7 Best Countertop Microwaves with Air Fryer 2026

This powerhouse performer redefines what a countertop microwave can do—merging 1.5 cubic feet of cavernous capacity with true 4-in-1 functionality that includes microwave, air fry, convection, and combo cooking. With 1000W of inverter-powered precision, it tackles everything from reheating leftovers without sogginess to crisping up a full 12-inch pizza with golden, restaurant-grade results. The 13.6-inch position memory turntable is a game-changer, allowing you to remove and reposition large dishes without misalignment—perfect for families craving one-appliance versatility without sacrificing performance.

In real-world use, this Toshiba shines brightest when multitasking: air frying wings to a crisp in under 25 minutes, then switching to convection roast a whole chicken with even browning thanks to 360° airflow. The smart sensor technology automatically adjusts cooking time and power for frozen meals, vegetables, or popcorn—eliminating guesswork. While it handles large dishes with ease, its depth (21.38″) may challenge smaller countertops, and the air fry results, though commendable, aren’t quite as uniformly crispy as dedicated air fryer ovens. Still, for a hybrid unit, it strikes a rare balance between capacity and culinary range.

Positioned as a family-focused workhorse, the ML-EC42P(SS) outpaces compact rivals like the GE GCST10A1WSS in interior space and cooking flexibility, though it lacks smart connectivity. It’s ideal for households needing to cook, crisp, and convection-bake without crowding the counter. Compared to the pricier Breville BMO870BSS, it offers more interior room but fewer AI-driven presets—delivering robust performance with straightforward controls, making it a top pick for practical, high-volume cooking.

Step into the future of hands-free cooking with the Panasonic HomeChef Connect, where app-powered automation transforms meal prep from chore to curation. This 1.2 cu. ft. smart oven integrates seamlessly with the Kitchen+ app, offering guided cooking for hundreds of recipes—think air-fried salmon or broiled mac and cheese—automatically adjusting microwave, convection, broil, and air fry modes without a single button press. Its FlashXpress broiler technology delivers intense top heat for caramelizing finishes, while inverter power ensures even defrosting and reheating, solving the common pain point of unevenly warmed meals.

During testing, the app integration proved both intuitive and transformative: scanning a recipe, loading ingredients, and letting the oven handle timing and mode transitions resulted in consistent, restaurant-quality dishes with minimal effort. The 14.2-inch turntable accommodates medium pizzas and casserole dishes, though bulky roasts may push spatial limits. While the air fry function produces satisfying crispness, it falls slightly short of standalone air fryers in speed and crunch depth. The oven’s compact depth (17.7″) makes it ideal for tight kitchens, but the reliance on the app may frustrate users preferring manual control.

When stacked against the TOSHIBA ML2-STC13SAIT(SS), the NN-CV87QS lacks Alexa compatibility but excels in automated meal execution, making it perfect for tech-savvy users who value set-and-forget convenience. It’s a superior choice over basic microwaves for those seeking guided culinary exploration without investing in multiple appliances. While the Breville Combi Wave offers more built-in presets, this Panasonic delivers a smarter, more connected experience with broader recipe support.

Don’t let its compact frame fool you—the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA packs a surprisingly bold feature set into a budget-friendly package, making it a hidden gem for small kitchens and frugal cooks. With five cooking modes—microwave, air fry, combi, bake, and roast—and 11 dedicated air fry presets, it simplifies cooking everything from crispy nuggets to roasted vegetables with one-touch ease. The 900W inverter power ensures even heating, while the child-lock function adds peace of mind in homes with curious little hands.

In daily use, this microwave excels at quick meals and frozen food revival, delivering crispy results in air fry mode faster than many full-sized ovens. The 0.9 cu. ft. cavity fits a 10-inch pizza or small casserole, though larger family meals may require batch cooking. While it lacks convection speed and browning depth compared to premium models like the Breville BMO870BSS, its direct 30-second start button and seven auto menus make it ideal for dorms, offices, or singles. It struggles slightly with moisture retention in baked goods, but for basic needs, it’s impressively capable.

Compared to the GE GCST10A1WSS, it offers more cooking modes and presets at a lower cost, though with less broiling capability. It’s a no-frills powerhouse for those prioritizing value and simplicity over smart features. While it won’t replace a full oven, it outperforms its price point—making it the smartest entry-level choice for anyone wanting air frying without the premium tag.

This precision-engineered marvel is the Rolls-Royce of countertop combos, blending 1200W inverter microwave power with 1400W convection and 1100W grill elements to deliver restaurant-grade results in a single cavity. The Element IQ system intelligently directs heat for perfect air-fried fries, flaky roasted salmon, and even delicate chocolate brownies—making it a true all-in-one powerhouse. Its Power Smoothing Inverter eliminates hot spots, ensuring soups reheat evenly and meats defrost without edge-cooking, a common flaw in cheaper models.

