Are you tired of bland weeknight dinners or craving that perfect crispy texture without all the oil? Enter the air fryer – a kitchen hero that’s revolutionized how we cook. And when it comes to reliability and innovation, Instant Pot has truly carved out a niche with its fantastic range of air fryers. They’ve made healthy, delicious, and incredibly quick meals a reality for homes everywhere. We’re talking about an instant pop air fryer experience that delivers golden results with minimal fuss.
In this guide, we’re diving deep into the top 7 Instant Pot air fryer models. Whether you’re a busy single, a bustling family, or someone who loves to experiment in the kitchen, there’s an Instant Pot air fryer designed just for you. Get ready to discover your next favorite kitchen appliance!
1. Instant Pot Vortex 2QT Mini Air Fryer, Small Air fryer…
Don’t let its compact size fool you! This mini marvel is a perfect fit for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or anyone needing quick meals for one or two. It boasts 4-in-1 functionality, allowing you to air fry, bake, roast, and reheat with impressive efficiency. Its sleek design, combined with a pop of color, means it won’t just cook great food, it’ll look great doing it.
- Key Features:
- 4-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, bake, roast, and reheat.
- EvenCrisp TECHNOLOGY: Ensures perfect golden, crispy, and tender results.
- ONE-TOUCH SMART PROGRAMS: Customizable presets for popular dishes.
- FAST PREHEATING: Little to no preheating time, from frozen to golden in minutes.
- EASY CLEAN-UP: Non-stick, dishwasher-safe air fry basket and tray.
- COMPACT DESIGN: Perfect for 1-2 servings, saves counter space.
- SAFETY FEATURES: Overheat Protection, auto-off.
- Pros:
- Ideal for small spaces and single/couple servings.
- Quick and efficient cooking.
- Simple controls and easy cleaning.
- Versatile for various cooking tasks.
- Cons:
- Limited capacity for larger families or meal prep.
- May require batch cooking for more than two people.
- User Impressions: Users frequently praise its space-saving design and how quickly it cooks. It’s often called a “game-changer” for those living alone or in apartments, delivering crispy snacks and meals without heating up the entire kitchen.
See it on Amazon here
2. Instant Pot Vortex 6QT XL Air Fryer, 4-in-1 Functions…
Ready to step up your air frying game for the whole family? The Instant Pot Vortex 6QT XL is a true workhorse. This appliance offers ample capacity, making it perfect for preparing up to 6 portions, whether it’s for family dinners or your weekly meal prep. With its intuitive touchscreen and one-touch settings, getting that perfect crispy crunch on your favorite foods has never been easier or healthier, thanks to its EvenCrisp Technology.
- Key Features:
- 4 Cooking Functions: Air fry, bake, roast, or reheat.
- Adjustable Temperature: From 120 to 400°F for versatile cooking.
- User-Friendly Operation: One-touch settings and intuitive touchscreen.
- Family-Sized Capacity: 6-quart capacity handles up to 6 portions.
- EvenCrisp Technology: Achieves perfect crunch with 95% less oil.
- Quick Cleanup: Non-stick air fryer basket for effortless washing.
- Proven Peace of Mind: Overheat protection, auto-shutoff, ETL Certified.
- Pros:
- Great capacity for families and meal prepping.
- Easy to use with intuitive controls.
- Healthier alternative to deep frying.
- Dishwasher-safe parts simplify cleanup.
- Cons:
- Takes up more counter space than smaller models.
- Some users might prefer more advanced cooking functions.
- User Impressions: Customers love the generous size, which makes it a go-to for wings, fries, and roasted vegetables. Many highlight its ease of use and how it consistently delivers deliciously crispy food, making it a staple for busy households.
See it on Amazon here
3. Tasty Personal Air Fryer, Healthier Meals in Minutes…
For those who want a simple, straightforward air fryer without the Instant Pot branding but still delivering on convenience, the Tasty Personal Air Fryer is a fantastic choice. This little gem is all about making healthier meals effortlessly. Its compact size and vibrant color make it a fun and functional addition to any smaller kitchen or dorm room, focusing purely on getting delicious, less-fatty food on your plate in minutes. Plus, it’s made without PFAS, PFOA, PFOS & PTFE for extra peace of mind.
- Key Features:
- DELICIOUS and HEALTHY: Uses up to 75% less fat than traditional frying.
- EFFORTLESS COOKING: Adjustable temperature (160°F to 400°F) and time (up to 30 minutes) with knob controls.
- SMALL BUT MIGHTY: 900 Watts with rapid air circulation, ideal for small spaces.
- PREMIUM NONSTICK: Basket and crisper plate made without PFAS, PFOA, PFOS & PTFE.
- DISHWASHER SAFE: Basket and crisping tray for fast clean-up.
