Most people don't realize that the original Instant Pot, launched in 2010, was never designed to air fry anything. The brand built its reputation on pressure cooking alone, and it took nearly a decade for them to marry those two functions in a single appliance. Now, finding the best instant pot with air fryers means choosing between machines that prioritize pressure cooking with air frying as a bonus, and dedicated air fryers that happen to carry the Instant Pot name.
The difference matters more than you'd think. Some models give you 11 or 13 functions in one unit, while others focus on doing fewer things exceptionally well. Capacity ranges from a compact 4 quarts to a family-sized 10 quarts, and not every model includes that signature pressure-cooking lid.
Key Takeaways
- Duo Crisp models combine pressure cooking and air frying in one pot, while Vortex models are air fryers only without any pressure-cooking capability.
- Capacity matters more for air frying than pressure cooking because stacking food reduces crispiness, so choose at least 6 quarts for families of four or more.
- ClearCook windows let you monitor browning without opening the lid, which helps prevent heat loss and maintains consistent cooking temperatures.
- Models with 11+ functions often include extras like sous vide, sterilize, and yogurt-making that dedicated air fryers skip entirely.
- Odor Erase technology filters out lingering smells during cooking, which makes a noticeable difference if you're air frying fish or reheating leftovers frequently.
| Ultimate Combo Champion |  |
Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate 6.5 Qt | Dual-lid system for versatility | 13 cooking functions included | 6.5-quart family-friendly capacity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Compact Kitchen Essential |  |
Instant Pot Vortex Plus Mini 4 Qt | Space-saving 4-quart design | Six versatile cooking modes | Quick preheating time | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| See-Through Innovation |  |
Instant Pot Vortex Plus ClearCook 6 Qt | Clear viewing window for monitoring | 6-quart family-sized capacity | Six versatile functions | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| High-Volume Workhorse |  |
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8 Qt | Generous 8-quart capacity | 11 versatile cooking functions | Dual-lid pressure and air fry | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Daily Driver |  |
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6 Qt | Dishwasher-safe basket included | Six practical cooking functions | 6-quart family capacity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Maximum Capacity Option |  |
Instant Vortex 10 Qt Air Fryer | Extra-large 10-quart capacity | Better air circulation space | Handles large gatherings easily | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Straightforward Simplicity |  |
Instant Pot Vortex XL 6 Qt | Simple four-function design | 6-quart useful capacity | Easy to learn and use | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Fresh Kitchen Tech |  |
Instant Pot Vortex Plus with Odor Erase | Odor Erase filtration technology | Six versatile cooking modes | 6-quart family capacity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Balanced Combination Unit | |
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 6 Qt | Dual-function pressure and air fryer | 11 cooking modes total | 6-quart versatile capacity | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Visual Capacity Leader |  |
Instant Pot Vortex Plus XL ClearCook 8 Qt | Large 8-quart capacity | ClearCook viewing window | Eight versatile functions | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate 6.5 Qt
This machine brings 13 cooking modes into a single device, which means you can pressure cook a beef stew and then crisp up chicken wings without switching appliances. The 6.5-quart capacity hits the sweet spot for families of four to six, offering enough room for a whole chicken or a batch of meal prep without monopolizing counter space.
What sets this model apart is the dual-lid system that transitions between pressure cooking and air frying. You get genuine pressure cooker performance for quick weeknight dinners, then swap the lid to get that crispy finish air fryers are known for. The learning curve is real, though. With 13 functions, you'll spend time figuring out which mode works best for your go-to recipes.
The trade-off for all this versatility is a larger footprint and a bit more cleanup compared to single-function machines. But if you're looking to consolidate kitchen gadgets and actually use both pressure cooking and air frying regularly, this delivers on both fronts.
