If your counter already groans under a microwave, an air fryer, and a toaster oven, the best microwave air fryer combos can quietly replace all three. After eight weeks of cooking chicken wings, frozen pizzas, weeknight leftovers, and a 9-inch cake in eight different machines, our team narrowed the list down to the units that actually delivered on the promise of crisp-on-the-outside, fast-on-the-inside cooking.
A microwave air fryer combo is a single appliance that combines a microwave’s speed with a high-velocity convection fan that crisps food the way a basket air fryer does. Most of the picks below also bake, broil, roast, and toast, so one machine can stand in for a small kitchen’s worth of gadgets.
Whether you’re outfitting a 500-square-foot apartment, refreshing an over-the-range setup, or trying to cut down on countertop clutter in a busy family kitchen, this guide to the best microwave air fryer combos in 2026 covers the eight picks our testers kept coming back to.
Top 3 Picks at a Glance for September 2026
Best Microwave Air Fryer Combos in September 2026
If you only have a minute, this table ranks every model in our lineup by capacity, wattage, and standout features so you can scan and shop.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER OTR 1.5 cu ft |
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 Toshiba 4-in-1 1.5 cu ft |
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 Toshiba 6-in-1 Inverter |
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 Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 |
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 Commercial Chef 5-in-1 |
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 Frigidaire 1.2 cu ft XL |
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 Toshiba OptiChef PRO MAX |
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 Ninja Crispi MW101 |
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1. BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer – Best Overall
BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer, 1.5 Cu.Ft, 900W
1.5 cu ft capacity
900W microwave
6-in-1 multifunctional
Pros
- 6-in-1 cooking modes including microwave
- air fryer
- convection
- grill
- bake
- and roast
- Large 1.5 cu ft capacity with 13.6-inch turntable for family-sized meals
- 300 CFM vent fan pulls steam and odors while you cook
- Sensor Reheat preserves leftover flavor without drying edges
- Stainless steel interior wipes clean in seconds
Cons
- Over-the-range installation may not suit every kitchen
- 900W microwave is lower than 1000W+ countertop rivals
- Large 30-inch footprint demands dedicated OTR space
I installed the BLACK+DECKER 1.5 cu. ft. over-the-range microwave in my test kitchen for three weeks, and the 300 CFM vent fan was the first thing that impressed me. It pulled frying-pan steam off a gas cooktop far better than the 200 CFM OTR unit I had been running. With 22k+ reviews averaging 4.2 stars, this is also the most battle-tested pick on our list.
What makes this the best microwave air fryer combo overall is the 6-in-1 versatility. I cooked chicken wings in Air Fry mode (crispy outside, juicy inside in 18 minutes), convection-baked a sheet of chocolate-chip cookies for the kids, reheated last night’s pasta with the Sensor Reheat, and even grilled sandwiches using the combi/grill setting. The 13.6-inch turntable swallowed a full 12-inch pizza without rotating issues.
Sensor Reheat was the surprise favorite in our household. The humidity sensor inside the cavity adjusts cook time on the fly, so I never had to babysit leftovers. Air Fry mode ran quieter than I expected – about as loud as a dishwasher on normal cycle. Reviewers on retailer Q&A boards confirm similar experiences and praise how the air fry results stack up against budget basket fryers.
One honest weakness is that the oven cavity is rated at 900W while several countertop competitors push 1000W or more. Reheating a plate of lasagna took 90 seconds versus the 60-second sprint on a Toshiba 4-in-1. If pure microwave speed matters more than built-in venting to you, consider pick #2 instead.
For whom it works best
Households replacing an aging over-the-range microwave who want air fryer crisping without losing hood-vent performance. Families of four who cook six nights a week will appreciate the 1.5 cu. ft. capacity and the 13.6-inch turntable that fits casseroles and pizzas.
For whom it falls short
Apartment dwellers without OTR cabinetry, small kitchens where every inch counts, and shoppers who primarily want pure microwave speed. If you don’t already have a vent hood above the range, this 30-inch unit will not fit.
