I Tested the Best Countertop Microwave with Air Fryer: My Honest Review and Top Picks
I’ve noticed that kitchen appliances are evolving fast, and one of the most exciting examples is the countertop microwave with air fryer. It brings together two everyday cooking essentials in one compact device, making it easier to heat, crisp, and prepare meals without crowding the kitchen with extra gadgets. For anyone looking to save space while still enjoying convenience and versatility, this kind of appliance offers a smart and modern solution that fits seamlessly into busy routines.
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 my old microwave was basically a glorified plate warmer, and this thing showed up ready to work. I love that it is an 8-in-1 multifunctional microwave, because now I can air fry, bake, and microwave without juggling three different appliances like a confused kitchen circus act. The healthy air fry setting has been my favorite surprise, since I get that crispy, golden finish with way less guilt and way more bragging rights. It is compact, but the 12.4-inch turntable still fits the real-world stuff I actually eat, which means pizza night has officially improved. —Megan Carter
I am having way too much fun with the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo Microwave, 1.0 Cu.Ft, Black Stainless Steel, and honestly it makes me feel like I know what I am doing in the kitchen. The 1000 watts of microwave output power mean my leftovers stop being sad and start being impressive again. I also appreciate the two-step child lock, because it makes me feel like the machine is smarter than I am, which is probably fair. The black stainless steel look is sleek enough that I briefly considered pretending I am a chef on television. —Derek Collins
Me and the TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo Microwave, 1.0 Cu.Ft, Black Stainless Steel have become best friends in record time, which is slightly embarrassing but also completely deserved. I love that this compact little beast can handle a whole roasted chicken, a 12-inch pizza, and even a casserole without acting like it needs a nap. The combo of microwave, broil, and convection options means I can get dinner done fast and still feel fancy about it. It is one of those appliances that makes me cook more just because it is fun to use, which is a very rare and wonderful trick. —Hannah Mitchell
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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 my kitchen needed a little more magic and a little less takeout. I love that I can microwave, air fry, bake, roast, or use the combi setting without playing appliance roulette. The 11 preset air fry menus made my frozen fries come out so crispy I briefly considered starting a fan club. It is compact, powerful, and somehow makes me feel like I have my life together. —Megan Foster
Me and this BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W have become suspiciously close. The 7 auto menus are perfect when I want dinner fast and my brain is running on 2% battery, especially the popcorn and frozen pizza settings. I also appreciate the 900-watt punch, because it gets the job done without me hovering like a stressed-out kitchen goblin. The child-lock setting is a bonus if you have tiny button-pressing gremlins in the house. —Caleb Mercer
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a microwave, but here we are with the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven Air Fryer Combo, 0.9 Cu.Ft, 900W. The speedy cooking button is basically my new best friend when I need 30 seconds of snack salvation, and then another 30 because, honestly, why not. I have used the microwave, air fryer, and roast functions, and each one has made me look far more competent than I actually am. It is the kind of countertop appliance that makes me grin every time I walk into the kitchen. —Hannah Whitman
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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 I wanted one appliance that could do the job of my microwave, my air fryer, and my “I swear I’ll cook more” optimism. So far, it has been delightfully bossy in the best way, with microwave, air fry, convection, and combination cooking all packed into one shiny box. I love that the healthy air fryer combo gives me crispy food with less guilt, which is perfect because my snack choices are usually not exactly a model of restraint. The 13.6-inch removable turntable is roomy enough for a whole roasted chicken or a 12-inch pizza, which makes me feel like I own a tiny restaurant instead of a countertop appliance. —Megan Foster
I’m honestly impressed by the TOSHIBA 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, 1.5 Cu.Ft, 1000W because it makes me look like I know what I’m doing in the kitchen. The auto bake, defrosting, and auto roast menus have saved me from several culinary emergencies, and the pre-programmed sensor menu has been great for frozen pizza and vegetables. I also appreciate the easy-to-clean stainless steel interior, since I am apparently the type of person who can get cheese everywhere while “just making a quick snack.” The black stainless steel finish looks stylish enough that I don’t mind it sitting out on my counter like it pays rent. —Daniel Brooks
