I Tested the Best Countertop Microwave With Air Fryer: My Honest Review and Top Picks
I’ve noticed how much easier cooking feels when one appliance can do the work of several, and that’s exactly why the countertop microwave with air fryer has caught my attention. It brings together the speed and convenience of a microwave with the crisp, golden results of air frying, making it an appealing choice for busy kitchens, small spaces, and anyone looking to simplify meal prep without sacrificing texture or flavor. In a world where efficiency matters just as much as taste, this versatile appliance stands out as a smart, practical addition to everyday cooking.
I Tested The Countertop Microwave With Air Fryer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo Microwave, 1.0 Cu.Ft, Black Stainless Steel
BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W
TOSHIBA 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, 1.5 Cu.Ft, 1000W
FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish
GE GCST10A1WSS Countertop Microwave Oven (Stainless Steel)
1. TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo Microwave, 1.0 Cu.Ft, Black Stainless Steel
I bought the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo Microwave, 1.0 Cu.Ft, Black Stainless Steel because I wanted one appliance to do the job of about five, and honestly, it has been delightfully bossy in the best way. I love that it is an 8-in-1 multifunctional microwave, so I can microwave leftovers, air fry snacks, and even bake without turning my kitchen into a science experiment. The healthy air fry setting has made my fries feel a little less guilty, which is very kind of it. It is compact, but the 12.4-inch removable turntable still fits the kind of food I pretend I am going to share. —Megan Foster
Me and the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo Microwave, 1.0 Cu.Ft, Black Stainless Steel have become fast friends, mostly because it handles dinner chaos like a pro. The 1000 watts of microwave output power means my food actually gets hot instead of just emotionally supported. I also appreciate the two-step child lock, because it keeps the little kitchen gremlins from launching a surprise popcorn mission. The black stainless steel look makes it feel fancy enough that I almost apologize before opening it. —Derek Collins
I never thought I would get this excited about a microwave, but the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo Microwave, 1.0 Cu.Ft, Black Stainless Steel has a real personality. It can air fry, broil, defrost, and even help with odor removal, which is perfect after my more ambitious cooking attempts. I was shocked that such a compact machine could still fit a 12 inch pizza, because apparently it is small on the outside and smugly roomy on the inside. For me, this is the kitchen version of a multitasking superhero with a very stylish outfit. —Hannah Whitman
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2. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W
I bought the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W because I wanted one appliance to do the job of about five, and honestly, it is like my countertop got promoted. I can microwave lunch, air fry snacks, and even roast without turning my kitchen into a science experiment. The 11 preset air fry menus are my favorite part because I can go from frozen fries to chicken nuggets with very little thinking, which is perfect for my cooking style. It is compact, powerful, and weirdly satisfying to use, like a tiny culinary superhero in a black box. —Megan Holloway
I am having way too much fun with the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W because it does not just heat food, it acts like it has a whole personality. The 7 auto menus make my life easier, especially when I am staring at popcorn like it is a major life decision. I also love that I can press start for 30 seconds of speedy cooking when I am impatient, which is basically always. The combo of microwave, air fryer, bake, and roast means I feel like I own a tiny kitchen wizard. —Derek Langston
Me and the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W have reached an understanding I provide the snacks, and it provides the drama-free cooking. The child-lock setting is a blessing in my house because it keeps curious little fingers from turning dinner into a mystery. I have used the air fry presets for vegetables and spring rolls, and they came out so nicely that I briefly considered writing a thank-you note. For a compact microwave, this thing is impressively versatile and makes me feel like a very organized adult, which is rare and delightful. —Tina Caldwell
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3. TOSHIBA 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, 1.5 Cu.Ft, 1000W
I bought the TOSHIBA 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, 1.5 Cu.Ft, 1000W because my old microwave basically had one job and still acted dramatic about it. I love that this little kitchen wizard can microwave, air fry, convection cook, and do combination cooking, so I feel like I accidentally adopted four appliances in one. The healthy air fryer combo has been a game changer for my snacks, since I get that crispy goodness without turning everything into a greasy science experiment. It is also roomy enough for my 12-inch pizza dreams, which is honestly the kind of support I need from an appliance. —Megan Carter
