check Price |
Best Pick 4  | GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.0 Cu Ft, 1050W Convection Best for: Compact countertop needs | Check Price |
Best Pick 5  | TOSHIBA OptiChef PRO MAX Air Fryer Combo Microwave Oven with Best for: Advanced home chef | Check Price |
How We Picked
Selecting the best microwave and air fryer in one required careful consideration of factors crucial to discerning consumers. We prioritized real-world performance, evaluating how effectively each unit crisped food with its air fry function while maintaining consistent microwave heating. Build quality and durability were paramount; we favored models exhibiting robust construction and premium materials.
Safety features, like the TOSHIBA’s child lock, were essential. Standout features, such as the Ninja Combi’s extensive 14-in-1 versatility or the Panasonic’s app integration, significantly influenced rankings, alongside intuitive user interfaces like the TOSHIBA OptiChef PRO MAX’s colorful screen.
What Most Buyers Get Wrong
Mastering the Multi-Function Control Panel
These combination ovens boast impressive versatility, but navigating their controls can be daunting. Look for clear, intuitive interfaces. The Toshiba OptiChef PRO MAX, with its 2.4-inch colorful screen and responsive UI, aims to simplify complex cooking.
Consider how well the presets, like those on the Frigidaire (potato, popcorn, beverage), match your usual needs, and evaluate if the learning curve for manual settings is manageable for your household.
Crispy Results Without the Oil Commitment
The key allure of these appliances is achieving air-fried crispiness with less fat. Understand that air fry functionality varies. It often uses a powerful convection fan, as seen in the GE model.
While all aim for healthier results, some, like the Frigidaire, promise up to 70% less fat. The Midea Flexify highlights VDE-certified heat evenness for consistent results, so look for mentions of convection fan strength and heat distribution for genuinely crispy outcomes.
1. TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with Convection,
Best for: Family chefs needing safe countertop cooking.
With 10 power levels and a 1000-watt microwave output, this TOSHIBA 8-in-1 appliance handles everything from defrosting to baking, letting you prepare full family meals efficiently.
This unit combines microwave, air fry, bake, broil, and convection heating, offering 5 pre-programmed cooking settings and a timer function. It measures 21.7” W x 17.7” D x 13.4” H and features a child lock for safety.
Pros
- 1000W microwave power for rapid heating
- 8-in-1 functionality covers multiple cooking methods
- Ten power levels ensure precise control
- Child lock provides added safety
Cons
- The manual defrost system requires more user input than an auto defrost option.
This TOSHIBA is ideal for families seeking a versatile countertop oven that prioritizes safety. It allows for diverse meal preparation, from quick snacks to elaborate dinners.
2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast,
Best for: Compact kitchens wanting everyday versatility.
A 900-watt microwave output and 10 power levels make this BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 appliance a versatile addition for daily cooking, from reheating leftovers to creating crispy air-fried favorites.
This appliance offers microwave, air fryer, combi (grill/convection), bake, and roast functions with 7 auto menus for convenient cooking. It features 11 air fry presets and compact dimensions for ease of placement.
Pros
- 900W microwave output for quick meals
- 10 power levels for cooking flexibility
- 11 air fry presets simplify popular dishes
- Auto defrost provides convenience
Cons
- Does not include a convection bake function, limiting oven-like browning capabilities.
The BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 is a great choice for smaller households needing a multi-functional appliance. It’s perfect for quick lunches, snacks, and roasting vegetables.
3. Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer and Convection
Best for: Home cooks focused on smart, precise cooking.
The Breville Combi Wave’s Element IQ system intelligently steers power to achieve perfectly crispy air-fried foods or evenly baked meals, utilizing 1400 watts for optimal cooking results.
This 3-in-1 appliance combines air fryer, convection oven, and microwave functions, featuring 10 power levels and a 1200-watt convection heating element. It includes smart cook, defrost, and reheat presets for seamless meal preparation.
Pros
- 1400W peak power for fast cooking
- Element IQ system ensures even cooking
- Air fry and bake functions deliver crispy results
- 10 power levels offer precise control
Cons
- The jog dial controller may be less intuitive for some users than dedicated buttons.
This Breville Combi Wave is designed for culinary enthusiasts who value precision and smart technology. It excels at creating restaurant-style air-fried dishes and complex baked goods.
4. GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, 1.0 Cu Ft, 1050W Convection
Best for: Those seeking efficient, multi-style countertop cooking.
With 12 pre-programmed settings and a 1050-watt heating element, this GE 4-in-1 microwave oven effectively air fries, broils, and bakes, allowing you to achieve diverse culinary results directly on your countertop.
This 1.0 cu ft appliance boasts a 1500-watt convection heating capability and 10 power levels, specifically designed for air frying, broiling, and reheating. Its digital controls and timer ensure user-friendly operation for 12 distinct cooking programs.
Pros
- 1050W cooking power for efficient performance
- 12 programs offer a wide range of cooking options
- Convection feature ensures even crisping
- Broiler function provides stovetop-like searing
Cons
- The 1.0 cu ft capacity might be limiting for larger meals or families.
This GE 4-in-1 is perfect for home cooks looking to consolidate appliances and expand their cooking repertoire. It’s ideal for making healthier fried snacks and achieving perfectly seared meats.
5. TOSHIBA OptiChef PRO MAX Air Fryer Combo Microwave Oven with
Best for: Tech-savvy cooks wanting intuitive operation.
Featuring a 2.4-inch color screen with an intuitive interface and 1100-watt output, the TOSHIBA OptiChef PRO MAX simplifies complex cooking tasks, delivering healthier results with its ChefFry Plus technology.
This microwave oven offers 25 programs and 5 power levels, utilizing a convection heating method and an inverter for even cooking, with an integrated humidity sensor. It includes express cook and one-touch buttons for enhanced user experience.
Pros
- 1100W power ensures fast cooking times
- 2.4-inch color screen provides easy navigation
- ChefFry Plus replicates air fryer oven performance
- Humidity sensor guarantees optimal moisture retention
Cons
- Only 5 power levels may limit advanced culinary control for some users.
The TOSHIBA OptiChef PRO MAX is best for individuals who appreciate modern technology and ease of use in their kitchen. It’s perfect for preparing healthy meals quickly with guided cooking.
6. Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo, Time-Saving 20
Best for: Busy households leveraging app-connected convenience.
With a 1000-watt microwave and convection heating, this Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 simplifies meal prep, allowing app-connected cooking for everything from tender roasts to crispy air-fried chicken.
This countertop oven integrates microwave, broiler, air fryer, and convection oven functions, featuring 7 power levels and 20 auto programs for extensive versatility. Its touchscreen interface and compatibility with the Panasonic Kitchen+ app streamline cooking processes.
Pros
- 1000W microwave power for quick heating
- App connectivity offers remote control and guidance
- 20 auto programs cover diverse meal types
- 7 power levels provide cooking flexibility
Cons
- Control via knob may feel less modern than a full touchscreen interface for some.
This Panasonic HomeChef is ideal for busy households that value convenience and smart home integration. It streamlines preparing a variety of dishes, from family dinners to quick snacks.
7. FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven,
Best for: Health-conscious individuals seeking low-fat options.
Boasting 900W microwave power and 1000W oven capability, this FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft appliance delivers up to 70% less fat in fried foods, making healthier eating more accessible.
This versatile unit combines microwave, air fryer, and convection oven functions, offering 5 one-touch cook menus and 10 power levels. It features a 2450 MHz frequency and a defrost system for comprehensive meal preparation.
Pros
- 900W microwave for faster cooking
- Air fryer function reduces fat content
- 10 power levels ensure cooking accuracy
- Convection oven option for roasting and baking
Cons
- The 1.2 cu ft capacity may be snug for larger roasts or multiple servings.
The FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft unit is perfect for those prioritizing healthier cooking methods without sacrificing convenience. It’s excellent for preparing crispy appetizers and quick, healthy meals.
8. Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker, Oven, & Air Fryer, Complete Meals
Best for: Entertainers aiming for rapid, complete meal service.
The Ninja Combi offers 14-in-1 versatility, cooking complete meals with protein, vegetables, and grains simultaneously in as little as 15 minutes, eliminating the need for multiple appliances.
This multicooker combines 14 functions including sear/sauté, steam, bake, and air fry, designed to cook entire meals at once. It comes with a bake tray, combi pan, and crisper tray, reducing countertop clutter.
Pros
- Cooks complete meals 50% faster than wall ovens
- 14 versatile cooking functions
- Dedicated Combi Meals and Combi Crisp settings
- Includes three essential cooking accessories
Cons
- Lacks a dedicated microwave function for rapid reheating or defrosting.
