Air fryers vs microwaves: Which one rules the kitchen?

If you want to see fast adoption and evolution of technology, then look no further than your kitchen. A traditional kitchen has evolved to such an extent that it is now dominated by appliances that try to save time by simplifying meal preparation. Among these appliances, air fryers and microwaves are rapidly growing in terms of adoption.

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Their biggest USP is unique features paired with convenience and efficiency. They have now come to redefine the way we prepare our food. These appliances are designed for today’s fast-paced world, and they don’t only help with faster cooking time but also stand for a healthier alternative to traditional methods. Here’s a look at the differences between air fryers and microwaves and see which one rules the kitchen.

Air fryer vs microwave: What's the difference?

If you have been looking for a healthier way to cook food, then an air fryer is designed for you. The appliance is a huge departure from traditional cooking methods since it circulates hot air around the food at high speeds and can create a crispy outer layer without losing the moisture inside.

This way of cooking food means that air fryers use significantly less oil and can be used to cook a variety of foods, including French fries, chicken wings, and vegetables. Compared to traditional ovens, they also take less time to cook food and are thus preferred by busy individuals or families.

Microwaves, on the other hand, have been around for decades and have been a staple in kitchens due to their quick, convenient heating and cooking capabilities. When it comes to air fryer vs microwave ovens, a microwave works by emitting microwave radiation to generate heat, which is then used to cook or reheat the food placed inside.

A microwave can heat or cook food much faster than a conventional oven or stovetop and is preferred by those with limited time for meal preparation. They also offer precise control over cooking times and power levels, which makes them versatile and customisable for different cooking needs. Some microwave ovens also come with features such as defrosting, grilling, and baking while mimicking the function of a convection oven for more even cooking.

Air fryer vs microwave: What's the downside?

The biggest limitation of air fryers is that they are useful only for a certain type of cooking and not for steaming or reheating liquids. While the food prepared using an air fryer is crispy with a fried-like texture, they don’t deliver the same results as a microwave.

Some air fryer users have also found the learning curve to be steep. Microwave, on the other hand, fails to achieve certain textures and flavours. There are also health concerns associated with microwaves since there is potential for uneven heating or overcooking.

Air fryers vs microwaves: Which one rules the kitchen?

While one can say microwaves rule the kitchen, it is mainly because they have been around for a long time. However, if it comes to microwave vs air fryer, the real choice will depend on individual preferences, cooking habits, and lifestyle.

If you prioritise healthy cooking and prefer food with a crispy texture while using very little oil, then an air fryer will be ideal for your kitchen. However, a microwave is the way to go if you are looking for quick and convenient heating and cooking capabilities from your kitchen appliance.

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The correct scenario would be one where both an air fryer and a microwave coexist in the kitchen. You can choose the right appliance for different use cases and use them for their strengths as opposed to choosing one over the other.