Can an Air Fryer Be Used as a Microwave Here Is the Answer

No, an air fryer cannot fully replace a microwave due to fundamental differences in cooking methods—air fryers use convection heat to crisp food, while microwaves rapidly heat moisture with electromagnetic waves. However, air fryers excel at reheating leftovers with a crispy texture that microwaves can’t achieve, making them a better choice for foods like fries or pizza, though not for quick defrosting or steaming.

Key Takeaways

• Air fryers cannot replace microwaves for quick reheating or defrosting tasks.
• Use air fryers for crispy results—ideal for leftovers needing texture revival.
• Microwaves win for speed when warming liquids or soft foods evenly.
• Air fryers require preheating—factor in extra time for cooking or reheating.
• Combine both appliances to balance convenience and quality in meal prep.
• Check food packaging instructions—some items specify microwave-only for safety.
• Air fryers dry out food—avoid using them for delicate, moisture-rich dishes.

Can an Air Fryer Be Used as a Microwave? Here Is the Answer

You’ve probably heard the buzz about air fryers. They’re everywhere—on cooking shows, in kitchen aisles, and all over social media. But with so many kitchen gadgets competing for counter space, it’s natural to wonder: can an air fryer be used as a microwave? Maybe you’re trying to downsize your appliances, or perhaps you just want to know if your air fryer can handle everything from reheating last night’s pizza to cooking frozen meals. I’ve been there. I remember standing in my kitchen, staring at my microwave and my air fryer, wondering if I really needed both.

As someone who loves convenience but also cares about food quality, I’ve experimented a lot. I’ve tried reheating leftovers, defrosting meat, and even cooking simple meals in my air fryer. Some attempts were delicious. Others? Let’s just say I won’t be serving them at dinner parties. In this post, I’ll walk you through what you can do with your air fryer, what you shouldn’t do, and where the microwave still holds its ground. By the end, you’ll know exactly whether your air fryer can truly replace your microwave—or if it’s better to keep both.

Understanding How Air Fryers and Microwaves Work

How Air Fryers Cook Food

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around food at high speed, using a heating element and a powerful fan. This process is similar to convection ovens but in a smaller, more efficient package. The rapid air movement creates a crispy, golden exterior—what we love about fried foods—without needing much oil. Think of it like a mini convection oven that’s designed to mimic deep frying.

For example, when I cook chicken wings in my air fryer, they come out with a crispy skin and juicy inside in about 20 minutes. No flipping required. The Maillard reaction (the science behind browning) happens beautifully because the air is dry and hot.

How Microwaves Heat Food

Microwaves, on the other hand, use electromagnetic waves (microwaves) to excite water molecules inside food. This causes friction and generates heat from the inside out. It’s fast and efficient for reheating, defrosting, or cooking foods with high moisture content—like soups, steamed vegetables, or frozen meals.

I remember reheating a bowl of chili in under 3 minutes. That’s the magic of microwaves. But they’re not great at browning or crisping. If I tried to reheat a leftover slice of pizza in the microwave, it would come out soggy, with the crust losing all its crunch.

Key Difference: Cooking Method and Results

The core difference lies in how each appliance transfers heat:

• Air fryer: External heat via hot air → crispy, browned results
• Microwave: Internal heat via radiation → fast, moist, but soft results

Because of this, the air fryer excels at texture and flavor, while the microwave wins on speed and convenience. So, when asking “can an air fryer be used as a microwave,” we’re really asking: Can it deliver the same speed, moisture retention, and versatility? The answer is nuanced—and depends on what you’re cooking.

What You Can (and Can’t) Reheat in an Air Fryer

Great for Crispy Leftovers

If you’re reheating foods that should be crispy—like French fries, mozzarella sticks, or fried chicken—your air fryer is a game-changer. I once reheated a batch of takeout chicken tenders that had been sitting in the fridge for two days. After 5 minutes at 350°F, they were almost as good as fresh. The outside was crunchy, and the inside was warm and tender.

Tip: Preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes before adding food. This ensures even heating and better crispiness.

Not Ideal for Moist or Wet Foods

Here’s where things get tricky. Foods with high moisture content—like soups, stews, rice, or steamed vegetables—don’t reheat well in an air fryer. The dry heat can dry them out or cause uneven cooking. I tried reheating a bowl of rice in a heat-safe dish once. The edges burned while the center was still cold. Not ideal.

Similarly, liquids like coffee or soup can boil over and damage the air fryer’s fan or heating element. Never place open containers of liquid in an air fryer unless they’re in a sealed, microwave-safe dish (and even then, it’s risky).

Defrosting? Proceed with Caution

Some people try to defrost meat in their air fryer. While it’s possible, it’s not recommended. The outer layer of the meat can start cooking while the inside is still frozen. This leads to uneven texture and potential food safety issues.

