Can You Use an Air Fryer as a Microwave Here Is the Answer

No, you cannot fully replace a microwave with an air fryer—they serve different cooking purposes and use distinct heating methods. While air fryers excel at crisping and browning foods using rapid hot air circulation, microwaves quickly heat and reheat using electromagnetic waves, making them better suited for defrosting, steaming, or warming leftovers efficiently.

Key Takeaways

• Air fryers cannot replace microwaves for quick reheating or defrosting tasks.
• Use air fryers for crispy results when reheating fried or breaded foods.
• Microwaves win for speed—air fryers take longer to preheat and cook.
• Combine both appliances to save time and achieve optimal texture.
• Never use air fryers for liquids like soups or beverages—safety hazard.
• Air fryers dry out moist foods faster than microwaves; add oil if needed.

Can You Use an Air Fryer as a Microwave? Here’s the Real Scoop

Let’s face it—kitchen space is precious. If you’re like most people, you’ve probably looked at your countertop and thought, “Do I really need both an air fryer and a microwave?” I’ve been there. My tiny kitchen once hosted a microwave, a toaster, a coffee maker, a blender, and a slow cooker. Then came the air fryer, and suddenly, the microwave felt… replaceable?

That’s when I started wondering: can you use an air fryer as a microwave? It’s a question I’ve heard from friends, family, and even fellow food bloggers. After months of testing, experimenting, and yes—burning a few meals—I’ve got the honest answer. The short version? Not really. But the full story? It’s way more interesting. In this post, I’ll walk you through how air fryers and microwaves actually work, what you can and can’t do with each, and whether one can truly replace the other. Whether you’re short on space, trying to simplify, or just curious, this guide has your back.

How Air Fryers and Microwaves Work (And Why They’re Different)

At first glance, both appliances heat food. But how they do it? Totally different. Understanding this difference is key to answering whether an air fryer can replace a microwave.

Air Fryers: The Crispy, Convection Powerhouse

An air fryer uses rapid air circulation and a heating element (usually at the top) to cook food. Think of it like a mini convection oven. The fan blows hot air around the food at high speed, creating a crispy, golden exterior—like frying, but with little to no oil. This method is perfect for:

• Reheating leftover pizza (crispy crust, not soggy!)
• Cooking frozen fries or nuggets
• Roasting vegetables or chicken

The key? Crispiness and browning. Air fryers excel at giving food that “fried” texture without the oil.

Microwaves: The Speed Demon of Heating

Microwaves, on the other hand, use microwave radiation to vibrate water molecules inside food. This creates heat from the inside out—fast and efficient. That’s why a frozen burrito goes from rock-solid to warm in two minutes. Microwaves are ideal for:

• Reheating soups, stews, and casseroles
• Defrosting meat or frozen veggies

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• Cooking soft foods like oatmeal or steamed veggies

The result? Even, gentle, and fast heating—but rarely crispy or browned.

Why the Difference Matters

Here’s the thing: air fryers and microwaves solve different problems. A microwave is like a quick shower—fast and functional. An air fryer is like a sauna with a fan—intense, focused, and texture-focused. You wouldn’t use a sauna to wash your hair, right? Same idea. Trying to use an air fryer like a microwave often leads to overcooked edges, dried-out food, or long wait times.

For example: I once tried reheating a bowl of mac and cheese in my air fryer. After 10 minutes at 350°F, the top was burnt, the sides were dry, and the middle? Still cold. My microwave would’ve done it in 90 seconds, evenly.

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

So, can you use an air fryer as a microwave for reheating? The answer is: sometimes. It depends on the food, the texture you want, and how much time you have.

Best Foods to Reheat in an Air Fryer

Air fryers shine when you want to bring back crispiness. These foods come out better than in a microwave:

• Fried chicken or chicken tenders – The skin stays crispy, not rubbery.
• French fries, tater tots, onion rings – Crisp on the outside, hot inside.
• Pizza – A game-changer. No more soggy microwave crust.
• Egg rolls, samosas, or empanadas – The outer shell stays crunchy.
• Roasted vegetables (if you want a charred finish) – Just don’t overdo it.

Pro tip: Preheat your air fryer for 3–5 minutes before adding food. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even browning. Use a light spray of oil (like avocado or canola) for extra crispness—especially on dry items.

Foods That Don’t Belong in an Air Fryer

Not everything works. Some foods will dry out, burn, or just taste terrible. Avoid these:

• Soups, stews, or saucy dishes – They’ll splatter, dry out, or cook unevenly.
• Steamed rice or pasta – The edges burn before the center heats.
• Soft breads (like sandwiches or wraps) – They’ll turn into crackers.
• Delicate items (like scrambled eggs or fish) – Overcooks fast.
• Liquids in open containers – Spills are messy and dangerous.

I learned this the hard way. One night, I tried reheating a chicken pot pie. The crust got charred, the filling stayed cold, and the filling bubbled out and dripped onto the heating element. Smoke alarm? Check. Messy cleanup? Double check.

