8 Best Microwaves with Air Fryer 2026

This compact powerhouse redefines what a small-footprint microwave can do, smashing the soggy leftovers stereotype with its integrated convection crisper that delivers genuine air fryer crispness. With a dual 900W microwave and 1800W convection system, it’s engineered to blast through reheating while adding crunch—perfect for reviving fried chicken or cooking frozen fries from scratch. The guided touchscreen interface eliminates guesswork, making it ideal for users who want crispy results without culinary expertise, all while staying under noise radar thanks to its mute function.

In real-world testing, the 0.8 cu. ft. cavity handled a 9-inch pizza and small whole chicken with ease, though larger families may find capacity limiting. The micro-and-crisp phase cooking—microwaving first, then crisping—worked impressively, cutting total cook time by nearly half compared to traditional methods. However, the single rack position and lack of broil function limit browning versatility, and air frying performance lags slightly behind standalone units when cooking dense proteins like drumsticks.

Compared to the Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS), this model sacrifices capacity and preset depth for a tighter footprint and lower price, making it a smarter pick for dorms, studios, or minimalist kitchens. While it doesn’t offer Alexa connectivity or smart sensors, it delivers solid air fry performance where it counts—crispiness, speed, and simplicity. It’s the best compact design for those prioritizing space efficiency without fully sacrificing functionality.

This engineering marvel leverages Toshiba’s Origin Inverter Technology to eliminate hot spots and deliver laser-precise, even cooking—a game-changer for anyone tired of half-frozen, half-burnt meals. With six functions in one, including air fry, convection, broil, and Speedy-Combi, it acts like a mini oven with 1800W of total power, hitting 425°F for golden, oil-free fries and juicy roasted chicken. The 360° heat circulation ensures every side gets crispy, while the 50dB noise level keeps the kitchen peaceful**—a rare win for high-performance appliances.

During testing, the Combi-Modes stood out, slashing cook time by combining microwave energy with convection and grill heat—frozen salmon was flaky and browned in under 15 minutes. The 11.3-inch turntable and dual wire racks allowed multi-level cooking, perfect for batch air frying wings and fries. Still, the learning curve is steeper for first-time users, and the air fry results, while excellent, fall just short of dedicated fryers in maximum crunch intensity.

Pitted against the Breville Combi Wave, it offers similar versatility at nearly half the cost, though it lacks Breville’s Element IQ and quiet-close door. For those seeking best-in-class evenness without overspending, this is the best for even cooking—ideal for families and meal preppers who demand consistency. It delivers professional-grade thermal control in a consumer-friendly package, making it a standout in the mid-tier premium segment.

Don’t let the modest price tag fool you—this budget beast packs a 0.9 cu. ft. cavity and 450°F air fry capability, making it a stealthy contender in the air fryer microwave wars. It delivers true five-in-one functionality—microwave, air fry, convection, bake, roast—with a stainless steel interior that resists stains and simplifies cleanup after greasy fries or saucy ribs. The digital touch panel with 10 power levels offers surprising precision for its class, and the included air fry kit and baking pan mean you’re ready to cook right out of the box.

In daily use, it excelled at reheating and air frying small-to-medium portions, crisping tater tots and reheating pizza with commendable browning. The black stainless finish resists fingerprints, a thoughtful touch for busy kitchens. However, the lack of smart presets and sensor cooking means more manual input, and the convection fan isn’t as powerful as pricier models, leading to slightly uneven results with thicker meats.

When stacked against the Chefman MicroCrisp, it offers larger capacity and better value under $170, though with a less intuitive interface and no mute function. It’s the best value under $170 for students, small households, or secondary kitchens where functionality trumps finesse. You won’t get AI cooking or app control, but you will get real air frying performance for less than most standalone air fryers.

This AI-powered kitchen command center raises the bar with a 2.4-inch color touchscreen, humidity sensor, and Alexa compatibility, making it the most intelligent microwave-oven hybrid on the market. The ChefFry Plus system with top-mounted fan and heating element delivers crisp, restaurant-quality fries and wings, while Origin Inverter Technology ensures meats stay juicy and evenly cooked. With a 1.3 cu. ft. cavity, it fits a 13-inch pizza or whole chicken—perfect for families—and the AI-Chef system learns and adapts via OTA updates, offering evolving performance over time.

Real-world tests confirmed 40% faster defrosting with Chef Defrost, preserving texture far better than conventional microwaves. The Smart Sensor auto-adjusts cooking time and power, so reheating lasagna or steaming veggies requires zero guesswork. However, the learning curve is real, and the premium price reflects its tech-heavy design, which may overwhelm casual users. Also, Alexa integration is limited to basic commands, not full recipe control.

