Air Fryer vs. Instant Pot: Which One Should You Buy?

Kitchen gadgets can transform your cooking experience, but choosing between an air fryer vs. Instant Pot can be tricky when counter space is limited. Both appliances promise to make cooking faster and easier, but they function in completely different ways with distinct cooking outcomes.

If you’re trying to decide which appliance deserves precious kitchen real estate, you’re in the right place. I’ve tested both extensively and can help you understand which one might be the better investment for your cooking style and needs.

Side-by-side of a Gourmia air fryer and an Instant Pot appliance.

Looking for specific recipes to try once you make your decision? My Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles make a delicious brunch option, while my Instant Pot Chicken Marsala delivers comfort food in a fraction of the traditional cooking time.

Table of Contents

Reasons You’ll Love These Appliances

Time-saving convenience: Both air fryers and Instant Pots can cut your cooking time significantly compared to conventional methods. The air fryer crisps food in minutes, while the Instant Pot can cook foods like dried beans or tough cuts of meat in a fraction of the time.
Versatile cooking methods: The Instant Pot offers multiple functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and yogurt making, while air fryers excel at creating crispy textures without excessive oil.
Energy efficiency: Both appliances use less energy than traditional ovens or stovetops since they cook food faster and in a smaller, more contained space.
Healthier cooking options: Air fryers require minimal oil to achieve crispy results, while pressure cooking in an Instant Pot preserves more nutrients than boiling. Both appliances help you create healthier versions of your favorite recipes.

Choosing Between Air Fryers and Instant Pots: What’s Right for Your Kitchen?

When choosing between these appliances, consider what you cook most often and how your family eats. If you love crispy foods like wings, fries, and reheated leftovers but want to cut down on oil, an air fryer might be your best bet. The air fryer excels at creating that satisfying crunch without deep frying.

If you frequently cook soups, stews, dried beans, or tough cuts of meat, the Instant Pot would likely serve you better. The pressure cooking function can reduce cooking times by up to 70%, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Many home cooks also appreciate the “set it and forget it” nature of the Instant Pot’s programming.

For families with diverse eating preferences, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp offers versatility that might justify its higher price point and larger footprint. Being able to pressure cook and air fry in one appliance means fewer gadgets to store and clean.

Understanding Basic Air Fryers

Air fryers are compact countertop appliances that use convection technology to circulate hot air around food, creating a crispy exterior similar to deep frying but with significantly less oil. They’re essentially small, powerful convection ovens that can cook food quickly while producing that satisfying crunch we all crave.

Air Fryer Chicken and Waffles: This brunch favorite becomes easier with perfectly crispy chicken cooked in the air fryer, paired with fluffy waffles for a delicious sweet and savory combination. Air Fryer Hot Pockets: Homemade ham and cheese hot pockets become perfectly crispy in the air fryer, with a golden exterior and melty cheese filling in just minutes. Air Fryer Greek Chicken Kabobs: These kabobs cook quickly with delicious Mediterranean flavors and come out juicy inside with a nice sear, all without firing up the grill.

Grilled chicken and vegetable skewers on a white plate, table setting nearby. — Image Credit: Kim Schob.

Understanding Basic Instant Pots

The standard Instant Pot is a multifunctional electric pressure cooker that combines several kitchen appliances in one. It can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, and even make yogurt, depending on the model. Its sealed environment creates high pressure that cooks food quickly while locking in flavors and nutrients.

Instant Pot Chicken Marsala: This classic Italian dish cooks in a fraction of the traditional time while keeping chicken tender and infusing it with rich Marsala wine flavor. Instant Pot Creamy Tortellini With Sausage: A hearty pasta dish that cooks the tortellini perfectly in a rich, creamy sauce with Italian sausage—all in one pot with minimal effort. Instant Pot BBQ Pork Tenderloin: This tender, flavorful pork cooks in minutes instead of hours, infused with BBQ flavors and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Chicken marsala sitting on a white plate with fork and knife on the side. — Image Credit: Kim Schob.

