Best Instant Pot Air Fryer – Top 5 Picks & Review

Imagine this: you’re craving perfectly crispy chicken wings or golden-brown fries, but you don’t have a whole lot of time or kitchen space. Does that sound like a familiar struggle? Many of us dream of quick, delicious meals that don’t create a mountain of dishes, but the sheer number of kitchen gadgets can feel overwhelming. When it comes to choosing an Instant Pot Air Fryer, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of features and brands.

You want that amazing air-fried crunch, but figuring out which Instant Pot Air Fryer is the best fit for your busy life and kitchen can feel like a puzzle. We get it! That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident in understanding what makes a great Instant Pot Air Fryer and how to pick the one that’s perfect for you.

So, let’s dive in and explore how to make your kitchen adventures easier and tastier. We’ll break down what you need to know to find your ideal Instant Pot Air Fryer, so you can start enjoying those crispy delights without the stress.

Our Top 5 Instant Pot Air Fryer Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Instant Pot Air Fryer Detailed Reviews

1. Instant Pot 6QT VORTEX Plus Air Fryer

Instant Pot 6QT VORTEX Plus Air Fryer, 6-in-1, Air Fry, Broil, Dehydrate, Crisp, Roast, Reheat, Bake, Dishwasher-Safe Airfryer basket, from the Makers of Instant Pot, Stainless Steel

Rating: 9.2/10

Get ready to revolutionize your kitchen with the Instant Pot 6QT VORTEX Plus Air Fryer! This amazing appliance does it all, from crispy fries to perfectly roasted chicken. It’s a 6-in-1 wonder that makes cooking faster and healthier.

What We Like:

  • It has six handy cooking functions: air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, and reheat. You can cook with little to no waiting for it to heat up.
  • You can set the temperature anywhere from 95 to 400°F (35 to 205°C). This lets you get exactly the results you want, whether it’s super crispy or perfectly soft.
  • Using it is super simple! One-touch buttons make cooking easy, and the clear touchscreen shows you what’s happening.
  • The 6-quart size is great for families, cooking side dishes, or making meals ahead of time. It can serve up to 6 people.
  • It looks really good on your counter with its sleek stainless steel design.
  • EvenCrisp Technology gives you that perfect crunch with way less oil than regular frying – about 95% less!
  • Cleaning up is a breeze. The non-stick basket goes right into the dishwasher.
  • It’s powerful with 1700 watts and has safety features like overheat protection and auto-shutoff.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While the 6-quart size is good for many, larger families or those who entertain often might wish for an even bigger capacity.
  • Some advanced cooks might want more customizable manual settings beyond the presets.

The Instant Pot 6QT VORTEX Plus Air Fryer is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering versatility and ease of use. It’s a smart choice for healthier, quicker meals.

2. Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer

Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer, 7-in-1 Functions with EvenCrisp Technology that Crisps, Broils, Bakes, Roasts, Dehydrates, Reheats & Rotisseries, Includes over 100 In-App Recipes, Stainless Steel

Rating: 8.9/10

Meet the Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer, a kitchen superhero that does it all! This big appliance can air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate, and even rotisserie your favorite meals. It’s made with strong stainless steel and has a large 10-quart size, perfect for feeding your whole family or making extra food for the week. Plus, it comes with a handy window so you can peek at your food without letting the heat escape.

What We Like:

  • Seven different cooking options in one machine save counter space.
  • EvenCrisp Technology makes food super crispy with less oil.
  • The Sneak a Peak window lets you watch your food cook easily.
  • The 10-quart size is great for families and meal prep.
  • It includes helpful accessories like trays and a rotisserie set.
  • Over 100 recipes are available in the app to get you started.
  • Safety features like overheat protection give you peace of mind.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some users might find the 1500-watt power draw to be high.
  • The 10-quart size might be too large for very small kitchens.

This Instant Pot Air Fryer is a fantastic all-in-one solution for busy kitchens. It makes cooking healthier and more delicious meals simple and fun.