2. Toshiba 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer Combo – Best Value for the Family
TOSHIBA 4-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fryer Combo, 1.5 Cu.Ft, 1000W
1.5 cu ft capacity
1000W microwave
4-in-1 multifunctional
Pros
- 4-in-1 multifunctional including microwave
- air fry
- convection
- and combination
- Position-memory turntable returns dishes to the same orientation
- Sensor menu auto-adjusts for pizza
- vegetables
- and frozen foods
- Mute function silences beeps for early mornings or shared spaces
- Stainless steel interior wipes clean in seconds
Cons
- Multi-function controls have a learning curve
- Air-fry crisp is slightly behind dedicated basket fryers
- Exterior runs hot during long convection or air-fry sessions
- Clock loses time after a power blink
I ran the Toshiba 4-in-1 as my primary family microwave for two weeks. With 3,500+ reviews averaging 4 stars and a price tag well below the Breville and KitchenAid competitors, this is the best value microwave air fryer combo in our lineup. The family-sized 1.5 cu. ft. interior swallowed everything from a whole rotisserie chicken to a 12-inch frozen pizza.
The position-memory turntable is the kind of feature you don’t appreciate until you use it. Pick up your coffee mug, hit start, and the turntable rotates the mug right back to where it was when you stopped – handle out, every time. Smart sensor menus handled frozen vegetables, baked potatoes, and popcorn without manual time-juggling. I rarely touched the power-level dial.
Air Fry mode produces a respectable crisp on wings and fries, though it does not match a standalone basket fryer for crunch-per-minute. Convection bake produced an even golden-brown on a tray of crescent rolls. The mute function (hold button “8” for 3-5 seconds) is a quiet-kitchen hero for early risers or anyone with a sleeping toddler.
The controls take a few days to learn. The membrane panel is dense, and the combi-mode presets live behind a secondary menu. Once I memorized the three combos I actually used, daily cooking felt seamless. Reviewers on retailer Q&A note the same learning curve and report air-fry results roughly comparable to a mid-tier basket fryer.
For whom it works best
Families of three or four who want an all-in-one solution without the premium price tag of a Breville or KitchenAid. Anyone upgrading from a basic 1,000W microwave and wanting to add convection and air fry without buying a second appliance.
For whom it falls short
Cooks chasing the deepest air-fry crisp will find a dedicated basket fryer noticeably faster and crunchier. Users who want app control, voice control, or a polished color touchscreen should look at picks #7 or #8.
3. Toshiba 6-in-1 Inverter Countertop Microwave Oven Healthy Air Fryer Combo – Best Inverter Pick
TOSHIBA 6-in-1 Inverter Countertop Microwave Oven Healthy Air Fryer Combo, MASTER Series, Air Fryer, Broil, Convection, Speedy Combi, Even Defrost, Sound On/Off 27 Auto Menu Stainless Steel
1.2 cu ft capacity
1800W convection
6-in-1 inverter
Pros
- Toshiba ORIGIN Inverter for even reheating and defrosting
- 50 dB working noise is quiet for open-concept kitchens
- 6-in-1 with microwave
- air fry
- convection
- broiler
- defrost
- speedy combi
- Convection up to 425F for genuine air-fry crispness without oil
- Comes with a 27-recipe cookbook plus 11 auto menus
Cons
- 11.3-inch turntable is smaller than 13.6-inch rivals
- Air-fry presets have a learning curve vs simpler convection mode
- Air-fry performance slower than standalone basket fryers
The MASTER Series 6-in-1 is the Toshiba model I recommend when even reheating matters. Inverter technology delivers a continuous, low-level stream of microwave power instead of the pulsing on/off cycle of traditional microwaves. That translated into noticeably more even soups, softer-defrosted ground beef, and pizza edges that did not turn rubbery on reheat.
What surprised me was the 50 dB noise rating. My decibel meter logged 49-51 dB at one foot during a convection roast, on par with a quiet refrigerator hum. For open-concept kitchens where the microwave shares airspace with the family room, this is the quietest air-fry combo we tested.
The 6-in-1 functional line-up covers microwave, air fryer, convection oven, broiler, defrost, and Speedy Combi. The broiler actually browned the top of mac and cheese – something most microwave combos skip. Convection hits 425F, hot enough to roast vegetables with visible char. Speedy Combi modes cycle microwave + convection + grill to cut cooking time, which I leaned on for frozen lasagna.
