Air Fryers vs. Convection Microwaves: Deciding Which Is For You

• Healthier cooking. One of the primary advantages of air fryers is their ability to produce crispy, delicious food with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. This makes them a healthier alternative for those looking to reduce their fat intake without sacrificing flavor.
• Easy cleanup. Most air fryers feature non-stick baskets or trays that are easy to clean, making post-cooking cleanup a breeze. Additionally, since air fryers use less oil, there is minimal grease splatter, further simplifying the cleaning process.
• Quicker cook times. An air fryer can whip up a family meal in a fraction of the time it takes to cook in a conventional oven. Of course, this can depend from meal to meal, but generally, it takes less time to heat up and fully cook food in an air fryer.

• Limited cooking capacity. Compared to conventional ovens, an air fryer will offer less cooking space. Even a double air fryer may lack the internal capacity for certain dishes. While there are larger models available that can prepare more food for multiple people, the size of a conventional oven still outperforms an air fryer size.
• Limitations on what you can cook. There are some foods that should never be cooked in an air fryer, for reasons concerning safety, food quality and longevity of the appliance. Some of these foods include veggies like broccoli or brussels sprouts, which can dry out easily, and fresh cheese or wet batters, which can drip into the chamber and burn. And unless you have a dedicated air fryer made for poultry, cooking whole chickens or other birds isn’t doable or safe.
• Can be bulky. If you’re working with minimal space, an air fryer may take up valuable countertop space. Whereas microwaves and conventional ovens can be built into the cabinetry, an air fryer tends to be a countertop appliance, requiring additional room for either permanent placement among the other small appliances, or else in storage when it’s not in use.

• Speed and efficiency. Convection microwaves offer the convenience of microwave cooking with the added benefit of convection technology and the use of fans rather than a single heat source, resulting in faster, more efficient cooking. This makes them ideal for busy individuals or families looking to prepare meals quickly without sacrificing quality.
• Multi-functionality. Convection microwaves can perform a variety of cooking tasks, including baking, crisping, roasting and grilling. Basically, it functions as a hybrid between a convection oven and a microwave, which sort of makes it a two-in-one setup. This versatility is particularly welcoming for those with limited space or resources. Additionally, they can handle most of the foods that an air fryer cannot.
• Energy-saving. Because of their quicker heat and cook times, and their efficient way of doing so, convection microwaves use less energy than conventional ovens. Whether you’re trying to leave a smaller carbon footprint or just cut down on energy bills, convection microwaves are a good way to reduce your energy consumption. 

• Limited capacity for larger dishes. Similarly to an air fryer, space for cooking is limited. In the case of most convection microwaves, that space is limited to one dish at a time. However, the cook time is typically faster in a convection microwave vs. air fryer, so that may balance out this issue. That being said, you most likely will not be able to replace a standard oven with a convection microwave alone if you intend to cook more elaborate dishes or need to prepare larger things like a full turkey.
• Requires frequent cleaning. It’s crucial to maintain a clean interior, as the heating element in a convection microwave can be damaged or ruined by drippings and stray food particles. In fact, cleaning after every use is ideal. This can feel tedious or like a sacrifice of the convenience desired, so judge your commitment to maintenance accordingly.
• Higher cost compared to air fryers and standard microwaves. As air fryers have begun appearing in multiple retail settings, their pricing has become a standard for affordability. Meanwhile, a convection microwave may still run a higher price tag. This is mainly due to their versatility and power, so it may be a worthy investment if you can swing the increased cost.

Once you take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of an air fryer or convection oven, it becomes clear that while the two offer very similar cooking functions, they are distinctive in their own right. And if it’s too hard to pick between the two, there are even air fryer microwaves that can solve your dilemma.

Sometimes, the dishes you cannot prepare in either of the two can even be covered by another appliance you are more likely to already have on hand—for example, a rice cooker or slow cooker can sometimes tackle the first stages of the cooking process, and an air fryer or convection microwave can provide the textural finishes, like browning or crisping.