What’s The Difference Between An Instant Pot And An Air Fryer
The main difference between an air fryer and an Instant Pot is how it cooks your food. An air fryer features a fan that blows heat over your food to produce what is known as the Maillard reaction. Much like the browning you might get from sauteing food, the Maillard reaction caramelizes food with little-to-no fats or oils. For this reason, air fryers are considered a healthier alternative to deep fryers, though there’s a clear difference in flavor between the two cooking methods.
Commonly referred to as Instant Pots after the most popular brand electric pressure cookers, or multicookers, use heat and pressure to cook food. The pressure builds by heating liquids in an airtight pot. Consequently, Instant Pots are better for cooking moist foods.
Can You Air Fry In An Instant Pot
Now you can air fry in an instant pot with the instant pot air fryer lid. Before the instant pot air fryer lid, you couldn’t use the pressure cooker to air fry. And of course, don’t use the pressure cooker to deep-fried food.
With this instant pot air fryer lid, you can air fry, but also you can bake, broil, roast, dehydrate and reheatall of these without heating up your kitchen.
Best Design: Carl Schmidt Sohn 65 Qt Pressure Cooker And Air Fryer Combo
What We Didnt Like
- Instruction manual could be better
- Air Fryer lid might not have a perfect fit
The next option on our list is another Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer Combo from Carl Schmidt Sohn. This cooker has a capacity of 6.5 Quarts and comes with dimensions of 19 x 18 x 14 inches.
Carl Schmidt has included a soft-touch panel that offers 14 cooking presets. It also features the innovative 360 degree Rapid Air Circulation Technology, which makes it one of the best Air Fryers on the market. The lid separation technology ensures that this device is easy to clean. Also, it is dishwasher safe.
Along with your purchase, you get a recipe book. The nonstick inner pot is PFOA/BPA-free and provides overheating protection. Rated at 1500 Watt, it manages to cook meals with fat levels 97% lower than deep frying.
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Don’t Miss: Macy’s Ninja Foodi Air Fryer
This Instant Pot And Air Fryer In One Is At Its Lowest Price In Amazons Early Black Friday Sale
You can get the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 for less, today only
Do you love home-made fries as well as stews and curries? Then why not invest in an Instant Pot, a versatile kitchen appliance that offers several cooking methods in one gadget. Amazon has slashed 41% off the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1, which is now down to £118.95 from $199.99, for today only, as part of Amazons early Black Friday sales.
This is a new record low for one of the best Instant Pots, which has an additional lid so it can air fry alongside other cooking methods. It recently dropped to £119.95, which beat the offers we saw on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and now its been given an even bigger saving. They can be a pricey purchase, which is why a good deal is always welcome any time.
If you want to ensure the Instant Pot arrives in time for the festive period, wed recommend snapping up this deal now due to the ongoing supply chain issues. However, you may want to hold out until the day itself to be in with a chance of getting a better price. In that case, head over to our round-up of the best Black Friday Instant Pot deals to see the best discounts as soon as they drop.
Todays Best Black Friday Air Fryer Deals
- Bella Pro Series 4.2-Quart Analog Air Fryer $30, was $60
- Chefman TurboFry Stainless Steel Air Fryer $69, was $100
- Ninja Air Fryer XL 5.5 Quart $98, was $119
- Ninja Air Fryer Max XL $130, was $160
- Ninja Foodi 4-in-1 8-Quart 2-Basket Air Fryer $139, was $160
- Ninja SP101 Foodi 8-in-1 Digital Air Fry Oven $170, was $230
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Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer 8
The Instant Pot® that air fries!
The Instant Pot® Duo Crisp + Air Fryer is fast, versatile, and convenient, with 2 innovative, removable lids to help you to cook and crisp your favorite meals all in one pot. All it takes is cook, switch, crisp!
