5 Best Microwave Air Fryer Combos, According to Our Testing
These top-rated combo appliances can pop popcorn, air fry chicken wings, and even bake a cake.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
A microwave air fryer combo marries the speed of a microwave with the crispy, golden results of an air fryer—and many models come with extra functions like convection bake, broil, and toast. These versatile appliances aren’t just for reheating popcorn—they’re real time-savers for family meals, especially during busy times like back-to-school season or the holidays. Vegetables can be steamed or par-cooked with the microwave setting and then switched to air fry for a perfectly crisp, golden finish—all without turning on the stove or oven. They’re also great for quick snacks, reheating leftovers, or even small-batch baked goods.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we've put hundreds of small appliances, including these combination appliances, through rigorous testing to find the best of the best. The models below stood out for their speed, versatility, and reliable results, making weeknight recipes easier and snacks perfectly crisp every time.
Best Deal
Pros
- Inverter technology for even heating
- 20 different presets
- Convenient app compatibility
Cons
- Multiple accessories require storing
The newest iteration of the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo is better than ever. It still combines microwave, broiler, convection oven, and air fryer functions in one sleek appliance, but the compatible app takes all the guesswork out of cooking. Select presets like popcorn, and the microwave will automatically run the correct program. The app not only tells you which inserts to use but also comes loaded with recipes developed specifically for this oven.
The original model performed very well in testing. Lab pros were especially impressed with how evenly the convection oven baked a 9-inch yellow cake and how crispy chicken wings were with the air fry function. And, now, you can take your cooking to new heights with the brand's Magic Pot, a three-piece cookware set designed for this microwave. The crispy pot, steam tray, and stainless steel lid let you pan-sear proteins, simmer soups, steam veggies, and even revive leftover pizza.
Features at a Glance
| Dimensions | 22.5" x 26.6" x 19" |
| Wattage | 1,000 watts |
| Size | 1.2 cubic feet |
| Settings | Air fry, convection, bake, broil |
This model features Panasonic's Inverter Technology, which uses a continuous stream of power to heat foods thoroughly. The microwave also offers 20 presets—all of which are at your fingertips in the compatible smartphone app. It comes with a glass tray, an enamel tray, a grill rack, and an air fry basket, all of which fit inside the microwave when not in use. However, when the microwave is in use, many of the pieces need an alternative storage solution, especially if you don't want them lying on your kitchen counter.
Pros
- Great price for the mix of features and performance
- All presets are listed on the control panel
- Great air frying performance
Cons
- Door can be harder to open for some
This microwave air fryer combo is a newer version of the top-tested JES1109RRSS model from GE, which was discontinued so they could upgrade to this model that has a required two-step child lock. (It still has the same settings and features as the original.) It was one of the easiest microwaves to operate in recent Lab testing and costs less than other microwaves of similar performance, making it a great value for everything that it offers.
While most microwaves require the turntable to be in exact alignment on the rotating ring underneath to function, this one will spin regardless of its placement (seriously, a game changer in design). And instead of searching for preset codes, all presets are listed on the front of the microwave for superior ease of use.
| Dimensions | 16.6" x 20.6" x 11.88" |
| Wattage | 1,050 watts |
| Size | 1.0 cubic feet |
| Settings | Microwave, convection, air fry, broil, combi cook |
The original model cooked up perfectly tender baked potatoes and excelled at heat distribution tests, melting cheese evenly, and defrosting meat better than the majority of its competitors. Air-fried chicken wings also came out very moist and juicy. Note that you must press hard to open the microwave while simultaneously pushing the large external button. Additionally, the new safety feature requires you to press the unlock buttons before opening the microwave. However, there is a way to turn off this feature if you don't have children at home.
Pros
- Best heat distribution out of all microwaves tested
- Reheated a large casserole better than any other model tested
- Helpful settings like "sensor cook" and "combi cook"
Cons
- Presets are listed inside microwave
This model from Toshiba is our best overall countertop microwave and offers seven different ways to cook—microwave, air fry, convection, broil, defrost, "sensor cook," and "combi cook"—making it a truly versatile microwave air fryer combo. The "sensor cook" preset utilizes the microwave's built-in humidity sensor to adjust power and cooking time accordingly, while the "combi cook" combines microwave, convection, and broil technology in one multitasking setting.
