and Instant Reviewed for Crispiness and Ease of Use
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- Source:OrientDeck
So you're torn between an Air Fryer Oven and the ever-popular Instant Pot? Let’s cut through the noise. Both are countertop royalty, but they serve very different cravings—literally. If you’re after that golden, crispy skin on chicken wings or perfectly roasted veggies without a grease bath, the air fryer oven shines. But if weeknight dinners scream for speed and tenderness (think pulled pork in 60 minutes), the Instant Pot answers loud and clear.
What’s the Real Difference?
It’s not just about cooking—it’s about how you cook. Air fryer ovens use rapid convection heat to crisp food with little to no oil. The Instant Pot, especially models like the Duo Crisp, combines pressure cooking with air frying, offering versatility but sometimes compromising on crunch.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Feature | Air Fryer Oven | Instant Pot (Duo Crisp) |
---|---|---|
Crispiness Level | ★★★★★ (Excellent browning) | ★★★☆☆ (Good, but less even) |
Cooking Speed (Roast Chicken) | 45 mins | 25 mins (pressure) + 15 mins (crisp) |
Capacity | 6–8 quarts | 6 quarts |
Ease of Cleaning | Easy (non-stick baskets) | Moderate (multiple parts) |
Best For | Fries, wings, roasting | Stews, rice, quick meals |
The Crisp Test: Who Wins?
We put both to the test with frozen fries—no oil, same time (15 mins at 400°F). The air fryer oven delivered evenly golden, crunchy fries. The Instant Pot? Decent crisp on top, slightly soggy underneath. Why? Limited airflow in the inner pot restricts full circulation.
For foods that need dry, direct heat—like fried chicken or roasted Brussels sprouts—the standalone air fryer oven simply performs better.
But What About Convenience?
The Instant Pot is a multitasking beast. Pressure cook chili, then crisp the topping—all in one pot. It’s ideal if your kitchen space is tight and you want fewer appliances. However, switching lids (pressure vs. air fry) can be annoying, and cleanup takes longer.
The air fryer oven? One lid, one basket, done. No swapping, no fuss. Plus, many models have presets (fries, bake, roast) so you’re not guessing temps.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
- Choose an Air Fryer Oven if: You live for crispy textures, roast veggies often, or hate greasy cleanups.
- Go with Instant Pot if: You want one appliance that does it all—and don’t mind trading some crisp for convenience.
Bottom line? If crispy is king, the air fryer oven reigns supreme. But if you’re juggling family meals and tight schedules, the Instant Pot’s versatility might win your heart—even if the crunch comes second.