best instant pot air fryer

Imagine a single appliance that flips your kitchen workflow with versatility and ease. I’ve tested many, and the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer, 6-in-1, Black really impressed me. Its ability to switch seamlessly between air fry, bake, roast, and more—plus quick preheat and a sleek touchscreen—makes cooking both faster and more fun. The EvenCrisp technology delivers that restaurant-quality crunch, and the 6-quart capacity handles a family’s needs without cluttering your counter.

What sets it apart? It’s powerful at 1700 watts, with a user-friendly interface, multiple safety features, and dishwasher-safe parts that make cleanup a breeze. After comparing with other models, I found this one offers the best mix of performance, durability, and value. It reliably crisps up everything from chicken wings to roasted veggies, all with 95% less oil. Trust me—this is the all-in-one cooker that genuinely makes everyday meals easier and more delicious.

Top Recommendation: Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer, 6-in-1, Black

Why We Recommend It: It combines six versatile functions in one sleek, powerful device, with an intuitive touchscreen and quick preheat. Its 1700-watt motor outperforms others for faster, thorough cooking, while EvenCrisp technology ensures perfect crunch with less oil. The large capacity handles family-sized meals, and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup effortless. Compared to alternatives, it offers unmatched value through performance and durability, making it the best all-in-one instant pot air fryer.

Best instant pot air fryer: Our Top 5 Picks

• Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer, 6-in-1, Black – Best for Versatile Cooking
• Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric – Best Instant Pot Air Fryer Combo
• Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer 7-in-1 with EvenCrisp Tech – Best for Large Families
• Instant Pot VORTEX 6-in-1 Mini Air Fryer 4 Qt – Best Compact Option
• Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer with ClearCook, 6-in-1 – Best Overall

What Are the Key Features That Define the Best Instant Pot Air Fryer?

The key features that define the best Instant Pot air fryer include versatility, cooking efficiency, ease of use, and additional functionalities.

• Versatility: The best Instant Pot air fryers are multi-functional, allowing users to not only air fry but also pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, and more. This versatility means that you can prepare a wide range of dishes using a single appliance, saving both time and kitchen space.
• Cooking Efficiency: These air fryers often come with advanced heating technology that ensures even cooking and reduces cooking times. With rapid air circulation, they can achieve crispy and delicious results much faster than traditional frying methods, making meal preparation quicker and more convenient.
• Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface with clear controls and pre-set cooking programs makes the best Instant Pot air fryers accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Many models also feature easy-to-read displays and intuitive buttons that simplify the cooking process, allowing anyone to achieve great results with minimal effort.
• Safety Features: Top-rated Instant Pot air fryers include essential safety features such as lid locks, pressure release systems, and cool-touch handles. These safety mechanisms help prevent accidents and ensure a secure cooking environment, which is especially important when using high-pressure and high-temperature settings.
• Cleaning and Maintenance: The best models often feature non-stick baskets and removable components, making them easy to clean. Dishwasher-safe parts and simple designs help minimize the hassle of post-cooking cleanup, encouraging regular use.
• Size and Capacity: The ideal Instant Pot air fryer should have a suitable capacity for your cooking needs, accommodating everything from small meals to larger family portions. Models come in various sizes, ensuring that you can choose one that fits your kitchen space and cooking requirements.

How Can You Use an Instant Pot Air Fryer for Different Cooking Methods?

The best Instant Pot air fryer can be utilized for various cooking methods, enhancing versatility in meal preparation.