3. Instant Pot 4Qt Vortex 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer

Instant Pot 4Qt Vortex 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer, Custom Program Options, Air Fry, Broil, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, Reheat, Black, 4 Quarts

Rating: 8.8/10

Meet the Instant Pot 4Qt Vortex 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer, your new kitchen sidekick. This little appliance packs a punch, making crispy, delicious food a breeze. It’s perfect for anyone who wants healthy, tasty meals without a lot of fuss.

What We Like:

  • It cooks in six ways: air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, and reheat. You can start cooking almost right away because it heats up fast.
  • Its small size is great for tight kitchens. The 4-quart size is just right for meals for up to four people, perfect for students or small families.
  • The EvenCrisp Technology makes food super crispy on the outside and juicy inside. You get that fried taste with way less oil.
  • The ClearCook window and light let you watch your food cook without opening the door. This keeps the heat inside and your food cooking evenly.
  • Cleaning is easy. The basket is non-stick and can go in the dishwasher.
  • It has safety features like overheat protection and auto shutoff, so you can cook without worry.

What Could Be Improved:

  • While it’s great for smaller portions, the 4-quart capacity might be too small for larger families or when entertaining guests.
  • Some users might find the initial setup or learning curve for the custom programs a little tricky at first.

The Instant Pot 4Qt Vortex Mini Air Fryer is a fantastic appliance for making healthy, crispy food quickly and easily. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to simplify their cooking routine.

4. Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries

Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Sautés, Dehydrates, & More, Free App With Over 800 Recipes, 6 Quart

Rating: 8.6/10

Get ready to transform your kitchen with the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1. This amazing appliance is a pressure cooker and an air fryer all in one! It cooks, steams, slow cooks, sautés, dehydrates, and so much more. Plus, it comes with a free app that has over 800 recipes to get you started. The 6-quart size is perfect for feeding your family.

What We Like:

  • It has 11 cooking functions, so you can make almost anything!
  • The 15 smart programs make cooking easy with just one touch.
  • Cook food up to 70% faster than traditional slow cooking.
  • Enjoy crispy food with 95% less oil thanks to EvenCrisp Technology.
  • The 6-quart capacity is great for families and meal prep.
  • Cleanup is a breeze because the lid and inner pot are dishwasher-safe.
  • It has 1500 watts of power for quick cooking.
  • Safety is a top priority with over 10 safety features.
  • It comes with helpful accessories like a broil tray and air fryer basket.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some users might find the two separate lids a bit bulky to store.
  • The initial learning curve for all the functions might take a little time.

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 is a versatile kitchen helper that makes cooking faster and healthier. It’s a fantastic addition for anyone looking to simplify their meal preparation.

5. Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT ClearCook Air Fryer

Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT ClearCook Air Fryer, Clear Windows, Custom Program Options, 6-in-1 Functions, Crisps, Broils, Roasts, Dehydrates, Bakes, Reheats, from the Makers of Instant Pot, Black

Rating: 8.7/10

Meet the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT ClearCook Air Fryer, your new kitchen sidekick that makes cooking healthier and easier than ever. This sleek black air fryer from the trusted makers of Instant Pot does it all, from crispy fries to tender roasts, all with a touch of a button.

What We Like:

  • It cooks food in six different ways: air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate.
  • You get super crispy food with 95% less oil thanks to EvenCrisp Technology.
  • The ClearCook window lets you watch your food cook without opening the basket.
  • You can save your favorite cooking settings with 6 custom presets.
  • The 6-quart size is great for feeding a family of up to 6.
  • Clean-up is a breeze because the baskets and trays are dishwasher-safe.
  • It has a powerful 1700-watt motor for great performance.
  • Safety features like overheat protection give you peace of mind.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The 6-quart capacity might be too small for very large families or big batch cooking.
  • While intuitive, some users might need a little time to get used to all the custom program options.

This air fryer is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, offering versatility and convenience. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to enjoy delicious, healthier meals with minimal effort.

Choosing Your Perfect Instant Pot Air Fryer

Are you ready to make your kitchen smarter and your meals crispier? An Instant Pot Air Fryer combines the magic of pressure cooking with the golden touch of air frying. This means you can make tender pulled pork and then get it perfectly crispy, all in one pot! Let’s dive into what makes a great Instant Pot Air Fryer and what you should think about before buying.

