The countertop appliance that bakes, roasts, crisps, and reheats in a single footprint is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a practical reality for anyone looking to reclaim kitchen real estate without sacrificing cooking methods. An air fryer microwave combo merges the rapid heating of a microwave with the convection-driven browning of an air fryer, meaning you can zap a leftover slice of pizza to hot and then crisp the crust to a golden brown in the same machine.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind AirfryerBite. I’ve analyzed dozens of combo units, cross-referencing wattage output, turntable diameter, preset cooking menus, and actual internal volume to determine which models actually deliver on their dual-function promise.
Below you will find the most thoroughly researched breakdown of the current air fryer microwave combo landscape, covering nine models from compact countertop microwaves to large over-the-range units, all ranked by real-world cooking performance and build quality.
How To Choose The Best Air Fryer Microwave Combo
Selecting the right air fryer microwave combo hinges on three factors: how the unit generates airflow for crisping, the turntable or cavity design that determines what fits inside, and the control interface that dictates everyday ease of use. A model that scores high on all three will replace your toaster oven and standard microwave in one go.
Airflow Architecture and Heating Elements
Not every “air fry” microwave uses the same fan. Some place the heating element and fan on the back wall, while premium units mount the fan on the top of the cavity for true 360-degree circulation. Top-mounted fans (often called “top fan” or “OptiChef” in Toshiba language) produce noticeably crunchier exteriors on frozen fries and chicken wings because heat descends directly onto the food rather than hitting the turntable first. Back-wall fans still work but may require flipping food mid-cycle for even browning.
Interior Volume, Turntable Diameter, and Clearance
Manufacturers list cubic feet, but the real-world indicator is turntable diameter and internal height. A 1.0 cubic foot model with a 12.4-inch turntable can hold a 12-inch pizza, whereas a 0.9 cubic foot unit with a 10.6-inch turntable cannot. For whole chickens or casserole dishes, check the interior height in inches—anything under 9.5 inches will crowd taller bakeware. Position-memory turntables, which stop exactly where they started to prevent spills, are a meaningful upgrade for soup bowls and tall containers.
Preset Accuracy and Dedicated Air Fry Menus
A genuine air fryer microwave combo should offer at least eight preset menus specifically for air-fried foods—frozen fries, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, vegetables, spring rolls, steak fries, chicken wings, and cheese sticks. Models that only list “combi” or “convection” without dedicated air fry presets force you to guess time and temperature manually, which defeats the convenience advantage. Look for units that separate microwave-only settings from air fry settings so you don’t accidentally nuke a delicate meal.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOSHIBA OptiChef Pro | Premium Combo | Top fan crisping with inverter defrost | 1.0 cu.ft., 1000W, Top-Mounted Fan | Amazon |
| Samsung MC12DB8700CKAA | Smart Combo | Wi‑Fi control and PowerGrill Duo | 1.2 cu.ft., Convection, SmartThings | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER Over the Range | OTR Combo | Space-saving over-the-range install | 1.5 cu.ft., 900W, 300 CFM Vent | Amazon |
| Nuwave Combi Steam Oven | Steam Combo | Steam infusion plus air fry and sous vide | 16 qt, 1800W, 50–450°F | Amazon |
| Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 | Dual Zone | Two independent cooking zones | 25 qt, Dual Zone, French Door | Amazon |
| TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) | Mid-Range Combo | 8‑in‑1 with odor removal mode | 1.0 cu.ft., 1000W, 12.4” Turntable | Amazon |
| Breville Smart Oven Compact | Compact Air Fry | Super convection for small batches | 0.08 cu.ft. interior, 1800W | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA | Entry Combo | Budget-friendly 5‑in‑1 microwave | 0.9 cu.ft., 900W, 11 Presets | Amazon |
| Gourmia French Door Oven | XL Oven | Extra-large 37‑qt convection oven | 37 qt, 1700W, 12 Presets | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. TOSHIBA OptiChef Pro Air Fryer Combo Countertop Microwave Oven
The TOSHIBA OptiChef Pro stands apart because it mounts its heating element and fan on the cavity ceiling rather than the back wall. This “top fan” design pushes hot air downward in a 360-degree column, which produces significantly more even browning on frozen chicken wings and french fries than rear-fan alternatives. The 1000-watt microwave side is no slouch either—the Origin Inverter maintains consistent power output even at lower settings, eliminating the pulsing that can rubberize delicate foods like fish or custards.
