Should I get a microwave or an air fryer?

Air fryer vs. convection microwave: Are they the same?

Both convection microwaves and air fryers circulate hot air to cook food, but each is uniquely engineered to deliver distinct outcomes. Convection microwaves do well with roasting and baking while air fryers are designed to cook in a way that mimics the satisfying crunch of deep-fried food, using focused heat and airflow for a crispy, fried finish.

What is a microwave air fryer combo?

Microwaves with air fry offer all the features of a regular microwave, plus a built-in Air Fry Mode, making it easier to create a crunchy finish on your favorite foods. These microwaves often come with an air fry basket, like the ones included with Whirlpool^® Microwaves with Air Fry Mode, which allows hot air to circulate over, under and around food for more crisping.

Shop Whirlpool^® Microwaves with Air Fry Mode

Whirlpool^® Microwaves with Air Fry Mode let you free up counter space by combining two appliances in one. Whether you’re making classics like chicken nuggets and fries or more adventurous dishes like crispy zucchini chips or air-fried salmon filets, these microwaves deliver the crunch you crave without the extra oil or clutter of deep frying.

Can an air fryer replace a microwave?

Air fryers can add variety to your cooking routines, but they can’t fully replace a microwave. Microwaves are ideal for heating foods with high water content, like soups, or for steaming dishes like veggies, fish or rice. You may also want to lean on your microwave when you’re short on time or defrosting foods. 

To make the most of your kitchen, consider a hybrid appliance like Whirlpool^® Ovens with Air Fry or Whirlpool^® Microwaves with Air Fry Mode. A microwave with Air Fry Mode gives you the best of both worlds—quick cooking from the microwave and a crispy finish from the air fryer.

Shop air frying appliances from Whirlpool brand

Whirlpool brand offers select microwaves, gas or electric ranges, and wall ovens with air fry capabilities so you can get the most out of every appliance. Select ranges provide seven cooking modes in one appliance, including cycles like Convect Bake, Air Fry Mode and Frozen Bake^™ Technology. You can also take advantage of automatic updates and Scan-to-Cook Technology with select Whirlpool^® Smart Wall Ovens.¹

Can an air fryer warm up food like a microwave?

Air fryers and microwaves have some crossover in functionality, but an air fryer can’t replace all of the functions of a microwave. Air fryers can take a bit longer than microwaves to cook and reheat food, but reward you with a crunchy, golden exterior. Microwaves are ideal for quick cooking and reheating, as they use electromagnetic waves to heat food rapidly from the inside out. Air fryers, on the other hand, surround your food with hot air, crisping it from the outside in. 

Explore Whirlpool^® Microwaves and Ovens

Find the features you need to whip up your favorite foods with Whirlpool^® Microwaves and Ovens. Select microwaves make it easier to cook using a variety of techniques with features like Grill Mode or Steam Cooking, and can even include a Keep Warm setting so your food is warm and ready to serve for up to 90 minutes, while you wrap up the rest of your meal. Whirlpool^® Ovens are available in both single or double wall oven configurations to help you make every dish your family loves.