Which countertop appliance can crisp fries, reheat leftovers, and still handle dinner? The best microwave with air fryers category has grown from a niche shortcut into a crowded group of kitchen workhorses.
The comparison ahead brings together compact countertop units, larger family-size models, and an over-the-range format, giving you a clear starting point before the details begin. Keep reading for a closer look at the field.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize capacity based on your largest dish, since interior dimensions matter more than advertised cubic feet alone.
- Check wattage carefully, because higher power generally means faster microwave cooking and more consistent reheating.
- Match the unit’s air-fry capacity to your routine, especially if you need enough room for a full batch rather than one serving.
- Measure your available counter or cabinet space, including ventilation clearance and door-swing room.
- Compare cooking modes and controls, since presets, convection, broiling, and combination settings can vary widely between models.
| Compact Countertop Favorite |  |
Toshiba Air Fry Microwave 1.0 Cu. Ft. | Compact 1.0-cu.-ft. size | Microwave and air fry | Black stainless finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Small-Space Multitasker |  |
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft. | Five cooking functions | Compact countertop footprint | 900-watt output | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Family-Size Crisping |  |
Frigidaire Air Fry Microwave 1.2 Cu. Ft. | XL 1.2-cu.-ft. capacity | Air fry and convection | Stainless steel finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Crisping Technology Pick |  |
Ninja Crispi Microwave Air Fryer Silver | FusionCrisp technology | Microwave and air fry | Silver finish | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| High-Capacity Combo |  |
Toshiba Air Fry Microwave 1.5 Cu. Ft. | Generous 1.5-cu.-ft. capacity | 1,000-watt output | Four-in-one design | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Dark-Finish Crisping |  |
Ninja Crispi Microwave Air Fryer Black | Black exterior | FusionCrisp technology | Microwave and air fry | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Balanced Four-Function Choice |  |
GE 4-in-1 Air Fry Microwave 1.0 Cu. Ft. | Four cooking functions | 1,050-watt output | Compact 1.0-cu.-ft. size | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Stainless Steel Workhorse |  |
GE Stainless Steel Air Fry Microwave | Stainless steel exterior | Air-fry combination design | Versatile countertop format | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Counter-Saving Installation |  |
BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Air Fry Microwave | Saves countertop space | Large 1.5-cu.-ft. capacity | Built-in air fryer | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Feature-Focused Countertop |  |
Toshiba Optichef Pro Air Fry Microwave | Air-fryer combo design | Compact 1.0-cu.-ft. size | Countertop placement | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Toshiba Air Fry Microwave 1.0 Cu. Ft.
Choose this Toshiba if you want a space-conscious microwave that also handles air-frying duties. Its 1.0-cubic-foot capacity suits smaller kitchens, apartments, dorms, and households that usually cook modest portions.
The black stainless steel finish gives it a polished countertop look, while the microwave and air-fry combination covers everyday reheating and crisping. The main limitation is its compact interior, which may feel tight for large plates or family-size batches.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Appliance Type:Countertop combo microwave
- Capacity:1.0 cubic feet
- Finish:Black stainless steel
- Cooking Modes:Microwave, air fry
- Additional Feature:Air-fryer cooking
- Additional Feature:Combo microwave design
- Additional Feature:Black stainless exterior
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BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave 0.9 Cu. Ft.
The BLACK+DECKER fits kitchens where every inch matters, offering a 0.9-cubic-foot footprint with five cooking functions in one appliance. It works well for solo cooks, couples, office kitchens, and quick meals that do not require a full-size oven.
Its 900-watt output supports routine reheating, while the air-fryer function adds crisping without another countertop appliance. The smaller cavity is the tradeoff, so oversized cookware and larger portions may require multiple rounds.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Appliance Type:Countertop combo microwave
- Capacity:0.9 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Cooking Modes:Five cooking functions
- Additional Feature:Built-in air fryer
- Additional Feature:Microwave combination design
- Additional Feature:Compact interior
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Frigidaire Air Fry Microwave 1.2 Cu. Ft.
