Can an Air Fryer Oven Replace a Microwave Find Out Here

An air fryer oven cannot fully replace a microwave due to fundamental differences in cooking speed and function—microwaves excel at rapid reheating and defrosting, while air fryers are designed for crispy, oven-style results. However, air fryer ovens offer superior browning and versatility for cooking from scratch, making them a valuable complement, though not a complete substitute, in most kitchens.

Key Takeaways

• Air fryers crisp food better: Ideal for fries, chicken, and reheating leftovers with a crunch.
• Microwaves win for speed: Best for quick reheating, defrosting, and cooking soft foods fast.
• Air fryers offer versatility: Bake, roast, and dehydrate—great for diverse cooking tasks.
• Microwaves save energy: Use less power for simple tasks like boiling water or melting butter.
• Hybrid models combine both: Consider a convection microwave for air frying and quick heating.
• Space matters: Choose based on kitchen size and how often you use each function.

Can an Air Fryer Oven Replace a Microwave? Let’s Break It Down

Picture this: you’ve just walked in the door after a long day, stomach growling, and all you want is a hot meal. You open the microwave, pop in a frozen dinner, hit a few buttons, and within minutes, dinner is served. It’s quick, easy, and reliable. Now, imagine doing the same thing with your air fryer oven—crispy, golden results, but maybe a little slower. So, the big question is: can an air fryer oven replace a microwave?

We’ve all been there—trying to decide which kitchen appliance is worth the countertop real estate. Microwaves have been the go-to for quick reheating, defrosting, and cooking for decades. But air fryer ovens? They’ve stormed into our kitchens with promises of crispy fries, juicy chicken, and guilt-free indulgence. But are they ready to take over the microwave’s throne? In this post, we’ll explore whether an air fryer oven can truly replace your microwave, covering speed, convenience, cooking versatility, and more. Spoiler: it’s not a simple yes or no. Let’s dive in.

Speed and Convenience: The Microwave’s Strong Suit

Microwaves Are Built for Speed

Let’s face it—microwaves are the sprinters of the kitchen. Need to reheat last night’s pasta in 90 seconds? Microwave. Thaw frozen chicken in 10 minutes? Microwave. Warm up coffee without burning it? Microwave. They use electromagnetic waves to agitate water molecules in food, heating it from the inside out. This makes them incredibly fast for tasks like:

• Reheating leftovers
• Defrosting frozen foods
• Boiling water or steaming veggies
• Popping popcorn (yes, it still works!)

I remember rushing to get my toddler’s bottle ready at 2 a.m.—microwave saved the day. Try that with an air fryer oven. Not happening.

Air Fryer Ovens Are Slower—But Offer Better Texture

Air fryer ovens use rapid hot air circulation to cook food. They’re great for crisping, browning, and roasting, but they’re not built for speed. Most air fryer ovens take 5–10 minutes just to preheat, and cooking times are longer than a microwave. For example:

• Reheating pizza: microwave = 1 minute (soggy crust), air fryer = 5 minutes (crispy crust)
• Warming soup: microwave = 2 minutes, air fryer = not recommended (spill risk, uneven heat)
• Defrosting meat: microwave = 5 minutes, air fryer = not designed for this

So, if you’re in a hurry, the microwave wins. But if you care about texture and flavor, the air fryer oven shines. It’s like choosing between a quick text and a heartfelt letter—both have their place.

Cooking Versatility: What Each Appliance Does Best

Microwave: The Jack-of-All-Trades (But Master of Few)

Microwaves excel at convenience cooking. They can:

• Reheat leftovers (soups, casseroles, rice)
• Defrost meat, veggies, and bread
• Steam vegetables or fish
• Cook simple meals (microwave omelets, baked potatoes)
• Melt butter, chocolate, or cheese

But they’re not great for browning or crisping. Ever tried to make crispy bacon in a microwave? It’s rubbery and sad. And forget about achieving a golden crust on chicken or a crispy exterior on fries. Microwaves just don’t have the heat or airflow for that.

