Can an Air Fryer Toaster Oven Replace a Microwave Find Out

An air fryer toaster oven can replace a microwave for cooking and reheating, but not always for speed. While it excels at crisping, baking, and browning with superior texture and flavor, it takes longer—making it ideal for meals where quality trumps convenience. For quick reheating or defrosting, a microwave still wins, but the air fryer toaster oven is the better all-in-one for versatile, healthier cooking.

Key Takeaways

• Air fryer toaster ovens excel at crispy, even cooking but can’t match microwave speed for reheating.
• Microwaves win for speed—ideal for quick meals, defrosting, and reheating liquids.
• Air fryer ovens offer versatility—bake, roast, and air fry, replacing multiple appliances.
• Microwaves lack browning—air fryer ovens provide golden, crispy textures microwaves can’t.
• Energy efficiency varies—air fryer ovens use more power but cook faster than conventional ovens.
• Space matters—air fryer ovens are bulkier; microwaves save counter space.
• Hybrid solutions exist—some models combine air frying and microwave functions for best of both.

Can an Air Fryer Toaster Oven Replace a Microwave? Find Out

Imagine this: you’re standing in your kitchen, staring at your microwave, wondering if it’s time to finally retire it. Maybe you’ve been eyeing that sleek air fryer toaster oven on your countertop, thinking, Could this be my new go-to appliance? You’re not alone. Many of us are asking the same question: Can an air fryer toaster oven replace a microwave? It’s a valid curiosity—especially when you consider how much counter space these appliances take up, and how often we rely on them for quick meals, reheating leftovers, or even cooking full dinners.

The truth is, both appliances have their strengths, and the answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on your cooking habits, kitchen space, and what you value most—speed, texture, versatility, or energy efficiency. I’ve spent months testing both side by side, and what I’ve found might surprise you. In this post, I’ll walk you through how an air fryer toaster oven compares to a microwave in real-life scenarios, from reheating pizza to roasting chicken. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone trying to simplify their kitchen, this guide will help you decide if it’s time to make the switch—or keep both.

How Do They Work? The Science Behind the Heat

Microwaves: Speed Through Radiation

Microwaves use electromagnetic waves (microwaves, duh) to vibrate water molecules inside your food. This vibration creates heat, cooking or reheating your meal from the inside out. It’s fast—like, *blink-and-it’s-done* fast. A frozen burrito? Two minutes. Leftover pasta? Ninety seconds. That’s why microwaves are the kings of convenience.

But here’s the catch: microwaves don’t brown or crisp. Ever notice how your reheated pizza turns soggy? That’s because microwaves heat moisture, which turns to steam and softens crusts. They also struggle with uneven heating—ever pulled out a bowl where the edges are boiling and the center is still cold? That’s a microwave quirk.

Air Fryer Toaster Ovens: Crispness Through Convection

An air fryer toaster oven works differently. It uses a heating element (usually at the top or bottom) and a fan to circulate hot air around your food. This is called convection cooking, and it’s the same principle behind convection ovens. The circulating air creates a crisp, golden exterior—think fried chicken, roasted veggies, or perfectly toasted bread.

The term “air fryer” is a bit of a marketing trick. There’s no actual frying—just super-heated air that mimics the texture of deep-fried food with little to no oil. This makes it a healthier alternative for crispy foods, but it’s not as fast as a microwave. A frozen chicken nugget might take 8–12 minutes in an air fryer vs. 2 minutes in a microwave.

Key Differences at a Glance

Here’s what you need to know:

• Speed: Microwaves win every time for speed. Air fryers take longer due to preheating and convection.
• Texture: Air fryer toaster ovens deliver crisp, browned results. Microwaves leave food soft, sometimes soggy.
• Energy Use: Microwaves use less energy for short tasks. Air fryers can use more, especially for long cook times.
• Versatility: Air fryer ovens can bake, roast, toast, and broil. Microwaves are mostly for reheating and simple cooking.

So, while the air fryer toaster oven can’t match the microwave’s speed, it excels in texture and versatility. But can it *replace* the microwave? Let’s dig deeper.

Reheating Food: Where Each Appliance Shines

Microwave: The Reheating King

Let’s be real—reheating is where most of us use our microwaves. And for good reason. A microwave reheats food quickly and evenly (if you stir or rotate it). Leftover stir-fry? Two minutes. Oatmeal? One minute. Coffee that’s gone cold? 30 seconds.

I tested reheating a slice of pepperoni pizza in my microwave. Result? It was warm in 90 seconds, but the crust was soft and chewy, not crisp. The cheese was melty, but the overall texture was… meh. For a quick fix, it works. But if you’re craving that fresh-out-of-the-oven bite, it falls flat.

Air Fryer Toaster Oven: Crispness Revival

Now, the same pizza slice in my air fryer toaster oven. I preheated it to 350°F (took about 3 minutes), then reheated the pizza for 4 minutes. The result? A crispy crust, bubbling cheese, and that satisfying crunch you miss when reheating pizza in a microwave.

