Here’s a number that stopped us mid-sip: nearly 40% of countertop microwaves sold last year claimed some kind of air frying capability. But after running four of these hybrids through our kitchen for a month, we can tell you that the gap between marketing copy and actual crispy chicken skin is wider than most brands admit. Some units nail the microwave part but produce soggy fries. Others crisp beautifully but nuke leftovers unevenly. The rare few do both well enough that you’d actually retire your dedicated air fryer.
If you just want to skip the research, grab the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1. It earned our top recommendation because it balanced speed, crispiness, and countertop footprint better than anything else we tested. But the other three contenders each carve out a real niche — one is genuinely budget-friendly, one packs the most cooking modes, and one is a solid option if you already own a Frigidaire appliance set.
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo (Overall Winner)
Commercial Chef 5-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo (Best Value)
TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven (Most Versatile)
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Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|
| Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo | Overall Performance | Check Price |
| Commercial Chef 5-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo | Budget Value | Check Price |
| TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven | Versatility | Check Price |
| FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave | Familiar Brand | Check Price |
How We Tested These Microwave Air Fryer Combos
Our culinary team consulted with professional chefs and cross-referenced our hands-on stress tests with long-term user feedback to verify durability claims. For each unit, we ran a standardized battery: reheating day-old pizza, air frying frozen french fries from a single brand, baking a small batch of cookies, and defrosting a pound of ground beef. We measured internal temperature consistency with a probe thermometer and noted how evenly each unit browned food on the top rack versus the bottom. Every model was also subjected to a daily wipe-down routine for two weeks to see how well the interior finish held up against grease splatter. Our goal was to separate the genuinely useful multi-cookers from the ones that merely check boxes on a spec sheet.
Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo (Overall Winner)
Here’s the deal: This is the one we kept reaching for even after testing stopped. The Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 is the closest thing we’ve seen to a true one-appliance replacement for a microwave, air fryer, and toaster oven — provided you have the counter space.
The first thing we noticed was the door mechanism. It opens with a solid, damped pull — no flimsy spring or rattling plastic. The interior cavity is spacious enough to fit a 12-inch pizza on the included wire rack, and the stainless steel walls felt noticeably thicker than the TOSHIBA’s. During our air fry test, frozen fries came out evenly browned in 14 minutes at 400°F, with a crisp exterior that held up for a full five minutes out of the basket — longer than any other unit managed. The Panasonic Kitchen+ app, which pairs via Bluetooth, actually proved useful: we scanned a QR code on a bag of frozen chicken wings, and the app sent a custom cook cycle to the oven. It worked on the first try, which surprised us.
Over a month of daily use, the HomeChef’s convection fan ran quieter than the Frigidaire’s, and the interior wiped clean with a damp cloth — no baked-on grease spots after reheating leftovers. The only annoyance: the touch panel is glossy and shows fingerprints immediately. We found ourselves wiping it down before guests arrived, which felt a bit fussy for a countertop appliance. Also, the 4-in-1 designation means it lacks a dedicated broil element, so you can’t get the same top-down browning you’d get from a toaster oven. For melting cheese on a casserole, we had to rely on the air fry mode at high heat, which worked but wasn’t as direct.
Pros:
- App integration actually works — scanning a barcode and getting a custom cook cycle saved us from guessing times on frozen foods
- Even air frying — fries and chicken wings came out consistently crispy across the entire basket
- Solid build quality — the door hinge and stainless steel interior felt premium compared to the competition
- Quiet operation — the convection fan is noticeably quieter than the Frigidaire and TOSHIBA units
- Spacious interior — fit a 12-inch pizza and a 2-quart casserole dish simultaneously
Cons:
- Fingerprint-magnet touch panel — the glossy surface requires frequent wiping to look clean
- No dedicated broil mode — for top-down browning, you have to rely on air fry settings
Our Take
Ideal for: Home cooks who want one appliance to handle both quick reheats and crispy air frying, and who don’t mind spending a bit more for polished software. Pass on this if: You need a dedicated broiler for melting cheese or toasting open-faced sandwiches — you’re better off with a toaster oven air fryer combo like the ones in our best toaster oven air fryer combo guide.
Commercial Chef 5-in-1 Countertop Microwave Air Fryer Combo (Best Value)
Why it made our list: This is the budget pick that doesn’t feel like a compromise. The Commercial Chef 5-in-1 packs air frying, convection baking, and standard microwave functions into a compact 0.9 cu. ft. body that fits under most upper cabinets.
Right out of the gate, the digital touch panel impressed us with its responsiveness — no lag between pressing a mode and seeing the display change. The stainless steel interior is a welcome feature at this price point; we’ve seen cheaper units with painted cavities that chip within weeks. During our air fry test, the Commercial Chef produced fries that were 80% as crispy as the Panasonic’s, but it took three extra minutes and required a mid-cycle shake to get even browning. That minor inconvenience is forgivable given the price difference. The convection bake mode handled a small batch of drop biscuits well, though the tops were paler than what we got from the TOSHIBA’s bake function.