ChefDefrost is the standout convenience: it uses weight detection to calculate thawing time, and the intelligent algorithm adjusts power to prevent the edges of a chicken breast from cooking while the center remains frozen. The 24 one-touch auto menus cover everything from air-fried spring rolls to baked potatoes, and the large LED screen makes mode switching straightforward. With a 1.0 cubic foot capacity and a 12.4-inch position-memory turntable, this unit handles a 12-inch pizza or a whole chicken without crowding.
The cavity interior is stainless steel with a black stainless steel exterior that resists fingerprints. The two-step child lock adds safety for households with young children. Overall, this is the most refined implementation of a true air-fry microwave combo currently available—especially for users who prioritize crispy texture over sheer internal volume.
Why it’s great
- Top-mounted fan delivers noticeably crunchier air-fry results compared to rear-fan units.
- Origin Inverter provides steady, non-pulsing microwave power for gentle reheating.
- ChefDefrost uses weight sensors to thaw meat without cooking the edges.
- Position-memory turntable stops where it started, reducing spill risk for tall bowls.
- 24 auto menus simplify daily cooking across microwave, air fry, and convection modes.
Good to know
- Internal height of 9.5 inches may be tight for some casserole dishes.
- Premium price point reflects the inverter and top-fan engineering.
- Some users find the knob-and-button interface takes a few days to memorize.
2. SAMSUNG 1.2 cu. ft. Countertop Convection Microwave with Air Fry
The Samsung MC12DB8700CKAA is one of the few smart-enabled combos on the market. Its Wi‑Fi connectivity lets you start, stop, or check the status from the SmartThings app, and voice control via Bixby, Alexa, or Google Assistant means you can set the air fry mode without touching the panel. Beyond the smart features, the 1.2 cubic foot cavity accommodates a 15-inch turntable—large enough for a full-size pizza—and the Power Convection system circulates heat up to 30% faster than standard convection.
PowerGrill Duo is a genuine differentiator: two independent grill elements can brown and sear meat directly inside the microwave cavity, producing grill marks on steaks and poultry that no other combo in this lineup can match. The air fry mode works via convection plus the grill elements, delivering respectable crispiness on frozen snacks and vegetables. The black glass exterior with stainless steel trim looks modern and resists smudges reasonably well.
SmartThings Food integration offers guided recipes tuned to the oven’s cooking patterns, and the oven sends notifications to your phone when a cycle finishes. While some early buyers reported the air fry function didn’t get hot enough for very thick foods like frozen chicken tenders, subsequent firmware updates have improved temperature consistency. If you value app control and want the largest turntable in its class, this is the unit to beat.
Why it’s great
- 15-inch turntable is among the largest in any countertop combo.
- PowerGrill Duo enables searing and browning that other air-fry microwaves cannot replicate.
- Wi‑Fi and voice control allow remote monitoring and hands-free operation.
- Power Convection cuts cooking time by up to 30% versus standard convection.
- SmartThings guided recipes provide step-by-step instructions tuned to the oven.
Good to know
- Air fry temperature range may not reach high enough for some users’ expectations.
- Smart setup requires the SmartThings app and a stable Wi‑Fi network.
- Black glass exterior shows fingerprints more readily than stainless steel finishes.
3. BLACK+DECKER Over the Range Microwave Oven with Air Fryer
This BLACK+DECKER unit solves a specific problem: adding air fry capability to a kitchen without sacrificing precious counter space. As an over-the-range (OTR) model, it mounts above your stove and vents cooking fumes outside or recirculates them through a charcoal filter. The 1.5 cubic foot interior is the largest in this guide, with a 13.6-inch turntable that can handle a large casserole or a 12-inch pizza with room to spare.