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp: Best of Both Worlds?

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp represents an innovative solution for those who can’t decide between the two appliances. This versatile model comes with two interchangeable lids: one for traditional pressure cooking and one air fryer lid that turns your Instant Pot into an air fryer.

The Duo Crisp offers an impressive 11-in-1 functionality with its dual-lid design. You can pressure cook a whole chicken to tender perfection, then switch to the air fryer lid to crisp the skin for that perfect finish. The control panel is intuitive with preset cooking programs, though it does require some additional storage space for the second lid.

Air Fryer BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches: While traditionally made in a slow cooker, pulled pork becomes tender in the Instant Pot Duo Crisp in a fraction of the time, and you can switch to the air fryer lid to crisp up the edges for delicious sandwiches.

BBQ pulled pork sitting on a wooden board. — Image Credit: Kim Schob.

Comparing Cooking Capabilities

When it comes to cooking capabilities, these appliances serve distinctly different purposes. Air fryers excel at creating crispy textures on foods that would typically be deep-fried or baked. The Instant Pot, however, shines with moist cooking methods like pressure cooking and slow cooking.

The standard air fryer can’t replace your Instant Pot when it comes to making soups, stews, or quickly cooking dried beans. Conversely, the basic Instant Pot can’t create the crispy texture that an air fryer delivers. The Duo Crisp bridges this gap but comes with a higher price point and larger footprint than either individual appliance.

For those who frequently make Instant Pot recipes that could benefit from a crispy finishing touch, the Duo Crisp offers real value. If you primarily want to pressure cook or slow cook, a standard Instant Pot might be sufficient. Those mainly interested in healthier versions of fried foods should consider a dedicated air fryer.

Storing and Maintaining Your Appliances

Storage: Both appliances take up significant counter space, with most Instant Pots being slightly larger than basic air fryers. The Duo Crisp requires additional storage space for its second lid.
Cleaning: Air fryers typically have a basket and pan that need cleaning after each use, while Instant Pots have a removable inner pot, sealing ring, and lid components. Most parts of both appliances are dishwasher-safe.
Maintenance: The sealing ring on Instant Pots should be replaced about every 6-12 months, and you’ll need to perform occasional deep cleaning to prevent odor transfer. Air fryers generally require less maintenance but may need occasional deep cleaning of heating elements.

Lifespan: Both appliances, when well-maintained, can last for years. Look for models with at least a one-year warranty when shopping for the best air fryers or best Instant Pots.

FAQs

Is an air fryer healthier than an Instant Pot?

Both appliances offer healthier cooking methods compared to deep frying or certain traditional techniques. Air fryers use minimal oil to achieve crispy results, while the Instant Pot preserves nutrients through pressure cooking. The healthier option depends on what types of food you typically prepare.

Can the Instant Pot Duo Crisp completely replace a standalone air fryer?

The Duo Crisp performs admirably as both a pressure cooker and air fryer, but its air frying capacity is typically smaller than standalone air fryers. If you frequently air fry large batches, you might find a dedicated air fryer more convenient despite the Duo Crisp’s versatility.

Which appliance is better for beginners in the kitchen?

Both have learning curves, but many beginners find air fryers more intuitive initially. The control panel on an Instant Pot can be intimidating with its multiple functions, though modern models have simplified interfaces. Consider your cooking confidence and willingness to experiment.

Which appliance is more energy-efficient?

Both appliances are generally more energy-efficient than using a full-sized oven. Air fryers typically use between 1400-1700 watts but run for shorter periods. Instant Pots use 700-1000 watts but might run longer for certain cooking methods. Overall efficiency depends on what and how you cook.

Can I make desserts in both appliances?

Yes! Air fryers excel at baked goods like cookies and small cakes, while the Instant Pot is perfect for cheesecakes, custards, and bread puddings. The Duo Crisp gives you the flexibility to make an even wider range of desserts requiring both moist and dry cooking methods.