Microwave Air Fryer vs Basket Air Fryer: Which One Should You Buy?

We looked for a controlled comparison and didn't find one. So this page gives you what is known, labels what is only plausible, and helps you decide anyway. For the wider question, see whether combos are worth it.

How do they compare?

Which one crisps better?

Air frying is hot air from a heater and a fast fan. A combo blows that air around a larger space, while a basket fryer works in a small one. So it is plausible that a basket fryer has an edge on crisping. But plausible is not measured, and we found no measurement.

Good Housekeeping says an air fry setting typically uses a larger, faster fan than convection. So a named air fry mode matters more than a convection label.

Good Housekeeping's lab checked nine combos and air-fried wings in them. It says its selected models delivered crisp, golden wings, that some perform exceptionally well, and that performance varies widely. It gives no scores and doesn't compare with a basket fryer.

Which is faster?

We found no controlled data. Whirlpool says air fryers can take a bit longer than microwaves to cook and reheat, but they deliver a crunchy exterior. Ninja claims full meals up to 60% faster than a conventional oven, which says nothing about a basket fryer. A combo does one job at a time, while two appliances can both run.

Two tips that apply to both: wet batter tends to drip, so use a dry coating, and follow your manual on racks and foil. If a combo's air fry comes out soft, see why air fry is not crispy.

When should I take the combo?

• Counter space is the reason you're shopping.
• Your old microwave needs replacing anyway.
• You cook larger dishes or softer foods that don't suit a basket.
• You accept that crisping results are less documented than you might like.

Best overallAd

Toshiba

Toshiba ML2-EC10SA

A 1.0 cu ft combo that is low enough for most counters under cabinets.

Why it fits here: If you decide on one appliance, this is our starting point: a full 1.0 cu ft and 1000 W at a low 11.8 in per Toshiba.

Best for: most family kitchens with wall cabinets over the counter

Capacity

1.0 cu ft

Microwave watts

1000 W

Outer size (W × D × H)

20.6 × 18 × 11.8 in

Functions

8-in-1 per Toshiba, including air fry and defrost

True microwave

Yes

Price class

Mid-range

Size as stated by

Maker.

• 11.8 in tall, says Toshiba, among the lowest here at 1.0 cu ft
• 1000 W microwave and air fry in one oven space
• 12.4 in turntable and 10 air fry presets, says Toshiba

• Toshiba says 18 in deep, the Amazon listing says 16.4 in. Measure with the bigger number
• We only saw the space it needs in a third-party summary. Check the printed manual
• A round turntable limits how wide a pan can turn

View on Amazon*(paid link to Amazon, opens in a new tab)Ad · paid link · check price & delivery on AmazonLearn more

When should I take the basket fryer?

• You own a microwave you like.
• Crisping is the main thing you want to add.
• You cook two things at once.
• You have room for a second appliance, and want a lower price class.

These have no microwave at all, and we only have their Amazon listings, so they are options, not picks:

Decide by your counter, not by a crispness claim nobody has measured.

Pick your situation

• If you are replacing your microwave and space is tight → Toshiba ML2-EC10SA

  View*(paid link to Amazon, opens in a new tab)Ad · paid link · check price & delivery on Amazon

• If you keep your microwave and cook for one or two → Ninja AF141 · Seller data only

  View*(paid link to Amazon, opens in a new tab)Ad · paid link · check price & delivery on Amazon

• If you keep your microwave and cook bigger batches → Ninja AF181 · Seller data only

  View*(paid link to Amazon, opens in a new tab)Ad · paid link · check price & delivery on Amazon

Next step: the best combos page covers other kitchens.