The Instant Pot air fryer has become a popular kitchen appliance in recent years, but is it really worth the investment? Here is a comprehensive look at the pros and cons to help you decide if the Instant Pot air fryer is right for your needs.
What is the Instant Pot Air Fryer?
The Instant Pot Air Fryer is a multi-use electric pressure cooker that also has built-in air fryer functionality. It combines the quick cooking times of a pressure cooker with the crispy texture of an air fryer. Some key features include:
- 6-quart capacity
- 1500 watts of power
- Digital touchscreen interface
- Dishwasher safe air fryer basket and tray
- 11 preset smart programs for air frying, roasting, broiling, dehydrating, and more
Pros of the Instant Pot Air Fryer
Does the Job of Multiple Appliances
The biggest pro is that the Instant Pot Air Fryer combines two appliances – an air fryer and an electric pressure cooker – into one. This can help save counter space in your kitchen. The air fryer functionality lets you make french fries, chicken wings, fish sticks and other fried favorites with less oil than deep frying. Meanwhile, the pressure cooker settings allow you to quickly cook rice, stews, chilis and more.
User-Friendly Interface
The Instant Pot Air Fryer has a simple digital touchscreen interface. It comes with several convenient preset smart programs so you don’t have to manually adjust time and temperature settings. There are presets for common dishes like fries, steak, shrimp, baked goods and more. The large display screen makes it easy to monitor cooking progress.
Large Capacity
With a 6-quart capacity, the Instant Pot Air Fryer can accommodate larger batches of food. This makes it a good option for families and meal prepping. You can cook a main and side dishes at the same time. The basket and tray are also dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
Even Heat Distribution
The Instant Pot Air Fryer uses EvenCrisp technology to distribute heat throughout the basket for consistent, crispy results. The air frying fan circulates hot air around your food from all sides. Food comes out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Versatility
The Instant Pot Air Fryer isn’t just for air frying. The pressure cooker, steamer, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, reheat and warm settings allow you to make a wide variety of dishes. You can pressure cook ribs, steam vegetables, roast a whole chicken, make jerky and more.
Cons of the Instant Pot Air Fryer
Price
The Instant Pot Air Fryer has an MSRP of $119. This puts it on the pricier side compared to some basic manual air fryers. Keep in mind you’re also getting a 6-in-1 multi-cooker, but the price may deter some budget shoppers.
Learning Curve
There can be a bit of a learning curve when you first start using the Instant Pot Air Fryer, especially taking advantage of all of its features and preset programs. The digital interface does make it easier, but expect a period of testing and getting familiar with the appliance as you would with any multicooker.
Bulky Size
The Instant Pot Air Fryer measures approximately 16 x 12 x 12 inches. It takes up a good amount of real estate on your kitchen counter or storage. Make sure you have enough space for it.
Preheating Time
The Instant Pot Air Fryer can take up to 5 minutes to preheat depending on the temperature setting. This is on par with other air fryers, but something to factor in. You’ll need to add preheating time on top of the cooking time.
Cleaning
While the air fryer basket is dishwasher safe, there are several accessories and parts that require hand washing. The cooking pot and sealing ring will need scrubbing after pressure cooking meals. There are also lots crevices and corners that may collect grease and residue.
Instant Pot Air Fryer Review
Here is an overview of pros and cons of the Instant Pot Air Fryer:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 6-in-1 functionality as air fryer and electric pressure cooker | Higher price point |
| Large 6-quart capacity | Preheating takes time |
| User-friendly presets | Bulky size |
| Dishwasher safe parts | Some accessories require hand washing |
| Consistent crispiness from EvenCrisp technology | Learning curve to get familiar with it |
| Highly versatile |
Is the Instant Pot Air Fryer Worth It?
So is the Instant Pot air fryer worth buying? Here are some final conclusions:
Great for Air Frying Beginners
With smart programs and even heat distribution, the Instant Pot Air Fryer is a good introduction to air frying if you’ve never used an air fryer before. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of getting the right cook times and temps.
Good for Families or Meal Prepping
The 6-quart capacity enables you to cook larger batches making it a convenient option for families. You can also cook a main and sides together. Meal preppers will also benefit from the large capacity.
Saves Space if You Need a Multi-Cooker
The 6-in-1 functionality allows the Instant Pot Air Fryer to perform as a pressure cooker, air fryer, and more. If you’re looking for a multifunctional appliance, it can help save some space rather than buying separate appliances.
Not the Most Affordable
The $119 price tag makes the Instant Pot Air Fryer more of an investment. If you are just looking for a basic air fryer and don’t care about the extras, there are more budget friendly options out there.
Best for Those Short on Space
While bulky, the Instant Pot Air Fryer still takes up less space than multiple appliances. If you have a small kitchen, it can be a great space-saving option.
At the end of the day, whether or not you should buy the Instant Pot Air Fryer depends on your needs and kitchen setup. If you want crunchy “fried” food with less oil and need a multi-cooker, then the versatility and performance makes it worth the splurge. But if counter space and budget is limited, a basic air fryer may suit you better.