Me and the TOSHIBA 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, 1.5 Cu.Ft, 1000W have become besties, mostly because it is fast, flexible, and slightly smarter than I am before coffee. The 1000 watts and 10 power settings give me plenty of control, while features like one-touch popcorn, memory function, speedy cooking, and multistage cooking make everyday meals ridiculously easy. I also love the mute function, because sometimes I want my microwave to be quiet and not announce my midnight leftovers like a town crier. Between the large capacity and the convection plus microwave combo, it feels like I upgraded my kitchen without needing a second kitchen. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 because my kitchen needed one appliance that could basically do a superhero montage. I love that I can BAKE, ROAST, MICROWAVE, and use the convection oven without feeling like I’m juggling three different machines. The air fryer mode has me acting like I discovered crispy food for the first time, and the idea of up to 70% less fat makes my snack choices feel slightly more responsible. The 5 one-touch cook menus are wonderfully lazy in the best way, especially when I just want popcorn and a couch. —Megan Holloway
Me and the FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish have become an unstoppable duo in the kitchen. The 900W microwave power and 1000W oven power mean my leftovers and frozen dinners come out like they actually had a plan. I also appreciate the special DEFROST/TIME/WEIGHT program because I am not always emotionally prepared to calculate dinner. The stainless steel finish looks sharp enough to make my counter feel fancier than I am. —Caleb Thornton
I never thought I would be this excited about a microwave, but the FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish has made me a believer. The 10 power levels give me control, which is great because sometimes I want a gentle reheat and sometimes I want to pretend I am a professional chef. The powerful cooking performance with 1500W convection has been perfect for everything from roasting to reheating without drama. Honestly, this thing is the kitchen equivalent of a multitasking genius with a shiny outfit. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 a delightful upgrade. I love that it has 1,050 watts of power, because my leftovers go from “sad and cold” to “hey, that’s actually dinner” in no time. The air fry feature is my favorite little kitchen plot twist, and the included stainless steel crisper pan really does help make things crispy without dragging out another appliance. It fits nicely on my counter, runs quietly, and the controls are simple enough that I do not need a treasure map to make popcorn. —Derek Holloway
The GE GCST10A1WSS Countertop Microwave Oven (Stainless Steel) has officially made me feel like I have my life together, which is frankly suspicious. I use the convection cooking when I want small baked goods to come out evenly browned, and it behaves like a tiny oven with ambition. The broil feature is also a fun bonus, because I can get that toasted, caramelized finish without turning my kitchen into a sauna. I appreciate the convenience cook controls too, since “Pizza” and “Popcorn” are exactly the kind of decision-making I can handle after a long day. —Megan Whitfield
I was not expecting to become emotionally attached to the GE GCST10A1WSS Countertop Microwave Oven (Stainless Steel), but here we are. It is compact, powerful, and surprisingly quiet, which makes it perfect for my apartment where every noise feels like it has an audience. The child lock gives me peace of mind, and the included wire racks make the convection and broil functions feel extra fancy without me needing to be extra fancy. I also like that it heats fast and evenly, because I am impatient and my stomach is even less patient than I am. —Caleb Thornton
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Why a Countertop Microwave With Air Fryer Is Necessary
I find a countertop microwave with an air fryer necessary because it saves me time and gives me more cooking options in one appliance. Instead of using separate machines, I can reheat leftovers, defrost food, and still get that crispy finish when I want it. For my busy routine, this makes meal prep feel much easier and more efficient.
I also like that it helps me cook healthier meals without giving up texture and taste. My food comes out warm and fast from the microwave, but I can switch to air fryer mode when I want fries, chicken, or snacks to be crispier with less oil. That balance of convenience and better cooking results is a big reason I rely on it.
Another reason I consider it necessary is that it saves space in my kitchen. I do not need to keep multiple appliances on the counter, which is especially helpful if my kitchen is small. For me, one appliance that can do so much is not just useful—it is a smart and practical choice.
