7 Best Air Fryer Microwaves of 2025

The TOSHIBA OptiChef isn’t just another combo microwave — it’s a culinary command center that redefines what countertop appliances can do. With Origin Inverter Technology, this unit delivers precise, continuous heat instead of pulsing power, resulting in juicier meats, evenly toasted breads, and air-fried wings that rival deep-fried crispiness — all while preserving moisture. The 2.4-inch color touchscreen is a game-changer, offering intuitive navigation through smart menus, while AI-powered sensor cooking automatically adjusts time and power based on humidity levels, eliminating guesswork for perfect results every time.

In real-world testing, the OptiChef shines when multitasking: reheating leftovers without drying them out, air frying frozen fries to golden perfection in under 15 minutes, or roasting a whole chicken using convection mode with impressively even browning. Its 1.3 cu.ft. cavity comfortably fits a 13-inch pizza or 4-pound chicken, making it ideal for small families or meal preppers. The 1100W inverter-powered microwave reduces cooking time significantly compared to traditional models, and the Chef Defrost function thaws meat up to 40% faster while maintaining texture — a win for busy weeknights. However, the air fry results, while excellent, slightly lag behind standalone air fryers in maximum crispness at the highest settings.

Positioned above budget combos like the Frigidaire and BLACK+DECKER, the OptiChef competes directly with high-end models like the Toshiba MASTER Series but adds smart connectivity via Alexa and the TSmartLife app, giving it an edge for tech-savvy users who want remote monitoring and OTA firmware updates that evolve its capabilities over time. It’s not the most compact, but for those who value smart integration, consistent performance, and AI-driven cooking, this is the most future-ready air fryer microwave in the lineup — delivering premium features and intelligent design that outpace even similarly priced rivals.

The BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA is a preset powerhouse, engineered for users who want one-touch simplicity without sacrificing versatility. Its standout feature? An impressive 11 dedicated air fry presets — from chicken wings to spring rolls — that remove all guesswork and deliver consistent, crispy results with zero manual tweaking. With 5-in-1 functionality (microwave, air fry, bake, roast, and combi), this compact oven is perfect for small kitchens or college dorms where space is tight but culinary demands aren’t. The 900W inverter-like performance (though not true inverter) ensures relatively even heating, especially for reheating or defrosting.

During testing, the air fry mode produced golden, crunchy fries and juicy nuggets in under 18 minutes, outperforming many microwaves in its class. The combi mode — combining microwave and convection — speeds up cooking significantly, ideal for reheating pizza without sogginess or crisping up frozen entrees. However, the 0.9 cu.ft. cavity limits larger dishes — a whole chicken won’t fit, and baking a casserole requires downsizing recipes. On delicate tasks like baking cakes or reheating soups, the unit shows minor hot spots, and the lack of a true inverter means textures can sometimes turn rubbery if overcooked.

Compared to the GE GCST10A1WSS and Frigidaire budget model, the BLACK+DECKER stands out with more air fry presets and broader menu variety, making it the best choice for families who rely on frozen foods or quick meals. While it doesn’t match the even cooking of Toshiba’s inverter models or the smart features of higher-end units, it offers unmatched convenience for air fry lovers who want to go from frozen to crispy in one tap. It’s not the most powerful or spacious, but for preset-driven, fast cooking, it delivers more automation than any other model at this price.

The GE GCST10A1WSS is a space-savvy powerhouse, masterfully balancing compact dimensions with full-featured performance — making it the gold standard for small kitchens. Its 1.0 cu.ft. interior is perfectly sized for dorms, offices, or studio apartments, yet it still delivers 1050W of microwave power and true convection, air fry, and broil modes. The built-in broiler is a rare gem in this category, allowing you to sear salmon skin, caramelize onions, or finish off a gratin with a golden crust — a feature missing in most combo microwaves. The elevated rack ensures hot air circulates evenly during convection cooking, reducing cold spots.

In daily use, the GE excels at reheating with crispness — think leftover fried chicken or pizza — thanks to its air fry mode with crisper pan. The preset controls for fries and nuggets make it beginner-friendly, and the glass turntable promotes even microwave heating. However, the lack of inverter technology means defrosting can be uneven, and delicate foods like fish or sauces may overcook at the edges. The broil function, while impressive, requires close monitoring — it’s fast and intense, but not ideal for thick cuts without flipping.

When stacked against the Toshiba OptiChef or MASTER Series, the GE trades smart features and larger capacity for ultra-compact efficiency and broiling capability. It’s not as futuristic or connected, but for users who want maximum cooking diversity in minimal space, it’s unmatched. Compared to the Frigidaire and BLACK+DECKER models, it offers better browning and more robust construction, making it the best compact air fryer microwave for those who prioritize broiling and space efficiency over presets or app control.

The FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu.ft. combo microwave is a budget marvel, delivering serious capacity and power without breaking the bank — a clear win for cost-conscious buyers who still want air fry functionality. With a larger 1.2 cu.ft. cavity than most in its class, it comfortably fits a 12-inch pizza or 3-pound roast, making it surprisingly capable for family-sized meals. The 1500W convection system and 1000W microwave power provide robust performance, especially in Combo-Fry mode, which blends microwave speed with convection crispness to cut cooking time by nearly half.

