Air fryer vs microwave: Know the differences and which one to pick

Cooking is an art and much like any other artform, it requires many tools to achieve perfection which facilitate the conventional methods of cooking. These tools are nothing but kitchen appliances that make cooking easier and enjoyable for everyone. While the importance of each is indisputable, the constant technological upgrades leave us questioning which ones are better than the others. Take for instance, the widely acknowledged air fryer vs microwave discourse.

The significance of a microwave oven has been facing the brunt ever since Philips launched the first air fryer in 2010. The more we got acquainted with air fryers and a slew of options to choose from, the more it got us thinking if it's time to ditch the traditional microwave. We can only wish if it was that easy to decide.

Adept at giving different food items a similar texture, both air fryer and microwave are two of the top kitchen appliances that help in cooking, baking and reheating. What sets them apart from each other is the technology used and the consequent difference in the food in terms of taste and health, which is exactly the reason behind this debate.

An air fryer is a modern-day kitchen appliance used for cooking our favourite fried foods (and a lot more) in a healthy way. Contrary to the traditional method of deep frying in oil, an air fryer uses the process of hot air circulation around the food to cook it with little to nearly no oil. All one has to do is place the food in the air fryer basket and set the time and temperature accordingly. The top section of the fryer has a heating mechanism and a fan that creates a rapid, hot air flow in the food chamber. This results in food that's crispy and crunchy on the outside and juicy and tender on the inside.

While one can make different types of fried dishes in an air fryer such as French fries, frozen finger foods, mozzarella sticks, burger patties and other such appetisers, main course delicacies, including chicken breasts, eggs, grilled meat and even roasted vegetables can also be cooked.

While an air fryer is a great alternative to traditional methods of cooking and frying, it is at the end of the day, a machine with its own set of drawbacks and limitations. Since, considering both the pros and cons of any kitchen appliance is a must before buying one, let's have a look at how air fryers are or aren't that beneficial for us.

It is a kitchen appliance that uses microwaves (a type of electromagnetic radiation) to heat and cook food. These waves are capable of passing through paper, glass and plastic and can be reflected by metal and absorbed by food. The design of a microwave oven consists of a magnetron that produces these tiny waves that are reflected off the oven's metal interior. These make the water molecules present inside the food to vibrate with the resulting friction, thereby producing heat that cooks the food.

Much like any other kitchen appliance, a microwave oven too has its benefits and drawbacks that must be considered while buying one for your kitchen.

While a microwave uses electromagnetic radiation to heat and cook food, air fryers use a rapid air technology that cooks food by circulating hot air in the food chamber.

Microwave ovens are known to have a larger cooking capacity than air fryers. While one can heat or cook large quantities of food at one go in a microwave, the same quantity requires to be cooked in multiple batches in an air fryer. The capacity of an air fryer usually ranges between three litres and six litres with a few models going up to 10 litres. As for a microwave oven, their capacities usually range from 17 litres to 30 litres with 20 litres being the standard capacity. Some extra large microwaves also have a capacity of up to 42 litres.

A microwave oven takes less time than an air fryer to cook and heat food. For instance, a dish that can be cooked in 20 to 30 minutes in an air fryer, can be cooked in five to 10 minutes in a microwave, or less at times.

An air fryer makes for a better choice than a microwave oven from a health perspective. Be it in terms of technology wherein the electromagnetic radiation of a microwave is harmful for the body, or the lower fat and oil content in air-fried food which is better for health.

A microwave oven is usually less expensive and more budget-friendly as compared to an air fryer.

Air fryers are comparatively smaller in size and have a lightweight, compact design. They take up less space on kitchen counters which makes them ideal for smaller kitchens or when there are space constraints.

Air fryers are noisier than microwaves and make a vibrational sound because of their in-built fan system.

While you can make almost everything in an air fryer (be it fried, roasted, grilled, baked) you cannot cook or heat liquid and gravy-based dishes and soups which can be easily heated in a microwave oven. Otherwise, both air fryers and microwaves are equipped with multiple modes and presets to make cooking easier and more versatile.

Both air fryers and microwaves are easy to use. They offer time and temperature control settings and are also pre-equipped with preset functions and modes to ease up the cooking process.

Essentially both air fryers and microwave ovens are low maintenance and easy to clean. While an air fryer must be cleaned after every use, one can clean a microwave every few days. Most parts of an air fryer are detachable and can be cleaned with soap and water or in a dishwasher. As for a microwave oven, the turntable and grilling racks are detachable and can be washed. However, you still might need to reach deep into the food case and clean it with a damp cloth to rid the interiors of food stains and stuck leftovers.

While air-fryers are considered quite energy-efficient, there are a few models that consume 1500 to 1700 watts, whereas a microwave uses around 1200 watts for a cooking session of around 30 minutes. They might consume an additional two to seven watts in standby or reheating mode.

In the microwave vs air fryer debate, choosing between one boils down to your needs, requirements and priorities. While both these kitchen appliances have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, they make the cooking process easier.

If you have a large family, a microwave would make for a better choice than an air fryer, which is rather suitable for a small, nuclear family. If healthy and nutritious food is on your checklist, an air fryer would make for an ideal pick. Whereas, if quick reheating, defrosting and baking is your priority, a microwave oven should be your go-to.

Prices of the products mentioned in the story are subject to change.

(Hero Image: Courtesy Philips & Vlad Zaytsev/Unsplash ; Featured Image: Courtesy Philips)

Answer: It is cheaper to use a microwave since it uses less power and energy than an air fryer.

Answer: An air fryer is a healthier alternative to a traditional microwave oven.

Answer: Yes, you can reheat food in an air fryer without it losing its crispness or turning it soggy or dry.

Answer: For how the food cooked in an air fryer is healthy and nutritious, for how it is easy to use, clean and maintain it and for how it eases the cooking process, an air fryer is surely worth purchasing.

Answer: Yes, food cooked in an air fryer is healthier since it uses little to no oil which results in food that's low on calories and fat content.

With an academic background in Public Relations, Divya has a flair for writing about topics spanning genres like lifestyle, beauty, fashion, travel, FnB, tech and entertainment. She fancies everything that's a wholesome blend of contemporary finery and timelessness. Quirky earrings and tees are her weakness. When not creating content, you will find her devouring food, snuggling in with a book and a cup-a-chai, admiring skies or revisiting Hogwarts.

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