Air fryer vs OTG vs convection microwave: which one should you buy?
People search this as “air fryer vs OTG vs convection microwave which to buy” · updated 2026-08
Short answer
Buy an air fryer if you mainly want crisp snacks, reheating and small-batch roasting with little oil. Buy an OTG if you bake cakes and bread regularly. Buy a convection microwave if counter space is tight and you need reheating plus occasional baking in one machine. For most Indian homes, an air fryer plus a plain microwave covers 90% of daily use.
- Air fryer = fast circulating hot air, best crisping, small capacity.
- OTG = true baking with top/bottom heating elements, best for cakes and bread.
- Convection microwave = jack of all trades, master of reheating.
Side by side
| Air fryer | OTG | Convection microwave | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical capacity | 4-7 L | 18-40 L | 20-32 L |
| Preheat | 2-3 min | 10-15 min | 5-8 min |
| Best at | Crisping, snacks | Baking, grilling | Reheating, quick cooking |
| Weak at | Batch size, cakes | Speed, energy use | Crisping |
Which combination for your kitchen
- Small family, snacks and reheating: air fryer + solo microwave.
- Home baker: OTG (30 L+) plus a solo microwave.
- Tiny kitchen, one appliance only: convection microwave with a crisp plate.
Common follow-up questions
Can an air fryer bake a cake?
Small cakes, yes, in a fitting tin. It cannot match an OTG for even rise or larger batches.
Is air frying healthier?
It uses far less oil than deep frying for a similar texture, which cuts calories. The food itself still matters.