Can an Air Fryer Replace a Microwave The Ultimate Showdown

An air fryer cannot fully replace a microwave due to fundamental differences in cooking speed and functionality—microwaves excel at rapid reheating and defrosting, while air fryers deliver crispy, oven-like results. However, air fryers are superior for texture and versatility in cooking, making them a valuable, though not complete, alternative in the kitchen.

Key Takeaways

• Air fryers crisp food better: Ideal for fries, chicken, and reheating leftovers with a crunch.
• Microwaves win for speed: Faster for defrosting, reheating soups, and cooking simple meals.
• Air fryers use less energy: More efficient for small batches and single servings.
• Microwaves offer versatility: Better for steaming, boiling, and bulk reheating tasks.
• Hybrid cooking is optimal: Use both appliances to maximize flavor and convenience.

Can an Air Fryer Replace a Microwave? The Ultimate Showdown

Let’s face it—kitchen space is precious. Between the toaster, the blender, the coffee maker, and the endless gadgets we’ve collected over the years, it’s hard to know what to keep and what to let go of. If you’ve recently fallen in love with your air fryer (guilty as charged), you might be wondering: can an air fryer replace a microwave? It’s a question that’s been buzzing around kitchen forums, social media, and even my own dinner table. After all, the air fryer promises crispy, golden results with less oil, faster cooking times, and even baking capabilities. But can it truly stand in for the microwave, the humble hero of reheating leftovers, defrosting chicken, and making instant oatmeal?

I’ve been on this journey myself. A few months ago, I decided to challenge my microwave’s dominance by using my air fryer for *everything*. I reheated pizza, defrosted frozen peas, and even tried to “steam” a salmon fillet (spoiler: it was dry). Along the way, I learned a lot—not just about cooking techniques, but about the strengths, limitations, and quirks of both appliances. Whether you’re trying to declutter your countertop or just curious about what each machine can do, this deep dive will help you decide if it’s time to retire the microwave… or keep both on speed dial.

Understanding the Basics: How Air Fryers and Microwaves Work

The Science Behind Air Fryers

At first glance, an air fryer looks like a futuristic toaster oven. But what sets it apart is its rapid air circulation technology. A powerful fan pushes hot air around your food at high speed, creating a convection effect that crisps the exterior while cooking the inside. Think of it like a mini convection oven—but with a smaller footprint and faster results.

For example, when you cook frozen fries in an air fryer, the hot air surrounds each piece evenly, giving you that golden, crispy texture without submerging them in oil. This method works wonders for foods that benefit from browning, like chicken wings, roasted vegetables, or even reheated pizza (yes, it’s possible!). The key is moisture control: air fryers thrive when food has some surface dryness to begin with.

How Microwaves Cook Your Food

Microwaves, on the other hand, use a completely different approach. They emit microwave radiation (don’t worry—it’s non-ionizing and safe) that causes water molecules in your food to vibrate. This vibration generates heat, which cooks your food from the inside out. It’s why microwaved soup heats quickly but often has uneven spots—some parts boil while others stay lukewarm.

The microwave’s strength lies in speed and convenience. Need to reheat last night’s lasagna? Two minutes. Want to defrost ground beef for tacos? Five minutes. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” appliance. But it’s not great at browning or crisping—your pizza crust will be soggy, and your fries will be limp. That’s why many people pair their microwave with a toaster oven or skillet for finishing touches.

Pro Tip: If you’re trying to decide between the two, ask yourself: Do I value speed and convenience, or texture and flavor? The answer will guide your choice.

Cooking Capabilities: What Each Appliance Can (and Can’t) Do

Reheating Leftovers: Crispy vs. Soggy

Let’s start with the most common use case: reheating leftovers. This is where the air fryer truly shines. I tested it with three classic leftovers—pizza, fried chicken, and roasted vegetables—and the results were impressive.

• Pizza: A microwave reheated slice came out with a chewy, rubbery crust. The air fryer, set at 350°F for 3 minutes, gave it a crispy, oven-fresh texture. The cheese even bubbled slightly.
• Fried Chicken: Microwaved chicken was rubbery and greasy. Air-fried at 375°F for 5 minutes? Crispy, juicy, and just as good as fresh.
• Roasted Vegetables: The microwave made them mushy. The air fryer (375°F, 4 minutes) revived their crisp edges without drying them out.

The catch? The air fryer takes longer—usually 3–7 minutes, depending on the food. But for texture lovers, the wait is worth it.