In recent Lab testing, this microwave had the most even heat distribution out of all microwaves tested. It melted cheese completely and evenly, produced four perfectly cooked baked potatoes, and reheated a large casserole of mac and cheese more evenly than 11 other models we tested. Note that the microwave has presets, such as popcorn, which are listed inside the microwave rather than on the control panel.
| Dimensions | 20.6" x 16.3" x 11.8" |
| Wattage | 1,000 watts |
| Size | 1 cubic foot |
| Settings | Microwave, air fry, broil, convection, combi, pro defrost, sensor cook |
However, if you're looking for a model with fewer cooking settings (but still air fries) at a lower price point, we also recommend the Toshiba 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven.
RELATED: Best Microwave Toaster Oven Combos
Pros
- Great convection and air fry functions
- Attractive model
- Combi setting for multitasking cooking
Cons
- No popcorn setting
Not just a microwave, this model from Breville is also an air fryer and convection oven combined. As its name suggests, the fast combi setting combines microwave, convection, and air frying power to cook food quickly and evenly. While there isn't a popcorn button, there is a frozen food preset, ideal for cooking your favorite frozen meal or veggies. In Lab tests, the air fry setting yielded crispy, juicy, and golden chicken wings, while the convection setting produced a very moist cake.
Features at a Glance
| Dimensions | 20.2" x 20.4" x 12.4" |
| Wattage | 1,400 watts |
| Size | 1.1 cubic feet |
| Settings | Microwave, air fry, convection |
This completely stainless steel model with an easy-to-grasp handle also looks very stylish on your countertop. (It shares the same sleek aesthetic as other Breville appliances.) The backlit digital control panel makes it easy to navigate from one setting to another, once you get the hang of its multifunctional operation. However, be sure to stay close by while it's in operation, as we found the model's alerts to be quiet.
RELATED: Air Fryer vs. Convection Oven: What's the Difference?
Pros
- App is easy to use and navigate
- No microwave turntable to mess with
- The air fry setting yielded great chicken wings
Cons
- Professional installation is recommended
The KitchenAid Over-the-Range Convection Microwave may require professional installation. Still, it's a space-saving upgrade that combines multiple cooking functions—microwave, toast, broil, roast, bake, air fry, and more, while also serving as a built-in ventilation hood for the range. It can also connect to the KitchenAid app for added convenience, making it easier to navigate settings and access recipes.
This model comes with an air fry basket, toasting pan, and oven rack, but it lacks a turntable. Microwaving ingredients is simple—just place them on the bottom of the microwave. For other settings, the oven's different levels and accessories should be used.
| Dimensions | 30" x 17.9" x 12.75" |
| Wattage | 1,800 watts |
| Size | 1.1 cubic foot |
| Settings | Microwave, air fry, convection, toast, broil, dehydrate, keep warm, bake, roast, proof, probe mode |
In Lab tests, we found the control panel and app straightforward and intuitive. While the toast function takes longer than a standard toaster (over seven minutes for dark toast), the light, medium, and dark settings produced evenly browned slices. The broil function was especially impressive, delivering perfectly charred results on items like shishito peppers. The air fry setting also yielded golden, crispy, and very moist and juicy chicken wings.
RELATED: Best Air Fryer Toaster Ovens
How we test the best microwave air fryer combo appliances
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, our analysts have evaluated hundreds of small appliances over the past decade, including more than 30 microwaves, 50 air fryers, and dozens of combo units, including air fryer toaster ovens, microwave toaster oven combos, and microwave air fryer combos.
To test microwave air fryers, we put them through all standardized microwave tests, but also tested them with air fryer and toaster oven tests when they apply to the specific appliance.
We evaluated how evenly microwaves melted cheese (as shown here from the GE 4-in-1 Microwave Oven). We reheated a large mac and cheese casserole, along with a dinner plate of meatloaf and its sides.
We tested presets like the popcorn setting to see how well each microwave popped a bag of popcorn. We weighed the unpopped kernels that remained and assessed any burning that occurred (as shown here). We also tested the defrost preset on microwaves by defrosting a pound of frozen ground beef (in two different shapes).
Because a microwave air fryer combo features additional settings to test, we also put those settings to the test by toasting bread, baking a cake (as shown here), and air frying chicken wings.