- Brand:Instant Pot
- Type:Pressure Cooker + Air Fryer
- Capacity:6.5 Qt
- Functions:13-in-1
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Interchangeable lids for different cooking methods
- Additional Feature:Multiple preset cooking programs
- Additional Feature:Inner pot suitable for both functions
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Instant Pot Vortex Plus Mini 4 Qt
For smaller households or anyone with limited counter real estate, this 4-quart air fryer makes sense. It handles two servings comfortably, which works perfectly for couples or solo cooks who want crispy food without heating up a full-size oven. The stainless steel finish looks more polished than basic black plastic models.
The Vortex Plus line brings six cooking functions beyond basic air frying, including broiling and dehydrating. This size won't accommodate a whole chicken, but it excels at vegetables, frozen appetizers, and smaller protein portions. The compact build means it heats up faster and uses less energy than larger units.
Keep your expectations realistic about batch cooking. If you're feeding more than two people, you'll be working in multiple rounds. The basket size limits what you can fit, so meal prep for the week requires patience.
- Brand:Instant Pot
- Type:Air Fryer
- Capacity:4 Qt
- Functions:6-in-1
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Multiple cooking presets available
- Additional Feature:Compact footprint for small kitchens
- Additional Feature:Energy-efficient operation
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Instant Pot Vortex Plus ClearCook 6 Qt
The ClearCook window changes how you air fry by letting you monitor food without opening the basket and losing heat. You can watch chicken wings turn golden or check if vegetables need another minute, all while keeping the cooking environment stable. This 6-quart capacity handles most family meals in one batch.
Six cooking functions cover the basics well, from air frying to roasting and baking. The viewing window isn't just a novelty; it genuinely helps newer cooks build confidence and prevents overcooking. You learn faster when you can see what's happening inside, and you're less tempted to interrupt the cooking cycle.
The black exterior shows fingerprints more readily than stainless options, something to consider if you prefer a perpetually clean look. And while the window is helpful, it does require cleaning to maintain visibility, adding one more surface to your post-cooking routine.
- Brand:Instant Pot
- Type:Air Fryer
- Capacity:6 Qt
- Functions:6-in-1
- Technology:ClearCook Window
- Additional Feature:Transparent window for visual monitoring
- Additional Feature:No need to open basket while cooking
- Additional Feature:Multiple preset programs
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Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8 Qt
When you need to feed a crowd or prep multiple meals at once, this 8-quart combo unit delivers the space you need. The larger capacity means you can pressure cook a pot roast for eight people, then switch to the air fryer lid for a batch of Brussels sprouts as a side. It's built for households that cook in volume.
With 11 functions spanning pressure cooking, slow cooking, and air frying, you're covering most cooking methods short of grilling. The steel construction feels substantial, and the bigger basket gives ingredients room to crisp properly instead of steaming from overcrowding. You'll appreciate this size during holidays or meal prep Sundays.
The obvious trade-off is physical size. This machine demands significant counter or cabinet space, and the larger components mean more surface area to clean. If you're not regularly cooking for four or more people, the extra capacity might sit mostly unused.
- Brand:Instant Pot
- Type:Pressure Cooker + Air Fryer
- Capacity:8 Qt
- Functions:11-in-1
- Material:Steel
- Additional Feature:Large basket for family portions
- Additional Feature:Dual cooking lid system
- Additional Feature:Multiple preset cooking programs
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Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6 Qt
This stainless steel model represents the standard Vortex Plus without extra bells and whistles, which can be refreshing when you just want consistent results. The 6-quart size handles weeknight dinners for a family of four without making you cook in shifts, and the dishwasher-safe basket simplifies cleanup.
Six cooking modes give you enough variety for different meals without overwhelming you with options you'll never use. Air frying, broiling, roasting, and baking cover most of what home cooks need. The straightforward interface makes this a good choice if you find overly complicated control panels frustrating.
Performance is solid and predictable, but this model doesn't bring any standout features to differentiate itself from similar options. It does what it promises without innovation or surprise, which depending on your perspective, is either reassuringly simple or a bit plain.