Defrosting and Quick Meals

This is where the microwave dominates. I tried defrosting a pound of frozen chicken breasts in both appliances. The microwave took 8 minutes on the defrost setting, with no hot spots. The air fryer? I had to cook it at 250°F for 15 minutes, checking frequently to avoid partially cooking the outside while the inside was still icy. Not ideal.

For quick meals, the microwave wins hands-down:

• Instant oatmeal: 2 minutes in a microwave-safe bowl.
• Frozen meals: Ready in 3–5 minutes.
• Steaming broccoli: Covered with a damp paper towel, 4 minutes.

Air fryers can’t match this speed. Even simple tasks like melting butter or warming milk take longer because they rely on convection, not radiation.

Full Meal Preparation

Air fryers excel at cooking entire meals—especially foods that benefit from browning. I made a sheet-pan-style dinner with chicken tenders, sweet potato fries, and broccoli. Everything went in at 400°F for 15 minutes, with a quick shake halfway through. The result? Juicy chicken, crispy fries, and perfectly charred broccoli. No flipping, no preheating, and minimal cleanup.

Microwaves, however, struggle with full meals. While you can steam fish or cook rice in them, you’ll miss out on texture. A microwave-cooked steak? Tough and gray. A microwave-baked potato? Dense and chewy. For complex dishes, you’ll often need to finish them in a skillet or oven.

Speed, Convenience, and Energy Efficiency

Time Comparison: Real-World Scenarios

Let’s break down the time it takes to complete common tasks:

Task	Microwave Time	Air Fryer Time	Notes
Reheat pizza (1 slice)	1–2 minutes	3–4 minutes	Air fryer gives crispy crust
Defrost 1 lb chicken	8 minutes	12–15 minutes	Microwave prevents partial cooking
Cook frozen fries	5–6 minutes	10–12 minutes	Air fryer yields crispier results
Steam broccoli	4 minutes	8–10 minutes	Microwave retains more moisture
Bake cookies (2 batches)	N/A (not recommended)	12 minutes	Air fryer works like mini oven

The takeaway? For speed, the microwave wins almost every time. But if you prioritize texture, the air fryer’s extra minutes pay off.

Energy Use and Cost

Microwaves are more energy-efficient for small tasks. They use about 1,000–1,500 watts but cook so quickly that total energy use is low. Air fryers use 1,400–1,800 watts and run longer, so they consume more electricity. For example, reheating a single meal in a microwave might use 0.1 kWh, while an air fryer could use 0.2–0.3 kWh.

However, air fryers are more efficient than full-sized ovens. A conventional oven uses 2,000–5,000 watts and needs 10–15 minutes to preheat. For small meals, the air fryer can save both time and energy compared to turning on the oven.

Tip: Use your air fryer for meals that require browning or crisping, and your microwave for speed. It’s the best of both worlds.

Space, Maintenance, and Kitchen Workflow

Countertop Real Estate

Let’s talk about space. Air fryers are compact—most are about the size of a large toaster oven—but they still take up more room than a microwave. A standard microwave fits under a cabinet or on a shelf, while air fryers need open counter space for ventilation. If you have a small kitchen, this matters.

Consider this: Can you live without a dedicated reheating spot? I tried putting my air fryer away after use, but the hassle of pulling it out, prepping the basket, and waiting for it to heat up made me default to the microwave for quick tasks. For true convenience, the microwave’s “open and go” design is hard to beat.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Both appliances are easy to clean, but they have different pain points:

• Microwave: Wipe down the interior with soapy water or a vinegar solution. Burnt-on splatters require a bit of scrubbing, but it’s usually quick.
• Air Fryer: The basket and tray are dishwasher-safe (usually), but food can get stuck in the grooves. I recommend soaking them in hot, soapy water for 10 minutes before scrubbing.

One thing to note: Air fryers can leave behind a greasy residue on the heating element over time. Most models have removable parts for deep cleaning, but it’s an extra step you won’t find with microwaves.

Workflow Integration

Think about how each appliance fits into your daily routine. For example:

• On a busy morning, do you want to pop oatmeal in the microwave or preheat an air fryer and wait 3 minutes to warm it?
• After work, do you want to reheat dinner in 2 minutes or spend 5 minutes prepping and cooking it in the air fryer?

The microwave is the ultimate time-saver for rushed moments. The air fryer is better for planned meals or when you have a few extra minutes to spare.