Frigidaire gives you more room than compact models, making this a strong fit for larger plates and bigger portions. The 1.2-cubic-foot capacity pairs microwave cooking with digital air frying and convection, giving you more flexibility than a microwave alone.
The stainless steel finish suits established kitchen setups, and the XL-capacity positioning favors households that cook for several people. Its larger body will take up more counter space, and the available wattage is not specified here.
- Brand:Frigidaire
- Appliance Type:Countertop combo microwave
- Capacity:1.2 cubic feet
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Cooking Modes:Microwave, air fry, convection
- Additional Feature:Digital air-fryer controls
- Additional Feature:Convection oven function
- Additional Feature:Combo-Fry cooking
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Ninja Crispi Microwave Air Fryer Silver
The silver Ninja Crispi is aimed at cooks who want microwave convenience with dedicated crisping performance. Its FusionCrisp technology is the defining feature, giving this model a clear identity beyond a basic microwave.
The silver finish works well in modern kitchens, and the combined format can reduce the need for separate appliances. Capacity and wattage are not provided, so check the interior dimensions before planning large dishes or batch cooking.
- Brand:Ninja
- Appliance Type:Microwave air fryer
- Finish:Silver
- Cooking Modes:Microwave, air fry
- Additional Feature:FusionCrisp technology
- Additional Feature:MW101 model
- Additional Feature:Silver exterior
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Toshiba Air Fry Microwave 1.5 Cu. Ft.
This Toshiba is designed for cooks who want substantial interior space without giving up air-frying capability. Its 1.5-cubic-foot capacity is well suited to larger plates, family portions, and recipes that feel cramped in compact combination models.
The 1,000-watt output supports everyday microwave cooking, while the four-in-one design adds more preparation options. That added capacity also means a larger countertop footprint, which matters in compact kitchens.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Appliance Type:Countertop combo microwave
- Capacity:1.5 cubic feet
- Wattage:1,000 watts
- Cooking Modes:Four cooking functions
- Additional Feature:Built-in air fryer
- Additional Feature:Four-in-one cooking
- Additional Feature:Large interior
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Ninja Crispi Microwave Air Fryer Black
Select the black Ninja Crispi if you want FusionCrisp cooking in a darker countertop finish. It suits kitchens where a black appliance blends more naturally with surrounding cookware and other small appliances.
The microwave and air-fryer pairing covers reheating and crisping in one unit, while the MW101BK1 model clearly identifies this finish variation. Capacity and wattage are not specified, so this version may be better for targeted everyday cooking than unplanned large-batch meals.
- Brand:Ninja
- Appliance Type:Microwave air fryer
- Finish:Black
- Cooking Modes:Microwave, air fry
- Additional Feature:FusionCrisp technology
- Additional Feature:MW101BK1 model
- Additional Feature:Black finish
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GE 4-in-1 Air Fry Microwave 1.0 Cu. Ft.
GE’s 4-in-1 format makes this a practical middle ground for everyday countertop cooking. The 1.0-cubic-foot cavity keeps the appliance reasonably compact, while the 1,050-watt output gives routine microwave tasks plenty of power.
Air frying adds crisping capability, and the four-function design expands the menu beyond reheating. The capacity remains moderate, so large casserole dishes and family-size batches may be a squeeze.
- Brand:GE
- Appliance Type:Countertop combo microwave
- Capacity:1.0 cubic feet
- Finish:Black
- Wattage:1,050 watts
- Cooking Modes:Four cooking functions
- Additional Feature:Built-in air fryer
- Additional Feature:Countertop design
- Additional Feature:Black finish
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GE Stainless Steel Air Fry Microwave
This GE model is a good match for a kitchen that needs one versatile countertop appliance with a stainless steel exterior. Its combination format supports routine reheating alongside air-frying and other oven-style cooking tasks.
