by If you want to save even more time in the kitchen, a microwave and air fryer combo is certainly a good idea, we can use the microwave to heat food quickly and the air fryer to brown and crisp dishes, it’s the best of both worlds s Choice. So, what’s the best air fryer microwave combo? The best models are the ones that let you make the right amount of food, give you a ton of convenience through preset functions or adjustable power settings, and the ones that actually work, as well as their standalone models.
Today, we’ll learn what exactly air fryer microwaves are, how they work, their pros and cons, and offer some fantastic tips when choosing a good model.
Table of Contents
What is an Air Fryer Microwave Combo?
Air Fryer – Microwave Combo Brings the Best Features of Two of the Most Popular Kitchen Appliances, Microwave and Air Fryer! This is definitely an option when we talk about the future of smart ovens.
Air Fryer Vs Microwave- Differences
Well, bear with us, there are many reasons why it’s important to understand exactly the difference between an air fryer and a microwave. First, it will help you decide if it’s worth buying a combo device.
Next, knowing these features will help you understand what to look out for when buying an air fryer microwave.
Finally, it will also help you understand how an air fryer microwave works and when to use which feature. So, let’s get started!
While you’ve certainly heard of air fryers and microwaves before, few people really know the difference. The biggest difference is the way they generate heat.
Design
The designs of these appliances are also very different! Both come in different sizes, but microwaves tend to be more space-efficient (albeit larger) than air fryers.
This is a controversial claim, but allow us to explain!
Because microwaves have box designs, many kitchens have dedicated shelves, saving you some counter space. You can also buy a stackable rack for the counter so you can place items above the microwave.
On the other hand, the actual cooking volume of an air fryer is very large. You can’t stack anything on it and no kitchen is designed with an air fryer rack.
Ways To Work
Air fryers use spiral heating elements. Electricity helps heat the coils, and a built-in fan helps distribute heat evenly throughout the cooking chamber.
It works like a convection oven, which is actually a type of convection cooking, just on a much smaller scale.
Air fryers can generate extremely high temperatures very quickly (much faster than regular ovens) and cook food very evenly due to the even distribution of heat. It’s also a great way to brown or caramelize food without overcooking it.
The air fryer helps dehydrate food, which is why it produces such a crispy texture, similar to deep frying.
Microwaves, on the other hand, can work in tandem with electromagnetic radiation!
But the way it actually works is that the microwaves generated by the device vibrate the water molecules in the food. These vibrations generate heat and essentially heat your food.
Microwaves work very fast (arguably the fastest heating device), but unfortunately, they can’t make your food crispy or even brown.
This is because they use moisture to help heat food, not evaporation (drying).
Functions
Another notable difference is their function. Microwaves are for reheating, not necessarily for cooking. Air fryers, on the other hand, are for cooking, not necessarily reheating.
In general, what is lacking in one device can make up for the lack of another, which is why an air fryer-microwave combo is inevitable!
Microwaves can’t crisp up food, but an air fryer can. Air fryers don’t defrost food well, but microwaves can see what we’re doing?
Can You Replace Microwave With an Air Fryer?
An air fryer can heat food just as well as a microwave but is more prone to crisping than a microwave. If you like microwave popcorn, you will be disappointed with the results of the air fryer. An air fryer works well for most dishes, but if you’re trying to make a very wet dish, it may not turn out well.
Benefits of Air Fryer Microwaves
- One of the greatest benefits of owning an air fryer microwave is that it saves a lot of space! You basically have two (sometimes three or four) appliances, all packed into one design. They are also available in countertop form and can also be installed in cabinets.
- Thanks to the air circulation technology, these appliances also provide healthier meals, especially when using combination cooking.
- They come in many sizes, from 0.6 cubic feet all the way up to 2 cubic feet! This makes it a versatile device and allows you to air fry more food than most stand-alone air fryers.
Why Would Someone Need an Air Fryer Microwave?
As mentioned above, microwaves and air fryers offer completely different ways of cooking. Have a kitchen appliance that does both, and you have something that is doubly useful.
The level of convenience here is huge. First, you’re replacing two kitchen appliances with one compact unit, saving space on the countertop (great for anyone with a smaller kitchen). Second, you offer two ways of cooking. I said above that some people like to cook half of their food in the microwave and finish it in a regular oven. With the Microwave Air Fryer, there is no need to put it all together!
And it’s not just about replacing microwaves and air fryers. These smart microwaves also have the potential to replace regular ovens or ovens. Versatile is just crazy! They do so while using less electricity. Most of the air fryers listed below have only 1000 watts of microwave power, which is hard to do with an air fryer of the same size (more like 1500 watts).
If your kitchen frequently needs the power of a microwave and an air fryer, a microwave air fryer may be the perfect oven combo for you.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Microwave Air Fryer Combo
If you’re thinking of buying an air fryer microwave combo, there are a few important things to consider before buying. And give you top tips on how to choose the best microwave air fryer on the market today.
Design and Durability
Another important factor to consider is the design and durability of the equipment. This includes a clear scratch-resistant glass to monitor food as it cooks. Also, microwave air frying pans should have rubber feet to avoid slipping and shifting while in use. Also, make sure the power cord is well protected and long enough to reach the desired outlet.
Price and Warranty
It’s important to consider the price and warranty before purchasing a microwave air fryer. Don’t make the mistake of buying inferior appliances. You’ll regret it in the long run because you’ll be replacing it again soon.
Power
Most air fryer-microwave combos use about 1,000 to 1,500 watts of power to cook food, so if you get a model that has the features you need and doesn’t require much power, it could be ideal cookware.
Easy-To-Use Features
Ease of use is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for an air fryer microwave combo. All of our top picks have easy-to-use features, but the Breville and Panasonic air fryer microwave combo offers the most user-friendly experience, with pre-programmed functions and temperature settings that make cooking simple and fun.
Size
Size is a very important consideration when purchasing an air fryer microwave package. It should have enough space for the meals you usually make. This helps to get the best service from the device.
While size might not seem like a big deal at first, if you end up buying an air fryer microwave combo that’s too small, it can be a huge waste.
If you’re looking for roominess, consider getting a 0.6-cubic-foot one, the medium is 1.2 cubic feet, and the larger is 1.8-cubic-foot.
Is It Worth Purchasing Air Fryer Microwave Oven?
Purchasing an air fryer microwave combo can be a great investment for you and your loved ones. Not only does it save space in your kitchen, but it makes cooking easier than ever before. You’ll be able to prepare your favorite meals faster than ever before.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right model depends on what you want your microwave air fryer combo to do. Ideally, you need a machine that can cook a variety of different foods. But before making a final decision, you should also consider size, functionality, and whether it has a warranty.