- Pros:
- Very user-friendly with simple knob controls.
- Excellent for personal use or small servings.
- Healthier cooking without sacrificing flavor.
- Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe parts.
- Cons:
- Limited to air frying, cooking, and reheating – fewer functions than Instant Pot models.
- Smaller capacity means more batches for larger meals.
- User Impressions: Reviewers often praise its simplicity and effectiveness for quick, healthy snacks and meals. It’s considered a great entry-level air fryer for students or anyone with limited kitchen space who wants no-fuss operation.
See it on Amazon here
4. Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT ClearCook Air Fryer, Clear…
If you’re a fan of keeping an eye on your cooking, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT ClearCook is a dream come true. This model takes the beloved Vortex Plus functionality and adds a game-changing ClearCook window, letting you monitor your food’s progress without disrupting the cooking cycle. It’s got 6 cooking functions and the same reliable EvenCrisp Technology, making it a versatile and intelligent choice for any busy home cook.
- Key Features:
- 6 Cooking Functions: Air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate.
- EvenCrisp Technology: Perfect crunch with 95% less oil.
- Sneak a Peak: ClearCook window for monitoring food without opening.
- Your Favorites, Saved: 6 Customizable presets for quick access.
- Family-Sized Capacity: 6-quart capacity, ideal for up to 6 portions.
- Quick Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe cooking baskets and trays.
- Proven Peace of Mind: Overheat protection and auto-off.
- Pros:
- Clear window is a fantastic, practical feature.
- Wide range of cooking functions for versatility.
- Large capacity suited for families.
- Customizable presets save time.
- Cons:
- The clear window might fog up slightly during cooking.
- A bit larger, requiring dedicated counter space.
- User Impressions: The ClearCook window is overwhelmingly popular, with users appreciating the ability to watch their food brown to perfection. It’s often highlighted as a superior model for those who like precision and visual confirmation during cooking.
See it on Amazon here
5. Instant Pot Vortex Plus 4QT Air Fryer, Custom Program…
Looking for a balance between capacity and countertop footprint? The Instant Pot Vortex Plus 4QT hits that sweet spot. It offers 6 functions, including air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, and reheat, making it incredibly versatile. Its 4-quart capacity is perfect for singles, students, or small families, providing enough room for significant meals without hogging all your kitchen space. The intuitive touchscreen and one-touch settings make cooking a breeze.
- Key Features:
- 6 Cooking Functions: Air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, or reheat.
- Adjustable Temperature: From 95 to 400°F for diverse recipes.
- User-Friendly Operation: One-touch settings and intuitive touchscreen.
- Compact Yet Capable: 4-quart capacity, perfect for up to 4 servings.
- EvenCrisp Technology: Achieves the perfect crunch with 95% less oil.
- Quick Cleanup: Non-stick air fryer basket for easy washing.
- Proven Peace of Mind: Overheat protection, auto-shutoff.
- Pros:
- Excellent mid-size option for small to medium households.
- Versatile with 6 cooking programs.
- Maintains the healthy EvenCrisp technology.
- Easy to operate and clean.
- Cons:
- Might be too small for larger family gatherings.
- Does not feature the ClearCook window.
- User Impressions: This 4QT model is often praised as the “just right” size for many, providing ample capacity for a couple or small family without being overly bulky. Users appreciate its fast cooking times and consistent crispy results.
See it on Amazon here
6. Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric…
Why choose between an air fryer and a pressure cooker when you can have both? The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a true multi-cooker, packing 11 functions into one appliance. It lets you pressure cook for speed, slow cook for tenderness, and then switch lids to air fry for that irresistible crunch, all with EvenCrisp Technology. This 6-quart model is a powerful kitchen tool that genuinely simplifies meal prep and cooking for up to 6 servings. It’s the ultimate instant pop air fryer for versatility.
- Key Features:
- 11 Cooking Functions: Air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, sterilize, warm, or cook rice.
- Customizable Smart Programs: 15 one-touch options for various recipes.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster with pressure cooking.
- EvenCrisp Technology: Perfect crunch with 95% less oil.
- Family-Sized Capacity: 6-quart capacity for up to 6 servings.
- Quick Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe pressure cooking lid and inner pot.
- Proven Peace of Mind: Over 10 safety mechanisms.
- A Little Extra: Includes broil and dehydrator tray, air fryer basket, steam rack.
- Pros:
- Unparalleled versatility with 11 functions.
- Combines the best of pressure cooking and air frying.
- Significantly speeds up cooking times.
- Includes multiple accessories for diverse cooking.
- Cons:
- Requires swapping lids between pressure cooking and air frying.
- Larger footprint due to its multi-functionality.
- User Impressions: Many consider the Duo Crisp a “must-have” for its ability to drastically reduce cooking time while offering both tender, moist results from pressure cooking and crispy finishes from air frying. It’s perfect for those who want one appliance to do it all.