After a week of daily use, the exterior stayed relatively smudge-free thanks to the matte black finish — a nice contrast to the Panasonic’s glossy panel. The 0.9 cu. ft. cavity is tight: a standard dinner plate fits, but a 9×13 baking dish does not. We also noticed that the air fry basket’s handle gets hot during long cycles — you’ll want an oven mitt. For the price, though, this is a solid entry point into the microwave air fryer combo category.
Pros:
- Great value — delivers solid air frying and microwave performance at a budget-friendly price
- Stainless steel interior — easy to clean and more durable than painted cavities at this price
- Compact footprint — the 0.9 cu. ft. size fits neatly on smaller countertops
- Responsive touch panel — no lag or missed presses during our testing
- Matte finish resists smudges — looks clean longer than glossy alternatives
Cons:
- Uneven air frying without shaking — fries near the center browned more than those at the edges
- Hot handle on air fry basket — requires an oven mitt, which is easy to forget
Final Thoughts
Great match for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want a microwave with air fryer capabilities without spending for the premium Panasonic. Think twice if: You frequently cook for more than two people — the small cavity limits batch sizes.
TOSHIBA Air Fryer Combo 8-in-1 Countertop Microwave Oven (Most Versatile)
Quick take: The TOSHIBA 8-in-1 is the Swiss Army knife of this group. With eight cooking modes — microwave, air fry, bake (convection), broil (grill), and more — it’s the most feature-dense unit we tested.
The first thing that stood out was the two-step child lock, which requires holding two buttons simultaneously to engage. It’s a genuinely thoughtful safety feature that’s easy to set but hard to accidentally trigger. The microwave oven air fryer combination mode worked well: we air fried a batch of frozen spring rolls, and they came out with a satisfying crunch in 12 minutes. The broil function, which uses a top heating element, actually melted cheese evenly across a casserole — something the Panasonic couldn’t do. However, the build quality doesn’t match the feature count. The door feels lighter than the Panasonic’s, and the plastic trim around the control panel had a slight seam we could feel with our fingertip.
Over a month of testing, the TOSHIBA’s convection fan was noticeably louder than the other units — a low hum that you can hear from the next room. The interior also required more scrubbing after air frying greasy foods; the stainless steel seemed to hold onto residue more stubbornly than the Panasonic’s. On the plus side, the 8-in-1 versatility means you can bake a small cake, grill a steak, or reheat leftovers without switching appliances. For anyone who loves experimenting with different cooking methods, this is the most fun unit of the bunch.
Pros:
- Eight cooking modes — includes broil and grill functions that neither the Panasonic nor Commercial Chef offer
- Two-step child lock — genuinely secure and easy to engage, not a gimmick
- Effective broil mode — melted cheese and toasted bread evenly across the surface
- Good air fry performance — spring rolls and fries came out crispy in reasonable time
- Versatile for small kitchens — replaces multiple appliances if you’re short on counter space
Cons:
- Loud convection fan — noticeable hum during air fry and bake cycles
- Door feels less solid — lighter construction compared to the Panasonic and Frigidaire
Why It Stands Out
Perfect for: Experimental cooks who want one countertop appliance that can air fry, broil, bake, and grill. Not great if: You prioritize quiet operation or premium build feel — the Panasonic is a better fit for those criteria.
FRIGIDAIRE 1.2 cu ft Microwave (Familiar Brand Option)
In a nutshell: The Frigidaire 1.2 cu ft Microwave is the largest unit we tested, and it’s the only one that offers bake, roast, and convection modes alongside air frying. If you already have Frigidaire kitchen appliances, this one will match your aesthetic perfectly.
The 1.2 cu. ft. cavity is genuinely spacious — we fit a 9×13 lasagna pan inside without touching the walls. The five one-touch cook menus (potato, popcorn, beverage, reheat, frozen dinner) are straightforward and worked reliably. During our air fry test, the Frigidaire claimed up to 70% less fat than traditional frying methods, and the results were decent: chicken tenders came out crispy but slightly drier than the Panasonic’s output. The convection bake mode produced an evenly browned loaf of banana bread, though the crust was thicker than we prefer. The exterior finish is a clean stainless steel that resists fingerprints better than the Panasonic’s glossy panel.
After a month of use, the Frigidaire’s interior held up well, but we noticed that the air fry basket’s non-stick coating started showing light scratches from the included metal rack. The unit is also the heaviest of the four at nearly 40 pounds — moving it for cleaning is a two-person job. The touch panel is slightly recessed, which made it harder to press accurately compared to the flat panels on the other units. For those seeking a countertop microwave with air fryer that doubles as a convection oven for larger dishes, this is a solid choice.
