Microwave Air Fryer Combo – Top Picks and Buyer’s Guide

A microwave air fryer combo, also known as a combi microwave, promises the speed of a microwave with the crispy finish of an air fryer—all in a single appliance. For UK households looking to save counter space without sacrificing versatility, these devices have become an increasingly popular option. But with various models and price points available, choosing the right one requires careful consideration. This guide examines the top models, how they work, and whether they truly deliver on their promises.

Which microwave air fryer combo is best in the UK?

• Microwave air fryer combos save counter space but often have smaller air fryer capacity than standalone units.
• Air frying quality varies: some models use a grill element plus fan; others use dedicated heating elements.
• Built-in combi microwave air fryers are rare in the UK; most are countertop.
• The Panasonic NN-CD88 is consistently top-rated for its true air fry function.
• Russell Hobbs offers a budget-friendly entry point with decent performance.
• Users on Reddit report mixed results: convenient but not as crispy as dedicated air fryers.
• Good Housekeeping recommends checking the microwave wattage and air fryer basket size before purchase.

In the US market, the Good Housekeeping guide ranks the GE 4-in-1 as excellent value and the Panasonic HomeChef as best overall. For UK shoppers, the Panasonic NN-CD88 and Russell Hobbs RHMAF2301B are widely available through retailers like Currys and John Lewis.

Finding a genuine built-in microwave air fryer combo in the UK remains a challenge. Most so-called “built-in” models are actually countertop units that can be installed with a trim kit. Brands like Neff and Samsung produce some combination microwaves, but they rarely offer a dedicated air fry function. If a built-in air fry microwave is essential, carefully check the specifications before purchasing.

Are combi microwave air fryers actually any good?

The short answer is yes—but with important caveats. These appliances genuinely combine microwave speed with air fryer crispiness, making them excellent for quick meals like fries, chicken, or reheated leftovers. However, they are not perfect substitutes for standalone air fryers.

Microwave air fryer combo vs separate air fryer – which is better?

A dedicated air fryer typically produces crispier results for thick items like whole chickens or large batches of chips. The Business Insider comparison found that the GE 4-in-1 cooked fries in 8 minutes while the Breville Combi-Wave took 30 minutes. For thin items like pizza or fries, combos perform well. For larger roasts, a separate unit may still hold the edge.

Is it worth buying a microwave air fryer combo?

For those with limited counter space, the answer is often yes. A combi microwave replaces two appliances with one, saving both space and money compared to buying a microwave plus a separate air fryer. Business Insider recommends the GE for most users. However, if you already own a good microwave and have room for a standalone air fryer, the upgrade may not justify the cost.

How does a microwave air fryer combo work?

Understanding the technology helps clarify what these machines can and cannot do. A microwave air fryer combo uses a combination of microwave radiation, a heating element, and a fan to cook food quickly while creating a crispy exterior.

Can you air fry in a combi microwave?

Yes, you can. The air fry function typically works by using a grill element or a dedicated heating element combined with a fan to circulate hot air at high speed. This mimics the effect of a traditional deep fryer but with far less oil. The microwave element can be used simultaneously or sequentially to speed up cooking.

How to use the air fryer function on a combi microwave

Most models have a specific air fry mode which you select via a button or dial. Some require you to place food on an included air fry basket or rack. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model. Generally, you set the desired temperature and time, similar to a standalone air fryer.

What is the difference between air fryer microwave and convection microwave?

A convection microwave uses a fan to circulate hot air, which is good for even baking and roasting. An air fryer microwave adds a more powerful fan and often a dedicated heating element designed to achieve the rapid air circulation needed for crispy results. While many convection microwaves can be used for air frying, models specifically marketed as “air fryer microwaves” tend to perform better at this task.

What are the top brands and models of microwave air fryer combos?

The market is dominated by a few key brands. Panasonic, Russell Hobbs, Ninja, GE, Toshiba, and Breville are the most frequently mentioned in reviews and retailer listings.

Russell Hobbs microwave air fryer combo review

The Russell Hobbs RHMAF2301B is a popular budget option in the UK, priced around £150-£200. It offers 900W microwave power, a 25L capacity, and four functions. User reviews are generally positive for its price point, though some note that the air fry function is less powerful than more expensive models.

