Air Fryer Vs Instant Pot: Which One Should You Buy?

If you’re trying to decide between buying an Instant Pot or an air fryer, it can be tough to pick which one is better suited for your needs. Both kitchen gadgets are incredibly useful and each has unique advantages.

But with your kitchen space at a premium and your budget in mind, it’s crucial to weigh their abilities. Air fryers excel in giving you that crispy, fried texture without the oil, while Instant Pots are masters of speed, transforming raw ingredients into hearty meals.

Yet, the question remains: which one aligns with your lifestyle and culinary needs? Uncover the factors that will guide your choice and discover the ultimate kitchen companion.

Air Fryer vs Instant Pot: Which Is More Popular?

Both kitchen gadgets are extremely popular right now, routinely topping best-seller lists and product reviews. Instant Pots surged faster in initial popularity when they were first introduced in 2010. Pressure cooking was a bit more revolutionary compared to previous slow cookers.

But air frying is hugely popular now too since it allows for oil-free “fried” foods. Models like the Cosori Air Fryer Max XL and Instant Vortex routinely rank among Amazon’s top sellers.

It’s safe to say households across America are using and loving both Instant Pots and air fryers! Both appliances have proven their usefulness for faster, convenient cooking.

How Air Fryer Works?

What exactly is an air fryer, and how can it revolutionize your cooking experience? Imagine having a kitchen gadget that gives you the ability to whip up your favourite fried foods with just a fraction of the oil traditionally used. That’s where the air fryer comes into play. It’s not just about indulging in your guilty pleasures; it’s about doing so in a healthier, quicker, and more energy-efficient way.

At its core, an air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food, achieving crispy, golden results without the need for deep-frying. It’s like having a mini convection oven on your countertop. You’re not just limited to fries and chicken wings; you can roast vegetables, bake cookies, and even “grill” steaks. It’s a versatile tool that fits perfectly into the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a fitness enthusiast, or simply someone looking to make cooking a breeze, an air fryer can be your new best friend in the kitchen.

How Instant Pot Works?

Now, let’s have a look at Instant Pots. What makes them stand out?

You’ll find their features offer a unique blend of convenience and versatility, allowing you to whip up a variety of meals quickly. We’ll also compare their cooking times and discuss how they can be a game-changer in your kitchen routine.

Instant Pot Features

Instant Pots often serve as a versatile kitchen companion, combining multiple cooking functions into one appliance. They’re designed to make your life easier, letting you feel part of a community that values smart, efficient cooking.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

1. Pressure Cooking: Instant Pots excel at pressure cooking, reducing cooking times significantly while maintaining flavours.
2. Slow Cooking: They can easily replace your slow cooker, making them perfect for stews and casseroles.
3. Sautéing/Browning: Before or after pressure cooking, you can sauté or brown ingredients right in the pot, adding depth to your dishes.

These features, among others, make Instant Pots an indispensable tool in your kitchen, inviting you into a world where cooking doesn’t have to be a chore but a joyous part of your daily routine.

Cooking Time Comparison

Having explored the versatile features of Instant Pots, let’s examine how they stack up in terms of cooking time. You’ll find that Instant Pots can significantly shorten your cooking adventures.

For instance, tough meat cuts that usually take hours of slow cooking can be tenderized in a fraction of the time. Think beef stew in 35 minutes rather than simmering all day. It’s not just about speed; it’s about making your life easier.

You can put ingredients in, set it, and focus on other tasks or relaxation until dinner is ready. This efficiency doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing quality for convenience. You’re part of a community that values both, ensuring you don’t have to compromise. Instant Pots are designed with your busy schedule in mind, blending speed and ease perfectly.

Versatility in Meals

When it comes to cooking, the versatility of an Instant Pot can transform your meal prep from mundane to marvellous, offering many options for any dish you have in mind. Here’s how:

1. Pressure Cooking: Speed up the cooking of tough cuts of meat or beans, making them tender and flavorful in a fraction of the time.
2. Slow Cooking: Embrace the set-it-and-forget-it approach for soups, stews, and more, ensuring deep flavours meld together over hours.
3. Sautéing/Browning: Before pressure or slow cooking, you can sauté or brown ingredients right in the pot, adding layers of flavour without the extra cleanup.

