Air Fryer vs Microwave: Cooking Time Comparison
Side-by-side cooking times for 10 foods. See which method is faster for each food.
By the CookTimeGuide Editorial TeamKitchen-tested Jan 2026
Foods Compared
10
Air Fryer Faster
0
Microwave Faster
10
| Food | Air Fryer Temp ? | Air Fryer Time | Microwave Temp ? | Microwave Time | ← Air Fryer fasterMicrowave faster → |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacon | 400°F | 5-8 min | high | 3-6 min | 2 min faster → |
| Baked Potato | 400°F | 30-40 min | high | 5-10 min | 27 min faster → |
| Chicken Nuggets | 400°F | 7-9 min | high | 1-3 min | 6 min faster → |
| Corn Dogs | 400°F | 6-8 min | high | 1-2 min | 5 min faster → |
| Frozen Broccoli | 400°F | 8-10 min | high | 3-5 min | 5 min faster → |
| Frozen Burritos | 375°F | 12-16 min | high | 2-4 min | 11 min faster → |
| Frozen Cauliflower | 400°F | 8-12 min | high | 4-6 min | 5 min faster → |
| Hot Dogs | 400°F | 4-6 min | high | 1-2 min | 3 min faster → |
| Pizza Rolls | 380°F | 4-6 min | high | 1-2 min | 3 min faster → |
| Sweet Potato | 380°F | 30-40 min | high | 5-8 min | 28 min faster → |
Times shown are for the default recommended temperature for each method. Actual times may vary based on cut thickness, starting temperature, and equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Air Fryer faster than Microwave?
Microwave is faster for 10 out of 10 foods in this comparison. Air Fryer is faster for 0 foods.
Should I use Air Fryer or Microwave?
Both methods produce great results. Air Fryer and Microwave each excel with different foods. Use the comparison table above to see which method is faster and at what temperature for your specific food.
How many foods can be cooked with both Air Fryer and Microwave?
10 foods on CookTimeGuide have cooking times for both Air Fryer and Microwave. See the full comparison table above.