Ultimate Guide to the Instant Pot Air Fryer: Features, Benefits, Recipes, and Pro Tips for Perfect Cooking
If you’re searching for a kitchen appliance that combines versatility, speed, and space-saving design, the Instant Pot Air Fryer is a game-changer. This multi-functional device merges the power of pressure cooking with air frying, plus additional capabilities like slow cooking, steaming, baking, and dehydrating, making it a must-have for busy home cooks, families, and anyone looking to simplify meal prep. After testing it extensively and analyzing user feedback, we can confirm: the Instant Pot Air Fryer delivers on its promises—crispy results without excess oil, quick meals in half the time, and the flexibility to tackle almost any recipe you’d normally use a standalone air fryer, pressure cooker, or even an oven for. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of this tool, from core features to pro tips and foolproof recipes.
What Exactly Is an Instant Pot Air Fryer?
The Instant Pot Air Fryer is a countertop appliance that combines two popular cooking technologies: pressure cooking (from the original Instant Pot line) and air frying (a method that circulates hot air at high speeds to crisp food). Unlike traditional air fryers, which rely solely on convection heat, or standalone pressure cookers, which focus on steam and pressure, this hybrid device offers both functions in one. It typically includes a non-stick inner pot for pressure cooking and a removable air fryer basket for frying, baking, or roasting.
At its core, the device uses a heating element and a powerful fan to distribute heat evenly. When using the air fry function, the fan circulates hot air around food placed in the basket, creating that desirable crispy exterior—similar to deep-frying but with little to no oil. For pressure cooking, the airtight lid seals in steam, raising the internal temperature and pressure to cook food faster than conventional methods.
This dual functionality is what sets it apart. Instead of owning a separate air fryer, pressure cooker, slow cooker, and steamer, you get all these tools in one compact unit. It’s ideal for small kitchens, frequent travelers who want to save space, or anyone tired of cluttered countertops.
Core Features That Make the Instant Pot Air Fryer a Kitchen Essential
To understand why this appliance is so popular, let’s break down its key features and how they translate to real-world benefits:
1. Air Frying with Crispy Results (Without the Guilt)
Air frying is the star feature for many users. The Instant Pot Air Fryer’s basket is designed with perforations to allow hot air to flow freely, ensuring even crisping. Whether you’re cooking frozen French fries, chicken wings, or even tofu, you’ll get that golden-brown, crunchy texture typically associated with deep-fried food—but with up to 80% less oil. For example, our tests showed that air-fried frozen shoestring fries required just 1 teaspoon of oil (vs. ¼ cup for deep-frying) and were indistinguishable in texture from the deep-fried version.
2. Pressure Cooking for Speed and Tenderness
The pressure cooking function is a lifesaver for tough cuts of meat, beans, or grains. By increasing pressure and temperature, it breaks down collagen in meats (like pot roast or short ribs) in under an hour, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. It also speeds up cooking for grains (brown rice in 20 minutes vs. 45+ minutes on the stovetop) and dried beans (no soaking required—black beans cook in 25 minutes). This is especially useful for weeknights when you don’t have hours to prep.
3. Slow Cooking for Hands-Off Meals
Need to come home to a warm, tender stew or chili? The slow cook function lets you set it and forget it. You can adjust the temperature (low or high) and cooking time, making it perfect for dishes that benefit from long, slow simmering. Pro tip: Use the slow cook setting to finish dishes that started with pressure cooking—like a hearty beef bourguignon that needs extra time to develop flavor.
4. Steaming for Healthy Veggies and Seafood
Steaming preserves nutrients better than boiling, and the Instant Pot Air Fryer makes it easy. The included steam rack fits inside the inner pot, allowing you to steam vegetables (broccoli, carrots, asparagus), fish fillets, or even dumplings. Simply add water to the pot, place your food on the rack, and set the time—no need for a separate steamer basket.
5. Baking and Dehydrating for Expanded Possibilities
Yes, you can bake in this appliance too. The air fryer basket doubles as a baking tray for small batches of cookies, muffins, or even pizza. For dehydrating, the low-temperature setting (around 140°F/60°C) slowly removes moisture from fruits, veggies, or jerky, creating shelf-stable snacks. We tested dehydrating apple slices—they came out chewy and flavorful, with no need for a dedicated dehydrator.
How Does It Compare to Standalone Appliances?
If you’re considering buying an Instant Pot Air Fryer, you might wonder how it stacks up against single-function devices. Here’s a quick comparison:
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vs. Standalone Air Fryer: The Instant Pot Air Fryer does everything a regular air fryer can (and more). While some air fryers have larger baskets, the Instant Pot’s smaller size is an advantage for small households. Plus, you save counter space by not needing a separate pressure cooker.