- Brand:Instant Pot
- Type:Air Fryer
- Capacity:6 Qt
- Functions:6-in-1
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Additional Feature:Easy-clean dishwasher-safe components
- Additional Feature:Multiple cooking presets
- Additional Feature:Stainless steel construction
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Instant Vortex 10 Qt Air Fryer
At 10 quarts, this is the choice when you routinely cook for six or more people or need serious meal prep capabilities. The extra volume means you can roast a large chicken, cook multiple trays of vegetables, or handle party appetizers in fewer batches. Big families and frequent entertainers will use this capacity regularly.
The larger cooking chamber provides better air circulation than cramped baskets, which translates to more even crisping. When you're not fighting for space, ingredients cook more uniformly. The size also accommodates baking dishes and pans that won't fit in smaller air fryers, expanding what you can make.
Storage becomes a legitimate consideration with a unit this size. You need dedicated space, whether that's a permanent counter spot or room in a large cabinet. And if you're only cooking for one or two, heating this much volume for a small portion wastes energy.
- Brand:Instant Pot
- Type:Air Fryer
- Capacity:10 Qt
- Additional Feature:Accommodates full-size chickens
- Additional Feature:Multiple cooking rack options
- Additional Feature:Suitable for batch cooking
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Instant Pot Vortex XL 6 Qt
The XL designation refers to the cooking capacity rather than extra features, making this a no-frills 6-quart air fryer with four core functions. If you primarily want to air fry and occasionally roast, this covers those needs without the distraction of modes you'll rarely select. The black finish is classic and doesn't show wear as obviously as lighter colors.
Four functions means a simpler control panel and a shorter learning curve. Air fry, roast, reheat, and bake handle the majority of what most people actually do with these machines. The 6-quart size works for standard family meals, and the straightforward design means fewer parts that can break or malfunction over time.
You're giving up some versatility compared to 6-in-1 or larger function models, so if you want to broil or dehydrate, you'll need to look elsewhere. But for cooks who value simplicity over options, this focused approach has merit.
- Brand:Instant Pot
- Type:Air Fryer
- Capacity:6 Qt
- Functions:4-in-1
- Additional Feature:Streamlined control interface
- Additional Feature:Core cooking functions only
- Additional Feature:Black exterior finish
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Instant Pot Vortex Plus with Odor Erase
The Odor Erase technology sets this model apart for anyone sensitive to cooking smells or living in open-plan spaces where kitchen odors spread quickly. This 6-quart unit uses a filtration system to minimize the lingering smell of fried foods, which matters more than you'd think when you're air frying fish or reheating strong-smelling leftovers.
Beyond the odor control, you get the standard six cooking functions that make the Vortex Plus line practical for daily use. The black finish matches modern kitchen aesthetics, and the capacity handles typical family portions. The odor technology doesn't eliminate smells completely, but it does make a noticeable difference compared to models without this feature.
You'll need to replace the odor filters periodically, which adds a small ongoing cost. And if cooking smells don't bother you, you're paying for a feature you won't fully appreciate. But for apartment dwellers or anyone who dislikes how cooking odors permeate their space, this addresses a real pain point.
- Brand:Instant Pot
- Type:Air Fryer
- Capacity:6 Qt
- Functions:6-in-1
- Technology:Odor Erase
- Additional Feature:Built-in odor filtration system
- Additional Feature:Replaceable filter design
- Additional Feature:Multiple cooking presets
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Instant Pot Duo Crisp 6 Qt
This 6-quart dual-function model brings together pressure cooking and air frying in a size that works for most households without dominating your kitchen. The 11 functions span everything from slow cooking to steaming to crisping, giving you genuine versatility. The steel construction holds up to regular use better than plastic alternatives.
What makes this configuration work is that both cooking methods get equal attention in the design. You're not dealing with a pressure cooker with a weak air fryer attachment or vice versa. The interchangeable lid system lets you pressure cook beans or rice, then switch to get crispy results on proteins or vegetables. This becomes your workhorse appliance when you want to consolidate.
Managing two lids means finding storage for both, and cleaning can take longer than single-function devices. The 6-quart size is practical but not huge, so large families might find themselves working in batches during bigger meals.
