Air Fryer vs Instant Pot, which is better? These two gadgets perform two very different task. Depending on your cooking style and taste, your choice might differ. For stews, rice and off hand cooking, Instant Pot is the Best. However, if you like crispy and baked food the Air Fryer is best. The reason why these two device cook different food is based on how they work.

How they Work?

Contrary to its name, a Air Fryer does not fry at all. Its a mini convection oven with a large fan. As the heating coils gets hot, the fan circulate the hot air. As it drys the surface of the food, it eventually crisp up. Certain food with more moisture will blister and char. The texture you get is something that you will get from a oven.

Instant Pot is essentially a electric pressure cooker. A pressure cooker traps in steam to increase pressure. As pressure increase, so does the temperature. This lets you cut down cooking time from hrs to half an hour. Because Instant Pot has a lot of preset function, you can preset cooking time and come back to a fully cooked meal.

Instant Pot Used as an Air Fryer?

The Folks at Instant Pot knows of the popularity of Air Fryers. To capitalize on this, they developed a attachment that works exactly like a Air Fryer. The top has a heating element with a fan. The problem is that its so large, that youre not really saving any space.

Another issue with it is the basket. With a Air Fyer, the basket is removable via the front. This lets you easily toss food midway through cooking. With the Instant Pot, you need to twist off the top, then use a glove to grab the hot pot. Shaking and tossing the food isnt easy either.

You might be tempted to just forego this step. But tossing half way is crucial is getting a even fry. The center will often time be left uncooked.

Is the Instant Pot Air Fryer Worth It?

I dont think so. While it can do the function of an Air Fyer. It simply lack the convenience of a true air fryer. But if you want a complete set, its the way to go. It does save a bit of horizontal space. It just gets taller…

Health

In terms of health, you wont get much difference. Air Fryer bake via hot air. It doesnt actually fry anything. So the amount of oil used is minimal. With a Instant Pot, its mostly stew based. The amount of fat or calories is really dependent on the ingredients you use.

What can you Cook?

As stated before, both gadget cooks different food. For solid foods, Air Fryer is the preferred choice. If you want to cook chicken breast, pork chop, bacon or even veggies, than go with a Air Fryer.

For Liquid based food like soup and stews, go with a Instant Pot. Its hand off and very convenient to use. It can also double as a grain cooker. Stuff like Rice and Oat Meal is a good choice.

Air Fryer vs Instant Pot Thoughts

These two gadgets serve two very different function. However, in terms of convience, you cant beat the Instant Pot. All you need to do is set it and forget it. Both are good flavor wise and one isnt necessarily better than the other. Ultimately, the one you choose should depend on the type of food you eat. Since I prefer a Stove Top Pressure Cooker, I personally would go for a Air Fryer. But if I didn’t I probably would go for the Instant Pot.

Still want a Air Fryer? Check out our article on the Best Air Fryer.