Ninja microwave air fryer combo review

Ninja is a strong brand in the air fryer space, but dedicated Ninja microwave air fryer combos are less common in the UK market. The Ninja Foodi range includes multi-cookers that combine pressure cooking and air frying, but these are not traditional microwaves. If you see a Ninja combi microwave, it will likely be similar to the models available from other brands.

Panasonic combi microwave air fryer review

The Panasonic NN-CD88 is widely regarded as the top performer. It offers a 34L capacity, 1000W microwave power, and a dedicated air fry function. Good Housekeeping praises its app-guided cooking and presets. John Lewis’s review describes it as a combined microwave, air fryer, grill, and convection oven. It is priced at £300-£400, making it a significant investment.

Other notable brands

GE and Toshiba are strong performers in the US market but are less widely available in the UK. Breville’s Combi-Wave 3-in-1 is available but has received mixed reviews, with Business Insider noting its poor microwave speed and subpar air fry performance.

Where to buy a microwave air fryer combo in the UK?

Major UK retailers stock these appliances. Currys, John Lewis, and IKEA offer a range of models, though the selection at IKEA is typically more limited.

At John Lewis, the Panasonic NN-CD88 is available and comes with the retailer’s tried-and-tested endorsement. Currys stocks the Russell Hobbs RHMAF2301B and other brands. IKEA offers some combination microwaves but generally not those with a dedicated air fry function. If you’re looking to understand more about the symptoms of a Vitamin B12 deficiency, Vitamin B12 Mangel Symptome erkennen provides a comprehensive overview.

Online forums like Reddit contain real user discussions about these products. While not expert reviews, they provide insight into common issues and satisfaction levels. Users often debate convenience versus crispiness.

Evolution of Microwave Air Fryer Combos

1. 2021-2022: Early combi microwaves with ‘air fry’ settings appear, mostly from Asian brands.
2. 2023: Panasonic launches 4-in-1 NN-CD88, raising the bar for true air frying.
3. 2024-2025: Mainstream adoption; Russell Hobbs, Ninja, and others release models. Good Housekeeping and retailers start featuring ‘best air fryer microwave’ guides.
4. March 2026: Good Housekeeping publishes updated list; Reddit communities actively debating worth.

What We Know vs. What’s Still Unclear

Why Microwave Air Fryer Combos Are Trending

The growth in compact living across the UK has driven demand for space-saving appliances. A microwave air fryer combo replaces two devices with one, freeing up valuable counter space. The speed of microwave cooking combined with the crispiness of air frying also appeals to time-pressed households.

Traditional air fryers still dominate the market, but combos offer a versatility that standalone units cannot match. However, the air fry basket is typically smaller, and cooking is less even than with dedicated air fryers. These trade-offs mean that for some users, a separate microwave and air fryer remains the better choice.

If you decide to stick with a separate air fryer, you might find our guide on How to Make Cookies – Easy Chocolate Chip Recipe Guide useful for using your air fryer for baking. Alternatively, for a complete meal idea, try our Chicken Fried Rice Recipe – Best Authentic Easy Guide which can be adapted for a combi microwave.

Expert and User Perspectives

“An air fryer microwave combines the speed of the best microwaves with the crispy results of the best air fryers to create the ultimate dinnertime saviour.”

– Good Housekeeping (March 2026)

“Our air fryer has given up the ghost… combi microwave seems convenient but are they actually any good?”

– Reddit user on r/AskUK

“The Panasonic NN-CD88 combines a microwave, air fryer, grill, and convection oven in one space-saving appliance.”

– John Lewis review of Panasonic

What’s Next for Microwave Air Fryer Combos?

More brands are expected to enter the market, including Breville and Sharp, which could increase competition and drive down prices. Improvements in air fry technology may bring combos closer to standalone performance. As UK kitchens move toward integrated appliances, built-in options may become more common. Smart connectivity and app-controlled cooking are also likely to expand, as seen with the Panasonic model.

Frequently Asked Questions About Microwave Air Fryer Combos