Abstract: Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is highly toxic and carcinogenic, so it has become a global concern to find suitable ways to degrade AFB₁ in food. Microwave has been widely studied in the degradation of AFB₁ in food due to its unique heating ability, safety, high efficiency, and other advantages. In this review, the microwave degradation effects of AFB₁ in food were summarized, the factors affecting the microwave degradation effect of AFB₁ were analyzed, and the research progress on the degradation mechanism of AFB₁ by microwave and the structure of the degradation products were summarized. AFB₁ in food could be effectively degraded by microwave through high temperature caused by “thermal effect” or combined with other degradation methods. Water molecules in food, dielectric properties and densities of food, and the performance of microwave instruments and equipment were all important factors affecting the degradation effect of AFB₁. However, more studies are required to figure out whether the "non-thermal effect" of microwave exists and the AFB₁ degradation products information. Other methods combined with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) should be considered to confirm the structures and varieties of degradation products to evaluate the safety of these microwave degradation products.