Air Fryer vs Microwave: Which Is Better for Reheating and Everyday Cooking?

General buying advice. Always check current specifications, prices and reviews with the retailer before you buy.

Both are small appliances that save you from turning on the oven, but they do different jobs. Here is how an air fryer and a microwave compare, and which one suits the way you cook.

Speed and convenience

A microwave is usually quicker for heating drinks, soup, porridge and ready meals, and it needs little attention. An air fryer takes a little time to heat up but works well for small amounts of food you want to be hot and crisp.

Texture

This is the biggest difference. A microwave heats food quickly but can leave it soft or soggy. An air fryer circulates hot air, so it can crisp chips, pastry and leftover pizza that would turn limp in a microwave.

Reheating safely

Whichever you use, reheat food until it is steaming hot all the way through, and stir or turn it halfway. Take extra care with rice and reheat it only once, using fresh, properly cooled rice from the fridge. Follow the guidance on packaging for ready meals.

Capacity and cleaning

A microwave cavity is often bigger and easier to wipe out. An air fryer basket is smaller, and the basket and drawer need washing after greasy foods. Think about how many people you are feeding and how much washing up you will tolerate.

Which should you buy first?

If you mostly heat drinks, soup and ready meals, a microwave is the more useful tool. If you want crisp food with little oil, or you like reheating leftovers so they stay crunchy, an air fryer is worth considering. Many kitchens end up with both.