Health, Taste, and Versatility: The Final Verdict

Health Considerations

Both appliances have health pros and cons:

• Microwave: Preserves more nutrients in vegetables (thanks to shorter cook times) but can create uneven heating, leading to food safety risks if not stirred. Also, reheating certain foods (like rice) can increase resistant starch, which is good for gut health but may cause digestive issues for some.
• Air Fryer: Uses little to no oil, reducing fat content in fried foods. However, high-heat cooking can create acrylamide (a carcinogen) in starchy foods like potatoes. To minimize this, avoid overcooking and use lower temperatures (350–375°F).

For most people, both are safe and healthy options. The key is using them appropriately—microwaves for quick reheating, air fryers for crispy, low-oil cooking.

Taste and Texture Showdown

This is where personal preference matters. If you love:

• Crispy, golden-brown foods → Air fryer wins.
• Quick, even reheating → Microwave wins.
• Juicy, moist meats → Microwave (with a cover) can outperform air fryers, which dry out delicate proteins.
• Charred, caramelized veggies → Air fryer, hands-down.

I once tried to “steam” salmon in my air fryer by wrapping it in foil with herbs and lemon. The result? Dry, overcooked fish. The microwave, with a damp paper towel and 3 minutes on high, gave me tender, flaky salmon every time.

Versatility: Beyond the Basics

Air fryers can do more than you think:

• Bake: Cookies, muffins, and even small cakes.
• Roast: Nuts, chickpeas, and whole chickens.
• Dehydrate: Make fruit leather or jerky (with a dehydrating tray).

Microwaves have their own tricks:

• Make mug cakes: 1 minute, no mess.
• Warm towels: Add a damp towel and 30 seconds.
• Proof dough: Place a bowl of water in the microwave to create a warm, humid environment.

Neither appliance can do *everything*, but each has unique strengths.

So… Can an Air Fryer Replace a Microwave?

After months of testing, my verdict is clear: an air fryer cannot fully replace a microwave—but it can take over many of its roles, especially for texture-focused cooking. Here’s how to decide:

Choose the air fryer if:

• You prioritize crispy, golden results (think: reheated pizza, chicken wings).
• You want to reduce oil in fried foods.
• You have space and don’t mind a few extra minutes of cook time.
• You enjoy experimenting with baking and roasting.

Keep the microwave if:

• Speed is your top priority (defrosting, quick meals).
• You have a small kitchen or limited counter space.
• You cook a lot of steamed or moist foods (rice, fish, veggies).
• You value convenience above all else.

The best solution? Use both. Keep your microwave for quick reheating, defrosting, and steaming, and your air fryer for crisping, roasting, and baking. It’s like having a sous-chef and a line cook—each with their own specialty.

At the end of the day, the right appliance depends on your lifestyle, kitchen, and taste preferences. Whether you’re Team Microwave or Team Air Fryer, the goal is the same: delicious, convenient meals with minimal fuss. And if you can achieve that—whether with one appliance or two—you’re already winning the kitchen game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an air fryer replace a microwave for reheating leftovers?

While an air fryer can reheat food, it’s slower and less efficient than a microwave for items like soups or saucy dishes. The microwave excels at quick, even reheating, while the air fryer works best for crispy, dry foods like pizza or fries.

Which is better for cooking convenience: an air fryer or microwave?

For speed and simplicity, a microwave wins—it’s ideal for defrosting, boiling, or reheating. An air fryer is better for cooking from scratch, offering crispy textures, but requires preheating and longer cook times.

Can an air fryer replace a microwave for defrosting frozen foods?

No, an air fryer isn’t designed for defrosting—it can cook the outer layers while leaving the center frozen. Microwaves are the clear winner here, with dedicated defrost settings for even thawing.

Does an air fryer cook healthier meals than a microwave?

Air fryers use less oil, making them a healthier choice for crispy foods like chicken wings. Microwaves preserve more nutrients in steamed veggies or grains, so both have unique health benefits.

Is it worth buying both an air fryer and a microwave?

If you value versatility, owning both appliances is ideal. The microwave handles speed and liquid-based tasks, while the air fryer delivers crispy, oven-like results—they complement each other.

Can an air fryer replace a microwave in a small kitchen?

Space matters: if you must choose, pick the appliance you’ll use most. Air fryers are larger but offer more cooking versatility, while microwaves save time for reheating and defrosting in compact spaces.