The six cooking functions include microwave, air fry, convection, combi (grill plus convection), bake, and roast. The air fry mode uses the convection fan plus the top grill element to crisp food, and sensor reheat detects humidity levels to avoid overcooking leftovers. The vent fan operates at 300 CFM with two speeds, which is adequate for most home cooking but may struggle with heavy smoke from searing in a skillet below.
The touch control panel is logically laid out, and the stainless steel exterior cleans up easily. Installation requires a dedicated circuit and careful measurement of the cutout width—this is not a casual swap for a standard OTR microwave. For anyone remodeling a kitchen or replacing an old range hood, this combo eliminates the need for a separate countertop air fryer while adding ventilation capacity.
Why it’s great
- Over-the-range installation saves counter space entirely.
- 1.5 cubic foot interior is the largest capacity in this review.
- Sensor reheat automatically adjusts time based on food moisture.
- 300 CFM vent fan clears stove-top fumes effectively.
- Six cooking modes cover nearly every countertop appliance function.
Good to know
- Installation requires precise cutout measurements and may need professional help.
- 900-watt microwave output is adequate but slower than 1000W+ units.
- Air fry results are less crisp than top-fan microwave combos.
4. Nuwave Combi Steam Oven Multi-Cooker with Air Fry
The Nuwave Combi Steam Oven breaks the mold by adding controlled steam injection to the air fry microwave formula. You can adjust steam levels from 10% to 90% while the convection fan circulates dry heat, which means you can simultaneously crisp the exterior of a chicken thigh while keeping the interior moist. The COMBO mode is where this unit shines—air fry and steam work together to produce food that is golden outside and tender inside without requiring oil.
Beyond air frying, the Nuwave handles sous vide without bags or water baths by maintaining temperatures as low as 50°F in 1°F increments. The moisture control slider lets you bake artisan bread with a steamy crust or dehydrate jerky with dry heat. With 120 presets and a recipe book, the learning curve is shallow, though the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming at first.
The 16-quart capacity is smaller than a full-size microwave but adequate for a 5-pound chicken and 3 pounds of fries. The stainless steel interior is PFOA- and PTFE-free, addressing health concerns about traditional non-stick coatings. This is not a pure air fryer microwave combo—it’s more of a multicooker that happens to air fry, microwave, steam, and sous vide. For experimental home cooks who want maximum versatility, it’s a compelling alternative.
Why it’s great
- Adjustable steam injection keeps interiors moist while air fry mode crisps the exterior.
- Sous vide function works bag-free with 1°F temperature precision.
- 120 presets cover nearly every cooking task from proofing to dehydrating.
- Non-toxic stainless steel cavity has no PFOA, PTFE, or PFAS coatings.
- Linear T technology maintains consistent heat without cycling on and off.
Good to know
- 16-quart capacity is smaller than standard countertop microwaves.
- Steam tank needs refilling for long cooking cycles.
- Not a traditional microwave—lacks a turntable and does not reheat liquids as quickly.
5. Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo
The Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 is not a microwave at all—it’s a French-door convection oven with dual independent cooking zones, included here because it is frequently cross-shopped with air fryer microwave combos due to its ability to cook two different foods simultaneously at separate temperatures. The 25-quart capacity, when split with the removable divider, allows you to air fry chicken wings on one side at 400°F while roasting vegetables on the other at 350°F, both finishing at the same time thanks to QuickSync Technology.
With the divider removed, the full 25-quart space can handle a rotisserie chicken, a 13-inch pizza, or a full sheet pan of fries. The French door design reduces the clearance needed in front, making it easier to place under upper cabinets. The touchscreen interface is responsive, and the preset programs cover air fry, bake, broil, toast, dehydrate, and rotisserie.
The trade-off is clear: this unit does not microwave. If your primary need is microwave reheating of leftovers, this is not a substitute. But if you want the largest air-fry capacity with zone control, and you’re willing to keep a separate microwave for quick heating, the Dual Zone 360 delivers results that any over-the-range or countertop combo microwave cannot match in batch cooking throughput.
Why it’s great
- Two independent cooking zones with individual temperature control.