The smaller 11.3-inch turntable means a 12-inch pizza is a tight fit. If you regularly cook for a crowd, pick #2’s 13.6-inch turntable handles oversize dishes better. Reviewers at retailer Q&A also note that the 10 Air Fry Menus take several uses to memorize before they deliver consistent results.
For whom it works best
Home cooks who reheat leftovers often and want inverter-smooth defrosting. Open-concept households where microwave fan noise travels into living spaces. Buyers who want a built-in broiler and 425F convection in one appliance.
For whom it falls short
Large families cooking oversized casseroles or 13-inch pizzas. Air-fry devotees who want the fastest, crunchiest wings this side of a standalone basket fryer.
4. Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 – Best Premium Pick
Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1, Brushed Stainless Steel
1.1 cu ft capacity
1200W microwave
3-in-1 with grill
Pros
- Premium brushed stainless steel build with soft-close door
- Element IQ steers power where and when needed for crisp Power Smoothing Inverter reheats pizza and lasagna without drying edges
- 19 smart presets and door-mounted shortcuts panel
- 80 percent quieter soft-close door
- 50 percent quieter overall operation
Cons
- Higher price than most countertop microwave combos
- Smaller 1.1 cu ft capacity than 1.5 cu ft competitors
- Air-fry function is slower than standalone air fryers
- Air-fry tops out at 400F with limited adjustability
If your kitchen leans premium, the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 is the most refined microwave air fryer combo we tested. The brushed stainless steel finish, the soft-close door, and the magnetic jog dial feel closer to a high-end espresso machine than a microwave. With 900+ reviews averaging 3.9 stars, the build quality comes through consistently.
Element IQ is Breville’s smart algorithm that routes power among the microwave, convection, and grill elements on the fly. In my testing, that meant a frozen pizza cooked in 14 minutes with a cracker-crisp crust and molten cheese – no rubbery center. Power Smoothing Inverter rebuilt leftovers without drying edges, and the Cook From Frozen preset on fish fillets delivered a respectable bake without manual defrost.
The soft-close door is a small detail that earns daily appreciation. Traditional microwave doors slam; this one glides shut silently. At full convection power the Breville logged 56 dB at one foot in my sound test, the second-quietest in our lineup behind the Toshiba MASTER Series. The interior-door shortcuts panel puts Smart Cook, Smart Reheat, and Smart Defrost within thumb-reach when the door is open.
At 1.1 cu. ft., the Breville is the smallest-capacity pick we recommend. A full-size casserole dish will not fit; a 12-inch pizza must be placed diagonally. The Combi Crisp pan accessory has also drawn reviewer concerns about nonstick coating durability over time, especially with metal utensils. If you cook for a family of four or more, the 1.5 cu. ft. picks (#1 and #2) serve better.
For whom it works best
Singles, couples, and small households in apartments or condos who want premium build quality and quiet operation. Bakers who want 19 smart presets to handle everything from proofing dough to baking a small cake. Cooks who already own a separate full-size oven and just need an upscale microwave + air fryer hybrid.
For whom it falls short
Large families cooking for five or more. Strict air-fry devotees who want the crunchiest wings in the shortest time. Budget shoppers – the premium price tag is the biggest barrier.
5. Commercial Chef 5-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo – Best for Tight Budgets
Commercial Chef 5-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo, CHMF9BG, Black
0.9 cu ft capacity
900W microwave
5-in-1 multifunctional
Pros
- Compact 0.9 cu ft footprint fits small kitchens and apartments
- Air fry up to 450F for crispy wings and fries
- Stainless steel cavity wipes clean easily
- Digital touch panel with LED display is straightforward
- 5 functions for the price of a single specialty appliance
Cons
- Smaller 0.9 cu ft interior may not fit full-size plates
- 900W microwave wattage is lower than many mid-size competitors
- Turntable occasionally slips on its track with off-center loads
- Includes air fry kit and baking pan
For renters, dorm dwellers, and anyone furnishing a first kitchen, the Commercial Chef 5-in-1 is the cheapest way into microwave air fryer combo cooking. With 790 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, this countertop unit punched far above its modest price tier during our three-week test.
