I know I'm late to the party, but I recently bought an air fryer after eyeing up my best friend's Ninja Foodi FlexDrawer, and I must say it is an investment I do not regret one bit!
As a busy mom, I love any gadget that makes cooking dinner for my kids quicker (and saves me money), and the air fryer fits the bill on both counts.
But which is better: an air fryer or a microwave? Whether you have one of the best air fryers or one of the best microwaves, both appliances are worth a place in the kitchen—depending on your needs.
Keep reading for my air fryer vs. microwave comparison, which compares each cooking appliance's price, design, performance, and versatility. Which one deserves a spot on your counter?
Air fryer vs microwave: what's the difference?
There are some fundamental differences between both gadgets that will deliver different results. Typically, air fryers can air fry, bake, roast, dehydrate, reheat, and prove.
Forrest Webber, founder of TheTradeTable.com, told me: "An air fryer is a mini hot air tornado machine that makes food crispy and delicious without needing a gallon of oil. It's eager to give your fries and wings the ideal crunch, much like a convection oven overloaded with coffee. You want fried chicken without having to feel bad about deep-frying it. The air fryer will save the day, calories, and your fried-food fantasies."
On the other hand, microwaves tend just to reheat, defrost, and cook food. Convection microwaves, often called combi microwaves, have more features and can broil, bake, grill, and brown foods.
Webber says, "The microwave is a staple of modern life. It uses microwave radiation to make your leftovers hot again or occasionally explode if you forget to poke holes in something. Microwaves are your best friends when you need dinner done in three minutes and have zero patience to wait for an oven.
"They heat food by making water molecules dance like they're in a nightclub—only, instead of party tunes, they're getting down to business with radio waves."
"It's the clash of crispy versus quick, the battle between the health-conscious and the convenience King," he adds.
Forrest is founder of TheTradeTable.com, which provides high quality products to upgrade your indoor and outdoor spaces.
Air fryer vs microwave: Price and Value
When they first became trendy, air fryers were quite expensive, but with so many on the market now, the price has dropped dramatically. Microwaves, on the other hand, have always been fairly budget-friendly, especially the more basic ones with low wattage (think: the higher the wattage, the quicker the food cooks).
But if you want to base your investment on which gadget is cheaper to run, then the microwave wins.
Webber told me: "A small air fryer will range between $40 and $100; expect to pay $100-200 for a mid-range air fryer and $200-400+ for one with a dehydrator and rotisserie.
"By contrast, you can get a microwave for just $60, a mid-range one for $100-200 that might have certain features such as defrost, and for a luxury model with convection mode and smart features, you will pay between $200-$500+."
- Verdict: Both appliances are fairly similar in price, but microwave ovens tend to be more affordable.
Air fryer vs microwave: Features and Functions
Design-wise, air fryers and microwaves are quite different.
Glenn Lewis, president of Mr Appliance, told me: "Microwaves come in compact, countertop, and over-the-range styles. Countertop air fryers are compact, with basket or oven-style designs. Microwaves fit a broader range of kitchen setups, while countertop air fryers are portable and easy to store."
Webber added, "Air fryers tend to be boxy or cylindrical, with a basket or drawer for food. Some of them look a bit like Darth Vader's helmet! In terms of features, most have temperature controls, preset cooking modes, and timers—essentially a mini space-age oven."
By contrast, microwaves are slightly less sexy. They are most commonly "a classic rectangle with a door and a rotating turntable inside—the same timeless "box with a door" look. There are preset buttons for popcorn, reheat, and defrost. Some have grill or convection settings if you're feeling fancy," says Webber.
- Verdict: Air fryers have more style than microwaves and tend to come with more features.
Air fryer vs microwave: Performance
Air fryers don't fry—the gadget cooks the food by circulating hot air, giving food the delicious crispy later without using very little fat (so they are considered quite healthy). Microwaves cause water molecules in food to vibrate, producing heat that cooks the food.
The air fryer allows you to cook small batches of everything from roasted vegetables to chicken, pizza, and frozen foods in very little time, and it's way cheaper than heating a full-scale oven.
While quick and cheap to use, microwaves can be a bit hit-and-miss with how well they cook and reheat food. Lower-wattage models are less efficient, and you might notice cold spots in your meal. A higher wattage gives you more freedom. For example, a low microwave wattage is best for reheating dishes, while a higher one can cook frozen foods or meals from scratch.
- Verdict: Air fryers are more versatile and multi-purpose with better cooking results.
Air fryer vs microwave: which is best?
As with most things, the best option for you will depend on your needs and budget. Both kitchen gadgets serve a purpose, are quick and convenient, and could save you money on bills compared to using a standard oven.
Webber told me: "It's a tie, depending on what kind of cook or eater you are... Speed Demon? The microwave wins. It's quick, convenient, and easy to reheat, defrost, and cook simple meals. Texture Fanatic? The air fryer has your back. This is your hero if you dream of crispy fries, crunchy chicken, and healthier fried foods.
"Ultimately, it's all about your priorities. If you want something fast, the microwave is your buddy. The air fryer is calling your name if you want something crispy and healthier."
Lewis told me, "They are two different appliances that cook in two different ways. Neither is better; both do what they are designed to do."
Can't decide? Webber told me, "They now make microwave-air fryer combo appliances—because why not have it all? If counter space is limited and you love crispy food and quick reheats, a combo might be the way to go." Or, if you have the budget, use both machines to cook.
He says: "Microwave your jacket potatoes to cook them quickly, then finish them in the air fryer to make them crispy. It's the power couple you never knew you needed."
Air fryer vs microwave: FAQs
Is it better to use a microwave or air fryer?
An air fryer is good for cooking healthier, crispy dishes, while a microwave is better for quick reheating and defrosting.
Is it cheaper to use a microwave or air fryer?
If you want to base your purchase purely on which is cheapest to run, then the microwave wins hands down. But many people have both appliances in the kitchen because they can be used for different purposes.
Will an air fryer replace a microwave?
Not quite. Both appliances can perform certain functions, but they are not interchangeable. Air fryers are excellent for crisping up food, whereas microwaves are better for quickly reheating foods, especially those with high water contents like soup.