Air Fryer Oven: The Crisp and Roast Specialist

Air fryer ovens are all about texture. They’re ideal for:

• Frying without oil (fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks)
• Roasting meats (chicken wings, pork chops, salmon)
• Toasting bread, bagels, or sandwiches
• Baking small batches (cookies, muffins, brownies)
• Reheating fried foods (restaurant-quality crispy leftovers)

Here’s a personal favorite: I used my air fryer oven to reheat leftover chicken tenders from a restaurant. They came out crispy and juicy—like they were fresh from the fryer. In a microwave? They’d be soggy and rubbery. But the air fryer oven? Magic.

However, air fryer ovens struggle with liquids (like soups or stews) and delicate tasks (like melting cheese evenly). They’re also not great for defrosting or steaming. So while they’re versatile, they’re not a one-to-one replacement for a microwave.

Health and Nutrition: Which Is Better for Your Diet?

Microwave: Preserves Nutrients (But Can Be Misused)

Microwaving is actually one of the healthiest cooking methods. It uses short cooking times and minimal water, which helps preserve vitamins (especially water-soluble ones like vitamin C and B vitamins). Steaming veggies in a microwave? Great for nutrient retention.

But here’s the catch: microwaves are often associated with processed foods. Frozen meals, instant noodles, and sugary drinks are all microwave-friendly. So while the appliance itself is healthy, the choices you make with it can undermine its benefits.

Air Fryer Oven: Healthier Frying, But Not a Magic Bullet

Air fryer ovens use little to no oil, which can reduce fat and calorie intake. A study from Food Science & Nutrition found that air-fried potatoes had 70% less fat than deep-fried ones. That’s a win for heart health and weight management.

But—and this is a big but—air frying doesn’t automatically make food healthy. You can still cook processed foods (like frozen mozzarella sticks) in an air fryer. And high-heat cooking can create acrylamide (a potential carcinogen) in starchy foods like potatoes. So while air frying is healthier than deep frying, it’s not a free pass to eat junk food guilt-free.

Tip: Pair your air fryer oven with whole, unprocessed ingredients (like sweet potatoes, chicken breasts, or fresh veggies) to maximize its health benefits.

Space and Cost: Can You Afford to Replace Your Microwave?

Countertop Real Estate Matters

Microwaves are compact and fit on most countertops. Even small models take up less space than an air fryer oven. Air fryer ovens, on the other hand, are bulkier. They need clearance on all sides for airflow, so they can’t be tucked into tight corners.

If you have a tiny kitchen (like my 500-square-foot apartment), adding an air fryer oven means sacrificing space for something else—maybe a coffee maker, toaster, or cutting board. Not ideal.

Budget Considerations

Microwaves are cheap. You can find a decent one for $50–$100. Air fryer ovens start around $80 and go up to $300+ for high-end models. That’s a significant investment, especially if you’re replacing a microwave you already own.

But here’s the thing: if you already have a microwave, adding an air fryer oven gives you the best of both worlds. You get speed and convenience (microwave) plus crispiness and browning (air fryer). If you’re starting from scratch, though, ask yourself: do you need both?

Example: My friend Sarah has a small kitchen and bought an air fryer oven instead of a microwave. She uses it for everything—reheating, cooking, even defrosting. It works, but she misses the microwave’s speed. She now keeps a $40 microwave on a shelf for emergencies. Not the most elegant solution, but it works.

Hybrid Solutions: Can You Have Your Cake and Eat It Too?

Air Fryer Ovens with Microwave Functions

Enter the hybrid appliances. Some brands now make air fryer ovens with built-in microwave functions (or vice versa). These “combo” appliances promise the speed of a microwave and the crispiness of an air fryer. Examples include:

• Ninja Foodi DualZone Air Fryer + Microwave
• Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer Oven with Microwave

<

• Cosori Air Fryer Oven with Steam and Microwave Modes

These sound amazing in theory. But in practice? They often do both things… just okay. The microwave function is slower than a standalone microwave, and the air fryer function isn’t as powerful as a dedicated air fryer oven. They’re also pricier and take up more space.

