For many years, the air fryer vs microwave oven debate has been going on. People have constantly been arguing back and forth about which one is better. There is no doubt in that a microwave oven is more convenient. However, air fryers are becoming quite popular as people are looking for healthier cooking options instead of deep frying.
Both kitchen appliances have their fans but if you are confused about which one is better, read on.
By the end of this article, you will have a crystal-clear understanding of which appliance is perfect for your needs. Therefore, without further ado, let us get started.
Also read: Microwave Oven Buying Guide 2022: Everything You Need To Know
What is an air fryer?
The air fryer was invented in the 1970s by a company named Turbochef. It gained popularity after 2010.
An air fryer is a compact countertop appliance that uses little to no oil while cooking or frying food. The air fryer uses hot air to cook food. It circulates heat evenly with the help of a fan. It cooks food from the outside in.
How does an air fryer work?
In an air fryer, convection heating will be used to cook food. An electric heating element produces heat which will be circulated around the food evenly. Generally, all air fryers have a fan. This fan helps circulate the hot air.
Also read: Types Of Microwave Ovens: Complete Buying Guide
Pros And Cons Of An Air Fryer
| Pros | Cons |
| It cooks food quickly as compared to the microwave oven. | Quite expensive |
| An air fryer makes use of less energy than microwave ovens. | Compact in size, so you need to cook food in small batches. |
| Foods cooked in the air fryer are healthier as compared to deep-fried food. | Some people don’t like air-fried food’s smell. |
| Air fryers are easy to clean. | Usually, air-fried food might not be as crispy as deep-fried foods. |
| Air fryers don’t heat up your kitchen countertop as much as microwave ovens do. | |
| It promotes weight loss as food is air fried. | |
| It is safe to use and requires less maintenance. |
What is a microwave oven?
A microwave oven uses electromagnetic radiation to cook food. This appliance produces water molecules in the food, which in turn produces heat. It is called dielectric heating. A microwave cook food from the inside out.
This kitchen appliance was invented in the 1940s but earned prominent space as a common kitchen appliance in the 1970s. And, till then, it has been around for a long time.
Also read: What Is A Convection Microwave Oven?
How does a microwave oven work?
A microwave oven uses electromagnetic radiation to cook food. These microwaves produce a high-frequency electric field. It becomes the reason for the production of the polar molecules which rotate in food and generate heat which cooks the food.
Pros And Cons Of A Microwave Oven
| Pros | Cons |
| Inexpensive kitchen appliance | It uses electromagnetic radiation to prepare food. Therefore, food loses its nutritional value and sometimes even taste. |
| It is easy and quick to cook food in it. | Uneven heating of food |
| In a microwave oven, you can cook food in large quantities. | |
| A microwave oven offers multi functionalities like cooking, baking, and heating food. |
Air Fryer Vs Microwave Oven: Key Differences
Here are the key differences between an air fryer and a microwave oven.
Technology Used To Cook Food
In an air fryer, rapid air technology is used as a primary source to cook food. Whereas in a microwave oven, electromagnetic waves are used as a primary source to cook food.
Cooking Capacity
An air fryer is compact in size as compared to a microwave oven. Therefore, it can cook less food than a microwave oven.
Also read: 5 Best Inalsa Air Fryer To Buy In India
Temperature Control
When it comes to temperature control, an air fryer is a clear winner as it offers more control over temperature. It means you can easily customise the cooking procedure to make sure the food is cooked evenly.
Cooking Time
Generally, in air fryers, cooking time will be more as compared to a microwave oven.
Health
The air fryer uses minimal to no oil to cook food, whereas a microwave oven requires more oil to cook food. So, food cooked in an air fryer is more nutritious than in a microwave oven.
Price
Typically, microwave ovens are less expensive than air fryers.
Size
Air fryers come in different sizes. However, typically, they are smaller in size as compared to microwaves.
Noise
Microwaves make little to no noise, whereas air fryers are relatively noisy.
Versatility
You can use air fryers only to cook food. However, microwaves can be used to reheat, defrost, and for other tasks.
Also read: 5 Best Air Fryers You Can Buy In India Right Now November 2022
Ease Of Use
In the microwave, all you need to do is, place the food in a microwave-safe container, set the timer, and you are good to go. On the other hand, in the air fryer, you need to add food to the basket, adjust the timer, and wait for the food to cook.
Cleaning
You need to clean air fryers after every use, and it needs more cleaning as compared to microwaves. You need to wash the basket and drawer after each use. On the flip side, to clean the microwave, all you need is a damp cloth.
Maintenance
Microwaves are easy to maintain and require minimal cleaning. However, an air fryer is small in size, so it also will not require much time to maintain.
Power Consumption And Efficiency
A microwave consumes less power than an air fryer.
Also read: 5 Best Philips Air Fryer That You Can Buy In India
Air Fryer Vs Microwave Oven: Summing Up
After analysing all the pros, cons, usage, and differences between both kitchen appliances, it is up to you to decide which one is the perfect pick for you. If you are living alone, investing in the air fryer is the prudent choice because it will not save your hard-earned money but also provide you with nutritious benefits. On the flip side, if you have a large family, go for a microwave oven as it will cater to the various needs of each person without making holes in your pocket, just like an air fryer does by using excessive electricity. In short, it is vital to select a model that perfectly suits your taste, budget, and culinary requirements.
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