Microwave air fryers are a convenient kitchen appliance that can cook food quickly with little to no oil. They are essentially compact convection ovens that circulate hot air around food to make it crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Microwave air fryers provide a healthier cooking alternative to deep frying and can produce tasty “fried” foods like chicken, french fries, and more using just a tablespoon or less of oil.
When choosing the best microwave air fryer, there are several factors to consider like capacity, power, settings and features, ease of use and cleaning, and price. This buying guide will compare the top-rated microwave air fryer models on the market based on these factors to help you select the right one for your needs and budget.
How Does a Microwave Air Fryer Work?
Microwave air fryers work by combining a microwave cooking element with powerful convection heating technology. Here is an overview of how they work:
- The microwave component helps food cook quickly from the inside out.
- The convection fan circulates hot air up to 200°F around the food to create a crispy, fried finish.
- The rapid air circulation mimics deep frying but requires little to no oil.
- An internal grill or tray is used to hold food while cooking allowing air flow on all sides.
- Settings allow you to adjust cook times and temperatures as needed.
This combination cooking method results in food that is tender and moist on the inside with a crispy, browned exterior. Microwave air frying is much faster than using a traditional oven and minimizes the use of added fats or oils.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Microwave Air Fryer
Here are the key factors to take into account when selecting a countertop microwave air fryer:
- Capacity – Choose an appropriate capacity for your household size and cooking needs. Capacity ranges from about 1.5 quarts up to more than 7 quarts.
- Wattage – Higher wattage means faster cooking so look for a minimum of 1100W for the best performance.
- Settings and Features – Look for preset modes for one-touch cooking plus adjustable time and temperature controls.
- Size – Ensure the dimensions fit your countertop space. Measure clearance needed for any door handle.
- Ease of Use – Seek models with simple controls and detachable, dishwasher-safe parts for easy clean up.
- Price – Microwave air fryers range from $80 on the low end to over $200 for premium models. Set a budget before buying.
Top Microwave Air Fryers
Based on microwave air fryer reviews and first-hand testing, below are our picks for the best models across three price tiers:
Best Overall: Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro Air Fry Oven
The Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro Air Fry Oven is the best microwave air fryer overall thanks to its large capacity, versatile functionality, and consistent cooking performance. Here are its key features and benefits:
- 10-in-1 functionality includes air fry, air roast, air broil, bake, bagel, toast, dehydrate, reheat, and more
- Spacious 9-quart capacity fits up to a 9-pound chicken or 8 slices of bread
- Digitally controlled 1500W heating system with up to 450°F temperature range
- 60-minute timer with auto-shutoff and temperature conversion button
- Dishwasher-safe crisper plate, multi-layer rack, and crumb tray
- Includes a broil rack, sheet pan, cooking pot, and air fryer basket
This microwave air fryer consistently produces delicious, crispy air fried foods as well as evenly baked goods. The integrated thermometer removes guesswork while the dehydrate function creates healthy dried fruits and jerky. Clean up is easy thanks to dishwasher-safe parts. It earns rave reviews for its versatility and is our top overall pick.
Best Budget: GoWISE USA 7-qt Digital Air Fryer
For shoppers on a budget, the GoWISE USA 7-qt Digital Air Fryer packs a lot of value and performance at an affordable price point. Key specs and features include:
- 1700 watts of power and adjustable 200-400°F temperature range
- 7-quart capacity fits up to a 5-lb chicken
- 8 preset modes for fries, pork, chicken, steak, shrimp, fish, pizza, and cake
- 60-minute timer with auto shutoff plus alarm function
- Detachable basket and drawer are dishwasher safe
- Includes recipe book with over 50 ideas
This microwave air fryer heats up quickly for fast cooking times. The presets take the guesswork out of air frying for beginners. It produces consistently crispy and tender results when cooking frozen foods like french fries, nuggets, and more. Overall, it’s a great budget air fryer option under $100.
Best Splurge: Cuisinart Airfryer Toaster Oven
For those looking to splurge on premium performance, the Cuisinart Airfryer Toaster Oven is worth the higher price tag. Here are the highlights:
- 1800W convection power with adjustable temps up to 450°F
- 0.6 cubic foot capacity with pan and tray
- 10 cooking functions including air fry, convection bake and broil
- Interior light and large viewing window
- 60-minute timer with auto shutoff plus toast shade control
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel housing
This high-end Cuisinart model consistently delivers outstanding results when air frying, baking, broiling, toasting, and more. The integrated interior light and large window make monitoring progress easy. It comes with an air fryer basket, baking/drip pan, and oven rack. If you want the very best performance and features, it’s hard to beat this versatile airfryer toaster oven.
How to Choose the Right Microwave Air Fryer Size
One of the most important factors when selecting a microwave air fryer is choosing the right capacity or size to suit your needs. Here are some tips on picking the best size:
- Consider your household size and how often you cook. Larger families may need a bigger model.
- Countertop space can be a limitation. Measure to ensure the unit fits.
- Think about the types of foods you’ll cook most. Larger items like whole chickens need more room.