Smart Reheating Tips for Air Fryers

If you’re going to use your air fryer for reheating, do it right:

• Use lower temperatures (300–350°F) and longer times (5–10 minutes) for better control.
• Flip or rotate food halfway through.
• Use a baking dish or foil basket for saucy foods (like lasagna or casseroles) to contain mess.
• Cover with foil for the first half to prevent over-browning, then uncover for crispiness.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket—leave space for air to circulate.

One of my favorite tricks? Reheating leftover grilled cheese. 5 minutes at 320°F, and it tastes like it just came off the pan—crispy, golden, and cheesy. Microwave? Not even close.

Time, Energy, and Efficiency: Air Fryer vs. Microwave

Let’s talk practicality. If you’re thinking of replacing your microwave with an air fryer, you need to know how they stack up in real life—especially in terms of speed, energy use, and convenience.

Speed: Microwave Wins Every Time

Microwaves are fast. Like, “I’m hungry now” fast. A frozen dinner? 3 minutes. Leftover chili? 2 minutes. An air fryer? Not so much.

For example:

• Reheating a slice of pizza: Microwave = 60–90 seconds. Air fryer = 5–7 minutes.
• Warming a tortilla: Microwave = 30 seconds. Air fryer = 2–3 minutes (and it’ll crisp up).
• Defrosting chicken: Microwave (defrost setting) = 5–7 minutes. Air fryer (no defrost function) = 10+ minutes, and it might start cooking.

Air fryers take time to preheat (3–5 minutes) and cook slower due to lower heat intensity compared to microwave radiation. If you’re in a rush, the microwave is your friend.

Energy Use: It Depends

Here’s a surprise: air fryers often use less energy per use than microwaves—but only if you’re cooking in bulk. Let me explain.

• Microwave: Uses around 1,000–1,500 watts. High power, short time.
• Air fryer: Uses 800–1,500 watts. Lower power, longer time.

For small tasks (like reheating a single bowl of soup), the microwave wins on efficiency. For larger tasks (like cooking a whole chicken or batch of fries), the air fryer can be more efficient because it heats a smaller space and doesn’t waste energy on a big oven cavity.

But here’s the catch: if you’re reheating one slice of pizza, the air fryer might use slightly less energy overall, but you’re waiting 5+ minutes. Is that worth it? Probably not.

Convenience Factor

Microwaves are designed for set it and forget it reheating. Pop in your food, press a button, and go. Air fryers require more attention:

• Preheating
• Monitoring for doneness
• Shaking or flipping food
• Cleaning the basket after (especially with saucy or sticky foods)

Plus, most microwaves have defrost, popcorn, and reheat presets. Air fryers? Not so much. You’re on your own with timing and temperature.

Real talk: I use my microwave daily for quick tasks—steaming broccoli, melting butter, warming a mug of milk. I use my air fryer 3–4 times a week for cooking or reheating crispy foods. They serve different roles.

Can You Cook Like a Microwave in an Air Fryer?

Microwaves aren’t just for reheating. They’re also great for cooking—especially soft, moist foods. Can an air fryer do the same?

Cooking Soft Foods (Spoiler: Not Really)

Microwaves excel at:

• Steaming vegetables
• Cooking rice or oatmeal
• Poaching eggs
• Melting butter or chocolate

Air fryers? Not so much. The dry, circulating heat dries out soft foods fast. You can try to cook oatmeal in an air fryer (I did), but it turns into a dry, crumbly mess. Same with steamed veggies—they’ll shrivel up before they’re tender.

But You Can Get Creative

With some tweaks, you can cook certain “microwave-style” dishes in an air fryer. Here’s how:

• Steamed veggies: Place in a heat-safe dish with a little water, cover with foil, and cook at 350°F for 8–12 minutes. Works, but not as fast.
• Eggs: Use silicone egg molds or small ramekins. 5–7 minutes at 300°F for soft-boiled style. No poaching, though.
• Melting chocolate: Use a small heat-safe bowl. 3–5 minutes at 200°F, stirring halfway. Risky—easy to burn.
• Oatmeal: Mix with extra liquid, use a covered dish, and cook at 300°F for 10–12 minutes. Still not as creamy as a microwave.

So yes, it’s possible. But is it practical? For most people, probably not. You’ll spend more time, risk dry or burnt food, and end up with a worse result.

When Air Fryers Actually Outperform Microwaves for Cooking

Where air fryers shine is in flavor and texture. Try these:

• Roasted sweet potatoes – Crispy outside, soft inside. Microwave version? Soggy.
• Chicken breasts – Juicy with a golden crust. Microwave? Gray and rubbery.
• Frozen meals with a crispy topping – Like mac and cheese with breadcrumbs. Air fryer = crispy. Microwave = mushy.

The bottom line? Air fryers are better for cooking from scratch or enhancing texture. Microwaves are better for speed and moisture retention.