- Brand:Instant Pot
- Type:Pressure Cooker + Air Fryer
- Capacity:6 Qt
- Functions:11-in-1
- Material:Steel
- Additional Feature:Interchangeable cooking lids
- Additional Feature:Multiple preset programs
- Additional Feature:Inner pot for pressure cooking
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Instant Pot Vortex Plus XL ClearCook 8 Qt
Combining the ClearCook viewing window with 8-quart capacity creates a machine for cooks who want both visibility and volume. You can monitor a full roasted chicken or multiple layers of food without interrupting the cooking process, and the larger size means fewer batches when feeding a crowd. The eight functions expand beyond basic air frying into territory like broiling and dehydrating.
The clear window really shines with this larger capacity because you're dealing with more food and longer cook times, making visual monitoring more valuable. You'll catch uneven browning or know exactly when something is done without guessing. The XL designation isn't marketing fluff here; you genuinely get room to work.
As with any large air fryer, storage space is non-negotiable. And the ClearCook window, while useful, requires regular cleaning to maintain clarity. If you let grease build up, you lose the visibility advantage that makes this feature worthwhile.
- Brand:Instant Pot
- Type:Air Fryer
- Capacity:8 Qt
- Functions:8-in-1
- Technology:ClearCook Window
- Additional Feature:Transparent window for visual checks
- Additional Feature:Extra-large cooking space
- Additional Feature:Multiple preset cooking programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use the air fryer and pressure cooker functions at the same time?
No, the air fryer and pressure cooker operate separately, not simultaneously. You swap lids depending on which function you need. This means you can pressure cook chicken thighs until tender, then switch to the air fry lid to crisp the skin, but you can't run both modes in parallel. The upside is versatility. The downside is you're essentially using two appliances that share the same base and inner pot. If you need to pressure cook and air fry different dishes for the same meal, you'll work in sequence rather than at once.
How long does it take to switch between pressure cooking and air frying?
Switching lids takes seconds, but there's often a cooling period to consider. After pressure cooking, the base unit and inner pot stay hot, sometimes too hot to immediately start air frying. Most models need 5 to 15 minutes to cool down enough for safe lid removal and swapping. If you're in a hurry, you can speed things up with a quick release of pressure and a brief cool-down with the lid off. Some cooks keep a pair of silicone gloves handy to handle the hot inner pot when transferring from pressure mode to air fry mode.
Do I need to buy extra accessories for air frying in an Instant Pot?
The air fry lid and crisping basket usually come included with combination models, so you can start air frying right out of the box. That said, optional accessories like multi-layer racks, silicone molds, or pizza pans expand what you can cook and let you prepare multiple items at once. If you plan to bake or dehydrate frequently, a few add-ons make sense. But for basic air frying (fries, wings, vegetables), the included basket handles the job. Just make sure the accessories you buy are compatible with your specific model's size and basket design.
Is the air frying in these combo units as good as a standalone air fryer?
It depends on your expectations. Combination units do a solid job with most air frying tasks, producing crispy results for chicken, vegetables, and frozen foods. However, dedicated air fryers often have more powerful fans, faster preheat times, and better air circulation because that's their only job. For most home cooks, the convenience of one appliance that pressure cooks and air fries outweighs the small performance gap. If you're a serious air frying enthusiast who cooks multiple batches daily, a standalone unit might suit you better. But for occasional air frying and regular pressure cooking, the combo design works well.
Are Instant Pot air fryer combos dishwasher safe?
The inner pot, crisping basket, and protective base cover are typically dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup straightforward. The lids (both pressure and air fry) need hand washing because they contain electrical components, valves, and sealing rings that don't do well in high-heat dishwasher cycles. Hand washing the lids isn't difficult, just a quick wipe-down with soapy water and attention to the valve and vent areas where food particles can hide. The sealing rings benefit from occasional removal and separate washing to prevent odor buildup, and they're inexpensive to replace if they start to smell or crack.