Key Differences – Instant Pot vs Air Fryer

While both appliances are convenient cooking tools, Instant Pots and air fryers perform very different functions.

An Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker that combines multiple appliances like a rice cooker, slow cooker, steamer and yoghurt maker into one handy device. Instant Pots use steam and build-up pressure within a sealed inner pot to cook food rapidly.

Whereas an air fryer uses rapid air circulation to crisp up breaded foods and simulate deep frying without all the oil. Air fryers cook via convection by blowing extremely hot air around the food at high speeds to create a crispy exterior.

Cooking Speed and Efficiency

When you’re deciding between an air fryer and an Instant Pot, you’ll want to consider how quickly they can cook your meals and how much energy they use. Let’s look at which appliance gets your food on the table faster and does it more efficiently. This comparison will help you choose the right tool for your kitchen needs.

Speed Comparison

In comparing the speed and efficiency of air fryers and Instant Pots, it’s crucial to understand how each device transforms your cooking experience.

1. Air fryers work by rapidly circulating hot air, which means they’re fantastic for quick, crispy results. You’ll find they excel in tasks like roasting vegetables or cooking frozen foods, often in less than 20 minutes.
2. Instant Pots, on the other hand, use pressure cooking to significantly cut down on traditional cooking times. This makes them ideal for dishes that usually take hours, such as stews or beans, reducing the process to under an hour.
3. Versatility vs. Speed: While Instant Pots offer a broader range of cooking methods, air fryers give you the edge in speed for many common tasks, making meal prep quicker and simpler.

Energy Efficiency

Building on the speed comparison, it’s also important to consider how air fryers and Instant Pots stack up in terms of energy efficiency. Both appliances offer a more efficient way to cook compared to traditional ovens or stovetops, but they do so in different ways. Here’s a quick look at their energy efficiency:

Air fryers work by rapidly circulating hot air, which cooks food quickly but can use a bit more energy in short bursts. Instant Pots, however, use pressure cooking to speed up the cooking process, making them incredibly energy efficient over time. So, if you’re leaning towards saving on your energy bills, the Instant Pot might be your go-to.

Versatility and Functionality

Understanding the versatility and functionality of both the Air Fryer and Instant Pot is crucial to making an informed decision on which to purchase. These two kitchen gadgets have taken the cooking world by storm, offering unique benefits that cater to different culinary needs and preferences.

1. Air Fryer: It’s your go-to for crispy, crunchy textures. Think golden fries, chicken wings, and vegetables, all achieved with minimal oil. Its primary function is to simulate deep frying, giving you that coveted crunch without the health drawbacks of traditional frying.
2. Instant Pot: This device is a multitasker’s dream. It combines several cooking appliances in one: a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, and even a yoghurt maker. You can make soups, stews, tender meats, and even cakes with ease and speed.
3. Cooking Methods: While the Air Fryer excels in giving foods a crispy texture, the Instant Pot is versatile in its ability to cook a variety of dishes through different methods.

Choosing between them depends on what you value more in your cooking routines. Are you a fan of quick, crispy meals, or do you prefer the flexibility of creating varied dishes with one device? Either way, you’re joining a community of enthusiastic home cooks who cherish innovation and convenience in the kitchen.

Health and Nutritional Benefits

When considering your health and nutritional needs, it’s essential to weigh the benefits of cooking with an Air Fryer versus an Instant Pot. Both appliances offer unique advantages that can help you maintain a balanced diet, but they do so in different ways.

Using an Air Fryer allows you to enjoy your favourite fried foods with a fraction of the oil typically used in deep frying. This method significantly reduces your calorie intake without sacrificing taste, making it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to cut down on fat while still indulging in crispy delights.

On the other hand, the Instant Pot excels in preserving nutrients that are often lost in traditional cooking methods. Its pressure-cooking feature locks in vitamins and minerals, ensuring you get the most out of your ingredients. Soups, stews, and steamed vegetables retain more of their health benefits, supporting your well-being with every bite.

