Let’s be real for a moment. Kitchen counters are prime real estate, and the last thing any of us need is another single-use gadget cluttering up the space. If you’re on the fence and looking to buy an air fryer oven combo, you’re probably asking the right question: is this the all-in-one hero my kitchen has been waiting for? As the head creative here at Air Fryer Mart, I’ve tested, tweaked, and cooked my way through countless machines, and I’m here to tell you that these versatile workhorses can be a total game-changer. Forget just making crispy fries; we’re talking about a device that can roast a whole chicken, bake a pizza, toast your morning bagel, and so much more. This guide is your one-stop shop for figuring out if this appliance is right for you.
What Exactly Is an Air Fryer Oven Combo?
Think of a standard, basket-style air fryer. Now, imagine it grew up, went to culinary school, and came back as a multi-talented countertop convection oven. That’s essentially an air fryer oven combo. Instead of a pull-out basket, it has a front-facing door like a traditional oven and multiple rack levels inside.
The magic still comes from the core air frying technology: a powerful fan circulates superheated air at high speed, creating that delicious, crispy “fried” texture with a fraction of the oil. But by putting that technology into an oven-style body, you unlock a world of culinary possibilities that a simple basket fryer just can’t handle.
Key Reasons to Buy an Air Fryer Oven Combo
So, why make the switch or choose this over a standard model? It really boils down to three things: versatility, capacity, and visibility.
- Unmatched Versatility: This is the biggest selling point. Most combos don’t just air fry. They bake, roast, broil, toast, reheat, and some even have functions for dehydrating jerky or proofing dough. It can legitimately replace your toaster, your countertop oven, and of course, a dedicated air fryer.
- Serious Cooking Capacity: While basket fryers are great for a couple of people, they struggle with family-sized meals. An air fryer oven combo offers significantly more space. You can cook on multiple racks at once—think crispy chicken wings on the top rack and roasted vegetables on the bottom. Cooking a whole 4-pound chicken? No problem.
- See What’s Cooking: One of my biggest pet peeves with basket fryers is the “stop and shake” guessing game. With a glass door and an interior light, you can actually watch your food transform. You’ll know exactly when your Brussels sprouts are perfectly browned or when the cheese on your pizza is bubbling just right.
What to Look For Before You Buy
Diving into the market can be overwhelming. To make a smart decision when you Buy Air Fryer Oven Combo units, focus on these critical features.
Capacity and Footprint
How big is your family, and how much counter space can you spare? Capacity is often measured in quarts or liters. A 10-12 quart model is great for couples or small families, while larger families might want to look at 20-30 quart options. Crucially, measure your counter space first—especially the height under your cabinets. These units are often taller than they are wide.
Cooking Functions and Presets
Don’t just look at the number of functions; look at the ones you’ll actually use. Essential functions include:
- Air Fry
- Bake
- Roast
- Toast
- Broil/Grill
- Reheat
Bonus functions like Dehydrate, Proof, or Rotisserie can be fantastic additions if they fit your cooking style. Presets for common foods (fries, wings, steak) are handy for beginners, but manual control over time and temperature is a must-have for experienced cooks.
Power and Temperature Range
Wattage equals power. A higher wattage (typically 1700W or more) means the oven heats up faster and recovers temperature more quickly after you open the door. Also, check the temperature range. A good range is roughly 150°F to 450°F (65°C to 230°C). The low end is great for dehydrating, while the high end is essential for getting a good sear or a crispy crust.
Expert Tip: “Don’t just chase the highest wattage,” says kitchen appliance expert, Maria Flores. “Look for a balance. A well-designed 1700W oven can often outperform a poorly designed 1800W one. Focus on trusted brands and user reviews that mention even cooking.”
Air Fryer Oven vs. Basket Air Fryer: The Showdown
Still undecided? Let’s put them head-to-head. There’s no single “best” option—it’s about what’s best for your kitchen.