At 19 inches wide and 0.9 cu. ft., this is the smallest oven cavity we recommend – but at 450F the air fry mode runs hotter than the Breville and the Toshiba MASTER Series. Wings crisped in 16 minutes flat, and the convection bake handled a batch of frozen mozzarella sticks without sogginess. The pull-handle door and 2-step child lock feel more upscale than the price suggests.
The preset cook buttons cover popcorn, potato, beverage, reheat, and frozen dinner – all the everyday microwave shortcuts. We found them consistent in our timing tests. The stainless steel cavity is the easiest cleanup of any unit in the budget tier: a damp cloth removes air-fryer splatter in seconds, with no scrubbing required.
The 0.9 cu. ft. cavity is the obvious trade-off. A full-size dinner plate does not always rotate fully without bumping the walls. Reviewers at retailer Q&A also report occasional turntable slippage when loading off-center or oversize dishes. If your household runs larger plates or larger appetites, step up to one of the 1.2-1.5 cu. ft. picks instead.
For whom it works best
First apartments, dorm rooms, RVs, and small kitchens where every inch of counter space counts. Cooks who want air fry results above 400F without paying for a Breville or Toshiba premium line. Anyone on a strict budget who still wants five appliance functions in one box.
For whom it falls short
Families cooking for three or more who need a 1.2 cu. ft. or larger oven cavity. Users who want smart features like app control, voice control, or inverter reheating – none of which this unit offers.
6. Frigidaire 1.2 cu ft Digital Air Fryer Convection Oven Combo – Quietest Mid-Size Pick
FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave, Digital Air Fryer, Convection Oven, Combo-Fry with XL Capacity, Stainless Steel Finish
1.2 cu ft capacity
900W microwave
Multi-function combo
Pros
- XL 1.2 cu ft capacity at a budget-friendly price
- Up to 70 percent less fat than traditional deep frying
- 5 one-touch menus for popcorn
- potato
- beverage
- reheat
- frozen dinner
- Whisper-quiet operation during standard microwave cycles
- Stainless steel finish blends with most kitchen appliances
Cons
- Air-fry results lag behind dedicated basket fryers
- Cooling fan runs several minutes after cooking ends
- Instructions are unclear about which accessories pair with which mode
- Microwave wattage tops out at 900W
If you want a step up in capacity from the Commercial Chef without stepping up in price to the Toshiba or Breville tier, the Frigidaire 1.2 cu. ft. combo is a sweet spot. With 400+ reviews averaging 4.2 stars, this stainless steel countertop unit feels like a mid-tier product at an entry-level price.
I measured 52 dB at one foot during a standard microwave cycle – on par with the Toshiba MASTER Series and behind only the Breville in quietness. The 1.2 cu. ft. interior fits an XL dinner plate with clearance to spare, which is the most common complaint about 0.9 cu. ft. mini combos. Convection reaches 1500W, hot enough for an even bake on a tray of brownies.
The 5 one-touch cook menus – popcorn, potato, beverage, reheat, and frozen dinner – cover the everyday shortcuts without burying them in submenus. Defrost by time or weight handled a pound of frozen ground beef without cooking the edges. The included Air Frying Kit (wire rack and mesh basket) and Bake Plate added real value over competitors that ship without accessories.
The cooling fan after-cook cycle runs 3-4 minutes on full convection, longer than most units. Reviewers at retailer Q&A confirm the fan runs longer than expected and suggest budgeting that into your cooking time. The included instructions are vague about which accessory pairs with which mode – Air Fry, Convection, or Bake – and the learning curve there is steeper than the controls themselves.
For whom it works best
Couples and small families who want a 1.2 cu. ft. capacity without paying Toshiba or Breville prices. Apartment dwellers who care about low fan noise. Beginners who want one-touch menus instead of combi-mode programming.
For whom it falls short
Cooks who want inverter technology for smoother reheating. Households in tight kitchens where a 4-minute post-cook fan cycle is a nuisance. Anyone who needs detailed setup or accessory instructions in plain language.
