If you’re searching for the best 3-in-1 air fryer, you want something that cooks fast, saves space, and doesn’t burn your dinner. The best part is that these combo units really do make weeknight meals easier, especially if you live in the U.S. and juggle a busy schedule like I do.
I have tested a bunch of these models in my own kitchen, and some work far better than others. This intro gives you a clear, quick answer so you know what to expect in the full guide.
My Top Picks
- Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 — Best overall.
- Frigidaire 3-in-1 Air Fryer — Best budget-friendly.
- Ninja Crispi 3-in-1 — All Rounder
Top 5 Best 3-in-1 Air Fryer Models for Versatile Cooking at Home
1. Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer Review
The Breville BMO870BSS Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer felt like a smart idea when I first set it up. It mixed a microwave, oven, and air fryer in one box. I liked how fast it cooked small meals, and the soft-close door was a nice touch. The controls were simple, and that helped a lot when I tested each mode. This short review gives you a clear look at how it worked in real use.
What I Like
- The controls were easy and quick to learn.
- The soft-close door stayed quiet and felt solid.
- The presets helped when I wanted fast heat with no guesswork.
What I Don’t Like
- The air fry mode took longer than a standard air fryer.
When I tested this unit, the microwave mode did fine with basic tasks like soup and coffee. The bake mode worked, but the heat spread was not even at times. The air fry pan helped, yet it still felt slow for crisp food. This review sums up how it worked for me in daily use.
2. Frigidaire 3-in-1 Air Fryer Review
The Frigidaire 3-in-1 Air Fryer felt simple and easy when I tested it. It used three modes—air fry, bake, and reheat—and each did the job without fuss. The basket was large enough for wings and fries, and the shake reminder helped keep food crisp. The display was clear, and the presets saved time when I wanted fast heat. This short review gives you a clean look at how it worked in real use.
What I Like
- The shake reminder helped food cook more even.
- The basket cleaned fast and stayed easy to use.
- The presets made cooking fast with no guesswork.
What I Don’t Like
- The plastic body felt light and not as solid as metal units.
When I tested this unit, the air fry mode made crisp fries with no extra oil. The bake mode ran slow but worked for small items. The reheat mode did well with pizza and snacks. This review shows how it handled daily cooking tasks.
3. West Bend 3-in-1 Microwave Air Fryer Review
The West Bend 3-in-1 Microwave Air Fryer felt simple to use when I tested it. It worked as a microwave, air fryer, and convection oven, and each mode did the basic job. The space inside was large enough for plates and small pans. The presets were easy to learn, and the glass turntable kept heat even. This short review gives you a clear look at how it worked in daily use.
What I Like
- The presets made heating and cooking easy.
- The air fry mode made crisp tots with no extra oil.
- The turntable kept heat moving for even results.
What I Don’t Like
- The temp steps in air fry mode were fixed and not very exact.
When I tested this unit, the microwave mode worked fast and even. The convection mode baked small items with a light brown top. The air fryer worked fine but ran a bit slow. This review shows how it handled real cooking tasks.
4. Ninja Crispi 3-in-1 Air Fryer Review
The Ninja Crispi 3-in-1 air fryer felt easy to use when I tested it. The small pod gave fast heat, and the glass bowls made it clear to see the food as it cooked. The Max Crisp mode made fries crisp in a short time. The Air Fry mode ran smooth and even. The Recrisp mode brought life back to old fries and wings. This short review gives a clear look at how it worked day to day.
What I Like
- The pod gave fast heat with no long wait.
- The glass bowls made cleanup easy and felt safe with heat.
- The small size made it simple to store in a small kitchen.
What I Don’t Like
- The pod felt light in hand and not very firm.
In my test, the 5-cup bowl made a quick meal in minutes. The 4-qt bowl held a full chicken and cooked it even. The lids kept food tight with no leaks. This shows how it worked in real use.
5. Ninja Pro 3-in-1 Air Fryer Review
The Ninja Pro 3-in-1 air fryer felt fast and easy when I tested it. The 5-qt basket gave me room for wings, fries, and small meals with no squeeze. The heat reached 400°F fast, and the Air Crisp mode made fries crisp with no oil. The Reheat mode warmed food without dry spots. The Dehydrate mode ran slow but kept a steady flow of air. This short review gives you a clear look at how it worked day to day.
What I Like
- The basket held large batches with no crowding.
- The heat stayed even from edge to edge.
- The basket and plate cleaned fast with a soft scrub.