Other foods I tested:

• French fries: Microwave – soggy after 2 minutes. Air fryer – crispy after 5 minutes (preheated).
• Chicken tenders: Microwave – rubbery texture. Air fryer – golden and juicy.
• Roasted vegetables: Microwave – steamed, mushy. Air fryer – caramelized edges, tender inside.

Tip: For best results in an air fryer, don’t overcrowd the basket. Leave space for air to circulate. And if you’re reheating something saucy (like pasta), cover it loosely with foil to prevent drying out.

When to Use Which?

Here’s my rule of thumb:

• Use the microwave when: You’re in a rush, reheating soups, sauces, or soft foods, or defrosting small items.
• Use the air fryer when: You want crispness, are reheating fried or baked foods, or don’t mind waiting 5–10 minutes for better texture.

Bottom line: The air fryer toaster oven can replace the microwave for reheating *if* you value texture over speed. But for true convenience, the microwave still has a place.

Cooking from Scratch: Can the Air Fryer Handle Real Meals?

Microwave Cooking: Limited but Handy

Microwaves can do more than reheat. You can steam vegetables, cook rice, scramble eggs, and even bake mug cakes. I’ve made steamed broccoli and quinoa in mine—both turned out tender and flavorful. But the limitations are real.

Microwaves can’t brown, sear, or crisp. You can’t roast a chicken or bake a loaf of bread. And while some models have “convection” features (which add a heating element), they’re not as effective as a dedicated convection oven.

Air Fryer Toaster Oven: A Mini Oven for Real Cooking

This is where the air fryer toaster oven truly shines. It can:

• Roast a whole chicken: I did this last week. Seasoned a 3-pound bird, preheated to 375°F, and roasted for 50 minutes. Juicy inside, crispy skin outside—better than my regular oven in some ways.
• Bake cookies: Chocolate chip cookies? 10 minutes at 350°F. Perfectly golden.
• Toast bread: Better than a regular toaster. You can toast bagels, English muffins, or even waffles.
• Broil steaks: I broiled ribeyes for 4 minutes per side. Got a nice sear and medium-rare inside.

One of my favorite tricks: using the air fryer to cook frozen meals. A frozen lasagna? 25 minutes at 375°F, covered with foil for the first 15, then uncovered for browning. Tasted homemade.

Real-World Meal Examples

Here’s how I used my air fryer for a full week:

• Breakfast: Toast + scrambled eggs (cooked in a small oven-safe dish).
• Lunch: Reheated roasted veggies + grilled chicken (cooked fresh).
• Dinner: Air-fried salmon + roasted asparagus + garlic mashed potatoes (prepared in the air fryer using a silicone mold).

Tip: Use oven-safe dishes, silicone molds, or parchment paper to make cleanup easier. And always check your air fryer’s max temperature—some models top out at 400°F, while others go to 450°F.

The Verdict on Cooking

For cooking from scratch, the air fryer toaster oven is a powerhouse. It can handle 80–90% of what you’d cook in a regular oven, with faster preheat times and better energy efficiency. The microwave? It’s still great for quick steam-cooked sides or defrosting, but it can’t replace the browning, roasting, or baking you get from an air fryer.

Space, Energy, and Budget: The Practical Trade-Offs

Counter Space: The Biggest Hurdle

Let’s talk real estate. A typical microwave is 18–24 inches wide, while an air fryer toaster oven ranges from 16–20 inches. But depth matters. Many air fryer ovens are deeper (up to 16 inches) to accommodate larger racks or baking pans. If you have a small kitchen, this can be a dealbreaker.

I measured my counter: 48 inches. With both appliances, I had only 6 inches of free space. Not ideal. But if you’re replacing your regular toaster *and* microwave, the air fryer toaster oven can save space by combining three functions: toaster, oven, and air fryer.

Energy Efficiency: Which Uses Less Power?

Here’s a shocker: microwaves are more energy-efficient for short tasks. They use about 1,000–1,500 watts and heat food directly. Air fryer toaster ovens use 1,200–1,800 watts but heat a larger cavity, which takes more energy.

But for longer cooking, the air fryer can be more efficient than a full-sized oven. A study by *Energy Star* found that cooking a 3-pound chicken in a convection oven (similar to an air fryer) used 20% less energy than a conventional oven.

Data Table: Energy Use Comparison

Task	Microwave (Watts/Time)	Air Fryer (Watts/Time)	Energy Used (kWh)
Reheat 1 cup soup	1,200W / 2 min	1,500W / 5 min	0.04 (microwave) vs. 0.125 (air fryer)
Roast 1 lb chicken	1,200W / 10 min (steamed)	1,500W / 20 min (crispy)	0.2 (microwave) vs. 0.5 (air fryer)
Bake 12 cookies	Not suitable	1,500W / 10 min	0.25

Note: Microwaves win for short tasks. Air fryers are better for full meals, especially when compared to a full-sized oven.