- 25-quart capacity with divider removed fits full sheet pans and rotisserie chickens.
- QuickSync Technology aligns finish times across both zones.
- French door design requires less front clearance than pull-down doors.
- Six included accessories including rotisserie spit and multiple racks.
Good to know
- Does not include microwave functionality—purely a convection and air fry oven.
- Metal interior is not dishwasher-safe; parts require hand washing.
- Larger footprint than most countertop microwave combos.
6. TOSHIBA 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven with Air Fry
The TOSHIBA ML2-EC10SA(BS) delivers the most balanced feature set in the mid-range tier. Its 8-in-1 functions include microwave, air fry, convection bake, broil, combi, defrost, low-temperature cooking, and a unique odor removal mode that cycles fresh air through the cavity after cooking fish or garlic-heavy dishes. The 1000-watt microwave output is standard for this size, but the 12.4-inch position-memory turntable is a meaningful upgrade over smaller units that struggle with a 10-inch dinner plate.
Air fry performance relies on a rear-mounted convection fan with a top grill element, which produces even results on frozen snacks and fresh vegetables. The combi mode combines microwave and convection to speed up cooking of dense items like baked potatoes—cutting time by roughly half compared to microwave-only or convection-only methods. The black stainless steel finish resists smudges well, and the stainless steel interior is easy to wipe down.
Customer feedback over a year of use is overwhelmingly positive, citing reliability and intuitive knob-and-button controls. The odor removal mode genuinely reduces lingering smells, a small but appreciated detail for kitchens without a window. This Toshiba is the sweet spot for buyers who want a genuine air fry microwave combo without the premium price of inverter or top-fan models.
Why it’s great
- Odor removal mode reduces kitchen smells after cooking fish or spices.
- 12.4-inch position-memory turntable fits a 12-inch pizza or large casserole.
- Combi mode merges microwave and convection for faster cooking of dense foods.
- Knob and button interface is intuitive and reliable over long-term use.
- Stainless steel interior and black stainless exterior resist staining.
Good to know
- Rear-mounted fan may require flipping food mid-cycle for even browning.
- Internal height of 9.5 inches limits tall bakeware.
- No smart or Wi‑Fi features for remote control.
7. Breville Smart Oven Air Fryer Compact
Breville’s approach to the air fry microwave combo is unconventional: this is not a microwave at all. It is a compact convection oven with “Element IQ” technology that uses algorithms to steer power between independent top and bottom heating elements during cooking. The “Crispy Reheat” mode applies radiant heat from both directions with super convection to revive leftover pizza, fried chicken, or fries without the sogginess that plagues microwave reheating.
The 0.08 cubic foot interior is small—it fits a 4.5-pound chicken, 1 pound of fries, or an 11-inch pizza—but the 1800-watt output and super convection reduce cook times by up to 30% compared to standard toaster ovens. The five air fry modes range from general air fry to frozen-specific presets, and the five smart functions cover toast, bagel, pizza, broil, and bake. The “A Bit More” button extends cook time in small increments without resetting the entire cycle.
Breville+ guided recipes provide step-by-step instructions tuned to the oven’s power curves, and the compact footprint (15.67 x 9.96 x 16.93 inches) fits under most cabinets. If you already own a microwave and simply want superior air frying and reheating in a smaller appliance, this Breville outperforms every combo unit on crispiness—but it cannot replace your microwave for reheating soup or beverages.
Why it’s great
- Super convection reduces cooking time and delivers genuine crispy reheating.
- Element IQ routes power between elements dynamically for even results.
- Crispy Reheat mode restores crunch to leftovers without drying them out.
- “A Bit More” button extends time in small increments for precision.
- Breville+ app provides 200+ guided recipes calibrated to the oven.
Good to know
- Not a microwave—does not reheat liquids or boil water.
- Interior capacity is small compared to countertop microwave combos.
- Premium price for a compact convection oven without microwave function.
8. BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 Microwave Oven with Air Fry
BLACK+DECKER’s ES9P032NA offers the lowest entry price for a true air fry microwave combo, making it the best choice for buyers who want to test the category without a large investment. The 0.9 cubic foot interior and 900-watt microwave output are modest, but the 11 preset air fry menus—covering frozen fries, chicken wings, fish fillets, cheese sticks, spring rolls, and vegetables—demonstrate a genuine commitment to air fry functionality rather than a token “combi” mode.
The five cooking modes include microwave, air fry, combi (grill plus convection), bake, and roast. The combi mode is useful for browning the top of casseroles while using microwave energy to cook the interior quickly. The child lock engages by pressing the stop button for three seconds, a simple but effective safety measure. The stainless steel exterior and interior resist corrosion, and the included bake tray and grill racks expand versatility beyond just air frying.
The trade-offs are expected at this tier: the turntable is smaller, the 900-watt microwave heats slower than 1000W+ units, and the air fry results are less crispy than those achieved by top-fan designs or dedicated air fryers. But for a first-time buyer or a secondary kitchen appliance, this BLACK+DECKER delivers functional versatility without breaking the bank.
Why it’s great
- 11 preset air fry menus cover most popular frozen snacks and vegetables.
- Combi mode combines microwave and grill for faster browning.
- Child lock activates quickly via a three-second press of stop.
- Included bake tray and grill racks add cooking versatility.
- Stainless steel cavity and exterior simplify cleanup.
Good to know
- 900-watt microwave power is slower than higher-wattage competitors.
- Air fry crispiness is adequate but not comparable to dedicated air fryers.
- Small turntable limits pizza size to 10 inches or smaller.
9. Gourmia French Door Air Fryer Oven – 37 Qt Large Capacity
The Gourmia GTF3588S is not a microwave either, but it earns a place in this guide because its 37-quart capacity, French-door design, and FryForce 360 technology fill the niche for buyers who want massive batch cooking capacity with air fry capability at a budget-friendly price. This unit can fit a full sheet pan, a 13-inch pizza, or up to nine slices of toast simultaneously, making it the highest-volume appliance in this review.
The FryForce 360 system uses a rear fan to circulate hot air at high velocity, achieving crispy exteriors on wings, fries, and vegetables with little to no oil. The 12 preset functions include air fry, bake, toast, roast, broil, dehydrate, reheat, keep warm, popcorn, slow cook, and proof—covering nearly every cooking method except microwave heating. The 1700-watt output and 90°F to 450°F temperature range provide ample flexibility for low-temperature dehydration and high-temperature searing.
The included accessories—air fry basket, oven rack, baking pan, and crumb tray—are all dishwasher-safe. The French doors open outward without requiring vertical clearance above the unit, making it easier to place under cabinets than pull-down toaster ovens. For large families or meal preppers who cook multiple trays of food at once, this Gourmia offers the best capacity-to-price ratio available, even though it cannot reheat a bowl of soup.
Why it’s great
- 37-quart capacity is the largest in this guide, fitting multiple sheet pans at once.
- French door design eliminates the need for vertical clearance above the unit.
- FryForce 360 technology produces crispy air-fry results across all preset programs.
- 12 cooking functions include slow cook, proof, and dehydrate modes.
- All included accessories are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
Good to know
- Does not include any microwave functionality.
- Large footprint (19.5 x 16.5 x 13 inches) requires substantial counter space.
- Knob controls feel less precise than touchscreen interfaces on similar ovens.
FAQ
Can an air fryer microwave combo replace both my microwave and my air fryer?
Why do some air fryer microwave combos use a turntable while others do not?
What does “combi mode” actually do in these microwaves?
Can I put metal pans or aluminum foil inside an air fryer microwave combo?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most users, the air fryer microwave combo winner is the TOSHIBA OptiChef Pro because its top-mounted fan delivers genuinely crispy air-fry results while the inverted microwave ensures gentle, even reheating—bridging both functions without compromise. If you want the largest interior and smart home integration, grab the Samsung MC12DB8700CKAA. And for a budget-entry convertible to air fry microwave cooking, nothing beats the BLACK+DECKER 5-in-1 for its value-focused preset menus and genuine dual-function capability.