Real-world testing revealed exceptional speed and control: the Fast Combi function cut roasting time by nearly 40% compared to conventional ovens, while Cook From Frozen delivered flawlessly seared chicken breasts straight from the freezer. The 1.1 cu. ft. interior fits a 12-inch pizza or small roast, though larger families may find it limiting. The 80% quieter soft-close door and mute function make it ideal for open-concept living, though the lack of a turntable means manual rotation for even microwave cooking. It’s a minor trade-off for a unit this advanced.

Stacked against the Toshiba ML-EC42P(SS), the BMO870BSS offers smarter cooking algorithms and quieter operation, but less interior space. It’s the ultimate tool for culinary enthusiasts who demand precision, speed, and silent performance without juggling appliances. While pricier than most, its AI-driven presets and shortcut panel justify the cost for serious home chefs—offering a more refined experience than any other model in the lineup.

Meet the undisputed champion of smart cooking—the TOSHIBA OptiChef ML2-STC13SAIT(SS) blends 1.3 cu. ft. of flexible space with AI-driven intelligence to deliver the most future-ready experience in the category. Its 2.4-inch color touchscreen is brilliantly responsive, guiding users through cloud-updated recipes and AI-optimized sensor cooking that adapts to food type and moisture levels. Powered by 1100W Origin Inverter Technology, it reheats with laser precision and air fries with crispy, oil-free results that rival standalone units.

In practice, the ChefFry Plus system with top fan and heating element produces golden wings and crispy fries in under 25 minutes, while the intuitive humidity sensor prevents overcooking—ideal for busy households. The Alexa and TSmartLife app integration allows voice-activated starts and remote monitoring, a feature absent in most rivals. It handles a 13-inch pizza or whole chicken with ease, though the 12.8-inch height may challenge under-cabinet clearance. The Cook From Frozen function is particularly impressive, delivering evenly cooked meals without pre-thawing.

When compared to the Panasonic NN-CV87QS, it offers better voice control and AI learning, while beating the Breville BMO870BSS in smart connectivity. It’s the best all-around package—balancing capacity, intelligence, and performance—making it perfect for tech-forward families who want a self-improving kitchen assistant. With OTA firmware updates, it only gets smarter over time—offering more long-term value than any other model.

For those crunched on counter space, the GE GCST10A1WSS is a compact dynamo that squeezes air fry, convection, broil, and microwave into a footprint small enough for dorms, offices, or studio kitchens. Despite its 1.0 cu. ft. capacity, it delivers 1050W of cooking power, making it one of the most efficient space-to-performance ratios in the lineup. The built-in broil mode is a standout, using direct radiant heat to sear scallops or caramelize cheesy toppings—something most compact microwaves lack.

In daily use, it handles frozen meals, fries, and nuggets with impressive crispness thanks to its dedicated air fry mode and crisper pan. The convection rack elevates food for even airflow, improving browning on chicken or roasted veggies. However, the small cavity limits it to individual or duo servings—a whole chicken won’t fit. The glass turntable ensures even microwave cooking, but the preset-only air fry function offers less control than manual temperature settings on larger models.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER ES9P032NA, it trades some cooking modes for better broiling and build quality, making it ideal for those who want crispiness and searing in a tiny package. It’s not for families, but for singles or couples wanting restaurant-style finishes without appliance sprawl, it’s unmatched. While it lacks smart features, it delivers more cooking depth than its size suggests—a true compact powerhouse.

Engineered for culinary perfectionists, the TOSHIBA MASTER Series B09HKM5SVD is the king of even cooking, thanks to its Origin Inverter Technology that eliminates hot spots and delivers uniform heat distribution across every dish. With 6-in-1 functionality—microwave, air fry, convection, broil, defrost, and Speedy Combi—it’s one of the most versatile units available, capable of everything from defrosting a steak in half the time to crisping fries with 360° heat circulation. The 50dB noise level ensures quiet operation, a rare luxury in high-powered combos.

In real-world testing, the Speedy Combi mode—which fuses microwave, convection, and grill—reduced cooking time by up to 50% while maintaining crispy exteriors and juicy interiors. The included bake tray and dual wire racks optimize airflow for air frying, producing results on par with standalone units. The 27 auto menus and 47 recipe booklet make it beginner-friendly, though the 11.3-inch turntable limits large dish compatibility. It’s not the smartest model, but its raw cooking performance is unmatched.

Against the Breville BMO870BSS, it offers more cooking modes and quieter operation, though fewer smart presets. It’s ideal for users who prioritize texture, consistency, and speed over app control. For those who want professional-grade results without upgrading their entire kitchen, this Toshiba delivers exceptional value and precision—making it the best choice for even, reliable cooking.