Air Fryer vs OTG vs Convection Microwave: A 3-Way Comparison for Indian Kitchens (2026)

Someone told you an air fryer can replace an OTG. Someone else said a convection microwave does everything both of them do. And now you are trying to figure out which one to actually buy.

All three use hot air to some degree. All three can bake, grill, and roast. But they do not do those things equally well. Buying the wrong one means it sits in a cabinet after the first month.

How Do All Three Cook Differently?

The cooking method is what separates them. Everything else, texture, speed, and cleanup, follows from this.

• Air fryer: A powerful fan circulates ultra-hot air rapidly inside a compact basket. The small chamber crisps the outer surface of food quickly, mimicking deep frying with little or no oil
• OTG: Heating coils at the top and bottom radiate direct heat onto food. A thermostat cycles the coils to maintain the set temperature. Some models add a convection fan for even circulation
• Convection microwave: Combines microwave radiation (heats from the inside out) with a heating element and fan for browning. Can microwave, bake, grill, and reheat in one appliance

Where Does Each One Stand?

Note: Glen offers built-in microwaves with convection, not standalone countertop models. The price above reflects built-in units for modular kitchens.

Which One Is Healthier?

Air fryers are the healthiest option for foods that would normally be deep-fried. They use up to 80% less oil than conventional frying while delivering a similar crunch. For households that make samosas, pakoras, tikkis, or cutlets regularly, the fat and calorie reduction is significant over time.

An OTG uses standard recipe amounts of oil or butter. Grilling and roasting in an OTG is healthy, but it does not reduce oil the way an air fryer does.

A convection microwave retains more moisture in food, which is good nutritionally. But it does not crisp food, so it does not replace deep frying the way an air fryer does.

For cutting oil in fried snacks specifically, an air fryer is the clear winner. A guide to air frying Indian food with less oil covers what works and what does not.

Which One Cooks Faster?

Air fryers are the fastest for small batches. The compact chamber and high-speed fan bring food to temperature quickly.

• French fries: Air fryer 15 minutes, OTG 25 to 30 minutes, microwave not ideal
• Chicken wings: Air fryer 20 minutes, OTG 30 to 35 minutes, microwave 15 minutes (but softer texture)
• Reheating leftovers: Microwave 3 to 5 minutes, air fryer 8 to 10 minutes (crispy), OTG 15+ minutes (not practical)
• Baking a cake: OTG 30 to 40 minutes, microwave 25 to 30 minutes (softer result), air fryer limited by basket size.

Most air fryers need no preheating. OTGs need 10 to 15 minutes. That preheating gap matters on busy weeknights when you want snacks ready fast.

Which One Is Easier to Clean and Maintain?

Cleaning matters more than most people think, especially after heavy Indian cooking with spice batters, marinades, and oil splatter.

Air fryer

Easiest of the three. Air fryers have a removable non-stick basket that wipes clean with warm, soapy water in under 5 minutes. For heavy Indian cooking with spice batters and marinades, soaking the basket for 10 minutes after each use prevents buildup. Pans and baking trays are dishwasher-safe. 

A cleaning guide for air fryers after Indian cooking covers the full routine.

OTG

Moderate effort. The removable crumb tray catches drippings. The interior wipes with a damp cloth. But heating coils need careful brushing if grease splatters during grilling. No dishwasher-safe parts. OTG models with a 2-year warranty hold up well with regular cleaning.

Convection microwave

Needs the most effort after grill use. Grease around the grill element is harder to reach. The glass turntable requires separate washing. Stainless steel interiors in Glen's built-in microwaves make wiping easier, but grill racks still need manual scrubbing.

What Is Each One Best For?

Air fryer is best for:

• Evening snacks: samosas, pakoras, cutlets, tikki, and French fries
• Reheating fried leftovers without them going soggy
• Small, quick meals for 1 to 4 people
• Households that want to reduce oil consumption

OTG is best for:

• Baking cakes, cookies, bread, and pizza with oven-quality results
• Grilling paneer tikka, kebabs, and tandoori items
• Large batch cooking for festivals and gatherings
• Roasting chicken, vegetables, and large portions

A convection microwave is best for:

• Daily reheating of dal, sabzi, rice, and leftovers
• Quick defrosting of frozen foods
• Occasional light baking when an OTG is not available
• Modular kitchens where a built-in unit saves counter space

Can You Get Two in One?

Yes. Glen offers an air fryer oven (25 litres, 1800W) that combines air frying and OTG functions in a single unit. It can bake, grill, roast, and air fry without needing two separate appliances. It includes a rotisserie shaft, skewers, and a crisping plate. Worth considering if counter space is tight and you need both capabilities. 

A guide on how the convection OTG saves time covers its versatility.

Pick Based on What You Cook Most

If you fry more than you bake, get an air fryer. If you bake more than you fry, get an OTG. If you reheat more than you cook, get a convection microwave. And if you fry and bake equally, look at a combo air fryer oven that handles both.

View the full range of air fryers and OTGs, and choose the one that best matches your cooking routine.

FAQs