7 Best Countertop Microwaves with Air Fryers 2025

The Chefman MicroCrisp is a game-changer for anyone tired of soggy microwave meals. With its integrated convection crisper and 1800W dual power system, it delivers the kind of crispy, golden results you’d expect from a standalone air fryer—without cluttering your countertop. The phase-cooking technology lets you microwave then crisp in one seamless cycle, making it perfect for reviving leftover fried chicken or achieving that crunch on frozen snacks. It speaks directly to home cooks who want restaurant-quality texture without the hassle of multiple appliances.

In real-world testing, the 0.8 cu. ft. cavity handled everything from a 10-inch pizza to a small whole chicken with impressive consistency. The guidance-driven touchscreen simplifies cooking with six smart presets, though manual adjustments require a bit of a learning curve. On convection mode, it hits 425°F quickly and maintains heat well, but the lack of an internal fan during microwave-only use can lead to uneven heating on dense foods. While the compact size fits snugly in tight kitchens, larger families may find the capacity limiting for holiday meals or batch cooking.

Compared to the Toshiba P05, the MicroCrisp lacks smart features and advanced sensors, but it shines in crisping performance at a lower price point. It’s ideal for singles, couples, or small households who prioritize texture and simplicity over high-tech automation. For those who value crisp results and ease of use without needing Alexa integration or AI-guided cooking, this model offers a compelling balance—delivering air fryer-level crunch where it matters most.

The GE GCST10A1WSS redefines what a compact microwave can do—packing air fry, convection, and broil modes into a space-saving 1.0 cu. ft. design. Its elevated rack system and 360° hot air circulation ensure foods like chicken wings or roasted veggies come out evenly browned and satisfyingly crisp. The built-in broiler is a rare standout, allowing you to caramelize the top of a casserole or sear proteins—something most combo units simply can’t do. It’s a powerhouse for dorm rooms, offices, or minimalist kitchens where every inch counts.

During daily use, the 1,050W microwave power reheated meals quickly, while the air fry mode delivered results comparable to mid-tier air fryers—crispy fries in under 20 minutes with no preheating. The glass turntable promotes even cooking, though it can wobble slightly under heavy loads. The preset buttons for fries and nuggets are convenient, but customization options are limited; you can’t adjust airflow intensity or set multi-stage cooking. It struggles slightly with large roasts or full family-sized meals due to the smaller cavity.

When stacked against the Toshiba P05, the GE unit trades smart tech and capacity for ultra-compact efficiency and broiling capability. It’s best suited for singles, students, or secondary kitchens where space is the primary constraint. While it doesn’t offer app control or inverter precision, it delivers exceptional versatility in a tiny footprint, making it the go-to choice for those who want broil-level browning without sacrificing counter real estate.

The Toshiba ML-EC42P(BS) is a family-sized powerhouse that combines microwave speed with true convection and air frying in a spacious 1.5 cu. ft. cavity. Its 13.6-inch turntable can fit a whole chicken or a 12-inch pizza, making it ideal for households that need to cook full meals without pre-cutting. The sensor cooking technology automatically adjusts time and power, so frozen dinners or reheated casseroles come out perfectly—no guesswork required. It’s a true all-in-one solution for busy families who want large capacity without sacrificing functionality.

In real-world use, the 1000W microwave power reheats efficiently, while the convection mode produces crispy, evenly cooked results on wings and fries. The multi-stage cooking feature allows you to microwave first, then crisp—ideal for frozen foods. However, the lack of inverter technology means defrosting can be uneven, especially on thicker cuts of meat. The black stainless finish resists smudges and adds a premium look, but the control panel can feel cluttered with too many one-touch options.

Compared to the Chefman MicroCrisp, this Toshiba model offers nearly double the capacity and more cooking versatility, though it’s less precise on delicate reheating. It’s the better pick for families or entertainers who need large-volume performance and hands-off sensor cooking. While it doesn’t have smart features like the P05, it delivers exceptional value through sheer size and reliability, making it the best large-capacity option for those who cook for multiple people regularly.

The Toshiba MASTER Series stands out with Origin Inverter Technology, delivering precise, even heating that eliminates the cold spots common in budget microwaves. At 1000W microwave and 1800W convection power, it handles everything from defrosting salmon fillets to air frying chicken tenders with consistent, restaurant-quality results. The Speedy-Combi mode is a revelation—combining microwave and convection to cut cooking time in half while maintaining crisp exteriors and juicy interiors. It’s engineered for users who want professional performance without the premium price tag.

