Air Fryer vs Microwave: Which One is Better for Cooking?
The choice between an air fryer vs microwave depends on the type of cooking you’re planning to do and your personal preferences and cooking method you desire for that food item. I can not say that there is truly a better option but can discuss both in detail!
Here are the pros and cons of the air fryer vs microwave to help you decide.
Air Fryer
Starting with the air fryer, the secret kitchen appliance of health-conscious cooks everywhere. This innovative appliance uses hot air circulation to mimic the results of deep frying but with significantly less oil. This is also a terrific alternative to conventional oven or toaster oven cooking.
For flexitarians looking to indulge in crispy foods like french fries, chicken wings with crispy skins, or mug cakes, the air fryer is a game-changer. Some of my favorite recipe on this blog are air fryer recipes such as my Easy Air Fryer Camembert and my Healthy Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers Air Fryer.
Pros:
- Healthier Cooking: By drastically reducing the amount of oil needed for frying, the air fryer offers healthier alternatives to traditional deep frying methods. Air fryers can create a super crispy exterior for many types of food.
- Fast Cooking Time: For me, one of the best things about my air fryer is the fast cook time. It is a common misconception that air fryers take a long time to cook food.
Air Fryer is one of my favorite kitchen appliances to use to replace the regular oven. I find myself using the air fryer over the oven often. The preheating and cooking times are both faster. For example, two salmon fillets in the oven will cook at 400˚F for 13-15 minutes, where as the air fryer takes 8-10minutes at the same temperate with no preheating required! It might not cook faster than a traditional microwave but it does produce crispier results!
- Versatility: Beyond just frying, modern air fryers come with additional air fry functions for cooking foods such as baking, grilling, and roasting, making it a versatile tool for various cooking needs. I love all the different ways and ease of use of the air fryer. Additionally, the power level allows you to adjust to heating element to adjust cooking for less time.
- Crispy Texture: Whether it’s golden-brown french fries or crispy chicken wings, air frying is a healthier way achieving that satisfying crunch without excess oil. This makes the air fryer a better choice for people who want crispy food without the excess calories.
- Space Efficient: During the holiday season, when oven space is coveted, I like to whip out the air fryer to free up space for turkey and casseroles. I find when some of the holiday food cooks in the air fryer it is the best way to reduce my holiday stress! Recipes like my Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts are an easy way to provide a healthier option during the holidays.
Cons:
- Limited Capacity: If you have a small air fryer or really, depending on the size of your air fryer basket, cooking for a large family may require multiple batches. This cooking process may be a bit time-consuming.
- Storage Space: Air fryers can be bulky and take up considerable storage space. So, it’s important to consider your kitchen and storage layout before investing in one. I like to limit my countertop appliances, so having a good storage space for the air fryer is a great way to have kitchen gadgets without a cluttered kitchen!
Microwave
Now the microwave, the unsung hero of quick and convenient cooking. A microwave oven operates by utilizing electromagnetic waves, specifically a form of electromagnetic radiation known as microwaves, to facilitate its cooking process. Microwaves target water molecules, fats, and sugars in food, making water molecules oscillate rapidly, generating heat and cooking the food evenly from the inside out.
And while it may not offer the same crispy results as an air fryer or even deep fryer, the microwave excels in speed and versatility, making it a staple in many kitchens. One of my favorite ways to use the microwave is for melting chocolate! I use the microwave in melting chocolate for my Easy & Healthy Snickers Dates (Chocolate Covered Date Bites) and Homemade Almond Joy (Snickers Dates) Recipe.
Pros:
- Speedy Cooking: With the ability to heat food in a matter of minutes, the microwave is perfect for busy individuals looking to whip up a quick meal or reheat leftovers in a flash. If you don’t require a crispy texture, this is even faster than cooking the item in the air fryer!
- Reheat with Ease: For meal preppers, the microwave is an essential tool in the kitchen. From soups to stir fries to grain bowls batch cooking recipes on the weekend for easy, convenient, and healthy meals during the week. Additionally, it has different microwave cooking functions for different foods. You can use the popcorn microwave function for popcorn. Each microwave function offers different purposes.
- Versatility: From steaming vegetables to cooking rice and even baking certain desserts, the microwave is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to culinary tasks.
- Space-Saving Design: Often, microwaves are built into the kitchen either above the oven or in the cabinets.
- Easy to clean: Microwaves are pretty easy to clean only requiring a good wipe down of interior and exterior surfaces.
Cons:
- Soggy Texture: While the microwave excels at heating and cooking food quickly, it may not always deliver the same texture and flavor as traditional cooking methods. Sometimes microwaves can leave foods feeling soggy, but this isn’t necessarily an issue depending on what you are cooking.
- Limited Cooking Options: While versatile, the microwave may not be suitable for certain cooking techniques like frying or roasting, limiting its culinary capabilities. I find it is really best for reheating leftovers but hey, that’s still cooking right!?
Wrapping Up the Air Fryer Vs Microwave Debate
In the showdown between the air fryer and the microwave, there’s no clear winner. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal cooking preferences and lifestyle. As a registered dietitian nutritionist, I use both appliances for different occasions.
For flexitarians seeking healthier alternatives to traditional frying methods and don’t mind reaching for the air-fryer from a storage shelf when needed, the air-fryer is an excellent kitchen tool. I use it in many of the recipes in this blog! However, if speed, convenience, and meal-prepping are your top priorities, you can’t go wrong with the trusty microwave. I find it is amazing for reheating leftovers!
But really, why not use both appliances in your kitchen arsenal? I love to have plenty of options when looking to create a home-cooked meal for my family. No matter what, the end result will be a less expensive and healthier alternative to take out!
In flexitarian cooking, embracing variety is not just a mantra but a recipe for success! For more helpful info on Flexitarian eating, check out my post Easy Flexitarian Pantry Guide: Must Have Pantry Basics.
Check Out Some Of My Easy Air Fryer Recipes!
Air Fryer Frozen Brussels Sprouts with Horseradish Aioli
Jammy Soft Boiled Eggs in Air Fryer
Hi, I'm Sarah Harper. I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves to cook, eat, and talk about food! Here at The Addy Bean, you'll discover an array of flexitarian recipes. My mission is to inspire and encourage others to eat and explore the world of plant-based foods!
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