Air Fryers vs Microwaves

An air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to cook crispy, low-oil meals. A microwave uses electromagnetic waves to heat, defrost, and cook food in minutes. Choosing the right appliance depends on your cooking habits, family size, kitchen space, budget, and daily meal prep needs.

• Air fryer price range: Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 15,000 across leading kitchen appliance brands in India.
• Microwave price range: Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 25,000 covering solo, grill, and convection microwave models.
• Cooking focus: Air fryers deliver crunchy, golden textures with up to 85% less oil; microwaves offer unmatched reheating speed.
• Energy consumption: Microwaves heat food faster with short bursts of power, while air fryers run longer cycles to crisp dishes.

You can also buy a new kitchen appliance on Easy EMIs at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities, including Reliance Digital, Croma, and Vijay Sales.

An air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation to cook food with up to 85% less oil, creating a crispy texture similar to deep-fried foods while keeping the inside tender. It is a popular choice for preparing fries, chicken, snacks, roasted vegetables, and small baked items, making it ideal for healthier cooking and crisp results.

In contrast, a microwave oven uses electromagnetic waves to heat food quickly by exciting water molecules within it. It is best suited for reheating leftovers, defrosting frozen foods, heating beverages, preparing soups, and everyday cooking tasks where speed and convenience are the priority.

Overall, an air fryer is the better choice for crispy, low-oil cooking, while a microwave oven is more effective for fast heating, defrosting, and daily meal preparation.

If you want to replace your kitchen appliance, visit any of Bajaj Finance's 1.5 lakh partner stores — like Vijay Sales, Croma, Reliance Digital, and more — across 4,000 cities, including Tier 2 cities like Jaipur, Lucknow, Kochi, Bhopal, and more in India. Choose your preferred model, then use the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Bajaj Finance Easy EMI Loan to finance it. Convert the cost into Easy EMIs that suit your monthly budget and enjoy zero down payment on select models. Check your loan eligibility online in minutes so you know exactly what you can get before you step into the store.

➜ Pro tip: Zero down payment is available on select models, so ask the store executive if your chosen kitchen appliance qualifies before you check out.

Air fryers use 1,200W to 1,800W rapid hot air heating to deliver crispy, low-oil meals in 2.5L to 6.5L capacities, costing Rs. 3,500 to Rs. 15,000. In contrast, microwave ovens use 700W to 1,000W electromagnetic radiation to reheat, defrost, or bake in 20L to 32L capacities across Solo, Grill, and Convection types, priced between Rs. 4,500 and Rs. 25,000.

The table below breaks down the primary technical specifications, operational mechanics, capacity options, power ratings, and price ranges for both appliances:

While both are compact countertop appliances, their underlying technology, ideal cooking tasks, texture results, and energy usage differ significantly. An air fryer is the better choice if your goal is reducing daily oil consumption without giving up crispy fried snacks. It transforms fat-heavy snacks into healthier meals using minimal oil.

A microwave oven remains superior for daily kitchen efficiency. It heats cooked meals, thaws frozen ingredients, and boils liquids in 1 to 3 minutes—tasks an air fryer cannot perform efficiently. Many Indian homes choose to use both appliances together to balance health goals with quick meal preparation.

The table below breaks down the key technical and functional differences to help you choose the right appliance for your cooking habits:

Bajaj Finance offers two ways to convert an eligible kitchen appliances purchase into monthly payments at 1.5 lakh+ partner stores across 4,000+ cities.

Both options require physical presence at a partner store. The Insta EMI Card suits repeat, multi-category shoppers. The Easy EMI Loan suits a single higher-value purchase. A minimum CIBIL score of 650 applies to the Easy EMI Loan. 

Get a Bajaj Finance Easy EMI Loan of up to Rs. 5 lakh on your next kitchen appliance purchase. If you are an existing Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card holder, you may have a loan limit of up to Rs. 3 lakh. Choose repayment tenures of up to 60 months.

Also explore the latest offers. You may find a great deal on a model that matches your needs.

The process is simple and typically takes 10 to 15 minutes once you are at the store.

1. Browse models on Bajaj Mall: Compare options on Bajaj Mall before visiting a store.
2. Find a partner store near you: Use the Bajaj Finance store locator to find a nearby partner outlet such as Croma, Vijay Sales, or other authorised retailers.
3. Check the kitchen appliance in person: Check the key features, specifications, size, and performance to choose the product that best suits your needs and budget.
4. Choose a suitable EMI option: At checkout, ask the store executive about the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Easy EMI Loan. Confirm available tenure options and whether your chosen model comes with a zero down payment offer.
5. Complete payment and schedule installation: The in-store process is quick, and most partner stores offer installation as part of the purchase.

You can also check your loan eligibility online in advance by entering your mobile number and OTP, helping you plan your purchase better before visiting the store.

Bajaj Finance’s Smart Savings Calculator helps you unlock maximum savings every time you shop at partner stores. It brings together all available brand, dealer, and scheme offers—so you can see your total savings instantly and shop smarter with Easy EMIs.

1. Dealer offers - Grab exclusive in-store deals at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across India. Enjoy local discounts and special prices you will not find online.
2. Brand offers - Access limited-time discounts from top brands across electronics, appliances, and more. Discover brand-specific savings selected just for you.
3. Bajaj offers - Unlock exclusive Bajaj Finance deals on popular products—available only to our customers. More rewards, more value.­
4. Scheme offers - Take advantage of time-sensitive offers on select EMI schemes. Get extra benefits after paying just 3 EMIs—visible during EMI selection at checkout.

Calculate your extra savings today!