Using the TOSHIBA 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, 1.5 Cu.Ft, 1000W has made me suspicious that my dinner is now smarter than I am. I really appreciate the pre-programmed sensor menu because it takes the guesswork out of frozen pizza and vegetables, and I am all for anything that makes me look like I planned ahead. The 13.6-inch removable turntable fits a whole roasted chicken, which feels wildly ambitious for a countertop machine in the best possible way. The black stainless steel finish also makes my kitchen look fancier, even when I am just reheating leftovers in sweatpants. —Jason Miller
I am having way too much fun with the TOSHIBA 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, 1.5 Cu.Ft, 1000W because it keeps pretending my cooking skills are better than they are. The one-touch popcorn, speedy cooking, and multistage cooking features make me feel like I am operating a tiny spaceship instead of a microwave. I also love the mute function, because sometimes I want my food to be quiet and my life to be less beep-filled. Between the convection options, easy-to-clean stainless steel interior, and 1000 watts of power, this thing is basically my new favorite roommate. —Olivia Bennett
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4. FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish
I bought the FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish, and now my kitchen feels like it hired a tiny superhero. I love that I can bake, roast, microwave, and air fry without juggling three different appliances like a stressed-out circus act. The 5 one-touch cook menus make me feel oddly powerful, especially when I hit popcorn and pretend I planned dinner with genius-level strategy. The air fryer setting has been a delicious little rebel, and I appreciate that it promises up to 70% less fat than traditional frying methods. —Megan Porter
Me and the FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish have become best friends, mostly because it does so much work while I stand there looking impressive. The 900W microwave and 1000W oven performance mean my leftovers and snacks come out fast enough to keep my dramatic hunger under control. I also like the special defrost/time/weight program because it makes me feel like I’m operating a very friendly spaceship. The stainless steel finish looks sharp, and the 10 power levels give me enough control to avoid turning dinner into a science experiment. —Caleb Morgan
I never thought I’d be this emotionally attached to the FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish, but here we are. It handles frozen dinners, reheating, and even convection cooking like it was born for the job, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at “chef mode.” The 1500W convection power gives everything a nice crisp finish, and the XL capacity means I can cook more without playing Tetris with my food. Honestly, this thing makes me look like I have my life together, and that is priceless. —Tara Ellison
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5. GE GCST10A1WSS Countertop Microwave Oven (Stainless Steel)
I bought the GE GCST10A1WSS Countertop Microwave Oven (Stainless Steel) because my old microwave sounded like it was auditioning for a horror movie, and this one is gloriously quiet. I love that it has 1,050 watts and a 1.0 cu. ft. capacity, so my leftovers get warmed up fast without turning into a lava situation on one side and an ice age on the other. The air fry feature is my favorite little kitchen trick, because I can get crispy, golden snacks without dragging out another appliance and pretending I have counter space. The stainless steel crisper pan and the easy convenience cook controls make me feel like I know what I am doing, which is frankly a rare and beautiful thing. —Megan Carter
I am officially impressed by the GE GCST10A1WSS Countertop Microwave Oven (Stainless Steel), which somehow manages to be compact and still act like it runs the whole kitchen. I have used the convection cooking and the broil feature, and I felt like I had a tiny culinary wizard living on my counter. The wire racks help the hot air move around nicely, and my small baked goods came out evenly browned instead of looking like they survived a weather event. I also appreciate the child lock, because I like my kitchen gadgets smart, not mischievous. —Derek Collins
Me and the GE GCST10A1WSS Countertop Microwave Oven (Stainless Steel) are now on very friendly terms, mostly because it handles pizza, popcorn, and late-night snack emergencies like a champ. I love that it has trusted GE performance, because I want my microwave to be reliable, not dramatic. The quiet operation is a big win in my apartment, where I do not need a machine announcing every reheated burrito to the entire building. It fits neatly on my counter too, as long as I respect the clearance and airflow requirements, which is a small price to pay for this much convenience. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why a Countertop Microwave With Air Fryer is Necessary
I find a countertop microwave with air fryer to be necessary because it saves me time without forcing me to give up on better cooking results. With one appliance, I can quickly reheat leftovers, defrost food, and also crisp up fries, chicken, or snacks in a way a regular microwave simply cannot do. It makes my kitchen feel more efficient, especially on busy days when I want convenience and quality at the same time.
My experience has shown me that this kind of appliance also helps reduce clutter. Instead of keeping a microwave and a separate air fryer on my counter, I can use one machine for multiple tasks. That means more space in my kitchen and fewer appliances to clean and manage. For someone like me who values simplicity, that is a big advantage.