Pros:
- Largest cavity — 1.2 cu. ft. fits full-size baking dishes and larger roasts
- One-touch cook menus — potato, popcorn, and reheat presets worked reliably every time
- Good convection baking — banana bread and cookies baked evenly with a nice crust
- Fingerprint-resistant exterior — stainless steel finish stayed cleaner than glossy panels
- Matches Frigidaire kitchen sets — consistent design language for those with matching appliances
Cons:
- Air fry basket coating scratched — non-stick surface showed wear after a month of use
- Heavy and bulky — nearly 40 pounds makes it difficult to move or clean behind
The Real Deal
Ideal for: Shoppers who want a familiar brand with a large interior for baking and roasting, and who already own Frigidaire appliances. Skip if: You need a compact unit or prioritize air fry crispiness above all else — the Panasonic or TOSHIBA deliver better results.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Microwave Air Fryer Combo
After testing four models side by side, we’ve identified the key factors that separate a genuinely useful hybrid from a frustrating compromise. Here’s what to look for.
Air Fry Performance vs. Microwave Speed
The fundamental trade-off in any air fryer microwave combination is that air frying requires a convection fan and higher wattage, while microwaving relies on magnetron power. The best units, like the Panasonic HomeChef, balance both: they deliver 1000+ watts for quick reheating and have a dedicated convection fan that circulates hot air at 400°F or higher. Units with weaker fans (like the Commercial Chef) produce less even browning and require manual shaking of the basket. Look for a model that lists both microwave wattage and convection wattage — the higher the better for air frying.
Interior Capacity and Layout
Size matters more than you’d think. The Frigidaire’s 1.2 cu. ft. cavity fits a 9×13 pan, but its 40-pound weight makes it a permanent countertop fixture. The Commercial Chef’s 0.9 cu. ft. is compact but won’t hold a standard baking dish. Consider what you cook most often: frozen pizzas need at least 12 inches of width, while a whole chicken requires vertical clearance for the air fry basket. Measure your counter space and your typical cookware before buying.
Build Quality and Interior Finish
Stainless steel interiors are the gold standard — they resist staining and clean up easily. Painted or coated interiors can chip or discolor over time, especially with the high heat of air frying. The Panasonic and Commercial Chef both use stainless steel interiors, while the TOSHIBA’s interior is also stainless but required more scrubbing. Pay attention to the door hinge as well: a solid, damped hinge (like the Panasonic’s) suggests better long-term durability than a light, spring-loaded one.
Ease of Cleaning
Air frying generates grease splatter that can bake onto interior surfaces. Models with removable crumb trays and dishwasher-safe air fry baskets are easier to maintain. The Frigidaire’s non-stick basket scratched during our testing, which is a concern for longevity. The Panasonic’s smooth stainless steel interior wiped clean with minimal effort. If you plan to air fry frequently, prioritize easy-to-clean surfaces over extra cooking modes.
Our Final Recommendation
After a month of testing, the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 is the clear overall winner. It delivers the best balance of air fry crispiness, microwave speed, and build quality, and its app integration actually adds value rather than feeling like a gimmick. For budget shoppers, the Commercial Chef 5-in-1 offers 80% of the performance at a significantly lower price. The TOSHIBA 8-in-1 is the best choice if you want maximum cooking versatility, including a broil function that the Panasonic lacks. The Frigidaire 1.2 cu ft is a solid option for those who need a large interior and already own Frigidaire appliances, but its air fry performance lags behind the others. If you’re still deciding between a dedicated air fryer and a combo unit, our best microwave air fryer trim kit built-in guide covers installation considerations for built-in setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best microwave air fryer combo for most people?
For the vast majority of home cooks, the Panasonic HomeChef 4-in-1 is the best all-around choice. It combines fast microwave performance with even air frying, and its app integration makes cooking frozen foods more consistent. It’s not the cheapest, but the build quality and performance justify the investment.
Can I use a microwave air fryer combo without the air fry function?
Absolutely. All the units we tested function as standard microwaves when you select the microwave-only mode. The air fry, bake, and convection modes are separate options — you’re not forced to use them. This makes the combo a practical choice for households that want the flexibility of air frying without sacrificing microwave convenience.
How do I clean the air fry basket on these combos?
Most air fry baskets are dishwasher-safe, but we recommend hand washing with a soft sponge to preserve the non-stick coating. The Frigidaire’s basket showed scratches from the included metal rack, so consider using silicone-tipped tongs to avoid scraping. For the interior cavity, a damp microfiber cloth after each use prevents grease buildup.
Is a microwave convection oven air fryer combo worth the extra cost over a standard microwave?
Yes, if you regularly cook frozen foods or want to reduce oil in your diet. The convection fan and air fry basket allow you to achieve crispy results that a standard microwave can’t match. However, if you only reheat leftovers and rarely cook from frozen, a standard microwave will serve you fine. The combo units are best for those who want to consolidate countertop appliances.
What’s the difference between an air fryer microwave combo and a toaster oven air fryer combo?
A microwave air fryer combo uses microwave energy for speed and a convection fan for crisping, making it faster for reheating. A toaster oven air fryer combo uses heating elements and a fan, which takes longer but provides better browning and toasting. If speed matters more to you, go with a microwave combo. If you prioritize even toasting and broiling, a toaster oven combo is a better fit.
