Best Over-the-Range Microwave With Air Fryer: What to Know

On this page (8 sections)

1. Which over-the-range microwave with an air fryer is best?
2. How does air fry work in an over-the-range microwave?
3. What to check before you buy an air fry over-the-range unit
4. Which convection units can crisp food without an air fry mode?
5. What if no over-the-range air fry unit fits?
6. Who should install an air fry microwave?
7. Who should skip an air fry over-the-range microwave?
8. The best over-the-range microwave with air fryer for your kitchen

The best over the range microwave with an air fryer that we found is the BLACK+DECKER 1.5 cu ft, a 30-inch unit with a true air fry mode. Most air fryer microwaves sit on a counter, so over-the-range models with this mode are rare.

This guide shows the one air fry unit worth a look, the convection units that come close and a countertop fallback. It also covers fit and venting, since an air fry mode doesn't change either.

Which over-the-range microwave with an air fryer is best?

The BLACK+DECKER 1.5 cu ft is the over-the-range unit we'd point to. BLACK+DECKER says the mode cooks crispier food with less oil, and the unit adds convection, combi grill, bake and roast.

It measures 29.9 inches wide, 13.9 inches deep and 16.4 inches tall, so it suits a standard 30-inch opening. The fan runs 300 CFM on two speeds, and a light and sensor reheat come with it.

The 1.5 cu ft interior is smaller than the 1.7 and 1.9 cu ft units in our other roundups. It suits a smaller household, but a cook who bakes large trays will want more room.

How does air fry work in an over-the-range microwave?

An air fry mode uses hot, moving air to crisp food with little oil. The unit does this with its heating element and convection fan, not with a basket.

That means the results depend on the food, the rack and the time. Use the rack the way the manual shows, and start with the times in the cooking guide.

Over the range microwave with air fry: habits that help

Spread the food in a single layer, so the hot air reaches all sides. Crowding the food makes the results uneven.

Check the food partway through the cook time, and turn or stir it if the manual suggests it. A few checks in the first weeks teach you how the unit behaves with your favorite foods.

Keep the rack clean after each use. Food residue can affect the next batch and the taste of the food.

What to check before you buy an air fry over-the-range unit

Start with the mount. An air fry microwave that sits on a counter is a different product, so confirm the unit is made to mount over the range before you compare features.

The width, the height from the cooktop and the depth from the wall decide the fit, whatever the features are. Our dimensions guide explains how to measure each one.

Check the venting too. The 300 CFM fan either ducts outside or recirculates, and the manual says which, so confirm it before you buy any parts.

Which convection units can crisp food without an air fry mode?

A convection over-the-range microwave moves hot air around the food, so it can brown and crisp small batches. A dedicated air fry program sets the heat and the time for you, while a convection-only unit takes more watching.

Sharp's R1874T has 12 convection programs and low and high racks, and Sharp says it browns, bakes, broils, crisps and roasts. It sits in the premium tier and weighs 71.5 pounds.

KoolMore's 1.5 cu ft model bakes at settings from 100 to 450 F and has a 300 CFM fan. KoolMore doesn't advertise an air fry mode, so it suits a cook who wants convection browning and not a one-button crisp.

Our convection roundup compares these two with the BLACK+DECKER. The convection vs regular guide explains when the extra modes earn their cost.

What if no over-the-range air fry unit fits?

A countertop air fryer combo is the common fallback. It gives you air fry in a compact box, and you keep a standard over-the-range microwave or a hood above the cooktop.

Toshiba's 1.0 cu ft countertop combo has 8 functions, including air fry, convection and broil. It measures 20.6 inches wide, 16.4 inches deep and 11.8 inches tall, so it needs counter space.

Our over-the-range vs countertop comparison covers the trade-off between freeing counter space and skipping the mount.

Who should install an air fry microwave?

A qualified installer should mount any over-the-range unit, and a licensed electrician should check the outlet and the circuit. These units are heavy, they hang over a hot cooktop and they tie into the wiring and the vent.

The air fry mode adds no extra install work, but convection cooking puts more heat into the kitchen. A strong, unobstructed vent path matters more with these units, so ask the installer to check it.

Our installation guide lists the planning steps and the questions to ask the installer.

Who should skip an air fry over-the-range microwave?

Skip it if you only reheat, steam and defrost. A standard unit costs less, and the best over-the-range microwave roundup covers those.

Skip it if your cabinet is short. The low profile roundup covers units built for tighter spaces.

The best over-the-range microwave with air fryer for your kitchen

Pick the BLACK+DECKER if you want the best over the range microwave with an air fryer, a 30-inch unit with an air fry mode. Pick the Sharp or the KoolMore if convection browning is enough, and the Toshiba if you would rather add air fry on the counter.

Measure the fit first either way, and read the complete buying guide before you compare brands.

Frequently asked questions

Is an air fryer microwave the same as a stand-alone air fryer?

The air fry mode uses the microwave's heating and convection, so it works differently from a countertop basket. BLACK+DECKER says the mode cooks crispier food with less oil, and the manual gives the times.

Does the air fry mode change how the unit vents?

The BLACK+DECKER has a 300 CFM vent fan that works the same way for regular cooking. Whether it ducts outside or recirculates depends on your install, so check the manual before you buy parts.

Can a convection over-the-range microwave air fry?

It can brown and crisp small batches, since convection moves hot air around the food. A dedicated air fry mode sets the heat and time for you, so convection-only units take more watching.

Should a qualified installer mount an air fry microwave?

Yes, because these units are heavy, hang over a hot cooktop and tie into the wiring and the vent. A licensed electrician should check the outlet, and a qualified installer should handle the mount.