Air Fryer vs. Microwave: The Ultimate Showdown

Welcome to Empowered Cooks! Today, we're putting the air fryer and microwave head-to-head to answer some crucial questions: Can you cook a frozen dinner in an air fryer? Is the wait time worth it, or do the results end up the same? Are there some frozen foods that turn out better in the microwave? And the big question: Can your air fryer replace your microwave?

Round 1: Pizza Rolls

First up, pizza rolls. I'll be using the air fryer, while my taste tester, Mallory, will handle the microwave.

• Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat to 380°F and cook for 10 minutes.
• Microwave Instructions: Place on a plate and microwave for 1 minute and 15 seconds for six rolls.

Taste Test Results:

• Mallory correctly identified the microwave pizza rolls because they were less crispy. The air fryer version was crispier and preferred, despite the longer cooking time.

Round 2: Breakfast Burritos

Next, we tackle breakfast burritos.

• Microwave Instructions: 90 seconds.
• Air Fryer Instructions: 325°F for 15 minutes.

Taste Test Results:

• The air fryer burrito was crispier and more flavorful, making it the preferred choice even though it took longer to cook.

Round 3: Taquitos

We also tested frozen taquitos.

• Microwave Instructions: 1 minute and 15 seconds.
• Air Fryer Instructions: 400°F for 8-10 minutes.

Taste Test Results:

• The air fryer taquitos were much crispier and tastier than the microwave version, which was described as "sad and pitiful."

Air Fryer Benefits

While the air fryer generally takes longer to cook, the improved texture and taste often make it worth the wait. Here are some additional benefits:

• Crispiness: The air fryer consistently delivers a crispier finish.
• Flavor: Enhanced flavor due to the better cooking method.
• Versatility: You can cook a wide range of foods, from pizza rolls to chicken breasts.

Microwave Benefits

The microwave isn't obsolete yet. It still excels in areas where speed is essential:

• Quick Defrosting: Ideal for defrosting meat in a hurry.
• Heating Water: Fast and convenient.

Conclusion

In our showdown, the air fryer consistently provided better results in terms of texture and taste, although it took longer. If you have the time, the air fryer is the clear winner for cooking frozen foods. However, the microwave remains a valuable tool for quick defrosting and heating.