The stainless steel finish coordinates easily with many kitchen appliances, and the GE design favors general-purpose use. Its larger feature set can mean a longer learning curve than a straightforward microwave, especially if you mainly reheat leftovers.
- Brand:GE
- Appliance Type:Countertop combo microwave
- Finish:Stainless steel
- Cooking Modes:Microwave, air fry
- Additional Feature:GCST10A1WSS model
- Additional Feature:Air-fryer cooking
- Additional Feature:Countertop placement
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BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Air Fry Microwave
Choose this BLACK+DECKER if you want air-frying capability without surrendering countertop space. The over-the-range format places the microwave above the cooking surface, making it useful for kitchens with limited room for small appliances.
Its 1.5-cubic-foot capacity accommodates larger dishes, and the 900-watt output handles standard microwave tasks. Installation is the key limitation, since an over-the-range unit requires appropriate cabinet space, mounting, and ventilation arrangements.
- Brand:BLACK+DECKER
- Appliance Type:Over-the-range microwave
- Capacity:1.5 cubic feet
- Wattage:900 watts
- Cooking Modes:Microwave, air fry
- Additional Feature:Over-the-range installation
- Additional Feature:Air-fryer cooking
- Additional Feature:Large interior
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Toshiba Optichef Pro Air Fry Microwave
The Toshiba Optichef Pro suits cooks who want a countertop microwave with air-frying built in, rather than separate appliances competing for space. Its 1.0-cubic-foot size is a sensible fit for everyday meals, snacks, and standard dinner plates.
The air-fryer combo format broadens its usefulness beyond reheating, while the Optichef Pro name identifies this as a feature-focused Toshiba model. The available information does not specify wattage or finish, so compare those details with your kitchen setup before choosing.
- Brand:Toshiba
- Appliance Type:Countertop combo microwave
- Capacity:1.0 cubic feet
- Cooking Modes:Microwave, air fry
- Additional Feature:Optichef Pro design
- Additional Feature:Built-in air fryer
- Additional Feature:Countertop format
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A Microwave Air Fryer Replace A Dedicated Air Fryer?
It can replace one for small to medium portions, especially if counter space matters. The microwave combination adds reheating and baking functions, but its air-fry basket may be smaller and its airflow less concentrated than that of a dedicated air fryer. Choose a dedicated model if you regularly cook large batches of wings, fries, or vegetables. Choose a combination unit if you value one appliance with several cooking modes more than maximum air-frying speed.
Do Microwave Air Fryers Need Preheating?
Many models benefit from three to five minutes of preheating before air frying or convection baking, although the exact requirement varies by appliance. Preheating helps food brown more evenly and reduces the chance of a pale or soft exterior. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for each preset, and avoid adding extra time automatically. A preheated compact cavity can cook quickly, so inspect food a few minutes before the recommended finish time.
Can You Use Metal In These Appliances?
Metal may be acceptable during convection or broil modes, depending on the model, but it is generally unsafe during microwave operation. Some combination ovens permit specific metal racks or trays in selected modes only. Read the manual before using any metal accessory, including foil. If the instructions are unclear, use microwave-safe glass or ceramic cookware and reserve the supplied rack for the mode listed by the manufacturer.
Are These Appliances Difficult To Clean?
Cleaning is manageable if you wipe spills after the cavity cools and wash the air-fry basket and tray after each greasy meal. Removable turntables and dishwasher-safe accessories reduce the work, while baked-on grease can collect around vents and heating elements. Avoid abrasive cleaners and soaking electrical components. For heavy residue, use a damp cloth with mild dish soap, then dry the interior thoroughly before the next cooking cycle.
How Much Counter Space Do They Need?
Compact models typically measure about 20 to 22 inches wide, while larger units may be 24 inches wide or more, with depths commonly ranging from 16 to 22 inches. Add clearance above and around the appliance as specified in the manual, since air frying and convection create substantial heat. Measure the counter, cabinet height, outlet location, and door swing together. A unit that fits the counter but blocks a cabinet or opens into a busy walkway is not really saving space, it is simply relocating the problem.