- 11-in-1 pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté pan, food warmer, sous vide, air fryer, roaster, mini oven, broiler, and dehydrator
- 2 convenient, removable lids to transform your Instant Pot into an air fryer
- 11 customizable programs for quick one-touch meals
- Innovative auto-sealing pressure cooking lid with a button for easy, stress-free venting
- Stainless-steel inner pot with tri-ply bottom for perfect sautéing
- EvenCrisp air flow gives you the crunch and tenderness of deep-frying with 95% less oil
- Customizable temperature range of 105°F to 400°F for Air Frying Lid
- Cook up to 8 portions, perfect for families, meal prep, and big batch cooking
- Bring it to potlucks, parties, events and more
- Up to 70% faster and more energy efficient than other cooking methods
- Dishwasher-safe pressure cooking lid and inner pot for quick and easy clean-up
- 10+ proven safety features, including Overheat Protection and safe locking lid
- Accessories include a multi-functional stainless-steel rack, multi-level air fryer basket with base and broil/dehydrating tray, and a protective pad and storage cover
- BPA/PFOA/PTFE-free cooking
- 1500 watts, 120 V~ 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
Lack Of Instruction And Smart Programs
While I used the manual function on my old Instant Pot more often than the smart programs, they can be really helpful if you are new to Instant Pot cooking. It is also worth noting that the pot didnt come with a ton of documentation about using the air fryer function, which left me a bit confused since there arent many recipes online yet, either! Luckily, I found that, for the most part, following traditional air fryer recipes and adding more time as needed works just fine!
Recommended Reading: Power Air Fryer Pro Accessories
How Does It Compare
With a number of multicookers available these days, I think it is wise to compare this one with some other options of similar function and size. After all, what is best for one cook or household will not necessarily serve everyone in the same way. With that in mind, I had a closer look at three models that offer similar options so that you can make a better-informed decision for your needs.
Best Air Fryer Overall
- Deep-fried texture without the mess of cooking with oil
Skip if:
- You have low cabinets
If youre looking for a multifunctional air fryer that is sleek, efficient, and easy to use, the Ninja Air Fryer Max XL is our top pick. Chef Damon Daye says the single most important aspect of an air fryer is to circulate air quickly to turn out crispy, crunchy foods, and this one did that with ease. This convenient cooker heats up quickly and circulates air efficiently, which left us with food that was uniformly fried or crisped to perfection every time. During my hands-on testing this air fryer delivered the most tender yet crunchy chicken wings, golden and crispy fries, and the most moist chocolate chip cookies of all the competitors. We found that having a wider temperature rangeand the ability to reach 450 degreeshelp this product yield supremely crispy foods with more precision.
The Ninja produced crispy, consistent results when testing foods like fries, wings and cookies.
Laura Denby
When it comes to cleaning, I love that the Ninjas basket is dishwasher-safe, but I found this oven to be very easy to clean by hand, toothanks to the nonstick coating on the surface of the fryer. Simply wipe any grease or drippings out with a paper towel, or wash with soap and water. Remember to avoid metal utensilssilicone is best for maintaining nonstick cookware.
Recommended Reading: Gowise 8 Qt Air Fryer
What Is An Instant Pot Air Fryer
The Instant Pot Air Fryer gives you multiple options for cooking any recipes your heart desires perfect for busy families, time-poor people, or those with a smaller kitchen! It gives you the option of cooking a dish quickly with the pressure cooker function and then baking or crisping at the end to give the functionality of an air fryer.
With an 11-in-1 functionality, the Instant Pot Air Fryer makes cooking a breeze for even the newest of beginners. Choose from steam, bake, fry, sauté, pressure cook, slow cook options, and more, and easily switch between modes without bringing out multiple pots and pans! This is what makes Instant Pot air fryer recipes so easy and efficient.
For those more deluxe Instant Pot Crisp recipes, the appliance comes fully equipped with a dehydrator and sous vide functions perfect for the more gourmet cooking styles you may wish to try.
The Instant Pot Air Fryer uses patented EvenCrisp technology to create an even, crispy exterior with up to 95 percent less oil than traditional fryers. Instant Pot air fryer recipes have never been easier simply attach the relevant piece, set your timer, and away you go!
