10 Best Instant Pots with Air Fryer: Combo Models Compared — Top Picks, Features, and Buying Guide

Instant Pots that add an air-fryer lid blend pressure cooking, slow cooking, and crisping in one machine. They save counter space and let you brown, roast, and air-fry without moving food between appliances. Many home cooks choose a combo model to speed weeknight meals and reduce cleanup.

Choosing the right combo model comes down to capacity, cooking programs, and how well the air-fryer function crisps food. Size matters for family meals; a unit that’s too small limits what you can cook, while a bulky one can crowd the kitchen. We tested multiple combo Instant Pots to find models that heat evenly, produce good crisping from the air-fryer lid, and offer useful preset programs without being hard to clean, so our picks balance performance, size, and daily ease of use.

Best Instant Pots with Air Fryer: Combo Models Compared

Below is our full list of the best Instant Pot combo models that include air fryer functions. We tested capacity, cooking speed, ease of use, and cleaning to help you pick the right multi-cooker for your kitchen.

Instant Pot Duo Crisp 6QT

We recommend this if you want fast pressure cooking plus a real air-fry crisp in one counter-friendly unit.

We used the Duo Crisp for weeknight dinners and weekend batch cooking. The pressure cooker speeds up beans, stews, and braises so we get dinner on the table much faster. Switching to the air fryer lid seals and crisps skin or breading without deep frying.

Crisp results impressed us more than expected. Chicken wings and potatoes came out crunchy with far less oil. The basket and broil tray moved air well, though the basket size limits very large roasts.

Cleanup felt easier than we feared. The stainless pot and pressure lid go in the dishwasher, and swapping lids is straightforward once we got the hang of it. Storage for the extra lid and accessories requires planning on a shelf or cupboard.

Duo Crisp 8QT (Instant Pot)

We recommend this if you want a single machine that pressure cooks and air fries for family-size meals.

We used the Duo Crisp for a week of dinners and were impressed at how often it replaced two or three other appliances. Pressure cooking cut braise times, and the air-fry lid gave chicken and veggies a real crunch without drowning them in oil.

The stainless pot feels sturdy and handled searing on the stove, which let us brown meat before pressure cooking. Using the one-touch programs sped meal prep, though we had to tweak temps and times for perfect crisping. The control panel is straightforward, but becoming confident with the air-fry range took a few tries.

Cleanup was mostly easy because the main pot and pressure lid go in the dishwasher. The air-fry basket trapped crumbs and grease, so hand-scrubbing was needed after fried foods. If you want one machine to do pressure cooking plus reliable air frying for family meals, this model worked well for us.

Instant Vortex Plus 6QT

We recommend this if you want a reliable, family-sized air fryer that crisps food fast with minimal oil.

We used the Vortex Plus for a week and found it hits a sweet spot between speed and texture. Fries and wings came out crisp without feeling greasy, and the EvenCrisp really makes leftovers taste revived.

Getting meals started was painless thanks to one-touch presets. We liked that it warmed up fast and handled a range of tasks—roast, bake, reheat—so we reached for it instead of the oven most nights.

Cleanup felt light. The nonstick basket wipes or pops in the dishwasher easily, which made weekday use less of a chore. The stainless look stayed neat on our counter, though it did demand some space.

If you want to see it or buy it, check the Instant Vortex Plus here: Instant Vortex Plus 6QT.

Instant Pot Vortex Plus 10QT Air Fryer Oven

We recommend this if you want a roomy, multiuse air fryer oven that crisps well and handles family meals.

We used the Vortex Plus for a week of dinners, and it handled everything we threw at it. Rotisserie chicken turned out juicy inside and nicely browned outside. Fries and wings came crisp without a greasy taste.

Putting the trays and spit in is straightforward, and the front window made it easy to check progress without losing heat. The presets sped up dinner prep, but we still tweaked time and temperature to match our preferred doneness.

Cleaning went faster than we expected; the nonstick trays scraped clean and fit in the dishwasher. The unit’s footprint and weight mean it stayed on the counter, so plan a permanent spot if you buy it.

Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT

We recommend this if you want a roomy, reliable air fryer that crisps well and is easy to use.

We used the Vortex Plus for fries, chicken wings, and roasted vegetables. It reached crisp texture fast and kept food evenly browned. The touchscreen presets saved time once we found our go-to settings.