Still, if you’re short on countertop space and want versatility, a hybrid appliance might be worth it. Just don’t expect perfection.

Smart Use of Both Appliances

For most people, the best solution isn’t choosing one or the other—it’s using both strategically. Here’s how:

• Use the microwave for: Reheating liquids (soup, coffee), defrosting, quick meals, and tasks where texture doesn’t matter.
• Use the air fryer oven for: Crispy foods, roasted meats, baked goods, and reheating fried leftovers.

Pro tip: Defrost meat in the microwave (on low power to avoid cooking it), then finish cooking in the air fryer oven for a crispy exterior. Best of both worlds.

Data Table: Microwave vs. Air Fryer Oven at a Glance

Feature	Microwave	Air Fryer Oven
Speed	Very fast (seconds to minutes)	Slower (5–15 minutes + preheat)
Best for	Reheating, defrosting, steaming	Crisping, roasting, baking
Health benefits	Preserves nutrients, low water usage	Less oil, reduced fat/calories
Space needed	Compact	Bulky (needs airflow)
Cost	$50–$150	$80–$300+
Texture results	Soggy, rubbery	Crispy, golden
Ease of use	Simple (few buttons)	More settings (temp, time, preheat)

This table sums up the key differences. As you can see, they’re not direct competitors—they’re complements.

Final Verdict: Can an Air Fryer Oven Replace a Microwave?

So, back to the original question: can an air fryer oven replace a microwave? The short answer is: it depends. Here’s the long answer:

If you’re willing to sacrifice speed and convenience for better texture and healthier frying, an air fryer oven can replace your microwave—but only if you’re okay with:

• Waiting 5–10 minutes to preheat before cooking
• Using stovetop or oven for tasks like boiling water or steaming
• Defrosting meat in the fridge or stovetop (not the air fryer)
• Spending more time and effort on meal prep

For most people, though, the ideal setup is using both appliances together. The microwave handles quick, no-fuss tasks. The air fryer oven delivers restaurant-quality crispiness and flavor. They’re like Batman and Robin—better together.

And if you’re short on space or budget, consider a hybrid appliance. Just don’t expect it to be as fast as a microwave or as crispy as a dedicated air fryer oven.

At the end of the day, your kitchen should work for you. If you love crispy food and don’t mind the wait, go all-in on the air fryer oven. If you’re a busy parent, student, or just someone who values speed, keep your microwave. Or—better yet—get both and use them for what they do best. After all, the best kitchen isn’t about having the most appliances. It’s about having the right tools for the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an air fryer oven replace a microwave for everyday cooking?

While an air fryer oven excels at crisping and browning foods, it can’t fully replace a microwave for tasks like reheating soups or defrosting quickly. A microwave is better for speed and moisture retention, whereas an air fryer offers superior texture for fried or baked dishes.

Is an air fryer oven more versatile than a microwave?

Yes, many air fryer ovens offer multiple cooking functions (baking, roasting, toasting) that a microwave lacks, making them a versatile kitchen tool. However, microwaves still win for rapid reheating and cooking delicate items like steamed vegetables.

Can I use my air fryer oven to reheat leftovers like a microwave?

Absolutely! An air fryer oven can reheat leftovers while keeping them crispy, unlike a microwave, which can make food soggy. Just adjust the temperature (300–350°F) and time (3–5 minutes) for best results.

Does an air fryer oven cook faster than a microwave?

Not always. Microwaves heat food faster due to direct energy transfer, while air fryer ovens use convection heating, which takes longer but improves texture. For quick meals, a microwave is more efficient.

Can an air fryer oven replace a microwave for defrosting?

While possible, air fryer ovens aren’t ideal for defrosting—microwaves have a dedicated defrost setting for even thawing. Air fryers may unevenly heat frozen items, risking partial cooking.

Is it worth buying an air fryer oven if I already own a microwave?

Yes, if you value crispy textures and multifunctional cooking. The air fryer oven complements a microwave by offering healthier frying options and better browning, making them a great pair in your kitchen.