| Feature | Basket-Style Air Fryer | Air Fryer Oven Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Singles, couples, small spaces | Families, avid home cooks, replacing multiple appliances |
| Capacity | Smaller (2-7 quarts) | Larger (10-30+ quarts) |
| Footprint | Smaller, often more compact | Larger, typically taller |
| Functions | Primarily air frying, some roast/bake | Multi-function (bake, roast, toast, dehydrate, etc.) |
| Cooking Style | Great for single-layer items (fries, wings) | Multi-level cooking, whole roasts, baking |
| Cleaning | Usually a non-stick basket and crisper plate | Racks, trays, and an interior to wipe down |
| Preheating | Often faster to preheat | May take slightly longer, similar to a small oven |
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Our Picks for the Best Air Fryer in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ninja | Air Fryer | 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate | 5QT Capacity fits up to 4lbs of French Fries | 400F Max Temp | Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate | 120V | Grey | AF141 |
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| 2 | Cuisinart Air Fryer, 2.6-Quart Compact Basket Fryer with 3 Cooking Functions to Air Fry, Roast, and Bake, 3 Airfryer Presets, Dishwasher-Safe Parts, AIR-80, Stainless Steel & Black |
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| 3 | Instant Pot 4QT VORTEX 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer, Air fry, Bake, Roast, Broil, Dehydrate or Reheat, Rosewater, 4 Quarts |
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| 4 | Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black |
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| 5 | Chefman Air Fryer – 6 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black |
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| 6 | CHEFMAN 2 Qt Mini Air Fryer – Digital Space-Saving Compact Air Fryer with Nonstick and Dishwasher Safe Basket, Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Digital Timer and Shake Reminder – Black |
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| 7 | Ninja | Air Fryer | 4 QT Capacity | 4-in1 Roast, Crisp, Roast, Reheats, & Dehydrates | Dishwasher Safe Parts | Includes 20 Easy & Healthy Recipes | Compact | Grey | AF101 |
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| 8 | Chefman TurboFry Touch Air Fryer, Large 5-Quart Family Size, One Touch Digital Control Presets, French Fries, Chicken, Meat, Fish, Nonstick Dishwasher-Safe Parts, Automatic Shutoff, Stainless Steel |
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| 9 | Chefman Air Fryer – 4 QT Compact Airfryer for Quick & Easy Meals in Minutes, Features Hi-Fry Technology for Extra Crisp, Touchscreen Controls with 4 Presets, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket - Black |
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| 10 | Amazon Basics 3.2 Quart 6-In-1 Air Fryer (Fry, Crisp, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate), Non-Stick, with Timer, Auto Shut-Off, Digital Touch Screen, 180-400°F, 1400W, Black/Silver |
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How Do I Clean an Air Fryer Oven Combo?
This is a fantastic question because an easy-to-clean appliance is one you’ll use all the time. The best models have a stainless steel interior that you can easily wipe down and a removable crumb tray at the bottom—this is an absolute lifesaver.
Here’s a simple cleaning routine:
- Unplug and Cool Down: Never clean a hot appliance. Let it cool completely.
- Tackle the Accessories: Remove all racks, pans, and the drip tray. Most are dishwasher-safe (check your manual!), but a good soak in hot, soapy water works wonders. For stubborn, baked-on grease, a paste of baking soda and water can be a gentle abrasive.
- Wipe the Interior: Use a damp, non-abrasive sponge or cloth with a little dish soap to wipe down the inside walls and the glass door. For tough spots, a soft-bristled brush can help.
- Clean the Heating Element: Gently wipe the heating element at the top with a soft, damp cloth to remove any grease splatter. Be careful not to apply too much pressure.
- Empty the Crumb Tray: Slide it out, dump the crumbs, and give it a quick wash. Do this after every use to prevent buildup and smells.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an air fryer oven combo replace my microwave?
For reheating, absolutely—and it does a much better job. It makes leftover pizza crispy again, not soggy. However, it cannot perform microwave-specific tasks like popping microwave popcorn or heating a cup of water in 90 seconds.
Are air fryer ovens noisy?
They do have a fan, so they make more noise than a conventional oven but are generally comparable to or slightly louder than a microwave. The noise level is a consistent hum, not an intrusive roar.
Do I need to use any oil at all?
For many frozen foods like fries or chicken nuggets, you don’t need any extra oil. For fresh foods like homemade French fries or roasting vegetables, a light toss in a teaspoon or two of oil helps achieve maximum crispiness and flavor. It’s still a massive reduction compared to deep frying.
What’s the best size to buy for a family of four?
For a family of four, you’ll want to look for a model that’s at least 15 quarts, but a 20-26 quart model is often the sweet spot. This gives you enough room to cook a main dish and a side at the same time or to roast a standard-sized chicken.
Is the food cooked in an air fryer oven truly healthy?
By using hot air instead of vats of oil, you can cut calories and fat content by up to 80% compared to traditional deep-frying. This makes it a fantastic tool for creating healthier versions of your favorite crispy foods.
The Final Verdict
So, should you buy an air fryer oven combo? If you’re looking to maximize your kitchen’s potential, save counter space, and cook a wider variety of delicious, healthy meals for more than one or two people, the answer is a resounding yes. It’s more than just an air fryer; it’s a versatile countertop cooking center that can truly revolutionize your weekday dinners and weekend culinary projects. Take the leap, and get ready to discover just how much one smart appliance can do.