See it on Amazon here
7. Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric…
For the culinary enthusiast who demands the best, the Instant Pot Pro Crisp steps up to the plate. This premium 11-in-1 multi-cooker offers an expansive 8-quart capacity, making it ideal for large families, entertaining, or serious batch cooking. It includes two removable lids for seamless transitions between pressure cooking and air frying, along with refined controls and enhanced safety features. This is the instant pop air fryer that brings professional-grade cooking to your home kitchen.
- Key Features:
- 11 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, steam, sauté, sous vide, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, or keep warm.
- Two Lids, Total Flexibility: Seamlessly switch between pressure cooking and air frying.
- EvenCrisp Technology: Perfect crunch with 95% less oil.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking.
- Cooking Status at a Glance: Status lights guide you through cooking.
- Family-Sized Capacity: Roomy 8-quart size, ideal for large families/parties.
- Quick Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe pressure cooking lid and inner pot.
- Proven Peace of Mind: Over 10 safety mechanisms.
- A Little Extra: Includes multi-functional stainless steel rack, multi-level air fryer basket, protective pad, and storage cover.
- Pros:
- Largest capacity, great for big families and entertaining.
- Premium build quality and enhanced features.
- Comprehensive 11-in-1 functionality.
- Faster cooking with intelligent status indicators.
- Cons:
- Highest price point among the Instant Pot air fryers.
- Requires significant counter and storage space.
- User Impressions: Home cooks rave about the large capacity and versatility of the Pro Crisp, especially for preparing full meals or large batches. The added accessories and robust build quality are frequently cited as reasons for its higher satisfaction ratings.
See it on Amazon here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What does “EvenCrisp Technology” mean for Instant Pot air fryers?
A1: EvenCrisp Technology is Instant Pot’s signature feature designed to deliver a perfectly golden finish and crispy, tender results every time. It works by driving air flow from the top down, ensuring your food gets evenly cooked and achieves that desirable crunch with significantly less oil than traditional deep frying.
Q2: How much oil do I need to use in an instant pop air fryer?
A2: One of the biggest benefits of an air fryer is its ability to cook with little to no oil. You’ll typically use 95% less oil compared to deep frying. Often, just a tablespoon or two, or even a light spray, is enough to achieve crispy textures and help seasonings adhere to your food.
Q3: What’s the main difference between Instant Pot Vortex and Duo Crisp models?
A3: The Instant Pot Vortex models are primarily dedicated air fryers, offering functions like air frying, roasting, baking, and reheating. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp (and Pro Crisp) models are multi-cookers that combine the functions of a pressure cooker with an air fryer, typically using two interchangeable lids. They offer a much wider range of cooking methods, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and steaming, in addition to air frying.
Q4: Can I cook frozen foods in an instant pop air fryer?
A4: Absolutely! Air fryers excel at cooking frozen foods straight from the freezer. Things like frozen fries, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, and even some vegetables cook up wonderfully crispy and hot in an air fryer, often with little to no preheating time required, making it incredibly convenient.
Q5: Is an instant pop air fryer a healthy cooking appliance?
A5: Yes, an air fryer is generally considered a healthier cooking method. By using hot air circulation instead of large amounts of oil, it drastically reduces the fat content in your “fried” foods. This allows you to enjoy crispy favorites with fewer calories and less unhealthy fats.
Q6: How do I clean my Instant Pot air fryer?
A6: Most Instant Pot air fryers are designed for easy cleanup. The air fry baskets and trays are typically non-stick and often dishwasher-safe. For the exterior, a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. Always refer to your specific model’s manual for detailed cleaning instructions.
Q7: What size instant pop air fryer is right for me?
A7: The right size depends on your household and cooking habits:
* 2-3 quarts: Ideal for 1-2 people, small snacks, or side dishes. (e.g., Vortex 2QT Mini)
* 4 quarts: Good for 2-4 people, small families, or main dishes for singles/couples. (e.g., Vortex Plus 4QT)
* 6-8 quarts: Best for families of 4+, meal prepping, entertaining, or cooking larger items like whole chickens. (e.g., Vortex 6QT XL, Duo Crisp 6QT, Pro Crisp 8QT)
Final Thoughts
Instant Pot has truly outdone itself with its diverse range of air fryers, offering something for every kitchen and lifestyle. From the compact mini models perfect for small spaces to the expansive multi-cookers that handle everything, there’s an instant pop air fryer ready to transform your cooking. They all promise crispy, delicious results with less oil and less effort, making healthy eating both accessible and enjoyable. So, whether you’re air frying, baking, roasting, or even pressure cooking, get ready to experience quick, convenient, and incredibly tasty meals with your new Instant Pot air fryer!