We also considered ease of use when it comes to the control panel, positioning the turntable, opening and closing the door, and cleaning the microwave.
What to look for when shopping for the best microwave air fryer combo
✔️ Type:
- Countertop models are the most common and affordable option, but they require a dedicated space on your countertop.
- Over-the-range options are designed specifically to fit above your stove and should usually be installed by a professional.
- Built-in microwave air fryer combos afford you more countertop space and typically feature a sleek design, but they require professional installation and are generally more expensive.
✔️ Size: The internal size of a microwave is noted as cubic feet, and it will determine just how much you can fit inside. Based on our research, the most common capacity for microwaves is around 1.2 cubic feet, but microwaves can be anywhere from 0.8 cubic feet to 2.2 cubic feet on average. Microwave air fryers tend to be slightly larger than models with fewer settings.
✔️ Wattage: This tells you how powerful the microwave is. For more varied use, you want at least 1,000 watts of power. Most microwave air fryer combos have a higher wattage than their traditional counterparts, so you shouldn't have to worry too much about the power being too low.
✔️ Settings: The majority of the microwave air fryers we tested didn't just feature an air fry setting, but also many other settings like broil, convection, or even grill. If you think you would get use out of more settings, go for it; if you just want a microwave that also air fries, the more basic models tend to be a little easier to use.
✔️ Features: These are some common bells and whistles that make a microwave air fryer combo easier to use:
- Smart sensors adjust the time and power level for you by automatically measuring the humidity in your food. They eliminate the guesswork of determining how much to add to the cooking time.
- Turntables rotate your food to make sure it heats evenly. Without one, you may have to stop the cooking cycle midway just to turn your plate around. Removable ones are easier to clean. Many microwave air fryers also come with nonstick metal turntables for use on the air fry setting in addition to the traditional glass version. Some models even come with air fry baskets that can be attached to the turntable for extra crispy cooking.
- A plus-30-seconds button may seem trivial, but it makes a huge difference, since it allows you to quickly start or add more time without having to press a series of buttons.
- Preset functions are standard these days, especially for defrosting (based on either weight or quantity), reheating, and popcorn. But you might want potato, beverage, or melt presets.
✔️ Accessories: The more settings a microwave air fryer combo boasts, the more accessories usually come with it. Often, you can store them inside your microwave, but keep this in mind if you prefer to avoid extra accessories.
✔️ Cleanability: Since you are air frying inside of a microwave, your microwave air fryer combo may get messier than a standard microwave. Select an appliance with a smooth interior and fewer nooks and crannies for easier cleaning.
Are microwave air fryers any good?
In Lab tests, microwave air fryers proved effective, with some models performing exceptionally well. This list of top picks is short because this type of combination appliance is relatively new, and performance varies widely between models. Each appliance included here is backed by its reliable performance and ease of use. The selected models consistently delivered crispy, golden chicken wings, and many also offer convection settings capable of baking a 9-inch cake in about 20 minutes.
Is an air fryer microwave the same as a convection microwave?
No, an air fryer microwave and a convection microwave are two different types of microwaves. While a microwave can have convection and air fry settings (like some of the picks on this list), they are two separate settings. While they are similar settings that utilize a fan, the difference between an air fryer and a convection oven is that an air fryer setting typically uses a larger, faster fan to yield crispier results than convection. They both have benefits and should be used for separate tasks.
When testing microwaves with both convection and air fry settings, we use chicken wings with the air fry setting for crispy results and a 9-inch cake with convection for even browning results.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Eva Bleyer has professionally tested all kinds of kitchen equipment, from oven ranges to juicers to kitchen scales to blenders. Eva has tested nearly 20 microwave models (including all picks on this list) and air fryers as well in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab. Eva has a microwave air fryer combo in her home kitchen and loves the sheer versatility; she loves using the microwave function for reheating leftovers and the air fry function for everything from chicken wings to artichoke hearts.
Eva (she/her) is a reviews analyst in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she tests kitchen gear, home appliances and culinary innovations. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor of science in food studies, nutrition and public health and is a trained chef through the Natural Gourmet Institute. Eva has more than 10 years of experience in the food industry, working as a food stylist, personal chef and marketing manager.
The Best Air Fryers of 2025
The Best Small Air Fryers
Shop Ninja Air Fryer Prime Day Deals Right Now
The Biggest Air Frying Mistake