• Air Frying: This method uses circulating hot air to create a crispy texture similar to traditional frying but with significantly less oil. You can achieve perfectly cooked fries, chicken wings, or vegetables with a golden-brown finish while retaining moisture within the food.
• Pressure Cooking: The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking feature allows you to cook meals quickly by trapping steam inside the pot, which increases the temperature and speeds up the cooking process. This method is ideal for tenderizing tough cuts of meat or cooking grains and legumes efficiently.
• Sautéing: You can use the sauté function to brown ingredients or develop flavors before using other cooking methods. This is particularly useful for starting stews or soups, as it enhances the taste by caramelizing onions and garlic before adding liquids.
• Slow Cooking: Utilizing the slow cooking feature allows you to prepare meals over several hours, perfect for dishes like chili or pot roast that benefit from long, low cooking times. This method helps to meld flavors and tenderize ingredients thoroughly.
• Steaming: The Instant Pot can also steam vegetables, seafood, or dumplings using a steam rack or basket. This method preserves nutrients and flavor while cooking food evenly with moist heat, making it a healthy cooking option.
• Baking: With the air fryer lid, you can bake items like cakes, muffins, or casseroles. The high temperature and circulating air create an even baking environment, yielding deliciously baked goods that are moist inside and have a nice crust outside.

What Sizes of Instant Pot Air Fryers Are Available and Which Is Right for You?

Instant Pot air fryers come in various sizes to cater to different cooking needs and family sizes.

• 3 Quart: Ideal for singles or couples, the 3-quart model is compact and perfect for small servings or side dishes.
• 6 Quart: The most popular size, the 6-quart air fryer is versatile enough to accommodate most families, making it suitable for main dishes and larger meals.
• 8 Quart: Best for larger families or meal prepping, the 8-quart model can handle bigger batches of food, allowing for cooking multiple servings at once.
• 10 Quart: Perfect for entertaining or cooking for large gatherings, the 10-quart option provides ample space for large roasts or multiple side dishes simultaneously.

The 3-quart air fryer is great for those who live alone or with a partner, as it takes up less space and is easier to store, while still providing the air frying capabilities you need.

The 6-quart model is often considered the best all-around choice, providing enough capacity for most families without being overly bulky, making it a favorite for busy households.

For those who have larger families or enjoy hosting dinner parties, the 8-quart air fryer can be a game changer, allowing you to prepare enough food for everyone in one go, reducing cooking time.

Finally, the 10-quart air fryer is the ultimate option for serious cooks or those who frequently entertain, offering maximum capacity to handle large quantities of food, though it may require more kitchen space.

What Benefits Come with Using an Instant Pot Air Fryer?

The best Instant Pot air fryer offers several benefits that enhance cooking efficiency and versatility.

• Versatility: The Instant Pot air fryer combines multiple cooking methods, allowing users to pressure cook, sauté, steam, and air fry. This multifunctionality means you can prepare a wide array of meals, from crisping vegetables to cooking stews, all in one appliance.
• Healthier Cooking: Air frying significantly reduces the amount of oil needed for cooking, which can lead to healthier meals. By using hot air circulation, the Instant Pot air fryer can create crispy, delicious food with less fat, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthier diet.
• Time Efficiency: The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking feature drastically cuts down cooking times compared to traditional methods. This means you can enjoy meals that typically take hours in just a fraction of the time, making it ideal for busy households.
• Easy to Use: With user-friendly controls and pre-set cooking programs, the Instant Pot air fryer simplifies the cooking process. This makes it accessible for both novice and experienced cooks, allowing anyone to achieve impressive results with minimal effort.
• Energy Efficient: Using an Instant Pot air fryer can be more energy efficient compared to heating up a traditional oven. It uses less electricity and generates less heat, making it a great option for cooking in warmer months or for those looking to conserve energy.
• Easy to Clean: Most Instant Pot air fryers come with non-stick surfaces and removable parts that are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. This convenience encourages users to experiment more with their cooking, knowing that post-meal clean-up will be quick and easy.

Which Brands and Models Are Considered the Best Instant Pot Air Fryers?

The best Instant Pot air fryers combine versatility and efficiency, making them popular kitchen appliances.

• Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1: This model is highly regarded for its multifunctionality, combining pressure cooking and air frying capabilities.
• Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1: Known for its even cooking and sleek design, the Vortex Plus offers a user-friendly experience with several cooking presets.
• Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1: This advanced model features a premium design with intuitive controls and additional safety features to enhance the cooking experience.
• Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus: While primarily a pressure cooker, it also has an air frying lid available, making it a versatile choice for those who want multiple cooking options.

Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1: This model is highly regarded for its multifunctionality, combining pressure cooking and air frying capabilities. It features an easy-to-use interface and a large capacity, making it ideal for families. Its ability to brown, crisp, and air fry food while maintaining moisture makes it a favorite among home cooks.

Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-in-1: Known for its even cooking and sleek design, the Vortex Plus offers a user-friendly experience with several cooking presets. It provides the ability to roast, bake, and air fry, ensuring that meals are cooked to perfection. Its compact design allows it to fit neatly on kitchen counters without taking up too much space.

Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1: This advanced model features a premium design with intuitive controls and additional safety features to enhance the cooking experience. It allows for a wide range of cooking methods, including air frying, which helps achieve crispy textures without excessive oil. The Pro Crisp also comes with a larger cooking pot, accommodating bigger meals.

Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus: While primarily a pressure cooker, it also has an air frying lid available, making it a versatile choice for those who want multiple cooking options. This model stands out for its easy-to-clean interior and smart cooking programs that make meal preparation efficient. Its ability to switch between pressure cooking and air frying provides flexibility for various recipes.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing an Instant Pot Air Fryer?

When choosing the best Instant Pot air fryer, several important factors should be considered:

• Capacity: The size of the Instant Pot air fryer is crucial as it determines how much food you can cook at once. Consider your household size and cooking habits; larger capacities are better for families, while smaller sizes may suffice for individuals or couples.
• Functions: Look for models that offer a variety of cooking functions beyond air frying, such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, and steaming. A multi-functional device can save space and provide versatility in meal preparation.
• Ease of Use: Features like intuitive controls, clear displays, and pre-set cooking options can make the cooking process smoother. An easy-to-navigate interface is especially important for beginners who may feel overwhelmed by complex settings.
• Cooking Time and Temperature Control: Having precise temperature control and a variety of cooking times can enhance your cooking results. Models that allow for customizable settings offer more flexibility for different recipes and personal preferences.
• Safety Features: Consider safety mechanisms like overheat protection, lid locks, and cool-touch handles. These features are essential for preventing accidents, particularly when using high temperatures for air frying.
• Clean-Up: Non-stick surfaces and dishwasher-safe components can make cleaning significantly easier. Look for models that are designed for easy disassembly to facilitate thorough cleaning after use.
• Price: Set a budget that reflects your needs and the features you desire. While more expensive models often come with advanced features, there are also budget-friendly options that provide good performance.
• Brand Reputation: Research brands known for their quality and customer service. Reading reviews and testimonials can provide insight into the reliability and longevity of different Instant Pot air fryer models.

What Delicious Recipes Can You Prepare with an Instant Pot Air Fryer?

There are several delicious recipes you can prepare using the best instant pot air fryer:

• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings: These wings are seasoned and cooked to perfection, achieving a crunchy texture without the need for deep frying. The instant pot air fryer circulates hot air, ensuring even cooking and browning while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
• Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables: A medley of your favorite vegetables can be tossed with olive oil and seasonings, then air fried to achieve a caramelized exterior and tender interior. This method not only enhances the flavor but also retains nutrients, making it a healthier cooking option.
• Instant Pot Air Fryer Meatballs: Combining ground meat with breadcrumbs and spices, these meatballs can be air fried for a crispy outside while remaining soft inside. This quick recipe is perfect for meal prep or as a tasty addition to pasta dishes and sandwiches.
• Air Fryer French Fries: Using minimal oil, you can create crispy, golden fries that rival those from a deep fryer. The instant pot air fryer allows for even cooking, resulting in fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and you can season them however you like.
• Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers can be stuffed with a mixture of rice, meat, and spices, then air fried to create a delicious, hearty meal. This cooking method helps to soften the peppers while ensuring the filling is cooked thoroughly and retains its flavor.
• Instant Pot Air Fryer Desserts: You can whip up sweet treats like air fryer brownies or apple chips. The air fryer’s quick cooking time allows for a variety of desserts to be made with a crispy texture, often requiring less sugar and fat than traditional methods.

Related Post:

• Best instant pot air fryer combo
• Best instant pot plus air fryer
• Best instapot air fryer combo
• Best items to cook in air fryer
• Best inverter air fryer