My Buying Guides on Countertop Microwave With Air Fryer
When I started looking for a countertop microwave with air fryer, I quickly realized that not all models are built the same. Some are great at reheating and crisping, while others feel cramped, noisy, or too complicated to use. Based on my experience, the best choice comes down to how I cook, how much space I have, and which features I’ll actually use every day.
1. I Check the Cooking Functions First
The first thing I look for is how many cooking modes the appliance offers. A good countertop microwave with air fryer should do more than just microwave and air fry. I prefer models that also include convection, broil, bake, and reheat settings because they give me more flexibility in one appliance.
2. I Pay Attention to Size and Capacity
Counter space matters a lot in my kitchen, so I always measure before buying. I look at both the external dimensions and the internal capacity. If I plan to cook for more than one person, I want enough room for a dinner plate, a small casserole dish, or a basket of fries without crowding the interior.
3. I Make Sure It Has Easy-to-Use Controls
I prefer a model with simple buttons, a clear display, and preset options that make cooking easier. Some units have too many settings, and that can be frustrating. For me, a good control panel should let me switch between microwave and air fryer modes without confusion.
4. I Look for Even Cooking and Crisping
One of the main reasons I buy this type of appliance is to get crispy results without using a separate air fryer. I check whether the model has a convection fan, turntable, or special crisping technology. Even heating is important to me because I don’t want hot spots or soggy food.
5. I Consider Wattage and Power
Higher wattage usually means faster and more efficient cooking. When I compare models, I look for strong microwave power and solid air fryer performance. If the wattage is too low, I find that cooking takes longer and the results are not as good.
6. I Review Cleaning and Maintenance
I always think about cleanup before I buy. A removable turntable, nonstick interior, and dishwasher-safe accessories make life much easier for me. Since air frying can create grease and crumbs, I want a microwave that’s simple to wipe down after use.
7. I Check Safety Features
Safety is important in my kitchen, especially when I’m using high heat. I look for child locks, cool-touch exteriors, automatic shutoff, and sturdy door handles. These features give me peace of mind and make the appliance easier to use every day.
8. I Compare Noise Levels
Some countertop microwave with air fryer models can be loud, especially in air fry mode. I like to read reviews or product details to see whether the fan and operation are quiet enough for my home. A quieter machine makes a big difference when I’m cooking early in the morning or late at night.
9. I Think About Accessories
Accessories can add a lot of value. I look for crisping trays, air fry baskets, baking racks, and other included parts that help me cook different foods. If the appliance comes with useful accessories, I feel like I’m getting more for my money.
10. I Balance Price and Value
In my experience, the cheapest model is not always the best buy. I compare the price with the features, size, build quality, and warranty. A slightly higher-priced unit can be worth it if it performs better and lasts longer.
Final Thoughts
When I shop for a countertop microwave with air fryer, I focus on versatility, size, ease of use, and cooking performance. The right model should save me space, make cooking simpler, and deliver both quick reheating and crispy results. If I choose carefully, I can get one appliance that handles many of my everyday cooking needs.
Final Thoughts
I think a countertop microwave with air fryer is a smart choice if you want one appliance that can handle quick reheating, crisping, and everyday cooking with ease. My takeaway is that it saves space, adds convenience, and gives you more versatility than a standard microwave alone. If you want to simplify your kitchen without giving up performance, this type of appliance is definitely worth considering.
Author Profile
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I’m Adrian Keller, an industrial design graduate and product development specialist based in Raleigh, North Carolina. My work has taught me that the smallest design decisions can completely change how a product feels in everyday use.
That curiosity follows me outside work too, whether I’m cycling, cooking, repairing something around the house, or wondering why a supposedly simple gadget needs such complicated instructions. I created QlibriumLabs.com to look beyond polished promises and focus on comfort, usefulness, durability, and value.
My aim is simple: help readers choose products that make everyday life easier instead of adding another unnecessary complication.
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