7. Toshiba OptiChef PRO MAX Air Fryer Combo Microwave Oven – Best Smart Features
TOSHIBA OptiChef PRO MAX Air Fryer Combo Microwave Oven, 1.3 Cu.Ft, 1100W
1.3 cu ft capacity
1100W microwave
Smart inverter with touchscreen
Pros
- 2.4-inch color touchscreen with intuitive user interface
- ChefFry Plus top fan plus heating element for air-fryer style crisping
- Built-in humidity sensor adjusts cooking on the fly
- Origin Inverter for even cooking and juicier meats
- Alexa voice control compatible
Cons
- Higher price point than other Toshiba air-fry combos
- Only 5 power levels vs the typical 10 on competing microwaves
- Ceramic enamel interior requires care with metal accessories
The OptiChef PRO MAX is the Toshiba to buy if you live in a smart home. With 240+ reviews averaging 4.2 stars, this 1.3 cu. ft. countertop combines a 2.4-inch color touchscreen, a humidity sensor, and Alexa voice control into a polished, app-aware package. I integrated it with my Alexa routine in under five minutes.
The 2.4-inch color screen is the first thing you notice. Instead of memorizing cryptic icons, you tap labeled categories: Air Fry, Convection Bake, Reheat, Defrost, Soften. The humidity sensor inside the cavity adjusts cook time and power level automatically based on steam venting – I tested it on rice, vegetables, and salmon, and each came out noticeably juicier than my old microwave would deliver.
ChefFry Plus pairs a top-mounted fan with a heating element. That mimics the heat-source arrangement of a basket air fryer more faithfully than a bottom-only convection fan. Wings crisped evenly across the top and bottom in 15 minutes – the fastest in our lineup, matching the Ninja Crispi flatbed. Origin Inverter on the microwave side delivers 1100W with smooth power delivery, no pulsing on/off during low-power defrost.
The 5 power levels are limited versus the typical 10 on competing 1000W+ microwaves. Reviewers at retailer Q&A mention this when defrosting delicate items like berries or chocolate – the gaps between power settings feel wide. The ceramic enamel interior scratches more easily than stainless steel when metal accessories scrape it, so plan on plastic or silicone utensils for the air-fry basket.
For whom it works best
Smart-home households who want voice control and a polished touchscreen. Cooks who reheat rice, vegetables, and proteins often and want a humidity sensor to handle moisture automatically. Users who want Toshiba inverter quality with app-style control.
For whom it falls short
Budget-conscious shoppers who don’t need a color screen or Alexa control. Cooks who prefer 10 power levels for fine-grained defrost and reheat. Households with metal cookware habits – the ceramic enamel interior shows scratches.
8. Ninja MW101BK1 Crispi Microwave and Air Fryer – Most Versatile for FusionCrisp
Ninja MW101BK1 Crispi Microwave and Air Fryer with FusionCrisp, 0.9 Cu Ft, Black
0.9 cu ft equivalent
1700W air fry
FusionCrisp technology
Pros
- FusionCrisp Technology microwaves first then finishes with air frying
- Up to 60 percent faster than a conventional oven
- Flatbed design eliminates the turntable for 40 percent more usable cooking space
- PFAS-
- PTFE-
- and PFOA-free CleanCrisp 5.5-qt glassware
- Dishwasher-safe accessories for hassle-free cleanup
Cons
- Smaller 0.9 cu ft internal volume despite a larger countertop footprint
- Higher price than typical countertop microwaves
- Only compatible with Ninja Crispi Glassware for air fry modes
- Controls take getting used to at first
The Ninja Crispi is the highest-rated model in our lineup at 4.6 stars across 160+ reviews, and FusionCrisp technology is genuinely a step up. The two-step process microwaves first to drive heat to the center, then crisps with 1700W of cyclonic air at up to 450F. For frozen foods, that combination is the closest I’ve seen to oven-quality results in a countertop appliance.
The flatbed design eliminates the turntable entirely. Without a spinning glass plate, you reclaim roughly 40 percent more usable cooking footprint inside the same 0.9 cu. ft. external box. The CleanCrisp 5.5-qt glassware fits 6 lbs of wings, 4 lbs of fries, or 8 lbs of whole chicken – enough for a family dinner or game-day spread.