Hybrid Solutions: When Both Appliances Make Sense

After all this, you might be thinking: “Fine, I need both.” And you’re not wrong. But there are ways to make them work together—or even find appliances that blend their strengths.

Use Them Together (Yes, Really!)

Smart cooks use both tools in one meal. For example:

• Defrost frozen chicken in the microwave (3–5 minutes), then finish in the air fryer for crispy skin.
• Reheat a casserole in the microwave to warm the center, then crisp the top in the air fryer.
• Steam broccoli in the microwave, then toss with oil and air fry for 3 minutes to get a roasted finish.

This combo method saves time and gives you the best of both worlds. I do it all the time with frozen dumplings—microwave for 2 minutes to thaw, then air fry for 6 minutes for crispy, juicy perfection.

Look for Air Fryer Microwave Combos

Some brands now offer microwave-air fryer hybrids. These appliances combine microwave heating with a convection fan and heating element. Examples:

• Panasonic Home Chef (microwave + air fryer + convection oven)
• Breville Combi Wave
• Galanz ToastWave

These are pricier, but they save counter space and offer more cooking options. The microwave handles quick reheats and defrosting, while the air fry/convection mode crisps and browns. They’re not perfect—air frying takes longer than a standalone air fryer—but they’re a solid compromise.

Space-Saving Alternatives

If you’re short on space, consider:

• Convection toaster ovens – Many have air fry settings and can replace both appliances.
• Microwave with convection mode – Less common, but available (e.g., some Sharp models).
• Keep the microwave, skip the air fryer – Or vice versa. Decide based on your cooking style.

For me, I kept both. The microwave handles my “I’m starving now” moments. The air fryer handles my “I want crispy, flavorful food” moments. Together, they cover 95% of my needs.

Final Verdict: Can You Use an Air Fryer as a Microwave?

So, back to the original question: can you use an air fryer as a microwave? The honest answer is: not really—but you can get close for some foods.

Air fryers are amazing for crispy, golden, flavorful results. They’re perfect for reheating fried foods, cooking frozen snacks, and giving meals that “oven-fried” texture. But they’re not fast. They’re not gentle. And they’re not great for soups, rice, or anything that needs even, moist heating.

Microwaves, meanwhile, are the ultimate convenience tool. They’re fast, efficient, and versatile for soft, wet, or delicate foods. You can’t replicate that in an air fryer.

Here’s my take: don’t replace one with the other. Use them as partners. Think of your microwave as the “quick fix” and your air fryer as the “flavor enhancer.” Together, they’re a kitchen dream team.

If you’re short on space, consider a hybrid appliance or a convection toaster oven with air fry capabilities. But if you can fit both? Keep both. Your taste buds (and your meal prep) will thank you.

Quick Reference: When to Use Which

Task	Best Appliance	Why
Reheat pizza	Air fryer	Crispy crust, no sogginess
Reheat soup	Microwave	Even, fast, no mess
Cook frozen fries	Air fryer	Crispy, golden, less oil
Defrost chicken	Microwave	Fast, safe, even thawing
Steam broccoli	Microwave	Moist, tender, quick
Roast sweet potatoes	Air fryer	Caramelized outside, soft inside
Warm a tortilla	Microwave (or air fryer if crispy)	Microwave for soft, air fryer for crisp

At the end of the day, both appliances have their place. The key is using the right tool for the job. So go ahead—keep your microwave for speed and your air fryer for flavor. Your kitchen (and your taste buds) will be all the better for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use an air fryer as a microwave for reheating leftovers?

While an air fryer can reheat some leftovers, it’s not ideal for all foods—especially those needing quick, even heating like soups or saucy dishes. Air fryers work best for crisping items like pizza or fries, not for microwave-style convenience.

Is it safe to use an air fryer to defrost food like a microwave?

Air fryers aren’t designed for defrosting; using them for this can lead to uneven thawing or partial cooking. Stick to the microwave for safe, efficient defrosting, or use the air fryer’s low-temperature setting cautiously.

Can an air fryer replace a microwave for cooking convenience?

While an air fryer excels at crisping and roasting, it can’t match a microwave’s speed for tasks like boiling water or reheating liquids. Consider it a complementary appliance, not a direct microwave substitute.

How does cooking time compare when using an air fryer vs. microwave?

Air fryers typically take longer than microwaves for reheating or cooking due to preheating needs and slower heat transfer. For example, reheating a casserole may take 8–10 minutes in an air fryer vs. 2–3 in a microwave.

Can you use microwave-safe containers in an air fryer?

No—microwave-safe plastic or glass containers may melt or crack in an air fryer’s high-heat environment. Always use metal, ceramic, or oven-safe materials when using an air fryer as a microwave alternative.

Does using an air fryer as a microwave save energy?

Air fryers are generally more energy-efficient than ovens but less so than microwaves for small tasks. If you’re reheating a single portion, a microwave uses less power, but air fryers win for crisping larger batches.