I once defrosted a chicken breast at 250°F for 10 minutes. The edges were slightly cooked, and the center was icy. I had to finish it in the microwave anyway. For defrosting, the microwave’s low-power setting is far more reliable.

Practical Reheating Guide

• Yes, great for: Fried foods, pizza, roasted vegetables, bacon, chicken wings
• Maybe, with adjustments: Baked potatoes (wrap in foil, cook longer), bread rolls (short time, low temp)
• No, avoid: Soups, stews, rice, pasta dishes, liquids, anything with sauce

So, while your air fryer can reheat many leftovers, it’s not a one-to-one replacement for the microwave—especially when moisture and speed matter.

Cooking New Meals: Can an Air Fryer Replace Microwave Meals?

Frozen Meals and Ready-to-Eat Snacks

Many frozen meals are designed for microwaves. They rely on steam and even heating to cook through. But some can actually be cooked in an air fryer—with better results. I’ve cooked frozen fish sticks, spring rolls, and even mini quiches in my air fryer. They came out crispier and more flavorful than when microwaved.

Example: A frozen chicken pot pie microwaved will have a soggy crust. In the air fryer at 375°F for 15 minutes, the crust is flaky, and the filling heats evenly. Just make sure the dish is air-fryer-safe (no plastic or cardboard).

Steaming and Simmering? Not So Much

Microwaves are great for steaming vegetables, cooking grains, or simmering sauces. Air fryers? Not so much. They don’t create steam, and they’re not designed for liquid-based cooking. I tried to steam broccoli in my air fryer by adding a little water to the basket. The water evaporated quickly, and the broccoli burned. Not a good idea.

For steaming, boiling, or simmering, stick to the microwave, stovetop, or a steamer basket.

One-Pot Meals and Casseroles

Some casseroles and one-pot dishes can work in an air fryer, especially if they’re baked. I’ve made mini frittatas, stuffed peppers, and even lasagna in individual oven-safe dishes. But they take longer than in a microwave, and you have to monitor them closely.

Tip: Use small, oven-safe ramekins or silicone molds. Cover with foil if the top browns too fast. Cooking time is usually 1.5 to 2 times longer than microwave instructions.

When the Air Fryer Shines

The air fryer is ideal for:

• Reheating or cooking crispy, dry, or fried foods
• Small-batch cooking (1–4 servings)
• Foods that benefit from browning (like chicken, fish, or vegetables)

But for meals that need even, moist heating—like a frozen mac and cheese or a bowl of oatmeal—the microwave is still your best bet.

Speed, Energy Use, and Convenience Compared

Speed: Microwave Wins Hands Down

When it comes to speed, the microwave is unbeatable. Reheating a cup of coffee takes 1 minute. A bowl of soup? 2–3 minutes. In an air fryer, the same tasks can take 5–10 minutes, plus preheating time. I once timed myself reheating a burrito: 2 minutes in the microwave vs. 8 minutes in the air fryer (with preheating).

For busy mornings or quick snacks, the microwave is just faster. There’s no way around it.

Energy Efficiency: It’s a Tie

Both appliances are relatively energy-efficient compared to full-size ovens. But they use energy differently:

• Microwave: Uses less power (typically 600–1200 watts) and heats food directly
• Air fryer: Uses more power (1200–1800 watts) but heats the air around the food

In short, microwaves are more efficient for reheating small portions. Air fryers are better for cooking from scratch or achieving crispy results. Neither is a major energy hog, but the microwave wins for quick, low-energy tasks.

Ease of Use and Cleanup

Microwaves are simple: place food in a microwave-safe dish, set time, press start. Done. Air fryers require more attention:

• Preheating (3–5 minutes)
• Shaking or flipping food halfway through
• Using proper containers (no plastic, no cardboard)
• Cleaning the basket and tray after each use

I love my air fryer, but I’ll admit—it’s not “set it and forget it” like a microwave. If you’re short on time or energy, the microwave is more user-friendly.

Counter Space and Multi-Functionality

Air fryers are bulkier than microwaves. They take up more counter space and often require clearance for airflow. Some models are multi-functional (air fry, roast, bake, reheat), but even then, they can’t match the microwave’s versatility for liquids and delicate tasks.

If you’re tight on space, consider a microwave-air fryer combo. Some newer models combine both technologies. I haven’t tried one yet, but they’re worth watching.