This Ninja Combi is the ultimate solution for entertainers and busy individuals needing to prepare full meals quickly and efficiently. It’s ideal for cooking multi-component dishes in a single cooking cycle.
9. Midea Flexify Classic French Door Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo,
Best for: Families needing large-capacity, versatile French door cooking.
With a 26.4 QT capacity and 1750-watt output, the Midea Flexify French Door toaster oven air fryer combo provides 25% faster cooking and uses 90% less oil for healthier, larger-batch meals.
This appliance offers 10 versatile functions including air fry, roast, bake, toast, and dehydrate, powered by cyclonic air flow and six heat tubes. It features a LED display, temperature control up to 450°F, and touch controls.
Pros
- 1750W high wattage for rapid cooking
- 26.4 QT large capacity for family meals
- Cyclonic air fryer uses 90% less oil
- 10 cooking functions offer broad versatility
Cons
- The French door design might require more clearance than traditional toaster ovens.
The Midea Flexify Classic is perfect for families or those who frequently cook for a crowd, seeking a large-capacity oven with advanced air frying. It’s excellent for roasting large items and preparing multiple servings.
10. Midea 4-in-1 Multifunctional Microwave Steam Oven, Combo Air Fryer, Steamer
Best for: Space-conscious users wanting multi-modal steaming and frying.
This Midea 4-in-1 Microwave Steam Oven utilizes XpressFry and XpressSteam technologies with a 1600-watt output, enabling rapid cooking and steaming for healthier, flavorful meals from a single unit.
Featuring 24 pre-set menus and 8 additional modes including defrost and sterilize, this appliance combines microwave, steam, and air fry functions with inverter technology for uniform heating. It has 5 power levels for cooking customization.
Pros
- 1600W power for high-speed cooking
- XpressSteam and XpressFry for efficient meals
- Inverter technology ensures even heating
- 32 programs and modes offer extensive options
Cons
- Only 5 power levels might limit very specific low-temperature cooking needs.
This Midea 4-in-1 is ideal for individuals or couples looking to maximize kitchen functionality in a small space. It’s perfect for quickly steaming vegetables, air frying snacks, and reheating meals.
Microwave-Air Fryer Overlap: It’s About Capacity, Not Features
When evaluating all-in-one appliances, the sole determinant of suitability for your kitchen is internal volume, not the number of pre-set cooking functions or the brand attempting to innovate.
Consider the fundamental difference in scale: the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven offers a robust capacity suitable for larger meals or baking, a stark contrast to the more compact GE 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven. While both boast air frying capabilities, the practical application of that feature is vastly different. A true air fryer function on a smaller unit, like the Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer and Convection, is best suited for smaller portions or reheating; attempting to cook a full family-sized batch of fries will invariably result in uneven cooking, requiring multiple cycles and negating the time-saving promise all these devices advertise.
The Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker, Oven, & Air Fryer, with its 14-in-1 versatility, also faces this same limitation if its primary cooking cavity cannot accommodate the quantity intended.
This issue extends beyond just air frying. If you intend to bake a roast chicken or a small cake, a unit like the FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, with its larger footprint, will prove far more capable than a more feature-rich but smaller appliance such as the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry, Combi, Bake, Roast. The advanced user interface on the TOSHIBA OptiChef PRO MAX Air Fryer Combo Microwave Oven with its 2.4-inch colorful screen is impressive, and the integration with the Kitchen+ app on the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo is a modern convenience, but these advancements are rendered moot if the appliance cannot physically hold the food you wish to cook.
The Midea 4-in-1 Multifunctional Microwave Steam Oven with its XpressWave technology addresses speed, but speed means little if the volume is inadequate for your household’s needs.
The core mistake buyers make with a best microwave and air fryer in one is becoming fixated on the sheer number of advertised functionalities. The reality is that while many models offer similar core cooking methods – microwave, convection, and air fry – their effectiveness is directly tied to their physical dimensions. A unit like the Midea Flexify Classic French Door Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo, with its distinct French door design, might appear innovative, but its internal capacity remains the ultimate bottleneck for true versatility across different meal types and family sizes.
For those needing to prepare substantial portions for more than one or two people, the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven, with its greater internal volume, is the sensible choice over smaller, feature-packed alternatives.