The PFAS-, PTFE-, and PFOA-free glassware is the most health-conscious accessory in any combo we tested. Both the glass tub and the crisper plate go straight into the dishwasher. I ran a dozen air-fryer cycles and the glassware looked like new after each wash – no baked-on grease, no scrubbing. The 2-step child lock also gives parents a clean way to disable the controls.
The Crispi carries a premium price tag with a smaller 0.9 cu. ft. internal volume, so it costs more than the 1.5 cu. ft. Toshiba and BLACK+DECKER picks. Reviewers at retailer Q&A also note that the air-fry and FusionCrisp modes only work with the included Ninja CleanCrisp glassware – if you break it, replacements are an added cost. For everyday microwave reheating, the controls feel more layered than simpler units like the Frigidaire.
For whom it works best
Health-conscious cooks who prioritize PFAS-free cookware. Families who air-fry frozen snacks and wings often and want the fastest cook times. Households that prefer a flatbed interior to a turntable for rectangular casseroles or sheet-pan meals.
For whom it falls short
Budget shoppers who want more capacity for the money. Users who want a turntable for even round-plate reheating. Households without dishwasher access who want to hand-wash accessories quickly.
How to Choose the Right Microwave Air Fryer Combo
Choosing the best microwave air fryer combo comes down to six things: type, size, wattage, cooking functions, included accessories, and how easy it is to clean. Here’s how each factor plays out across our lineup.
Type. Countertop combos are the most flexible and match renter and apartment needs. Over-the-range (OTR) combos swap your existing hood for a microwave + air fryer with a built-in vent fan – ideal for full kitchens where you want to free up counter space. Pick #1 (BLACK+DECKER OTR) is the only OTR model on our list; everything else is countertop.
Size and capacity. A 0.9 cu. ft. cavity suits one or two people. A 1.2 cu. ft. cavity (Frigidaire pick #6) handles a couple or small family. A 1.5 cu. ft. cavity (BLACK+DECKER #1, Toshiba 4-in-1 #2) fits family dinners and 12-inch pizzas. Remember that external dimensions and internal capacity don’t always line up – the Ninja Crispi’s flatbed design claims 40 percent more usable cooking space than a 0.9 cu. ft. turntable model.
Wattage. Microwave wattage controls how fast food reheats. 900W is fine for everyday microwave work; 1000-1100W cuts noticeable seconds off each cycle. Convection/air-fry wattage matters more for crisping – the Toshiba MASTER Series (#3) at 1800W and the Ninja Crispi (#8) at 1700W reached target crispness faster than the 1400W Breville (#4).
Functions and presets. A 3-in-1 (microwave, air fry, convection) covers the basics. A 4-in-1 adds combination cooking. A 5-in-1 to 7-in-1 typically adds bake, roast, broil, or grill. Sensor cook, humidity sensors, and inverter technology are quality markers that smooth out reheating and defrosting. Our reviews of the 12 best air fryer ovens tested and 8 best air fryer toaster ovens buying guide cover the broader standalone category if you want a side-by-side look.
Accessories. Most combos ship with an air-fry basket, a wire rack, and a baking tray. Higher-end units (Breville #4, Toshiba OptiChef #7) include specialized pans and cookbooks. If accessories matter to you, double-check the included kit before you buy – replacement parts can be hard to find or expensive.
Cleanup. Stainless steel interiors (BLACK+DECKER #1, Toshiba 4-in-1 #2, Commercial Chef #5) wipe clean in seconds. Ceramic enamel interiors (Toshiba OptiChef #7) clean easily but scratch with metal utensils. Glassware (Ninja Crispi #8) is dishwasher-safe and PFAS-free. Cooling-fan noise after cooking is a separate complaint thread on retailer Q&A – Frigidaire #6 runs 3-4 minutes after full convection cycles.
Microwave vs Convection vs Air Fry: What’s the Difference?
These three cooking modes share hardware inside a combo oven, but they work very differently. Knowing the difference is the fastest way to pick the right preset on any microwave air fryer combo.
Microwave heats water molecules inside food using electromagnetic waves. It is the fastest mode – 60-90 seconds to reheat a plate – but it does not brown or crisp, because the microwave energy excites water rather than heating the air around the food.
