Do you think an air fryer is the only appliance that consumes space in your kitchen, sitting dominantly on the counter?
Well then, think again. Most of us are unaware of the fact that modern microwaves of today have advanced so far that they do much more than reheat yesterday’s food or pop the corn for movie nights.
There is an endless list of foods that you might have thought required deep frying, pan roasting, or grilling to achieve the perfect crisp. But what if that same desirable crunch could be achieved from a simple microwave oven?
Yes, it can. And we are happy to inform you that it can be done without sacrificing texture or taste.
A convection microwave with air fryer capabilities blends the power of two appliances. What does this mean?
Enjoying crispy fries, juicy kebabs, and golden brown samosas cooked faster, easier, healthier, and cleaner than ever before. All without burdening the kitchen with multiple cookers, microwaves, or gadgets.
And there you have it, you have all the reasons you need to feel surprised.
Now let us take you through 7 foods that can be ‘air fried’ in a microwave and instructions on how to use them to get the best results.
1. No More Blotting Oil: Bread Pakoras
Traditionally, bread pakoras taste heavenly, but they tend to soak up oil like a sponge. With the microwave air fryer feature, you can enjoy that satisfying crunch without the heavy batter-frying.
How it works:
The Air Fryer preset 36 menus allow you to pick a preset option including other customizable multi-power levels. Simply brush a bit of oil, and control the level to achieve your desired texture. With just a light coating of oil, you get absolute satisfaction—the rest is left to the hot air.
Why it works:
The air fryer delivers deep-fried taste and appearance without the excess oil and mess that comes with traditional frying. Cleaning is far simpler too.
2. Crispy Bhindi Kurkure (Okra Chips)
In Indian households, bhindi or okra chips are a staple. Though, traditional ovens tend to burn them or leave them soggy.
Delivering with the microwave plus air fryer:
Lightly sprinkle salt and turmeric, then place the thinly sliced bhindi on the air fryer rack. Set the drying mode at a low/mid level for uniform drying without overcooking.
Additional Advice:
Thanks to the stainless steel microwave cavity, heat is evenly dispersed which is critical when dealing with thin and fragile foods such as okra chips.
3. No Guilt French Fries
Homemade fries without the guilt? Absolutely. No need to prepare and soak them beforehand or use multiple oil baths to fry.
The trick:
French fries begin by using the hottest potatoes because hot devices fry the best. Slice the potatoes thin, soak for ten to fifteen minutes to remove excess starch, then pat dry. Toss a teaspoon of oil and use the Air Fryer or auto cook menu to get restaurant-style fries.
What helps:
The auto cook menu edits over 305 presets so you don’t have to worry about constantly adjusting time and temperature. Everything is done automatically and checked on during the cooking process.
4. Paneer Tikka With The Smoke Finish
For tandoori-style paneer tikka, it’s required to have a grill or fry them in a lot of oil on a pan. With the rotary grill, that is no longer an issue.
Rotisserie Motorized:
Skewer the marinated paneer cubes and place them on the rotisserie stick so it can rotate automatically. With this feature, food is evenly grilled. No more burnt edges or raw centers.
Pair It With:
Forget those olden days when you had to throw the food and hope for the best. The rotating grill gives the capsicum and onions the perfect char without needing to flip them.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms That Don’t Shrink or Sog Out
Regardless of your expertise, stuffed mushrooms are good appetizers but are really difficult to get absolutely right: they can steam dry, or even worse, release way too much moisture. Luckily for all air-frying enthusiasts, microwaved stuffed mushrooms come with the perfect balance of crispy on top and moisture inside.
Cooking method:
Using mid-level power helps in the mushrooms not overcooking. Because of the steel interior, the interior temperature is retained perfectly, which means juicier results. So the power level setting must be set to mid-level and the stainless steel interior helps sustain the sprouts’ ideal internal temperature, which means juicier results.
Stuffing ideas:
Experiment with crumbled paneer, garlicked spinach, and garlic. Or cheesy breadcrumb medley would be yummy too for a continental touch.
6. Moong Dal Nuggets – Light but Loaded
Traditionally, these are slathered in oil and dipped into hot oil, but switch to microwave air fryer mode and you’ll be wickedly satisfying with faux fry health crunchiness. They’re crispy on the outside and oh so much lighter on the belly.
Prep tips:
Soak moong dal, blend it with green chilies, garlic, ginger and then shape it into bite-sized nuggets. Be sure to grease your tray ahead of time and set it to mid-high power to help it go through the cooking cycle evenly.
Why this works:
The multiple power settings enable you to choose low-and-slow or high-and-fast — suited for densely packed or fluffy food respectively.
7. Mini Samosas That Stay Crunchy for Hours
Every time you try reheating samosas, you encounter the unpleasantly soggy or rock-hard problem. However, if you microwave them first, then air-fry them from frozen, the crust will not be greasy, and the flakiness will be golden.
Best method:
An air fryer preset made for snacks or a combination of power levels works best. In the microwave, heat-creation is adjusted automatically, which works effectively for samosas because they have layers and need filled pastries and require mushy heat.
Reheat tip:
It’s not just fully-cooked samosas that come back from the dead here. Even leftovers warm up to perfectly crispy outside and hot but not dry in the middle while retaining moisture.
Foods That Can Be Air Fried In A Microwave
| Food Item | Best Feature Used | Recommended Setting | Outcome |
| Bread Pakoras | 36 Air Fryer Menus | Mid Power, Air Fry Mode | Crispy, less oily |
| Kurkure Bhindi | Stainless Steel Cavity | Low-Mid Power | Crunchy, evenly dehydrated |
| French Fries | Auto Cook Menu | Fry Preset / High Power | Golden, oil-free |
| Paneer Tikka | Motorized Rotisserie | Grill Mode + Rotation | Evenly charred, juicy inside |
| Stuffed Mushrooms | Stainless Steel + Power Level | Mid Power | Crispy top, moist inside |
| Moong Dal Nuggets | Multi-Power Level | Mid-High | Crunchy outside, soft center |
| Mini Samosas | Air Fryer Preset | Mid Power / Auto Cook | Flaky crust, non-greasy filling |
Why a Convection Microwave with Air Fryer Changes the Game
Convection microwaves contain an air fryer, warming tray, and self-cook feature all in one device. Unlike traditional cooking methods, which require several techniques and appliances, this streamlined design makes everything easier.
This innovative device lowers oil consumption, leading to healthier meals, while also saving time and improving the reliability of recipes. With electric cookers, it’s easy to use timers and cook without the risk of over/under-cooking using your 305 auto settings to guide you through precise recipes.
During the preparation of food that is thick or consists of multiple layers, ensuring even wave distribution is crucial. The stainless steel cavity assists in this while also retaining heat. For those who love grilling, the motorized rotisserie is a revolution. It rotates automatically, allowing for perfect barbecue finishing without any effort.
Conclusion
In Indian households, where the variety of cooking is abundant, combining a microwave and air fryer into one device is more than a mere convenience. For Indian cuisine, it is a clever enhancement. From festive snacks to weekday lunches, meals can be prepared in a timely, healthier, and more surprisingly diverse manner.
Interested in experiencing the benefits firsthand? The Haier 30L Convection Microwave with In-Built Air Fryer integrates all these conveniences into one device. It is no longer about just air frying. It is about smarter cooking.
Discover all the innovative kitchen solutions from Haier India Home Appliances and learn how one single device can change your entire cooking experience.