What to Look for in a Microwave and Air Fryer Combo
Capacity and size
For single individuals or small households, a compact unit around 0.7 to 1.0 cubic feet with a turret diameter of 10-12 inches is ideal. These smaller models typically have exterior dimensions under 20 inches wide, fitting easily on countertops. Larger families or those who cook frequently should opt for 1.3 cubic feet or more, with turntable diameters of 13 inches or larger and exterior depths exceeding 22 inches to accommodate king-size meals.
Choose the larger size if you regularly reheat pizza or cook whole chickens for maximum flexibility.
Cooking features and power
A microwave wattage of 1000W or higher guarantees quick and efficient reheating and cooking. For air frying, look for a temperature range that reaches at least 400°F, with dedicated presets for common items like fries and chicken. Combination cooking modes are essential for versatility; prioritize models that offer distinct microwave and air fry functions, or even grill integration if you enjoy crispy textures and browning.
A grill element of 1000W or more adds significant cooking power for these tasks. Select higher wattage and broader temperature ranges for faster, more precise cooking.
Ease of use and cleaning
Digital control panels with intuitive icons offer the easiest operation, especially when combined with 5-10 pre-programmed cooking settings for common foods. A stainless steel interior provides superior durability and is simpler to wipe down than painted interiors. Crucially, an easily removable air fryer basket or tray, preferably dishwasher-safe, streamlines cleaning after use.
Avoid units with complex dials or minimal presets if you value convenience. Prioritize digital controls and a removable, easy-clean basket for a hassle-free user experience.
Which Should You Choose?
- If you need a versatile appliance for multiple cooking tasks, choose a model with at least 4 distinct functions like microwave, air fry, convection, and bake.
- If you’re looking for advanced features and a user-friendly interface, choose a model with a digital screen and intuitive controls, especially if it includes pre-set menus for common items.
- If you have a busy household with young children, look for models that prioritize safety, such as those with a child lock feature.
- If you want to maximize cooking options in a single unit, consider models that offer 8-in-1 or more functionalities, including specialty options like steaming or dual-heating elements for faster cooking.
Quick Best Microwave And Air Fryer In One Buying Checklist
- Capacity: Ensure the internal capacity suits your typical meal sizes and portion needs.
- Wattage: Higher wattage generally means faster and more efficient microwave cooking.
- Air Fryer Temperature Range: Look for a wide range to accommodate various foods and cooking styles.
- Combination Modes: Select models offering flexible cooking options beyond just microwave or air fry.
- Ease of Cleaning: Prioritize non-stick interiors and removable parts for hassle-free maintenance.
- Smart Features: Consider models with helpful presets or connectivity if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does An Air Fryer Function Within A Microwave Combo?
An air fryer function in a microwave combo uses a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air, creating crispy results similar to a traditional air fryer. This dual functionality allows for versatile cooking, from reheating leftovers efficiently to preparing healthier, air-fried meals.
What Are The Primary Benefits Of A Microwave And Air Fryer In One Unit?
The main advantage is space-saving versatility, combining two popular appliances into one footprint for convenience. You gain the speed of microwave cooking alongside the crisping capabilities of an air fryer, simplifying meal preparation and reducing kitchen clutter.
Can I Microwave And Air Fry Simultaneously In These Combined Units?
Some ‘microwave and air fryer in one’ models offer combination cooking modes that allow simultaneous operation. This means you can microwave food to cook it through while simultaneously air frying to achieve a crispy exterior, saving considerable cooking time.
Are These Units Suitable For Small Kitchens Or Dorm Rooms?
Yes, these compact appliances are ideal for small kitchens, dorm rooms, or RVs where counter space is limited. They provide the functionality of two appliances without taking up double the space, making them a practical choice for efficient living.
What Types Of Foods Are Best Prepared With A Microwave And Air Fryer Combo?
These units excel at a wide variety of foods, from perfectly crisped fries and chicken wings via the air fryer function to evenly reheated leftovers using the microwave. They are excellent for snacks, quick meals, and achieving desirable textures efficiently.
Final Words
Ultimately, investing in the best microwave and air fryer in one unit offers unparalleled convenience and space-saving efficiency for modern kitchens. Experience faster cooking times, healthier meal preparation, and diverse culinary possibilities all from a single, intelligent appliance. Embrace this dual-function technology to streamline your cooking today.