Key Features to Look For

1. Size and Capacity

Think about how many people you usually cook for. Most Instant Pot Air Fryers come in sizes like 6-quart or 8-quart. A 6-quart is good for families of 2-4. An 8-quart is better for larger families or when you want to cook extra food.

2. Air Fryer Lid vs. Separate Lid

Some models have a special lid that you switch out for air frying. Others have a built-in air fryer function where you might lift a top. The separate lid often gives you more space inside for air frying.

3. Cooking Functions

Beyond air frying and pressure cooking, look for other helpful settings. Many Instant Pots offer slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, and even yogurt making. More functions mean more ways to cook!

4. Preset Cooking Programs

These are like shortcuts for common foods. You’ll find presets for things like chicken wings, fries, and even cake. They take the guesswork out of cooking times and temperatures.

5. Smart Features

Some newer models connect to your phone. You can control them from afar or get recipe ideas. This can be super handy.

Important Materials

1. Stainless Steel Inner Pot

This is the most common and a great choice. Stainless steel is durable. It doesn’t scratch easily. It’s also easy to clean. Make sure it’s food-grade stainless steel.

2. Air Fryer Basket Material

Look for a basket made from sturdy metal, usually stainless steel or aluminum. It should have a non-stick coating. This coating helps food not stick and makes cleaning easier. Check that the coating is PFOA-free and BPA-free for your health.

3. Outer Casing

Most Instant Pots have a durable plastic or stainless steel outer shell. Stainless steel looks nicer and lasts longer. Plastic is lighter and usually cheaper.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

1. Build Quality

A well-built Instant Pot Air Fryer feels solid. The buttons should be responsive. The lid should seal tightly. Poorly made ones might feel flimsy and not last long.

2. Ease of Cleaning

This is a big one! Can you put the inner pot and air fryer basket in the dishwasher? Is the outer casing easy to wipe down? If it’s hard to clean, you’ll use it less.

3. Noise Level

Air fryers can be a bit noisy. Some models are quieter than others. If you’re sensitive to noise, check reviews for comments on this.

4. Safety Features

Good safety features protect you. Look for things like overheat protection and a secure lid lock. These prevent accidents.

User Experience and Use Cases

Using an Instant Pot Air Fryer is generally quite simple. You’ll often start with a pressure cooking function to tenderize food. Then, you might switch to the air fryer lid to make it crispy. This is perfect for making fall-off-the-bone ribs that are also crunchy on the outside. It’s great for busy weeknights when you want a healthy, quick meal.

You can make crispy chicken wings, golden French fries, roasted vegetables, and even reheat leftovers to make them taste fresh and crispy again. It’s a versatile tool that can replace several other kitchen appliances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the main difference between an Instant Pot and an Instant Pot Air Fryer?

A: An Instant Pot Air Fryer has an added air frying function, usually with a special lid, that a regular Instant Pot does not have.

Q: Can I use the same inner pot for pressure cooking and air frying?

A: Yes, you typically use the same stainless steel inner pot for both functions. You just switch the lid.

Q: How do I clean the air fryer basket?

A: Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher safe. You can also wash them by hand with soap and warm water.

Q: Is an Instant Pot Air Fryer noisy?

A: Air fryers can make a fan noise while they operate, but the noise level varies between models. Check reviews for specific model information.

Q: How big of a meal can I cook?

A: The size of the meal depends on the capacity of the Instant Pot Air Fryer you choose, usually 6-quart or 8-quart.

Q: Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

A: Yes, preheating the air fryer for a few minutes helps food cook more evenly and get crispier.

Q: Can I air fry frozen foods?

A: Absolutely! Frozen fries, chicken nuggets, and other frozen items can be air fried directly.

Q: What kind of foods are best for air frying?

A: Foods that benefit from crisping, like chicken wings, fries, vegetables, and breaded items, are excellent for air frying.

Q: Does the air fryer lid get hot?

A: Yes, the heating element and the lid itself can get hot during operation. Always use oven mitts when handling it.

Q: Can I use parchment paper in the air fryer basket?

A: Yes, you can use special parchment paper liners designed for air fryers. Make sure they are the right size and don’t block the air vents.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

Leave a Comment