When to Use Each Appliance (And When to Combine Them)

Smart Kitchen Strategy: Use Both

After months of testing, I’ve adopted a hybrid approach. I use both appliances—but for different tasks. Here’s my go-to system:

• Microwave for: Reheating soups, coffee, rice, pasta, steaming veggies, defrosting
• Air fryer for: Crisping leftovers, cooking frozen snacks, roasting small batches, browning meats
• Both together: Defrost in microwave, then crisp in air fryer

Real-life example: I defrost a frozen burrito in the microwave (3 minutes on 50% power). Then, I transfer it to the air fryer for 5 minutes at 375°F. The result? A warm, evenly cooked burrito with a slightly crispy tortilla. Perfection.

Time-Saving Tips

• Use the microwave to preheat dense foods (like baked potatoes or frozen casseroles), then finish in the air fryer for crispiness.
• Defrost meat in the microwave, then cook it in the air fryer for a juicy, golden exterior.
• Reheat pizza in the air fryer, but use the microwave for the side salad dressing (so it doesn’t get cold).

This combo approach gives you the best of both worlds: speed, moisture retention, and crispiness.

When the Air Fryer Alone Isn’t Enough

There are times when the air fryer just can’t cut it:

• You need to cook a large batch (air fryers have limited capacity)
• You’re reheating a liquid-heavy meal (soup, stew, curry)
• You’re in a hurry and can’t wait for preheating
• You’re defrosting large cuts of meat or seafood

In these cases, the microwave is still the better tool. Trying to force the air fryer to do it all leads to frustration and wasted food.

Data Table: Air Fryer vs. Microwave – Key Comparisons

Feature	Air Fryer	Microwave
Best For	Crisping, browning, roasting, small-batch cooking	Reheating, defrosting, steaming, quick meals
Cooking Speed	Moderate to slow (5–20 minutes + preheat)	Fast (1–5 minutes)
Texture Results	Crispy, golden, restaurant-style	Soft, moist, sometimes soggy
Moisture Retention	Low (can dry out food)	High (retains moisture well)
Defrosting	Not recommended (uneven cooking)	Excellent (especially with defrost setting)
Energy Use	Higher wattage (1200–1800W)	Lower wattage (600–1200W)
Ease of Use	Moderate (preheat, monitor, clean)	Very easy (set and go)
Counter Space	Larger footprint	Compact
Can Replace Microwave?	No – lacks speed, moisture control, and defrosting	No – lacks crispiness and browning

Final Verdict: Can an Air Fryer Be Used as a Microwave?

So, can an air fryer be used as a microwave? The short answer: not really. While it can reheat some leftovers and cook certain frozen foods, it lacks the speed, moisture control, and versatility of a microwave. The air fryer is a texture specialist—great for crispy, golden results. The microwave is a convenience king—ideal for quick, even heating.

After using both appliances for months, I’ve learned that they’re not competitors. They’re complements. Each has strengths the other lacks. The air fryer gives you the crunch you crave. The microwave gives you the speed you need. Together, they make your kitchen more efficient and your meals more delicious.

If you’re deciding between buying an air fryer or keeping your microwave, keep both. Use the microwave for quick tasks, defrosting, and liquid-based meals. Use the air fryer for crisping, roasting, and small-batch cooking. And if you’re feeling clever, use them together—defrost in the microwave, crisp in the air fryer. It’s a winning combo.

At the end of the day, your kitchen should work for you. Don’t feel pressured to choose one appliance over the other. Embrace the strengths of each. Because sometimes, the best meal isn’t about having the fanciest gadget—it’s about using the right tool for the job. And now, you know exactly when to reach for your air fryer… and when to keep that microwave humming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an air fryer replace a microwave for reheating leftovers?

While an air fryer can reheat food, it’s not as fast or efficient as a microwave for most leftovers. Air fryers work by circulating hot air, which can leave food drier compared to microwave steaming.

Is it safe to use metal containers in an air fryer like a microwave?

Yes, unlike microwaves, air fryers allow metal containers and foil because they don’t use radiation. However, always follow your air fryer’s manual to avoid damaging the basket or heating elements.

Can an air fryer be used as a microwave for defrosting food?

Defrosting in an air fryer is possible but not ideal—it can unevenly thaw food or partially cook edges. For best results, use the microwave’s defrost setting or plan ahead with fridge thawing.

Why does my air fryer take longer than a microwave to cook food?

Air fryers rely on convection heating, which is slower than microwave radiation. While microwaves penetrate food quickly, air fryers need time to circulate hot air for crispy results.

What types of food can I cook in an air fryer instead of a microwave?

Air fryers excel at crisping foods like fries, chicken wings, or reheating pizza, which microwaves often make soggy. For liquids or delicate reheating (e.g., soup), stick to the microwave.

Can an air fryer be used as a microwave for steaming vegetables?

Steaming isn’t a strength of air fryers—they dry out veggies instead of retaining moisture like a microwave. For crisp-tender results, try roasting with a light oil spray or use a microwave-safe steamer bag.