Microwave Oven To Air Fryer Conversion | Quick and Easy Tips

Microwave Oven To Air Fryer Conversion

Are you looking for ways to use your new air fryer to cook all your favorite microwave recipes? With this comprehensive conversion guide, you’ll learn how to easily adapt any microwave oven recipe to be cooked in the air fryer.

The air fryer has become one of the most popular kitchen gadgets in recent years. Its ability to crisp and brown foods using little to no oil makes it a healthier alternative to deep frying. Many home cooks use it as a replacement for the microwave when reheating leftovers or cooking frozen foods.

But can the air fryer really stand in for your microwave when preparing recipes? Absolutely! With a few simple tweaks, you can successfully convert nearly any microwave recipe to be cooked in the air fryer.

Why Bother Converting Microwave Recipes?

There are several advantages to cooking your microwave recipes in the air fryer instead:

• The air fryer crisps up foods better than the microwave. Meats, fish, and pastries come out deliciously browned and crisp.
• No more rubbery, soggy microwaved food! The air fryer’s hot circulating air ensures evenly cooked food.
• You’ll use less oil or no oil at all. The air fryer cooks food with hot air rather than submerging it in fat.
• It’s faster than traditional oven baking but slower than the microwave for more even cooking.
• Air-fried foods have fewer calories than their deep-fried or microwaved counterparts.

With this conversion guide, you’ll learn tips and tricks to easily adapt your microwave recipes to be air-fried to crispy, golden-brown perfection.

General Rules for Converting Microwave Recipes

When converting microwave recipes to air fryer recipes, there are some basic rules of thumb to follow:

• Reduce cook time – Microwaves cook very quickly, while air fryers take more time. Reduce the microwave time by 20% to start.
• Adjust the temperature – Microwaves don’t use a set temperature, so set the air fryer between 300-400°F to start.
• Use smaller batch sizes – Only fill the air fryer basket halfway to allow airflow. Cook additional batches as needed.
• Flip or shake halfway – Air fryers cook food from all sides, so flip or shake ingredients midway through.
• Use oil or spritz – A small amount of oil or nonstick spray helps air fry crispy foods. Brush or spritz before cooking.
• Check frequently – Since air fryers cook faster than ovens, check food often to avoid overcooking.

Let’s look at some microwave recipes converted to air-frying recipes using these guidelines.

Converting Frozen Microwave Meals

Frozen microwave meals like pot pies, pizza rolls, and chicken nuggets are easily adapted to the air fryer.

For example, let’s convert frozen chicken nuggets:

• Microwave: Cook 6 nuggets on high for 2 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Air Fryer: Cook 6 nuggets at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking basket halfway. Spritz nuggets with oil before cooking.

The air fryer cook time is a bit longer but the nuggets will come out crispy and browned. Monitor closely and adjust time as needed.

Follow similar guidelines when air frying other frozen foods like fries, mozzarella sticks, or fish fillets. The air fryer yields crunchier, crispier results.

Converting Leftover Microwave Meals

Leftovers you’d typically zap in the microwave for a quick reheat work well in the air fryer too. The air fryer will reheat foods while also crisping and browning the exterior.

For example, day-old fried chicken can be revived in the air fryer:

• Microwave: Cook 2 pieces on high for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
• Air Fryer: Cook 2 pieces at 350°F for 4-6 minutes until hot and crispy.

Other leftover meals like pizza, wings, egg rolls, or quesadillas can be quickly reheated and crisped in the air fryer in just minutes.

Converting Microwaved Vegetables

Fresh or frozen veggies destined for the microwave are easily revamped for the air fryer.

For instance, you can air fry frozen broccoli florets:

• Microwave: Cook 1 cup broccoli on high for 2-3 minutes until tender.
• Air Fryer: Toss broccoli with oil, salt, and pepper. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

The broccoli will caramelize and crisp slightly while still retaining its texture. Other veggies like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or green beans also work well. Toss them with a bit of oil before air frying.

Converting Microwaved Baked Goods

Ready-made doughs and baked goods that you’d typically pop in the microwave can be transformed in the air fryer. Think bread doughs, cakes, muffins, pocket sandwiches, and more.

For example, refrigerated cinnamon rolls:

• Microwave: Cook 4 rolls on high for 45 seconds until warm.
• Air Fryer: Place 4 rolls in the basket. Cook at 325°F for 6-8 minutes until puffed and browned.

The air fryer yields bakery-style golden brown cinnamon rolls far better than the microwave. Cook times will vary based on the size and quantity you make.

Key Tips for Converting Any Microwave Recipe

Here are some top tips to help you successfully convert any microwave recipe to an air fryer:

• Reduce cook time by 20% as a starting point and adjust as needed. Microwaves cook very quickly.
• Set the air fryer temperature between 300-400°F for most microwave recipes.
• Spritz a light coating of oil on foods to help browning and crisping in the air fryer.
• Flip or shake foods halfway through cooking to expose all sides to airflow.
• Cook in smaller batches. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
• If adopting a baked good recipe, allow it to finish cooking a few extra minutes for browning.
• Check food frequently to avoid overcooking. Air fryers cook faster than ovens.
• Add a couple of minutes to the cooking time if starting with frozen foods.
• Use a food thermometer if unsure whether large pieces of meat are fully cooked.

FAQs 

Can I convert a recipe from a conventional oven to an air fryer?

Yes, you can easily convert recipes from a conventional oven to an air fryer. There are conversion charts and calculators available online that can help you determine the appropriate time and temperature for your air fryer.

How do I use an air fryer to replace a microwave?

While an air fryer cannot completely replace a microwave, it can be used to reheat certain foods. Simply place the food in the air fryer and set the temperature and time according to the recipe or your preference.

Is there a conversion chart for air fryer recipes?

Yes, there are conversion charts available online that provide guidelines for converting recipes to an air fryer. These charts typically include suggested temperatures and cook times for various types of food.

Can I convert a recipe from a deep fryer to an air fryer?

Yes, you can convert recipes from a deep fryer to an air fryer. The cooking process in an air fryer is similar to that of a deep fryer, but with less oil. You may need to adjust the temperature and cook time slightly.

Is there an air fryer calculator that can help me convert recipes?

Yes, there are air fryer calculators available online that can help you convert recipes. These calculators take into account the ingredients and cooking methods to provide you with the appropriate time and temperature for your air fryer.

What is the general rule of thumb for converting recipes to an air fryer?

As a general rule of thumb, you can reduce the cooking time by about 20% when converting recipes to an air fryer. However, it is always recommended to refer to a conversion chart or calculator for more accurate results.

Can I use the air fryer instead of a conventional oven?

Yes, you can use the air fryer instead of a conventional oven for certain recipes. The air fryer offers a faster cooking time and requires less energy compared to a conventional oven.

How do I convert a recipe that calls for a microwave to an air fryer?

To convert a recipe that calls for a microwave to an air fryer, you will need to adjust the temperature and cooking time. This conversion will depend on the specific recipe and ingredients used.

Can I use the air fryer to cook foods that are traditionally deep-fried?

Yes, the air fryer can be used to cook foods that are traditionally deep-fried. The air fryer uses hot air circulation to create a crispy texture, similar to deep-frying, but with significantly less oil.

Do I need to get an air fryer-specific recipe for my air fryer?

No, you can convert any recipe to be used with an air fryer. Simply adjust the temperature and cook time-based on the guidelines provided by conversion charts or calculators.