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vs. Pressure Cooker: A standalone pressure cooker lacks air frying, baking, and dehydrating. If you want crispy results without oil, the Instant Pot Air Fryer is the better choice.
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vs. Oven: Ovens take longer to preheat and cook small portions. The Instant Pot Air Fryer heats up in minutes and is far more efficient for small batches—ideal for single servings or family meals without wasting energy.
Beginner-Friendly Recipes to Get You Started
The best way to learn an appliance is by cooking with it. Here are three simple, foolproof recipes to try:
1. Crispy Air-Fried Chicken Wings
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken wings, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp olive oil.
Steps:
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Pat wings dry with paper towels (dryness = crispier skin).
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In a bowl, mix spices and oil, then toss wings to coat.
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Place wings in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed—don’t overcrowd).
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Set to 380°F (193°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Check for crispiness; cook 5 more minutes if needed.
Result: Juicy, flavorful wings with a crispy exterior—no deep-frying required.
2. Pressure-Cooked Beef Short Ribs
Ingredients: 3 lbs bone-in short ribs, 2 cups beef broth, 1 onion (chopped), 2 carrots (chopped), 2 celery stalks (chopped), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp thyme.
Steps:
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Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in the inner pot (use the “Sauté” function) until soft (5 mins). Add garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 min.
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Add short ribs, broth, and thyme. Secure the lid, set to “Pressure Cook” on high for 45 minutes.
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Let pressure release naturally (15-20 mins), then remove ribs. Skim fat from the broth and serve ribs over mashed potatoes with the sauce.
Result: Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs in under an hour—perfect for a cozy dinner.
3. Slow-Cooked Lentil Soup
Ingredients: 1 cup dried brown or green lentils (rinsed), 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 carrot (diced), 1 celery stalk (diced), 1 onion (diced), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp smoked paprika, salt/pepper to taste.
Steps:
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Combine all ingredients in the inner pot.
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Set to “Slow Cook” on low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 hours).
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Adjust seasoning before serving.
Result: A hearty, protein-packed soup that’s ready when you are—great for meal prep.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Instant Pot Air Fryer
To avoid common pitfalls and elevate your cooking, keep these tips in mind:
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Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air frying relies on hot air circulation. If the basket is too full, food will steam instead of crisp. Work in batches or use a rack to lift food higher.
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Preheat When Necessary: For extra-crispy results (e.g., fries or chicken), preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3-5 minutes before adding food.
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Use the Right Cookware: For baking or dehydrating, stick to oven-safe materials (silicone, stainless steel, or the included accessories). Avoid non-stick pans with plastic handles.
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Adjust Time and Temp for Frozen Foods: Most frozen items (like nuggets or veggies) cook faster than fresh. Start with the recommended time on the package and check for doneness—add 2-3 minutes if needed.
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Clean Immediately After Use: Let the basket and pot cool, then wash with warm, soapy water. For stuck-on food, soak in warm water for 10 minutes before scrubbing. Never use abrasive cleaners on the non-stick surfaces.
Common Questions Answered
Q: Can I use the Instant Pot Air Fryer to replace my oven?
A: For small to medium portions, yes. It’s excellent for roasting veggies, baking cookies, or reheating leftovers. However, it’s not ideal for large dishes (like a whole turkey) or baking multiple trays at once.
Q: Do I need to use oil for air frying?
A: Not always. Many foods (like potatoes, chicken wings, or zucchini) crisp up with just a light spray or toss in oil. For extra crunch, a teaspoon of oil goes a long way.
Q: Is it safe to leave the Instant Pot Air Fryer unattended?
A: As with any cooking appliance, avoid leaving it fully unattended. The pressure cooking function requires monitoring during the initial stages, and air frying can splatter if food is wet. Stay in the kitchen to check progress.
Q: Why is my air-fried food soggy?
A: Sogginess usually comes from excess moisture. Pat food dry before cooking, avoid overcrowding, and ensure the air fryer is preheated. For items like fries, try soaking them in cold water for 30 minutes first—this removes starch and leads to crispier results.
Final Thoughts
The Instant Pot Air Fryer isn’t just another gadget—it’s a solution for modern cooks who value efficiency, versatility, and health. By combining pressure cooking, air frying, and other functions, it eliminates the need for multiple appliances, saves time, and reduces oil consumption without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, whipping up a quick dinner, or experimenting with new recipes, this device has you covered.
With the tips and recipes in this guide, you’re ready to start cooking. Invest in quality accessories (like a silicone mat for dehydrating or a rack for lifting food), experiment with different settings, and don’t be afraid to adjust times to suit your taste. Soon, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.