In testing, the 50dB noise level made it one of the quietest models, ideal for open-plan living or nighttime use. The 360° air circulation crisped fries beautifully, and the included wire racks allowed for multi-level cooking. However, the 11.3-inch turntable limits large dish compatibility—no full 12-inch pizzas fit flat. The 47 built-in recipes and auto menus simplify cooking, but manual mode requires navigating nested menus, which can frustrate first-time users.

Against the Toshiba P05, this model lacks smart connectivity but delivers inverter precision at nearly half the cost. It’s perfect for home chefs who want consistent texture and faster defrosting without paying for Alexa integration. For those seeking budget-friendly inverter power and real air fry results, this MASTER Series unit offers exceptional performance per dollar, making it the smartest choice for value-focused precision cooking.

The Toshiba P05 is the undisputed king of smart cooking, merging AI-powered sensor technology, Alexa compatibility, and OTA updates into a single, futuristic appliance. Its 2.4-inch color touchscreen is intuitive and responsive, guiding users through cloud-updated recipes with step-by-step precision. The ChefFry Plus system delivers deep, even crisping comparable to high-end air fryers, while the Origin Inverter ensures meats stay juicy and vegetables don’t dry out. It’s designed for tech-savvy users who want their microwave to learn, adapt, and evolve over time.

In daily use, the 1.3 cu. ft. cavity handled large family meals with ease, and the humidity sensor adjusted cooking dynamically—no more overcooked leftovers. The 1100W output heated quickly, and the Chef Defrost function thawed meat 40% faster while preserving texture. However, the smart features require a stable Wi-Fi connection, and the app can lag during firmware updates. The stainless steel interior is durable but shows fingerprints easily, and the premium price reflects its high-end positioning.

Compared to the GE GCST10A1WSS, the P05 offers far superior intelligence and capacity, though it’s less compact. It’s ideal for early adopters and home chefs who want a self-improving kitchen companion. While it’s the most expensive model, it delivers the best overall integration of AI, inverter tech, and air frying, making it worth the investment for those who demand cutting-edge performance and smart convenience.

The Frigidaire 1.2 cu ft Microwave is a budget-savvy workhorse that punches above its weight with XL capacity and 1500W convection power. At just under $160, it offers true combo-fry functionality, letting you air fry, bake, roast, and microwave with surprising efficiency. The 1000W microwave output heats quickly, while the convection oven mode delivers crispy results on frozen foods and homemade fries. It’s a no-frills powerhouse for those who want maximum cooking flexibility without the premium markup.

In testing, the 1.2 cu. ft. interior comfortably fit a 13-inch casserole dish, outperforming many pricier models in volume. The one-touch menus for popcorn, potatoes, and frozen dinners made daily use effortless, though the lack of inverter tech led to uneven defrosting. The 10 power levels give decent control, but manual air frying requires guesswork—no built-in presets for common foods. It’s loud during convection mode and lacks a turntable lock, causing occasional wobble.

Versus the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, it offers larger capacity and stronger convection power, though with fewer air fry presets. It’s best for budget-conscious buyers who need a spacious, multi-functional unit for reheating, baking, and occasional air frying. While it doesn’t have smart features or inverter precision, it delivers exceptional value through sheer utility, making it the best budget option for large-capacity cooking.

The BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA is a space-saving marvel designed for small kitchens, RVs, or studio apartments. Despite its 0.9 cu. ft. size, it packs five cooking functions—microwave, air fry, combi, bake, and roast—into a sleek stainless steel body. The 11 air fry presets are a standout, covering everything from squid rings to spring rolls, making it easy to cook frozen snacks with zero guesswork. Its Speedy Cooking button adds 30 seconds with a single press, perfect for quick reheat jobs. It’s ideal for singles or couples who need versatility without sacrificing counter space.

In real use, the 900W power was adequate for reheating and light air frying, but struggled with dense foods like whole chickens. The auto menus worked well for vegetables and frozen pizza, though browning was uneven without rotating the tray manually. The child-lock feature adds safety, but the plastic interior feels less durable than stainless steel models. It’s not built for large meals, but excels at small-batch cooking and snack prep.

Compared to the GE GCST10A1WSS, it offers more air fry presets but less browning power and no broil function. It’s best for urban dwellers or minimalists who prioritize compact size and preset convenience. While it lacks convection precision and smart tech, it delivers solid performance in a tiny footprint, making it the top pick for small-space living where every inch counts.