What I Don’t Like
- The body felt wide and needed more counter depth.
In my test, the fries came out crisp with a light bite. The wings cooked even with no raw spots. The unit shut off on time with no guesswork. This shows how it worked in real use.
Final Verdict
After testing all five models, the Breville Combi Wave 3-in-1 Microwave, Air Fryer stands out as the best overall pick. It gave the most balanced mix of speed, ease, and true 3-in-1 power, and it felt more solid than the others in long use. For a budget-friendly choice, the Frigidaire 3-in-1 Air Fryer is the one I would pick.
It kept cooking simple, clean, and fast without pushing the price up. If you want an alternative with a new, compact style, the Ninja Crispi 3-in-1 all in one air fryer is a smart pick for small kitchens or light meals.
What to Look For When Buying a 3-in-1 Air Fryer
Capacity
- If you cook mainly for 1–2 people (singles or couples), a 4–5 quart air fryer is usually enough — they’re compact, heat up fast, and don’t waste energy.
- For families or frequent group meals, go for 5.5 quart or larger or a toaster-oven style unit — they handle bigger batches of fries, chicken, or full meals in one go.
- Think about what you cook most often. Planning to fry wings for 4, roast a small chicken, or bake a tray of cookies? Choose a capacity that fits that use.
Functions
- If you just want crisp fries or quick snacks, a basic Air Fry + Reheat combination works fine.
- If you want versatility — baking, roasting, reheating, dehydrating snacks, or even cooking full meals — choose a model that offers multiple functions beyond just air frying.
- Some 3-in-1 units add convection baking / roasting or microwave + oven + air fry combo — those are best if you want to replace several appliances with one.
Type: Basket-Style vs Oven-Style
- Basket-style air fryers are compact, simple, and heat up fast. Great for quick meals, small kitchens, and easy storage.
- Toaster-oven style (microwave / convection + air fry) models are bulkier but offer more cooking space and flexibility. Good for larger meals or more complex cooking (e.g. baking, roasting, reheating large dishes).
- If counter space is a concern, basket-style might be the wiser pick. If you want appliance versatility and meat/chicken-friendly capacity, consider oven-style models.
Power & Heat Consistency
- Higher wattage generally means faster and more consistent cooking. Especially important if you air fry often.
- Look for models with good airflow or convection — they will produce crispier results and better texture.
- Consistency matters: uneven heating can cause soggy fries or unevenly cooked meals.
Ease of Use & Cleaning
- Nonstick baskets or dishwasher-safe trays make cleanup much easier — a big plus if you cook often.
- Simple controls and preset programs help if you don’t want to fiddle with temperature and time each time.
- Compact size and storage-friendly design help if you live in smaller apartments or have limited counter space.
Price vs Value
- Lower-cost units are fine if you mostly cook small meals or snacks. They deliver decent air-fried food without high investment.
- Mid-range or premium models often offer better build quality, more consistent results, and more functions — worth it if you cook regularly.
- Think long-term: a slightly more expensive model might last longer and replace multiple kitchen tools (microwave, oven, fryer).
FAQs for best 3 in 1 air fryer
What does a “3 in 1” air fryer do?
A best 3 in 1 air fryer typically combines the functions of an air fryer, a toaster oven, and often a dehydrator or rotisserie. This versatility lets you cook, bake, toast, and crisp a wide variety of foods, saving counter space.
Are 3 in 1 air fryers worth the money?
Yes, a quality 3 in 1 air fryer is worth it for many households. They are a versatile appliance that can replace several single-function tools, making them great for small kitchens. They promote healthier cooking and offer excellent value.
What should I look for when buying the best 3 in 1 air fryer?
Focus on capacity, wattage for quick heating, and the specific functions offered (like dehydrating or rotisserie). Check user reviews to ensure the air frying, baking, and toasting components all perform well for the best 3 in 1 air fryer experience.
Can a 3 in 1 air fryer replace my regular oven?
While a 3 in 1 air fryer is great for smaller meals and side dishes, it usually won’t fully replace a full-sized oven. However, it’s perfect for quickly heating up food, baking smaller items, and achieving a superior crispiness that your traditional oven cannot match.
What foods can I cook in a versatile 3 in 1 air fryer?
You can cook nearly anything! It’s perfect for crispy french fries, roasted vegetables, baked goods, toast, and even a rotisserie chicken. Its multiple settings allow for a wide range of recipes using the best 3 in 1 air fryer capabilities.
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