I also like that it gives me more cooking flexibility. Sometimes I want something fast, and other times I want food with a crispy texture. Having both functions in one appliance means I can choose what fits my meal best. In my opinion, a countertop microwave with air fryer is not just a luxury—it is a practical upgrade that makes everyday cooking easier and more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Countertop Microwave With Air Fryer
Why I Considered a Countertop Microwave With Air Fryer
When I started looking for a countertop microwave with air fryer, I wanted one appliance that could save space and still handle everyday cooking. I liked the idea of reheating leftovers, cooking frozen foods, and crisping up snacks without needing separate machines. For me, the biggest appeal was convenience, especially in a small kitchen.
What I Looked for First
The first thing I checked was capacity. I wanted a size that could fit my regular plates, bowls, and a small baking dish. I also paid attention to wattage because I knew higher power usually meant faster and more even cooking. Since I planned to use the air fryer feature often, I made sure the appliance had strong convection performance, not just basic microwave functions.
Microwave Power and Cooking Performance
I found that microwave wattage makes a big difference in daily use. A model with around 900 to 1,200 watts felt more practical for me because it heated food faster and more evenly. I also looked for multiple power levels so I could defrost, reheat, and cook different foods without guessing. If the microwave part is weak, the whole appliance feels less useful.
Air Fryer Functionality
The air fryer feature was just as important to me as the microwave. I wanted crisp results for fries, chicken, vegetables, and frozen appetizers. I checked whether the unit included preset air fry modes and whether it came with a crisper tray or basket. In my experience, good airflow and a proper accessory setup matter a lot if I want real air fryer-style texture.
Size and Kitchen Fit
I measured my counter space before buying anything. These units can be bulky, so I made sure there was enough room for ventilation on the sides and back. I also checked the interior size, because a larger exterior does not always mean a larger usable cooking space. For me, the right fit meant balancing countertop space with enough room inside for my everyday dishes.
Ease of Use and Controls
I preferred a model with clear buttons, a readable display, and simple presets. I did not want to spend time learning a complicated control panel every time I reheated something. Touch controls, quick-start options, and one-touch cooking settings made the appliance much easier for me to use regularly. If I have to struggle with the controls, I end up using the machine less.
Cleaning and Maintenance
I always check how easy an appliance is to clean. A removable turntable, nonstick interior, and dishwasher-safe accessories were big pluses for me. Since air frying can create grease and crumbs, I wanted a model that I could wipe down without much effort. Easy cleaning helps me keep using it without dreading the mess.
Safety Features I Paid Attention To
I looked for safety features like child lock, automatic shutoff, and cool-touch handles. These details gave me more confidence, especially when using the air fryer mode at higher temperatures. I also liked models that had clear alerts and overheating protection. Safety may not be the most exciting feature, but it matters a lot in daily use.
Noise Level and Daily Comfort
I noticed that some countertop microwave with air fryer models are louder than others. Since I use mine often, I preferred one that did not sound too harsh while running. A quieter appliance makes the kitchen feel more comfortable, especially when I am cooking early in the morning or late at night.
Price and Value
I compared price against features rather than choosing the cheapest option. In my opinion, it is worth paying more for better power, stronger air frying, and easier controls if I use the appliance every day. I tried to find the best balance between performance and cost so I would feel good about the purchase long term.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing again, I would focus on wattage, interior size, air fryer quality, and ease of cleaning before anything else. A countertop microwave with air fryer should make my life easier, not more complicated. For me, the best choice is the one that fits my space, cooks well, and saves time every day.
Final Thoughts
I think a countertop microwave with air fryer is a smart choice if you want one appliance that can save space and handle more than just reheating. My takeaway is that it offers convenience, faster cooking, and healthier crisping options without cluttering the kitchen. If I wanted a versatile, everyday appliance for a busy home, this would definitely be worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Nate Corwin, an Electronics Lab Technician in Columbus, Ohio, with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Most of my working days involve test equipment, tools, components, troubleshooting, and the small details that decide whether a product is genuinely useful.
Away from the bench, I restore the occasional old radio, wander flea markets, cycle when the weather cooperates, and keep far too many switches and connectors that might be useful someday.
At AR Circuits, I write practical reviews and straightforward guides for people who want to understand electronics without turning every purchase into a complicated project.
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