Budget: Upfront Cost vs. Long-Term Value

Microwaves are cheap—$50–$150 for a decent model. Air fryer toaster ovens range from $100–$400, depending on size and features. But consider this: if you’re buying a toaster, microwave, *and* air fryer, you could save money by getting a combo appliance.

I spent $180 on a mid-range air fryer toaster oven (Cuisinart TOA-60). It replaced my $80 microwave and $60 toaster. So I broke even. Plus, I now have more cooking options.

Maintenance and Cleanup

Microwaves are easy to clean—just wipe the interior. Air fryer ovens have more parts: racks, baskets, crumb trays. Some are dishwasher-safe; others need hand-washing. My model’s basket is nonstick and easy to clean, but the crumb tray collects grease and needs weekly scrubbing.

Tip: Line the bottom with foil or a silicone mat to catch drips. And avoid abrasive scrubbers on nonstick surfaces.

Who Should Consider Replacing Their Microwave?

Ideal Candidates for the Switch

You might be ready to ditch your microwave if:

• You hate soggy food: If you cringe at reheated pizza or limp fries, the air fryer is your savior.
• You cook full meals: If you bake, roast, or grill, the air fryer’s versatility will win you over.
• You have a small kitchen: Combining three appliances into one saves counter space.
• You care about texture: Crispy, golden, caramelized—these are the air fryer’s superpowers.

Example: My friend Sarah, a working mom, replaced her microwave with an air fryer toaster oven. She now reheats leftovers in it (crispy!) and cooks quick dinners like sheet-pan salmon and veggies. She says, “I miss the microwave’s speed, but not the sogginess.”

When to Keep the Microwave

But hold on—there are still good reasons to keep your microwave:

• You’re always in a rush: Need coffee warmed in 30 seconds? Microwave it.
• You reheat liquids often: Soups, sauces, and baby bottles heat evenly in microwaves.
• You defrost frequently: Microwaves have dedicated defrost settings (though air fryers can defrost too, it’s slower).
• You have limited counter space: If you can’t fit both, the microwave might be the more practical choice.

Example: My college roommate kept her microwave because she lived on instant noodles and frozen meals. “The air fryer was too slow,” she said. “I needed food in two minutes, not ten.”

Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds

Here’s my recommendation: if you can, keep both. Use the microwave for speed (reheating liquids, defrosting, quick snacks) and the air fryer toaster oven for texture and cooking. If space is tight, prioritize based on your needs.

Pro tip: Store your microwave in a cabinet when not in use. Pull it out only for microwave-specific tasks. This keeps your counter clutter-free.

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

After months of testing, my answer is: It depends on what you value most. If you prioritize speed, convenience, and reheating soft foods, the microwave is still king. But if you care about texture, versatility, and cooking full meals, the air fryer toaster oven can absolutely replace your microwave—and do a lot more.

Think of it this way: a microwave is like a fast-food drive-thru—quick, cheap, and functional. An air fryer toaster oven is like a home-cooked meal—slower to prepare, but more satisfying and customizable. You wouldn’t eat fast food every day, but you wouldn’t cook a full meal every time you’re hungry, either.

For most people, the ideal setup is both appliances. Use the microwave for those “I’m starving right now” moments and the air fryer for when you want food that tastes like it was made with care. But if you’re choosing just one, ask yourself:

• Do I mostly reheat or cook from scratch?
• Do I care more about speed or texture?
• How much counter space do I have?

Your answers will guide your decision. And remember: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best appliance is the one that fits your life.

So, can an air fryer toaster oven replace a microwave? Yes—but only if you’re willing to trade a little speed for a lot of flavor. And in my book, that’s a trade worth making.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an air fryer toaster oven replace a microwave for everyday use?

Yes, an air fryer toaster oven can replace a microwave for many tasks, especially reheating leftovers, toasting, and air frying. However, it may take slightly longer for tasks like defrosting or heating liquids, where microwaves excel.

Which is faster: an air fryer toaster oven or a microwave?

Microwaves are generally faster for reheating or defrosting due to their direct heating method. An air fryer toaster oven uses convection heat, which is slower but often results in crispier, more evenly cooked food.

Can I use an air fryer toaster oven to reheat food like a microwave?

Absolutely! An air fryer toaster oven reheats food more evenly than a microwave, giving meals a crispy texture without drying them out. It’s ideal for pizza, fries, or fried chicken, though it may take a few extra minutes.

Is an air fryer toaster oven more energy-efficient than a microwave?

Microwaves are typically more energy-efficient for quick tasks due to their shorter cooking times. However, an air fryer toaster oven’s efficiency improves for larger meals, as it can cook multiple items at once.

What are the limitations of replacing a microwave with an air fryer toaster oven?

The main limitations include longer cooking times for simple tasks like boiling water or defrosting, and limited space for larger dishes. For quick, single-item heating, a microwave is still more convenient.

Can an air fryer toaster oven handle all microwave functions?

While an air fryer toaster oven can handle most reheating, cooking, and baking tasks, it lacks the speed for certain microwave-specific functions like rapid defrosting or steaming. It’s a versatile alternative but not a perfect 1:1 replacement.