Brussels sprouts in an air fryer basket

HOW TO USE AN AIR FRY MICROWAVE

There’s nothing more satisfying than the crisp crunch of fried foods—and when you use an air fryer, you can achieve similar results as a deep fryer, without the mess of excess oil. If you have a microwave oven with air frying capabilities, you can enjoy your favorite fried treats with the touch of a button (and a few other simple steps). 

Use this guide to learn how to use a microwave with air fry—unlocking new possibilities of flavor and texture in your recipes.

WHAT IS A MICROWAVE WITH AIR FRY?

A microwave with air fry is an appliance that offers traditional microwave cooking capabilities with the addition of air frying technology. These microwaves give you the power of two appliances in one, helping to free up counter space.

You can air fry in a microwave to create dishes like marinated salmon bites, seasoned Brussels sprouts and classic French fries and get crispy fried results at home with no extra mess.

Sweet potato fries in an air fryer basket Sweet potato fries in an air fryer basket

HOW TO AIR FRY IN A MICROWAVE

If you have a KitchenAid® microwave with Air Fry Mode, using this cooking capability only takes four simple steps.

  1. Place your food in the included air fry basket, then place the basket inside your microwave. 

  2. Close the microwave door, then press the Air Fry button on the control panel.

  3. Use the +/- button to adjust the temperature setting that corresponds with your recipe.

  4. Press start, then use the +/- button to adjust the cooking time according to your recipe.

TIPS FOR USING AN AIR FRYER MICROWAVE

Once you’ve learned the basics of using a microwave with air fry, use the following tips to help your recipes turn out just the way you want.

  • Don’t overcrowd your basket: Air frying relies on a consistent flow of hot air to get all sides of your food nice and crispy, so make sure you leave enough space to promote proper air flow.
  • Adjust recipe cooking times and temperatures: Because air frying cooks your food differently than a traditional microwave or oven, make sure you adjust the time and temperature for the best results.
  • Flip your food halfway through: Make sure all sides of your food are crispy by flipping your food halfway through the cooking time.

CAN YOU AIR FRY IN A CONVECTION MICROWAVE?

Though there are differences between the two appliances, you can create similar results to an air fry microwave with convection microwaves, although you won’t achieve true air fried results. Simply use a perforated baking sheet or basket that fits inside your microwave and select the Convection Cooking setting on the control panel.

Note: Only place metal baking dishes in your microwave if you’re using it on its convection setting.

AIR FRY MICROWAVE RECIPES

From hot and crisp hors d'oeuvres to crunchy air fried vegetable side dishes, you can create a variety of recipes in your air fry microwave.

Spring rolls on a plate with a cup of sauce

Air fry pork and shrimp spring rolls: Elevate your next cocktail party with these juicy and crunchy spring rolls filled with cabbage, pork and shrimp.

Fried chicken sandwich

Air fryer chicken katsu sandwiches: You don’t need to go to a restaurant to enjoy a satisfying fried chicken sandwich when you can simply create your own using your microwave.

Air fryer salmon in a serving dish with Brussel sprouts next to a KitchenAid® countertop oven with air fry

Air fried salmon filets: Transform standard salmon filets into a melt-in-your-mouth entree that’s both crisp on the outside and flaky and juicy on the inside.

An air fried blooming onion

Air fried vegetables: You can turn your favorite produce into deliciously crisp side dishes, like fried zucchini chips, Parmesan-crusted asparagus or crunchy Brussels sprouts.

Homemade air-fried french fries and dipping sauce sitting on tray

Air fryer French fries: Make the classic side dish at home without the mess of a deep fryer when you use your microwave with air fry to make French fries.

Strawberry hand pies on a cooling rack

Air fried strawberry hand pies: You can even make dessert in your air fryer microwave. These fruity and flaky hand pies are the perfect sweet treat to serve after a savory spread.

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