Transportable and easy to clean, frying in a pressure cooker has never been easier than with the Instant Pot Air Fryer. You can take it to your next potluck, family gathering, or barbecue, with no worry about the mess just wipe down the stainless steel exterior, and youre good to go!
Get more air fryer recipes:
Cooking Wings With The Air Fryer Function
The first thing I wanted to test with the Instant Pot Duo Crisp was its air fryer capabilities. I was already familiar with the name Instant Pot, but the air fryer seemed like new technology for this established brand in pressure cookers, and I wondered if this function was reason enough to have purchased this machine.
The true test for my family would be in its ability to cook and properly crisp chicken wings. I really did not want to try anything too complicated for my inaugural run, so I prepared them the same way I had in the past when I recently tested the Cosori Air Fryer.
First of all, I made sure to dry the wings well with paper towels. I know that dry food simply fries better, because having added moisture on the skin just causes them to steam. I took this to the next level with a dusting of baking powder, which contributes to browning through the Maillard reaction. I seasoned them well with kosher salt and garlic powder to make these wings extra tasty.
The fryer basket of this machine is round and quite deep. Unfortunately, this does not provide a very large cooking surface which is optimal for air frying.
I moved ahead, placed the hefty air fryer lid into position, and selected the air fryer function on the display.
I set the temperature to 400 degrees, the timer to 20 minutes, and waited, checking them once halfway through. At the 20 minute mark, they were definitely testing done with a probe thermometer.
Read Also: Toaster Oven Convection Oven Air Fryer
Can We Use A Pressure Cooker As An Air Fryer
Yes, you can, but the result wont be the same. Although the cooking logic of an air fryer and a pressure cooker seems quite similar, you wont get that crispy fried texture through a pressure cooker. You can use an additional accessory like Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid or Mealthy CrispLid with your pressure cooker for that crispy texture though.
Also Check: Jimmy Deans Turkey Sausage Breakfast Sandwich
Instant Pot Vs Air Fryer: Functionality & Price
Instant Pots and air fryers vary in price, depending on the model and amount of features. Ask yourself: What will I cook?
Am I feeding a family of five, or just cooking for myself? Do I make complicated dishes or just want to air fry some chicken wings here and there?
Depending on the intended use, you can make an informed decision on budget and functionality needs.
The Instant Pot Ultra, for example, is on the higher end at around $150 but does the work of 10 different appliances in one.
For more budget-minded consumers, this Instant Pot 6-in-1 is half the price yet straightforward and durable.
This Air Fryer from Philips has fat removal technology and tons of space but will cost you almost $300. However, you can easily find smaller, simpler air fryers for under $100, like this one.
Again, it all comes down to intended use and personal budget.
Read Also: Gas Range Stove With Air Fryer
How It Performs As A Pressure Cooker
I also made one of my go-to pressure cooker recipes: pulled pork shoulder. I followed a recipe I’ve used several times in other Instant Pots: dredging the 3-pound pork shoulder in flour and spices, searing in the Instant Pot and pressure cooking for 45 minutes. The Duo Crisp turned out a near mirror image of the fork-tender pork shoulders I’ve made before in the same amount of time.
How Does An Air Fryer Work
Air fryers don’t fry food in the traditional sense. Instead of oil, air fryers use hot air to crisp and brown foods. All air fryers contain a heating mechanism and fan that keeps the heated air circulating around the food. The process is similar to a convection oven.
Air fryers contain a perforated or mesh basket that allows air to move around the food for even cooking. The only downside to this design is you can only air fry breaded foods since battered foods would drip through the perforated air fryer basket.
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Best Buy Customers Often Prefer The Following Products When Searching For Air Fryer Pressure Cooker
Pressure cookers are a great way to prepare healthy, low-fat meals. Theyre also a lot of fun to use, and they can save you time and energy in the kitchen. Browse the top-ranked list of air fryer pressure cookers below along with associated reviews and opinions.
