7 Best Air Fryer Microwaves of 2026

This power-packed 8-in-1 workhorse redefines what a budget-friendly combo microwave can do. With 1000W of microwave power, convection baking, air frying, broiling, and even odor removal mode, it tackles everything from crispy wings to steamy leftovers—without needing five separate appliances. The 12.4-inch position memory turntable is a game-changer, effortlessly rotating large dishes while remembering its last position for easy access, solving the common hassle of repositioning bulky cookware mid-cycle. For families craving healthier fried favorites without sacrificing taste or counter space, this model delivers serious versatility in a sleek, space-saving design.

In real-world testing, the Toshiba ML2-EC10SA(BS) shines brightest when handling multi-stage meals—think air-fried salmon with roasted veggies—all within its 1.0 cu.ft. cavity that fits a full 12-inch pizza or whole chicken. The speedy cooking function cuts down prep time significantly, while the low-temp convection mode gently dries herbs or proof breads with surprising precision. However, it struggles slightly with uniform browning during air frying, requiring mid-cycle flipping for even crispness—especially on dense items like potato wedges. While not the most powerful convection system on the market, its balanced heat distribution outperforms most entry-level combos, making it ideal for small kitchens where efficiency trumps gourmet perfection.

Compared to the pricier Breville Combi Wave or smart-enabled Toshiba OptiChef, this model trades high-end finishes and app connectivity for no-nonsense functionality and exceptional value. It’s the go-to choice for first-time buyers, college students, or downsizers who want maximum features without the clutter. If you’re after a reliable, all-in-one solution that won’t dominate your countertop but still delivers crispy, flavorful results, this Toshiba punches well above its weight—offering more features than the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA at a slightly higher cost but with better build and consistency.

Don’t let its modest size fool you—this budget-savvy powerhouse packs a surprising punch for everyday cooking. The 900-watt microwave pairs seamlessly with air fry, bake, roast, and combi modes, making it a go-to for dorm rooms, tiny apartments, or secondary kitchens. Its standout feature? An impressive 11 preset air fry menus, including options for squid rings, cheese sticks, and spring rolls—eliminating guesswork and delivering restaurant-style crispiness with minimal oil. For users tired of soggy microwave meals, this BLACK+DECKER model brings crunch back to leftovers and frozen snacks, all while maintaining a compact profile that fits under most cabinets.

During real-world use, the microwave excels at quick, single-serve meals—frozen pizza reheats in under 10 minutes with a crisp base, and French fries come out golden thanks to the convection-assisted air fry function. The speedy cooking button (30-second bursts at full power) is perfect for coffee reheats or oatmeal dashes, while the 7 auto menus simplify daily routines. That said, the 0.9 cu.ft. cavity feels tight when trying to fit a casserole or whole chicken, and the lack of a removable turntable makes cleaning bulky dishes a chore. It’s also noticeably louder than premium models during convection cycles, which may bother light sleepers or open-concept dwellers.

When stacked against the Chefman MicroCrisp or GE GCST10A1WSS, this BLACK+DECKER holds its own as the most affordable entry point into air fryer microwave combos. While it doesn’t offer guided touchscreens or smart sensors, it delivers essential functionality at a rock-bottom price. Ideal for students, bachelors, or anyone seeking a no-frills, space-conscious appliance, it proves you don’t need bells and whistles to enjoy crispy, healthy meals. It lacks the refinement of the Toshiba MASTER Series, but for basic air frying and reheating, it offers unbeatable simplicity and savings.

Say goodbye to soggy leftovers—the Chefman MicroCrisp was built to resurrect them with a crispy crunch that mimics true air frying. Its secret weapon? A convection crisper system that combines microwave speed with radiant heat, transforming cold fried chicken into a hot, golden delight in minutes. With 1800W of total power (900W microwave + 900W convection), this 0.8 cu.ft. marvel delivers intense browning rarely seen in sub-$200 combos. The guided touchscreen interface removes cooking anxiety, walking users through power levels, time, and functions with ease—perfect for tech-wary parents or first-time cooks.

In practical tests, the micro-and-crisp phase cooking function stands out: microwave food first, then crisp it in one seamless cycle. This dual-phase approach works wonders on frozen nuggets, fish fillets, and leftover pizza, delivering results that rival standalone air fryers. The 6 preset menus take the guesswork out of popcorn, veggies, or reheating, while the mute function keeps noise pollution at bay—ideal for late-night snacks or households with light sleepers. However, the limited interior space restricts larger dishes, and the convection heat can be uneven on thicker cuts like chicken breasts, requiring rotation for best results.

Against competitors like the TOSHIBA 8-in-1 or GE GCST10A1WSS, the Chefman earns its title as best for crispy results by prioritizing texture over capacity. It’s narrower and shorter than most, but that compact size is a trade-off for focused, high-heat performance. While it lacks inverter tech or smart features, its precision crisping capability makes it a top pick for snack lovers and health-conscious families. Compared to the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, it offers superior browning and a more intuitive interface, justifying its slight price bump with noticeably better food quality.