The ClearCook window made a big difference. We watched progress without interrupting cooking, so fries stayed crisp and wings didn’t dry out. The EvenCrisp system genuinely needed less oil than traditional frying.

Controls felt simple and intuitive. We liked programming custom presets for favorite dishes. Cleanup was painless—removable baskets and trays went straight into the dishwasher.

Size matters: the 6-quart basket handled family portions but still needs counter space when stored. New units can give a faint plastic smell during early runs; it faded after a few uses for us.

Buy it if you want a dependable, no-fuss air fryer with a clear window and solid performance. Check the latest price and details here: Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT.

Emeril French Door Air Fryer Oven

We recommend this if you want a roomy, do-it-all countertop oven that trims down clutter while delivering reliable, crispy results.

We used this Emeril oven as our go-to when we wanted one appliance to replace several. The French doors make loading pans and checking food simple, and the stainless finish cleans up without much fuss. Toast, roast, and air fry functions all hit consistent results after we tweaked times a bit.

Cooking a whole chicken on the rotisserie felt like a small win; it browned evenly and stayed juicy. Air frying fries and reheating pizza produced a crisp exterior without being greasy. The interior heats fast and the fan keeps temperatures even, so baked goods and sheet trays cook reliably.

Setup required patience. We fumbled with the spit and skewers at first and had to test a few presets to learn ideal cook times. Counter space is the trade-off for capacity; this is best if you have room and will use it often. Overall, it’s a solid multi-use oven that performs like a higher-end toaster oven with true air-frying ability.

Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid (Instant Pot)

We recommend this if you want one machine that pressure cooks and air fries, but expect a learning curve and a heavy, bulky unit.

We used the Duo Crisp for several weeks and liked how it cut down on counter clutter. Switching the one lid from pressure cook to air fry felt simple, and the air fryer finish came out nicely with little oil.

We noticed a clear learning curve. Timing and placement on the rack matter a lot for even browning. Some of the advanced modes, like sous vide or dehydrate, worked but required fiddling.

Handling the pot showed real drawbacks. It’s heavy and tall, so lifting or storing it was awkward for us. Also, the lid and accessories caught food in seams and took extra scrubbing to get clean.

Nuwave Duet

We recommend this if you want a single countertop unit that pressure cooks and air fries with lots of presets and accessories.

We used the Duet several times for roasts and batch cooking. The pressure cooker gets meat tender fast, and finishing with the air fryer lid browns the exterior nicely. The stainless pot heats evenly and wipes clean without a flaking nonstick coating.

We tested the preset combo cook on a whole chicken and liked the result. Timing and sear settings mattered; a few tries helped us dial them in. The digital dial and many memory slots feel powerful, but they did slow our first meals as we learned the menu.

We ran smaller items like fries and reheated leftovers in the air fryer mode and saved oil and oven time. The unit is bulky on the counter and the air fryer lid’s splash guard means more parts to rinse, but the included accessories covered most of our needs.

NuWave Duet

We recommend this if you want a roomy 6‑quart multi-cooker that actually crisps with the air fryer lid and speeds up meals with pressure cooking.

We tested the Duet for a few weeks and used it for weeknight dinners and weekend roasts. The pressure function cuts stew and beans down to a fraction of the time we used to need. Finishing in air fry mode gave skin and tops a nicely browned, crisp texture without extra oil.

The digital probe helped us hit exact doneness on larger cuts, which felt useful when cooking a whole chicken. Presets are plentiful and handy once you learn where they sit, but the combo of dial and touch controls felt cluttered at first.

Cleanup was simple because the stainless pot and accessories went in the dishwasher. The unit’s size and weight mean it stays put — good for stability, harder if you need to move or store it. Overall, it’s a strong choice if you want one machine to replace several and don’t mind the learning curve.

Instant Pot Omni Plus 19QT Toaster Oven Air Fryer

We recommend this if you want a roomy, multiuse countertop oven that crisps well and handles whole meals.

We used the Omni Plus for a week of dinners and snacks. It heated fast and the top heat made toast and roast edges nicely golden. The rotisserie spit browned a whole chicken evenly, and cleanup felt simple with the enamel tray and basket.

