Microwave air fryer combo ovens have recently become a popular kitchen appliance. This 2-in-1 appliance combines the quick cooking power of a microwave with the crispy, fried finish of an air fryer. But how does this versatile combo oven actually work? Let’s take a closer look at the technology behind microwave air fryer ovens.
Microwave Technology
First and foremost, a microwave air fryer combo contains standard microwave technology. Microwaves work by generating electromagnetic waves that cause water molecules in food to vibrate rapidly, creating friction that heats the food. This allows microwave ovens to cook food very quickly.
Microwaves contain a magnetron that generates microwaves at a frequency of 2.45 GHz. These microwaves are distributed by a stirring fan or turntable to ensure even cooking. The microwaves are contained in the metal interior which reflects them back onto the food.
A microwave air fryer combo utilizes the same microwave technology to deliver quick cooking times. The microwaves penetrate food to heat it from the interior outwards. This allows food to be cooked rapidly without the slower process of external heat conduction used in conventional ovens.
Air Fryer Technology
While the microwave functionality provides speed, the air fryer component of the combo oven replicates deep fried texture. Air fryers use convection technology to circulate hot air at high speed, essentially mimicking deep frying.
A convection fan inside the air fryer chamber rapidly circulates hot air up to 400°F. The high-speed air flow and heated environment causes food to undergo the Maillard reaction. This reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars is what gives fried food its crispy, golden exterior.
By replicating this reaction, air fryers can produce crunchy fried texture without submerging food in oil. The constant high-speed airflow ensures consistent crisping on all sides. Air fryers can produce foods with up to 85% less fat than deep frying.
Combo Oven Design
Microwave air fryer combo ovens integrate both technologies – microwave and air frying – into a single appliance. This allows for extremely flexible functionality.
The ovens contain separate internal chambers and heating systems for microwave and air frying. The microwave chamber is shielded to contain the electromagnetic waves.
Air fryers work at temperatures between 200°F and 400°F. To maintain these high temperatures for air frying, combo ovens have added insulation and are designed to retain heat effectively.
Many combo ovens also have heating elements above and below the air fryer cavity. This allows the appliance to function as a small convection oven for baking, roasting or broiling.
A fan distributes hot air throughout the chamber for efficient convection cooking. Advanced combo ovens may come with multiple rack positions and rotisseries to take advantage of the convection oven functionality.
Typical Design of a Microwave Air Fryer Combo Oven
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Microwave chamber & magnetron | Generates microwave radiation to cook food quickly |
| Air fryer chamber | Contains hot air for convection cooking and crisping |
| Heating coils | Heats air for air frying or convection baking |
| Convection fan | Circulates hot air around food for even crisping |
| Insulation | Retains heat for optimal air frying temperatures |
| Interior light | Lets user monitor cooking progress |
| Rotisserie spit | Provides even roasting by rotating food (in some models) |
| Digital control panel | Allows user to program cooking settings |
How Microwave and Air Fry Technologies Combine
Microwave air fryer combo ovens utilize each cooking technology for different purposes.
The microwave mode uses electromagnetic waves to quickly cook or reheat food from the interior. It provides rapid defrosting, reheating and cooking in minutes.
The air fry mode circulates hot air to crisp and brown exterior surfaces. It can produce crispy fried textures on foods like fries, nuggets and wings.
Each mode has its advantages. Combining them provides greater flexibility – microwave for speed, and air frying for flavor and texture.
Some foods are best suited to microwave cooking – soups, porridge, scrambled eggs can all be cooked very quickly this way. More delicate foods like fish and vegetables benefit from the gentler heat of the air fryer.
Using both modes can give great results. The microwave can thaw and partially pre-cook food, then the air fryer finishes with a crispy exterior. For example, chicken thighs could be thawed and pre-cooked in the microwave before air frying to crispy perfection.
Many combo ovens also provide baked, roasted, broiled or dehydrated options by utilizing the convection fan and heating elements.
This allows an endless variety of cooking techniques – pressure cooking or steaming with a microwave safe dish, baking casseroles, roasting meats, broiling steaks or dehydrating fruit leathers.
Tips for Using a Microwave Air Fryer Combo
Here are some tips to use your microwave air fryer oven effectively:
Take Advantage of Speed
Use the microwave mode for fast defrosting, reheating leftovers, cooking vegetables, rice, oatmeal etc. It saves time over conventional ovens.
Get Crispy
Air fry to get crispy results equivalent to deep frying for foods like fries, chicken wings, nuggets and more, with less oil.
Pre-Cook in Microwave
Pre-cook meats, bacon or dense items in the microwave before switching to air fry mode for perfectly crisped exterior.
Flip and Rotate
Ensure food is cooked evenly by flipping it over midway and rotating dishes in the turntable.
Use Liquid Sparingly
Avoid excess liquid in microwave mode to prevent boiling over. Use a paper towel to absorb excess moisture from defrosted items.
Watch Cooking Progress
Keep an eye on food as it cooks and adjust time or temperature as needed to prevent over or undercooking.
Clean Regularly
Clean the interior, turntable and accessories regularly to prevent residue buildup that can affect performance.
Refer to Cookbook
Use the manufacturer’s cookbook and cooking guides to determine the best settings for different recipes.
Benefits of Microwave Air Fryers
Here are some of the benefits these versatile combo ovens provide:
Speed
Microwave mode allows extremely fast cooking, reheating and defrosting – much faster than a conventional oven.
Healthier Frying
Air fry crisps food with little to no oil, reducing fat by up to 85% compared to deep frying.
Crispy Texture
Superheated air flow replicates deep fried crispness without being submerged in oil.
Versatility
Allows for baking, air frying, microwave cooking, roasting, grilling, steaming and more all in one appliance.
Convenience
Multi-purpose functionality reduces need for separate appliances taking up counter space.
Compact Size
Typical combo ovens have about a 20-25 liter capacity, taking up less space than multiple appliances.
User-Friendly
Preset programs and touchpad controls make cooking easy for all users.
Conclusion
Microwave air fryer combo ovens provide a revolutionary cooking experience. They combine the rapid cooking power of a microwave with the crispiness of air frying, along with options like baking, roasting and grilling depending on the model.
The triple cooking technologies help prepare a wide range of dishes quickly and conveniently. These versatile appliances can streamline meal preparation while producing healthier, oil-free crispy textures.
With their compact footprint, user-friendly operation and multiple cooking modes, microwave air fryer combos are a worthwhile addition to any modern kitchen.