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A microwave air fryer combo uses two different heating methods: microwaves heat food in microwave mode, while a heating element and fan circulate hot air in air-fry mode. The basket or rack helps that air move around the food. Whether the appliance can combine these methods in one program depends on its model and settings.
What happens in each cooking mode?
Microwave mode
Microwaves use electromagnetic waves to heat food. In this mode, the appliance is operating as a microwave; the air-fry heating element and fan are not necessarily involved. Whirlpool explains the basic process in its microwave cooking overview.
Air-fry mode
Air-fry mode uses a heating element and fan to push hot air around the food. Some models add grill heat. Whirlpool describes one of its manual air-fry modes as forced air combined with a grill; that is a description of that manufacturer’s mode, not a guarantee of identical results to deep-frying.
Convection and combination modes
Some combos add convection, grill, or programs that use more than one heating method. For example, Whirlpool describes Combi Grill as combining convection and traditional microwave technology, and Combi Bake as using microwave and convection together. Panasonic’s UK and Ireland NN-CD88 lists microwave, quartz grill, convection, air fry, and combination cooking. These are examples of particular models, not a standard feature set for every microwave air fryer combo.
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- 5-in-1 Microwave Oven: Use this essential countertop appliance for cooking in five functions: microwave, air fryer, combi (grill/convection), bake, and roast for all of your culinary needs.
- 10 Cooking Levels: Featuring a 900-watt output, this compact microwave has 7 auto menus, including settings for Beverage, Fresh/Frozen Vegetables, Oatmeal, Potato, Popcorn, and Frozen Pizza.
- Air Fry Presets: This small-but-mighty microwave has 11 preset air fry menus, including for cooking frozen French fries, steak fries, squid rings, chicken nuggets/wings/legs, fish sticks/fillets, cheese sticks, vegetables, and spring rolls with an easy-to-use operation.
- Speedy Cooking: Directly press the start button to cook food at 100% power for 30 seconds and press again for an additional 30 seconds.
- Child-Lock Setting: Press the stop button for 3 seconds to lock the control panel to keep little hands from clicking buttons on the appliance.
In a convection system, a heating element warms air circulated by a fan. A Whirlpool owner’s manual describes its system as a convection element that heats in conjunction with the convection fan. Whether microwaves also operate during a specific program depends on the selected mode and appliance.
Does it use microwaves while air frying?
Not necessarily. Microwave and air-fry modes use different heating processes, and choosing air fry does not by itself mean the microwave function is also running. Some models offer separate combination programs that use microwaves with convection or another heat source. Check the mode descriptions in your model’s manual or control panel to see what a particular program activates.
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- Two-Step Child Lock: This mandatory safety feature for microwaves helps prevent unintended use by younger family members, please open the machine according to the steps shown in the figure.
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- Microwave output power 1000 watts, input power 1600 watts. External dimension (WxDxH): 20.6*16.4*11.8 inches, 12.4-inch position memory turntable
- Compact Size but Large Capacity & Powerful: Small Footprint as Kitchen Essential, 12.4inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12 inch pizza and 8*4 inch casserole, offers the perfect balance of size and convenience.
Why does it need a special basket or rack?
Air needs to reach the sides and underside of food for air-fry cooking. A perforated basket or raised rack lifts food and leaves paths for the circulating air. The appliance may use different accessories or positions for air frying, grilling, baking, and roasting; shape and placement are model-specific.
Use the basket supplied for your appliance, or verify the replacement part is compatible with the exact model. A basket that fits physically may still be unsuitable if it blocks airflow or is not approved for the selected mode. Follow the manual’s accessory diagrams and placement instructions.
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How to use air-fry mode safely
- Check the manual. Find the instructions for your exact model, including the required accessory, temperature, timing, and cookware.
- Place the basket as directed. Whirlpool’s instructions for a cited model say to center the basket on the turntable and ensure it does not touch the cavity wall.
- Set the model’s specified program. Do not assume another brand’s temperature or preset applies. For the Whirlpool instructions cited, manual air fry defaults to 425°F (218°C), with a selectable range of 400–450°F (204–232°C); those settings are not universal.
- Handle hot parts carefully. The basket, cavity, door, and tray can become hot. Whirlpool advises using oven mitts when handling the basket.
What varies between models?
“Microwave air fryer combo” describes a category, not one shared design. Compare the actual specifications for the market and model you are considering:
- Modes: Check whether it has air fry, convection, grill, and any microwave-plus-convection or other combination programs.
- Accessories: Confirm which basket or rack is included and whether compatible replacements are available.
- Size and installation: Check the cavity capacity and whether the appliance is countertop or built-in; the examples below are different products and are not a performance comparison.
- Region: Product features and availability can differ by market, so use the specification page for your country.
| Example model | Published details | How to interpret them |
|---|---|---|
| Panasonic NN-CD88 (UK and Ireland) | 34 L capacity; 1000 W inverter microwave power; 1300 W quartz grill; air-fry range of 180–220°C | Specifications for this model, not all combo appliances. |
| Whirlpool WMCS5522RB | Whirlpool lists microwave, convection, grill, and combination cooking modes; capacity is 1.0 cu. ft. | A separate product example from a different market; not directly comparable to the Panasonic model as a performance test. |
Manufacturers document the heating mechanisms and features, but the cited material does not establish that combo units cook identically to dedicated air fryers or deep fryers. Treat claims about results as model-specific rather than assuming equivalent performance.
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Best Value
- Balanced capacity. Powerful performance: With a versatile 1.0 cu. ft. capacity and 1,050 Watts of cooking power, this microwave delivers fast, even results for family favorites and everyday meals. Measures: 13.98" W x 9.49" H x 13.23" D
- Air Fry: The built-in microwave air fryer is a healthier way to deliver crispy, golden results without a separate appliance—a stainless steel crisper pan is included to help you get the most from every air fry session
- Convection Cooking: This convection microwave oven countertop unit uses a wire rack to let hot air circulate evenly around food, producing consistent browning and thorough cooking for everyday meals and smaller baked goods
- Broil: When you have a microwave with a broiler right inside, you can achieve the same effect you do with grill racks, radiating heat to sear or caramelize any food to perfection
- Trusted GE Performance: From quick breakfasts to late-night snacks, this GE countertop microwave delivers the reliable performance, user-friendly controls, and everyday convenience that have made GE a trusted name in kitchens for generations
Rank #4
- 4-in-1 Multifunctional Countertop Microwave One microwave with multi-functions of microwave, air fry, convection, combination cooking (microwave plus convection) can fulfill more usages
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- One Kitchen Appliance, Better Texture Combines microwave and convection cooking in one appliance, with auto bake, defrosting and auto roast menus. Also with pre-programmed sensor menu for optimum result of popular foods like frozen pizza, vegetables and more
- Large Capacity for a Family Size 13.6 inch removable turntable can fit a whole roasted chicken, 12-inch pizza
- Stylish Appearance: Stainless steel finish (color of door frame is stainless steel, enclosure is black) with easy to clean stainless steel interior
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