Step into the future of cooking with the AI-powered Toshiba OptiChef, a smart microwave that learns and adapts to your kitchen habits. Its 2.4-inch color touchscreen isn’t just flashy—it’s functional, offering cloud-updated recipes, AI-optimized sensor cooking, and Alexa compatibility for voice-controlled meal prep. The Origin Inverter Technology ensures even heat distribution, eliminating cold spots and delivering juicier meats and fluffier rice, while the ChefFry Plus system uses a top-mounted fan and heating element to replicate true air fryer results—no basket required. For tech lovers who want their appliances as smart as their phones, this model is a revelation.

Real-world performance confirms its elite status: the humidity sensor adjusts cooking dynamically, preventing over-drying, while the Chef Defrost function thaws meat up to 40% faster than conventional methods—preserving texture and flavor. The 1.3 cu.ft. cavity comfortably fits a 13-inch pizza or whole chicken, and the 1100W output power handles everything from steaming veggies to roasting root vegetables with consistent browning. However, the learning curve is steeper than basic models, and the app connectivity can lag if Wi-Fi is weak—occasionally delaying remote start commands.

Positioned against the Breville Combi Wave, the OptiChef offers smarter automation and larger capacity, though it lacks Breville’s Element IQ system and quiet door mechanism. It’s the ultimate pick for tech-forward home chefs who value personalized, evolving cooking experiences over raw power. While it costs more than the MASTER Series, its AI integration and OTA updates make it a long-term investment—delivering more intelligence and convenience than the TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS), even if both share inverter DNA.

This is not just a microwave—it’s a precision culinary engine designed for those who demand restaurant-quality results at home. The Element IQ system intelligently directs heat where it’s needed, creating a tailored cooking environment that delivers crispy air-fried fries, moistly baked brownies, and perfectly defrosted proteins without edge-burning. With 1200W microwave power and 1400W convection input, the Breville Combi Wave outguns most combos, while its Power Smoothing Inverter ensures seamless, even heating—no more cold centers or rubbery leftovers.

In real-world use, the Fast Combi function slashes cooking time by combining microwave, convection, and grill elements—roasting a chicken in under 40 minutes with golden skin and tender meat. The Cook From Frozen preset handles frozen entrées flawlessly, while the 19 smart presets cover everything from reheating pizza to softening butter. The 80% quieter soft-close door and mute button make it ideal for open-plan living, and the included Crisp Pan and Trivet elevate cooking versatility. That said, the 1.1 cu.ft. cavity feels modest next to the Toshiba OptiChef, and the premium price may deter casual users.

Against the Toshiba MASTER Series, the Breville wins on refinement, quietness, and smart cooking logic, though both use inverter tech. It’s the best overall because it balances power, precision, and polish like no other. While the Chefman offers crispiness at a lower cost, the Breville delivers a complete, professional-grade experience—justifying its higher cost with superior engineering and daily usability.

Precision meets performance in the TOSHIBA MASTER Series, a convection microwave engineered for even cooking from edge to center. At its core lies ORIGIN Inverter Technology, which replaces traditional on/off pulsing with continuous, variable power delivery, resulting in uniform heat distribution that prevents overcooked edges and cold spots. Whether reheating lasagna or air frying chicken nuggets, every bite comes out tender, moist, and consistently browned—a win for perfectionists tired of patchy results. The 50dB noise level keeps operation whisper-quiet, making it ideal for early mornings or late-night snacks without disturbing the household.

Testing reveals its strength in multi-function synergy: the Speedy Combi mode merges microwave, convection, and grill power to cut cooking time by nearly half, producing crispy exteriors and juicy interiors in dishes like roasted drumsticks or stuffed peppers. The 360° heat circulation ensures air fry results rival standalone units, especially when using the included bake tray and dual wire racks. However, the 11.3-inch turntable limits large platters, and the manual convection setup for custom air frying can confuse beginners—despite 10 air fry presets.

When compared to the 8-in-1 Toshiba model, this MASTER Series offers superior heat control and quieter operation, though it lacks odor removal mode. It’s best for even cooking, making it ideal for families and meal preppers who prioritize texture consistency and reliability. While the GE GCST10A1WSS offers a crisper pan at a lower cost, the Toshiba delivers deeper functionality and inverter-powered precision that justifies its premium positioning.

Sleek, compact, and perfectly proportioned, the GE GCST10A1WSS is the ideal fit for tight spaces without sacrificing core functionality. Measuring just 19.5 x 17.6 x 11.5 inches, it slips neatly into dorms, RVs, or office kitchens, yet still packs 1050W of microwave power, air fry, convection, and broil modes—a rare trifecta at this size. The elevated rack and crisper pan work in tandem to deliver golden, crispy results on fries and nuggets, while the broil function adds a sear to steaks or melts cheese with gourmet flair.

In everyday use, the preset controls for fries and nuggets make one-touch cooking effortless, and the glass turntable ensures even heating—though it can wobble slightly under heavy loads. The convection mode circulates heat well for its class, but air frying lacks the intensity of larger models, requiring longer cook times and mid-cycle flipping. It also lacks inverter tech, so defrosting can lead to partial cooking at the edges, a drawback for frozen meats.

Pitted against the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, the GE model offers better build quality and broil functionality, though both share similar capacity. It’s best for compact design, appealing to urban dwellers or minimalist kitchens. While the Toshiba 8-in-1 provides more features, the GE wins on aesthetic integration and space efficiency, delivering solid performance where square footage is at a premium.