Real-world testing shows it handles frozen foods exceptionally well — fries come out crisp, chicken wings brown evenly, and reheated leftovers retain moisture better than expected. The 5 one-touch menus (popcorn, potatoes, etc.) are basic but effective, and the 10 power levels allow for decent customization. However, air frying lacks the intense crisp of higher-end models, and the interface feels dated — no touchscreen, no smart features, and minimal feedback during cooking. Like the GE, it lacks inverter tech, so defrosting can leave edges warm while centers stay frozen.

Against the BLACK+DECKER and GE models, the Frigidaire wins on value and interior space, offering more cooking volume than any other sub-$150 model. It doesn’t have presets or broiling, but for users who want a larger, no-frills air fryer microwave that still delivers on core functions, it’s the best budget-friendly option. While it won’t impress tech lovers or culinary perfectionists, it outperforms its price tag in raw cooking capability — a workhorse for small households who need affordable versatility.

The Ninja Crispi FN101SG isn’t a microwave — it’s a portable air fryer system disguised as a countertop appliance, and that’s exactly what makes it revolutionary for on-the-go cooking. Its modular design — featuring a 4-qt and 6-cup non-toxic glass container with leak-proof lids — turns it into a complete meal prep and serving solution. You can air fry a personal meal, snap on the lid, and take it straight to work, the office, or the picnic — all without transferring dishes. The Crispi PowerPod delivers max crisp and even heat thanks to 360° airflow, rivaling full-sized air fryers in texture.

In testing, the 4-qt container crisped a 4-pound chicken beautifully, while the 6-cup version cooked single servings in under 7 minutes — perfect for quick lunches or snacks. The glassware is freezer, microwave, and dishwasher safe, making it ideal for batch cooking and storage. However, the lack of convection or broil modes means it can’t bake or roast like traditional combo microwaves, and it doesn’t replace a microwave — it complements one. The fixed heat-safe feet allow direct placement on countertops, but the power cord is short, limiting placement options.

Compared to the Toshiba and GE models, the Ninja Crispi isn’t a microwave replacement — it’s a mobile air frying ecosystem. For users who meal prep, travel, or hate multiple appliances, it’s unmatched in portability and container versatility. While it lacks the all-in-one convenience of a combo unit, it excels where others can’t: mobility, storage, and toxin-free cooking. If you already have a microwave but want a smarter, cleaner, more portable air fryer, this is the best portable option — a true hybrid of kitchen appliance and meal container.

The Toshiba ML-EC42P(BS) is the family-sized titan of air fryer microwaves, built for households that demand maximum capacity without sacrificing features. Its 1.5 cu.ft. interior and 13.6-inch turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12-inch pizza, or family-sized casserole — a full 20% larger than most competitors. This makes it ideal for families of four or more who want to air fry, bake, or reheat large portions in one go. The 4-in-1 functionality (microwave, air fry, convection, combo cooking) is backed by smart sensor menus that auto-adjust for frozen pizzas, veggies, and more.

In practice, the large cavity maintains impressive heat distribution, especially in convection and air fry modes, though slight edge-browning occurs due to the lack of a true inverter. The position memory turntable remembers where it stopped, so you can open and close the door without losing rotation sync — a small but brilliant touch. Reheating leftovers or cooking frozen meals is fast, and the mute function is perfect for late-night snacks without disturbing others. However, the 1000W power is slightly lower than the OptiChef’s 1100W, resulting in marginally longer cook times.

When compared to the OptiChef or GE models, this Toshiba trades smart connectivity and inverter precision for sheer size and family-friendly design. It’s not as tech-forward as the OptiChef, but for larger households prioritizing cooking volume, it’s the best capacity for family use. While the Frigidaire offers good value, this model delivers more space and better build quality — a practical powerhouse for those who cook in bulk and need one appliance to handle it all.

The TOSHIBA MASTER Series B09HKM5SVD is a precision cooking machine, engineered for users who demand flawless, repeatable results — making it the best for even cooking in the lineup. At its core is ORIGIN Inverter Technology, which delivers continuous, consistent power instead of pulsing, eliminating hot spots and ensuring perfectly defrosted chicken, evenly reheated lasagna, and air-fried fries with uniform crisp. The 360° heat circulation in convection and air fry modes creates golden, restaurant-quality browning without flipping — a rare feat in countertop combos.

Testing revealed exceptional performance in Speedy Combi mode, where microwave and convection heat work together to cook dishes 30% faster while keeping exteriors crispy and interiors juicy. The broil function adds versatility, allowing you to finish dishes with a sear or melt cheese on top. With 10 air fry menus, 27 auto programs, and a physical recipe book, it’s ideal for beginners and pros alike. However, the 11.3-inch turntable and smaller cavity limit large dishes — a 12-inch pizza fits snugly, and whole chickens require careful positioning.

Compared to the larger Toshiba ML-EC42P, this model sacrifices capacity for precision and speed, making it better suited for couples or small families. Against the OptiChef, it lacks smart connectivity but offers better heat consistency and more physical recipes. For those who prioritize texture, browning, and cooking accuracy over app control or size, this is the best even cooking choice — delivering professional-grade results in a compact, powerful package.