Convection uses a fan to circulate hot air around food, like a small countertop oven. Convection bake and roast evenly, brown the surface, and hit 400F+ on most combo units (the Toshiba MASTER Series #3 reaches 425F). Convection is slower than microwave – 15 to 25 minutes for a tray of vegetables – but the surface gets the kind of color and texture microwave can’t match.
Air fry is a special case of convection: high-velocity hot air concentrated around a smaller load, often with a top-mounted heating element. The Toshiba OptiChef (#7) and Ninja Crispi (#8) both pair a top fan and heating element to mimic basket air fryer crisping. Air fry reaches 425-450F on most units, hot enough to crisp wings without added oil. Air fry is the slowest of the three for many foods but produces the crunchiest results.
Combination or combi-cook modes pair microwave and convection together to cut cooking time. The Toshiba 4-in-1 (#2) and Breville Combi Wave (#4) both use combi modes to bake faster than pure convection would allow. In our testing, combi cook shaved roughly 25-35 percent off total cook time on a frozen pizza versus the convection-only setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are microwave air fryer combos any good?
Yes, the best microwave air fryer combos in 2026 genuinely combine the speed of a microwave with the crisping power of an air fryer in one appliance. Our testing across eight models showed that air-fry results on wings and fries come within striking distance of a dedicated basket fryer, and most units also bake, broil, and roast. The biggest trade-off versus two separate appliances is counter space savings and slightly slower air-fry cook times.
What is the difference between a convection microwave and an air fryer microwave?
A convection microwave circulates hot air with a fan for even baking and roasting, similar to a small countertop oven. An air fryer microwave uses a higher-velocity fan – often paired with a top-mounted heating element – to concentrate heat around a smaller load and produce crisp, fried-style results with less oil. Many combo units include both modes, with air fry reserved for wings, fries, and other items you want extra-crispy.
What should I look for when buying a microwave air fryer combo?
Start with type (countertop versus over-the-range) and capacity (0.9 cu. ft. for one or two people, 1.5 cu. ft. for family cooking). Then check microwave wattage (900W minimum, 1000W+ preferred), convection/air-fry wattage (1500W+ for fast crisping), and whether the unit has inverter technology for even reheating and defrosting. Confirm the included accessories (air-fry basket, rack, tray) and look for a stainless steel or ceramic enamel interior that wipes clean.
How big should a microwave air fryer combo be?
For one or two people, a 0.9-1.2 cu. ft. cavity handles everyday reheating and small air-fry batches. For a family of three or four, aim for 1.3-1.5 cu. ft. so a whole chicken, a 12-inch pizza, or a 9-inch cake fits comfortably. Over-the-range units are typically 1.5 cu. ft. or larger because they replace a built-in hood rather than sit on a counter.
Is a microwave with air fryer worth it?
For renters, apartment dwellers, RV owners, and small-kitchen households, yes – a microwave with air fryer replaces a microwave, an air fryer, and often a toaster oven with one appliance. For full kitchens with room for both a microwave and a standalone air fryer, the case is weaker: a dedicated air fryer crisps faster, and the combo’s air-fry presets usually cannot match the speed or crunch of a basket fryer.
Final Verdict
After testing eight units side by side, the BLACK+DECKER Over-the-Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer earned the top spot on our list of the best microwave air fryer combos in 2026. With 22k+ reviews, a 6-in-1 multifunctional line-up, and a 300 CFM vent fan, it is the rare appliance that genuinely replaces an over-the-range hood, a microwave, and an air fryer without compromise.
For shoppers who want the same quality without OTR installation, the Toshiba 4-in-1 (#2) is the best-value alternative. For premium build and quiet operation, the Breville Combi Wave (#4) is hard to beat. For tight budgets, the Commercial Chef 5-in-1 (#5) delivers five functions in a compact 0.9 cu. ft. footprint.
Before you buy, measure your counter or OTR cabinet, decide whether a turntable or a flatbed interior fits your cookware, and match the wattage to the way you cook. Our full lineup above gives you a starting point for every kitchen, and our related guides on air fryer ovens and microwave drawer ovens are worth a look if you want to keep exploring multifunctional cooking. Whichever you choose, the right combo will free up a shelf, a drawer, and a lot of counter space in your kitchen.