Ultimately, your decision should align with your dietary goals. If reducing fat is your priority, the Air Fryer might be your best bet. For those focused on nutrient retention, the Instant Pot could be a more suitable choice. Remember, incorporating either device into your kitchen is a step towards healthier eating habits.

Cost and Kitchen Space Considerations

Considering the purchase of an Air Fryer or an Instant Pot, it’s crucial to evaluate both the cost and the amount of kitchen space each appliance requires. You’re not just buying a kitchen gadget; you’re investing in a lifestyle change.

So, let’s break down what you need to consider:

1. Cost: Air Fryers and Instant Pots come in various sizes and features, leading to a wide range of prices. Generally, both can be found within similar price brackets, but the more functions an appliance has, the pricier it gets. It’s essential to balance your budget with your culinary needs.
2. Kitchen Space: Before making a purchase, take a hard look at your kitchen space. Air Fryers tend to be bulky and may require more countertop space. Instant Pots, on the other hand, have a more vertical design, which might fit better in smaller kitchens.
3. Utility vs. Space: Consider how often you’ll use the appliance versus the space it occupies. If you’re tight on space but plan to use it daily, it might justify the real estate it takes up.

Choosing between an Air Fryer and an Instant Pot isn’t just about the initial cost; it’s about integrating it into your lifestyle without cluttering your space. Remember, the best appliance for you is the one that fits your budget, space, and cooking needs.

Can an Instant Pot Be Used as an Air Fryer?

Strictly speaking, no – Instant Pots don’t air fry because they don’t circulate hot air. However, some Instant Pot recipes can achieve a crisp finish via the sauté function, charring vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts by stirring them. You can also brown meats before pressure cooking.

There are also a few meal prep hacks to get a somewhat “air fried” texture using the instant pot inner pot, like crisping apple pie filling or cinnamon sugar nuts under the oven broiler.

But an Instant Pot will never perfectly mimic breaded fried foods or have dedicated air fryer preset options. To air-fry properly, you need an actual air fryer appliance.

Can an Air Fryer Be Used as an Instant Pot?

Just like Instant Pots can’t truly air fry crispy foods, unfortunately, air fryers also can’t function as pressure cookers.

Air fryers rapidly circulate hot air – they don’t have an airtight sealed chamber and don’t build up internal pressure like Instant Pots.

While convection heat can cook moist dishes like frittatas, air fryers shouldn’t be used to “pressure cook” recipes or attempt to achieve similar results. You’ll need a real Instant Pot for that!

So, Should I Get an Instant Pot or an Air Fryer?

Whether an Instant Pot or air fryer is the better choice depends a lot on what types of meals you cook most frequently.

Here’s a simple way to decide:

Get an Instant Pot if you frequently cook:

• Large roasts/cuts of meat
• Bean or grain dishes
• Stews, chilis and soups
• Eggs
• Curries
• Rice/risotto
• Yoghurt

Get an air fryer if you regularly make:

• French fries or potato dishes
• Frozen appetizers like pizza rolls
• Chicken nuggets or wings
• Fish sticks or filets
• Toasted sandwiches or burritos
• Falafel
• Veggie side dishes

You may find you’d benefit from having both! Some Instant Pot models like the Instant Pot Duo Crisp come with a detachable air fryer lid so you get both electric pressure cooking and air frying convenience in one appliance. This gives the maximum versatility.

Or you might prefer keeping the separate air fryer and instant pot to have multiple dishes cooking at once.

What’s the Best Air Fryer to Buy?

There are a ton of great air fryer models on the market from brands like Ninja, Cosori, Dash and Philips. Top-rated air fryers from consumer testing include:

• Ninja Air Fryer Max XL – Large 5.5-quart capacity
• Dash Tasti Crisp Electric Air Fryer – Best budget pick
• Cosori Air Fryer Max XL – Square design fits more food
• Philips Premium Airfryer XXL – High performance for home chefs

Look for helpful features like dishwasher-safe parts, shake reminder alarms, presets for common foods, digital controls and high wattages (1700W+) when selecting an air fryer. The size that’s best for you depends on your household and how frequently you plan to use it.

What’s the Best Instant Pot Appliance to Buy?