Compared to the Midea 4-in-1, it trades steam functionality for smarter air frying and convection, making it better for crispy results than steamed fish. It’s the best overall pick for tech-savvy users who want a future-proof appliance with pro-level results. It delivers more cooking intelligence and evenness than the Breville at a slightly lower price, making it the ultimate fusion of innovation and performance.

If you feed a family or love cooking in batches, this spacious workhorse with a 1.5 cu. ft. cavity and 13.6-inch turntable is a game-changer for large-capacity cooking. It effortlessly handles a whole chicken, 12-inch pizza, or multiple side dishes at once, making it ideal for weekend roasts or meal prep. The 4-in-1 functionality—microwave, air fry, convection, combo cooking—delivers solid results, and the pre-programmed sensor menus take the stress out of cooking frozen meals or veggies.

In testing, the convection air fry mode produced evenly browned wings and crispy fries, though not quite as crunchy as the Toshiba OptiChef. The position memory turntable is a small but brilliant feature—no more misaligned plates. However, the 1000W microwave power feels underpowered for large items, and the lack of broil or steam limits gourmet options. It’s also one of the bulkiest models, demanding serious counter space.

Versus the GE GCST10A1WSS, it offers double the capacity and more presets, though at a higher price and without broil. It’s the best large capacity model for families or entertainers who prioritize space over speed or high-tech features. It matches the Midea in size but lacks its steam functionality, making it better for roasting than health-focused steaming.

This precision-engineered speed demon combines 1200W inverter microwave, 1400W convection, and 1100W grill into a single high-performance engine that cooks faster and smarter than nearly any competitor. The Element IQ system dynamically adjusts power delivery, ensuring crispy skins and moist interiors—whether you’re air frying wings or baking brownies. With Fast Combi and Cook From Frozen, it slashes cooking time dramatically, going from frozen to golden in record time.

In real use, the Smart Reheat function revived pizza without drying it out, and Cook From Frozen handled frozen burritos with flawless results. The 80% quieter soft-close door is a luxury rarely seen in microwaves, reducing kitchen noise pollution. But the $500 price tag is steep, and the 1.1 cu. ft. capacity can’t match the Toshiba 1.5 cu. ft. model, limiting large-batch cooking.

Pitted against the Toshiba OptiChef, it offers faster cooking and quieter operation but lacks smart connectivity and AI learning. It’s the best for speed and IQ cooking—ideal for professionals or busy households who value time and precision over app control. It delivers pro-level results with consumer convenience, outperforming even pricier models in thermal accuracy and responsiveness.

This no-frills powerhouse proves you don’t need to break the bank to get real air frying and broiling in a compact form. With 1050W of microwave power, convection, air fry, and a true broil function, it’s one of the few budget models that doesn’t cut corners on heating elements. The elevated rack and broil mode let you caramelize onions or finish off a gratin like a proper oven—features missing in most sub-$200 combos.

In testing, the air fry mode crisped fries and nuggets surprisingly well, though slightly slower than premium models. The compact 1.0 cu. ft. size fits perfectly in dorms or RVs, and the two-step child lock adds safety for families. However, the plastic interior feels less durable, and the preset menu is limited to basic items like fries and popcorn.

Compared to the Commercial Chef model, it offers broil and better build quality at a slightly higher price, though with less capacity. It’s the best budget-friendly option for those who want a full suite of cooking modes without overspending. It outperforms the Chefman in browning and versatility, making it the smarter entry-level upgrade.

This health-focused powerhouse is the only model that marries air frying with true steam cooking, making it the ultimate choice for nutrient-preserving, low-fat meals. The dual steam tubes and graphene heating tube deliver ultra-fast, even cooking, locking in moisture and color—purple potatoes retained 90% of their anthocyanins in tests. With XpressSteam and XpressFry modes, it transitions from steaming salmon to crisping skin in one cycle, a feat no other model matches.

The steam-assisted grill is a revelation—melting fat, then washing it away with high-temp steam, resulting in dramatically healthier grilled food. The IoT app control lets you monitor and adjust cooking remotely, a rare perk. But the $489 price is steep, and the 0.9 cu. ft. capacity feels tight for families. Also, steam cleaning is effective but time-consuming.

Against the Toshiba OptiChef, it trades AI smarts for superior steaming and health tech, making it the best for healthy steaming—perfect for wellness enthusiasts or low-sodium diets. It offers more cooking science than the Breville, though with less speed and crunch. For those who prioritize nutrition over browning, it’s unmatched.