How to Use a Microwave Air Fryer | Make The Crisp Happen

Using a microwave air fryer means placing food in the included basket, choosing the Air Fry mode, setting time and temperature, and flipping food when prompted.

Air frying in a microwave isn’t the same as a dedicated basket-style air fryer, but the payoff is real: crispy edges and browned tops without pulling out another countertop appliance. The microwave uses the combo of hot air and microwave energy to crisp food faster than conventional ovens. The key is using the correct accessories and following the prompts exactly as the unit displays them.

Here’s the difference that actually matters: your microwave’s air fry mode only works with the specific basket or tray that came with your model. Since GE, Whirlpool, and JennAir each handle the controls a bit differently, let’s walk through the exact steps for the most common brands.

The General Pattern: What Every Microwave Air Fryer Does

Every microwave air fryer follows the same four-stage process, regardless of brand. Understanding this pattern makes any unfamiliar model easier to figure out.

• Place food in the included air fry basket or tray in an even layer.
• Select Air Fry mode from the control panel (one or two presses, depending on brand).
• Set temperature and time using the keypad or preset menu options.
• Flip or turn food when the display prompts you, then let it finish cooking.

GE Microwaves: Manual Air Fry and Menu Air Fry

GE microwaves with an Air Fry mode give you two ways to cook. The simpler route is Manual Air Fry, where you control everything yourself.

Manual Air Fry: Press the Air Fry button once. The display will show a temperature — your options are 300, 325, 350, 375, or 425°F. Use the keypad to pick one, enter the cooking time, then press Start.

Menu Air Fry: Press Air Fry twice to enter menu mode. Select the food item using the Air Fry button or the number keypad, then press Start. The microwave will pause partway through and prompt you to flip or turn the food — do it, close the door, and cooking resumes.

GE recommends menu mode for roasting meats, poultry, and seafood, and specifically for wings, legs, and frozen convenience foods. Since menu options vary by model, check your owner’s manual for the exact presets your unit offers.

Whirlpool and JennAir: Following the Prompts

Whirlpool’s over-the-range microwaves use a prompt-driven process. Press Air Fry, enter the weight or number of servings with the keypad, and confirm. The microwave will tell you when to insert the basket, then you press Start. The default temperature is 425°F, and you can adjust it from 400°F to 450°F.

Temperature guidance from Whirlpool: 400°F for fresh vegetables, 425°F for fresh meats like chicken wings or breast, and 450°F for frozen foods like fries, wedges, nuggets, and breaded items. Set the basket’s foldable feet so it sits centered on the turntable without touching the cavity wall.

JennAir takes a slightly different route: press Air Fry, then use the Air Fry key or numbers 0-9 to pick a food category, and confirm with START/+30 Sec. From there, the microwave guides you through the cooking time.

Safety Rules and When a Microwave Air Fryer Is Right For You

Hot surfaces are the main safety concern. Whirlpool warns that the basket and the microwave interior stay hot after cooking, so use oven mitts when removing food. Keep the basket away from the cavity walls during cooking to avoid scorching or uneven browning.

Not every microwave can air fry. This topic applies only to units with a built-in Air Fry mode or button — it isn’t a universal feature. If you’re shopping for a new microwave and want this function, the best combo microwave air fryer roundup covers tested models that do both jobs well. GE’s support documentation for Air Fry mode notes that instructions vary by model and points to the owner’s manual as the final authority.

The bottom line: air frying in a microwave saves counter space and cooks faster than a full-size convection oven, but the results work best for smaller batches. Frozen fries, chicken wings, and breaded items turn out noticeably crispier than microwave-only cooking. Fresh, moist foods like vegetables benefit less, so match your expectations to what you’re cooking.