The most popular Instant Pot model is the Instant Pot Duo. This 7-in-1 multi-cooker allows you to pressure cook, slow cook, steam, sauté, cook rice make yoghurt and keep food warm. It comes in 3 versatile sizes:

• 3 quart (good for singles/couples)
• 6 quart (best for most families)
• 8 quart (ideal for large families/batch cooking)

The user-friendly Instant Pot Duo line has everything a beginner needs to get started with pressure cooking. And with over 148,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, it has a proven track record of reliability and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions – Instant Pot and Air Fryer

What recipes can I make in an air fryer?

Air fryers allow you to make all kinds of crispy favourites like fries, wings, nuggets, egg rolls, zucchini sticks, fish cakes, and more using little to no oil. There are also lots of air fryer cookbooks available.

What are the best Instant Pot recipes?

Some of the most popular Instant Pot recipes include chicken breasts, roasts like pork shoulder or beef chuck, meatloaf, stews, chilli, oatmeal, ribs, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, hard-boiled eggs and more.

Is an air fryer healthier than deep frying?

Yes, air frying is healthier than traditional deep frying. Air fryers use rapidly blowing hot air instead of submerging foods in gallons of boiling grease. This eliminates a lot of fat, calories and excess oils.

What are the advantages of using an Instant Pot?

Advantages of Instant Pots include drastically reduced cook times, flexibility to pressure cook and slow cook, ability to brown and sauté as well as retaining nutrients. They allow hands-off cooking of an entire meal with just one appliance.

How do you clean an air fryer?

It’s easy to clean an air fryer – remove the basket and wash it in hot soapy water or place it in the dishwasher. Wipe down the outside and inside of the appliance with a cloth. Clean after every 1-3 uses to prevent grease buildup.

Can I cook frozen foods in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can safely cook frozen meats, prepared frozen meals, veggies and more in the Instant Pot. Adjust cook times and add extra liquid as needed. The frozen block will help evenly distribute heat at first.

Can the Instant Pot Be Used to Mimic the Crispy Texture Achieved With an Air Fryer?

You can’t quite mimic the air fryer’s crispy texture with an Instant Pot, but by using its sauté feature and a bit of oil, you’ll get closer. It’s about experimenting and finding what works for you.

Are There Any Unique Maintenance or Cleaning Challenges Associated With Air Fryers Compared to Instant Pots?

Yes, air fryers can be trickier to clean than Instant Pots. They’ve got more nooks and baskets that require attention. But don’t worry, with regular care, you’ll keep both running smoothly and your meals delicious.

How Do Air Fryers and Instant Pots Impact the Flavor and Texture of Common Foods Differently?

Air fryers give your food a crispy texture and rich flavour, like deep-frying without the oil. Instant pots make dishes tender and juicy, perfect for stews and soups. Both transform meals but in different delicious ways.

Are There Any Accessories or Additional Purchases Necessary to Fully Utilize an Air Fryer or Instant Pot for a Wide Range of Recipes?

Yes, to fully enjoy a wide range of recipes, you’ll likely need to pick up some accessories for either device. Think baking pans for the air fryer and steamer baskets for the Instant Pot.

Can Either an Air Fryer or Instant Pot Effectively Replace Traditional Cooking Appliances for Small or Minimalist Kitchens?

You’re likely wondering if you can ditch traditional appliances for an air fryer or Instant Pot. Especially in small kitchens. They’re versatile, space-saving, and can handle a wide range of recipes effortlessly.

In Summary: Should You Get an Instant Pot or Air Fryer?

• Instant Pots are electric pressure cookers with steam cooking power to quickly tenderize meats, cook beans/grains and allow hands-free multi-tasking
• Air fryers use circulating hot air to create crispy “fried” textures without all the oil of traditional frying
• Instant Pots excel at roasts, stews, eggs, rice/grains, meal prepping, while air fryers make amazing wings, fries and more
• Consider which cooking methods suit your frequent meals and dietary needs
• Some Instant Pot models include air fryer lids for maximum versatility in one appliance
• Both kitchen gadgets are extremely useful – having one or both can revolutionize your home cooking experience!

Hopefully, this detailed appliance comparison guide gives you all the information you need to decide if an Instant Pot or air fryer is the right addition to your kitchen! Let us know if you have any other questions.