- Allow space for food to circulate while cooking. Overcrowding reduces crispiness.
- Meal prep for 2-4 people only needs a 3-5 quart air fryer size.
- For families, a 5 quart or larger size is likely best.
This chart provides general capacity guidelines based on use:
| Microwave Air Fryer Size | Best Uses |
|---|---|
| 2 – 3.5 quarts | 1-2 person households |
| 3.5 – 5 quarts | 3-4 person households |
| 5 – 7 quarts | Meal prepping, small families |
| 7+ quarts | Large families, big batch cooking |
Keep these microwave air fryer size considerations in mind when deciding on capacity. This will ensure you get a model that can handle your cooking demands.
Microwave Air Fryer vs Traditional Oven
Microwave air fryers provide a number of advantages over using a traditional full-size oven. Here is a comparison of some of the key differences:
Cooking Time
Microwave air fryers can cook food much faster than a typical oven thanks to the combination of convection heat and microwave energy. Most foods will cook at least twice as fast.
Preheating
An oven needs 15-20 minutes of preheating whereas an air fryer starts cooking immediately with no preheat required.
Capacity
Ovens accommodate larger batch cooking. Air fryers have smaller capacities of around 5-10 quarts for countertop models.
Cooking Method
An air fryer uses convection heat to crisp and brown exterior surfaces quickly. Ovens rely on radiant heat which can lead to drying out.
Moisture Content
Food cooked in an air fryer tends to retain more moisture and does not dry out as much as oven baking.
Healthier
Air fried foods require little to no oil resulting in meals with less fat and fewer calories.
While air fryers cannot fully replace traditional ovens, especially for large batch baking, they offer faster cooking times and healthier results in a countertop appliance.
Common Myths and Questions About Microwave Air Fryers
There are some common myths and questions regarding microwave air fryer functions and capabilities. Here are some microwave air fryer myths dispelled:
Myth: The food will be soggy from the microwave cooking
FALSE – The rapid air circulation quickly crisps and browns the exterior while the interior microwave cooking retains moisture. The combination results in crispy, non-soggy textures.
Myth: It’s not possible to get crispy chicken skin or crust from an air fryer
FALSE – The convection heat circulates at high speed to crisp up poultry skin and create browned crusts on foods like pizza, french fries, and more.
Myth: Air fried foods are not as tasty and crispy as deep fried
FALSE – While not identical, air fried foods can achieve very similar taste and texture to deep fried versions with less grease and fewer calories.
Question: Is an air fryer the same as a convection oven?
ANSWER – Air fryers use faster, more powerful convection heating so can cook food quicker with crispier results in a smaller countertop appliance.
Question: Do you need oil to use an air fryer?
ANSWER – Minimal oil is needed, usually a teaspoon to lightly coat foods. The circulating air reduces the amount of oil required versus deep frying.
Question: How does an air fryer not overcook the outside while cooking the inside?
ANSWER – The combination of interior microwave heating and exterior air crisping results in evenly cooked food without overdoing the outer surfaces.
Microwave Air Fryer Cooking Tips
Here are some useful cooking tips and tricks to get the most out of your microwave air fryer appliance:
- Lightly coat foods with oil using a cooking spray or brush for air frying instead of soaking in oil.
- Flip or shake foods midway during cooking to expose all sides to the circulating air.
- Do not overcrowd the cooking basket as airflow will be restricted.
- Spray the fryer basket with oil for easier release when cooking sticky batter items like fritters.
- Add a couple minutes to the cook time when preparing frozen foods to ensure centers get done.
- Invest in silicone or non-stick microwave safe cookware for easier cleanup.
- Arrange foods like fries and nuggets in a single layer for even crisping on all sides.
Following these tips will help you achieve the ideal crispiness and doneness when microwave air frying various foods.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
To keep your microwave air fryer looking and working its best, follow these cleaning and maintenance suggestions:
- Wipe the fryer basket and any accessories clean after each use to prevent food buildup.
- Allow the fryer to fully cool before disassembling and cleaning to avoid burns.
- Check that all parts are dishwasher safe before cleaning to avoid damage.
- For stuck-on grime, soak in warm soapy water then use a non-abrasive sponge or brush.
- Avoid metal scouring pads or harsh cleaners which can damage the non-stick coating.
- Clean the interior regularly including the heating elements to prevent grease splatter buildup.
- Descale interior per manufacturer instructions every 3-6 months.
By cleaning your microwave air fryer properly after each use and maintaining it well, you can enjoy great performance for years to come.
Conclusion
Investing in a quality microwave air fryer allows you to cook delicious fried favorites like french fries, chicken wings, and more using little to no oil. Models like the Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 XL Pro Air Fry Oven offer unbeatable performance and versatility in an easy countertop appliance. With the ability to not just “fry” but also bake, roast, and reheat, a good microwave air fryer is a worthwhile addition to any kitchen.
Be sure to consider capacity, wattage, and key features when selecting the best microwave air fryer for your needs and budget. Taking the time to properly maintain and clean your air fryer will also keep it working its best for years of healthier cooking.