Rating 5 out of 5 stars with 3 reviews
Product Description
These versatile steamer baskets are Instant Pot pressure cooker essential accessories! Steam healthy, nutritious foods in your Instant Pot using these Official Mesh Steamer Baskets, specially designed for use in Instant Pot pressure cookers. Both baskets feature raised feet to protect food from boiling water while cooking. These baskets are designed to nest and stack, meaning you can make an entire healthy steamed meal in one shot when you use both together. Use the Large Basket for steaming fish, long vegetables like corn on the cob, asparagus & more in your Instant Pot, while steaming wrapped fish, smaller vegetables & more in the Small Basket. Each basket features an easy-lift handle, making them easy to lift in and out of your Instant Pot. You can also use both baskets as strainers. Made from durable, rust-resistant stainless steel, these steamer baskets are also dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. Compatible with 6-quart & 8-quart cookers, plus 10-quart Vortex Air Fryer and Duo Crisp. Stacking in Vortex Air Fryer not recommended, because it may impede airflow.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp And Air Fryer Review: Design
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp and Air Fryer looks simple with its trademark stainless steel exterior, LCD display and streamlined touch control pad. Of course, the main differences are the two separate lids , that automatically swap over the wet and dry functions. The 8-quart size provides a generous capacity for families or handling large quantities. However, it is quite large and bulky, particularly once the air fryer lid is on, measuring 14.8 x 14.2 x 14.2 inches. Whats more, if you have low-hanging cabinetry, the top of the air fryer lid might not have enough clearance, so bear this in mind. In any case, if you only have small quantities or limited space, it may be worthwhile opting for the 6-quart capacity.
The touch control panel shows the standard programs such as Slow Cook, Pressure Cook, Saute, Steam and Sous Vide. In addition, it has a specific line for the air fryer functions such as Air Fry, Grill, Roast, Bake and Dehydrate. You can manually adjust the temperature and cooking duration using the buttons on either side of the LCD display. The dry cook functions can be set to a temperature between 84C 204oC while the wet cook functions offer Hi or Lo temperatures.
The box also contains a dehydrating tray, air fry basket, multi-functional rack, and protective pad which is handy for placing down your hot lids safely on the countertop after removing. It doesnt come with a recipe book or charts, however, these can be found on the website or downloaded via the app.
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The Best Instant Pot Air Fryers
This article contains a collection of the Best Instant Pot Air Fryers available on the market. We use advanced technology to find the best-selling products from Amazon.
All the Instant Pot Air Fryers featured on this page are independently chosen. When you make any purchase through links on this site, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best-Selling Instant Pot Air Fryers on Amazon:
To make your choice easier, weve compiled the features and specifications of each of the top-rated Instant Pot Air Fryers below:
Features Of The Item:
Capability:The Power XL Pro is substantial and also can conveniently suit approximately 5.68 litres of power for 4 to 6 people. A 4-pound chicken might fit within and also have plenty of flow area.
Control: This PowerXL Air Fryer Pro flaunts digital screens and controls that are easy to review. The power button can be plainly acknowledged. You can also choose a various dial from eight pre-programmed settings.best instant pot with air fryer
Modern technology: Utilizes rapid air innovation which chefs the meal with a hurricane of super-heated air around it. This modern technology confines your dish in super-heated air, which is crunchy, brown exterior while inside it is locked in moisture.
Devoid of oil:it is likewise operationally created like an stove as well as uses more benefits from a 70 percent fat reduction because of its oil-free frying air. When air is fried with little or no added oil, your preferred crispy-fried meals can be part of a health-conscious diet.
Power: It is powerful to provide faster as well as more evenly air flow around your dish, with 1700 watts, creating tasty, tasty outcomes.
Pre-sets: there are 8 one-touch control system pre-program choices. And 8 electronic, pre-set programs with an user-friendly digital one touch control, you can roast, fry, bake, steam, sauté as well as grill.
Easy to consider food: it comes with a glass stove home window which allows you to easily adhere to the cooking procedure.
Also Check: How To Cook Fried Pork Chops In Air Fryer