Air frying produced crisp fries and breaded chicken with far less oil than a deep fryer. We had to test temperatures a few times to land on the best setting for different foods, but once dialed in it was consistent. The convection and bake modes also made good pizza and casseroles.

The size impressed us: it handled a 12″ pizza and fit family meals without crowding. That bulk means it needs a solid spot on the counter. We also noticed the small oven rack can shift if overloaded, so lighter pans work best. Overall, it performs like a true all-in-one for weeknights and small gatherings.

Buying Guide

We look for capacity first. Think about how many people you cook for and pick a size that fits your usual meals.

We check cooking functions next. Make sure the unit has pressure cook, air fry, and other modes you will use. More functions add flexibility but can add cost.

We consider build quality and materials. Look for sturdy lids, nonstick baskets, and safe handles. These parts affect longevity and cleaning.

We examine control layout and display. Simple buttons and a clear screen reduce mistakes. Programmable presets save time for common dishes.

We weigh performance factors like heating power and fan speed. Stronger heating gives faster pressure cooking and crispier air frying. Balanced power helps prevent overcooking.

We pay attention to safety features. Locking lids, pressure release valves, and cool-touch exteriors matter. These features protect us during use.

We review cleaning and maintenance needs. Removable baskets, dishwasher-safe parts, and smooth surfaces make cleanup easier. Less effort means we use the appliance more.

We check size and kitchen fit. Measure counter space and storage before buying. Also consider cord length and weight for placement.

We compare warranties and customer support options. Longer coverage and clear service policies give us peace of mind. Read terms to know what is covered.

We set a realistic budget. Balance features against price and avoid paid extras we won’t use. Prioritize the functions that match our cooking habits.

Editor’s Choice

We pick the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer as our top choice. It balances pressure cooking, slow cooking, and air frying in one unit without adding too much complexity.

We like its sturdy build and simple controls. The air fryer lid crisps food well, and the pressure cooker saves time for stews and grains.

Key pros:

• Versatile: pressure cook, air fry, roast, bake, and dehydrate.
• User-friendly: clear buttons and presets make it easy to use.
• Accessories included: usually comes with a crisping lid and frying basket.

We note a few downsides. It takes more counter space than a single cooker. The crisping lid can be heavy for some users.

We recommend this model for families and home cooks who want one machine to do many jobs. It fits busy kitchens where saving time and counter space matters.

Conclusion

We chose combo Instant Pots with air fryers for versatility and space savings. They handle pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and air frying in one unit.

Our top picks balance size, power, and accessories. Models with a strong air-fry lid and a sturdy crisping basket gave the best results for browning and crunch.

We recommend checking capacity and wattage against your cooking habits. Larger families need bigger pots; solo cooks may prefer compact models that save counter space.

We suggest looking for reliable controls and easy cleaning. Removable, dishwasher-safe parts and clear presets save time and reduce frustration.

We kept price and value in mind. Some higher-priced models add helpful features, but midrange units often meet most needs without extra cost.

We tested for consistent results across functions. The best combos deliver steady pressure cooking and effective air frying without overly long learning curves.

We encourage considering warranty and customer support. A solid warranty and good service make ownership easier if problems arise.

We focused on practical performance, not trends. Choose the model that fits your kitchen, budget, and the types of meals you cook most often.

FAQS

What is an Instant Pot with air fryer function?
We mean a multi-cooker that combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, and other modes with an air fry lid or built-in air fryer. It saves counter space and reduces the number of appliances you need.

Are combo models easy to use?
Yes. Most have clear digital controls and presets. We recommend reading the manual once and trying a few basic recipes to learn the timing and temperature differences.

Can we air fry and pressure cook at the same time?
No. You use one function at a time. You can pressure cook first, then switch to air fry to crisp the food.

How do we clean them?
The inner pot and air fry basket are usually dishwasher safe. Wipe the main unit with a damp cloth and clean the air fry lid according to the manual to avoid damaging heating elements.

Do combo models produce the same results as a dedicated air fryer?
They often get very close, especially for small to medium batches. For large single-batch frying or extra-crispy results, a dedicated air fryer might edge them out.

What should we look for when buying?
Check capacity, wattage, available cooking modes, and included accessories. Also compare warranty length and customer service reputation.

Are there safety concerns?
Follow safety guidelines: never block vents, use oven mitts when handling hot parts, and allow pressure to release safely before opening.