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We help you decide if this hybrid pressure cooker and air fryer is the right purchase for your needs and counter space.
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer is a fantastic space-saver for specific users, but its air fryer performance is mediocre compared to dedicated units. Evaluate your cooking frequency, family size, and willingness to swap lids before buying. If you check all the right boxes, it's a great purchase; otherwise, pass.
Are you torn between buying a standalone air fryer and keeping your Instant Pot? The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer promises to do both, but hesitation often comes from its price tag, counter space demands, and whether it performs as well as dedicated appliances. This guide cuts through the noise to help you decide if this 2-in-1 is your kitchen’s missing piece or a potential regret. We’ll cover who it’s best for, who should skip it, and what questions you need to ask yourself. Bottom line: it’s a 'depends' purchase – fantastic for some, wasted on others.
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer is a multi-cooker that comes with two lids: a standard pressure cooking lid and a separate air frying lid with a heating element and fan. It can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, make yogurt, warm, and with the air fryer lid, it can air fry, bake, broil, roast, and dehydrate. This model is essentially a 7-in-1 pressure cooker (Duo series) plus an air fryer attachment. It’s made by Instant Brands, the company that popularized the electric pressure cooker. Available on Amazon, it retails around $130. Its popularity stems from offering two popular cooking methods in one footprint, appealing to those who want to declutter but still have versatile cooking options.
Common hesitations include: 1) Price – at $130, it’s more than a basic air fryer ($40-80) or a standard Instant Pot ($60-90). 2) Counter space – the appliance is large (13.5 x 12 x 12 inches) and the air fryer lid needs storage when not in use. 3) Performance – some worry the air frying isn’t as good as a dedicated air fryer, or that pressure cooking is slower due to the lid swap. 4) Complexity – multiple functions can be overwhelming for casual cooks. 5) Need – buyers question if they truly need both functions or if they’d be better off with separate devices. 6) Lid storage – the air fryer lid is bulky and doesn’t fit on the pot during pressure cooking. 7) Reviews – mixed feedback about the air fryer lid’s durability and cooking unevenness. 8) Timing – new models may be released or sales could drop the price further.
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer is best for cooks who do regular pressure cooking and occasional air frying, and who are willing to trade top-tier air fryer performance for counter space. Real-world users praise the pressure cooking functions as identical to the standard Duo, which is solid. The air fryer lid works well for smaller batches – think fries, chicken wings, or reheating leftovers – but struggles with even browning of large items like a whole chicken. Compared to alternatives like the Ninja Foodi (which offers a flip-to-air-fry design) or standalone air fryers like the Cosori Pro II, the Duo Crisp is less convenient for air frying because of the lid swap. However, it is more affordable than the Ninja Foodi (typically $170-200). Long-term ownership: The plastic air fryer lid can feel flimsy, and some users report the hinge breaking after a year. The pot itself is durable. Resale value is moderate; most people keep it. Expert opinions from sites like Wirecutter and CNET often recommend the Ninja Foodi over the Duo Crisp for air frying, but the Duo Crisp is a good budget alternative if you already enjoy Instant Pot cooking. Market trends show a shift toward multi-cookers with air fryer capabilities, and the Instant Pot brand remains strong. If you’re considering this, also look at the Instant Pot Pro Crisp+ (larger capacity) which starts around $150.
The subject product itself: a 6-quart pressure cooker and air fryer combo.
If you decide to buy, this is the exact model to consider.
Anyone who fits the 'best for' profile above.
A silicone sling to safely hold and store the air fryer lid when not in use, saving counter space.
Helps manage the bulky extra lid and prevents scratches.
Buyers of the Duo Crisp who want organized storage.
A recipe book specifically for the Duo Crisp, with pressure cooking and air fryer recipes.
Maximize your appliance with tested recipes.
New owners who want inspiration.
A stainless steel steamer basket for pressure cooking vegetables and seafood.
Essential for steaming without direct contact with the pot bottom.
Health-conscious cooks who steam frequently.
A larger capacity 2-in-1 with a flip-to-air-fry design that eliminates lid storage issues and offers better air frying performance.
If you want better air frying and more capacity, this is a step up.
Families or air fryer enthusiasts who can spend $50 more.
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer is a solid buy if you're short on counter space, cook for 1-3 people, and value both pressure cooking and air frying moderately. It's not a replacement for a dedicated air fryer if you're a crispiness perfectionist. Weigh your usage: if you pressure cook 3+ times a week and air fry twice, it's worth it. If you rarely pressure cook, buy a standalone air fryer. The best timing is during Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday when it often drops below $100. For an alternative with better air frying, consider the Ninja Foodi (around $180). Ultimately, this is a 'depends' decision – but if you're the target user, go for it without guilt.
It depends on your cooking habits. It's a great buy for small spaces, meal preppers, and those wanting both functions in one appliance. But if you demand top-tier air frying or cook for large families, consider alternatives.
At ~$130, it's a good value for a 2-in-1, but separate devices may offer better performance. Check reviews for your must-have features.
Ninja Foodi has a better air fryer (larger, more even) and a flip lid that doesn't need separate storage. It costs $50-70 more. Choose Foodi if air frying is a priority; Duo Crisp if budget and space are tight.
For the right user, yes. See sections above. It's worth it if you'll use both functions regularly and don't mind the lid swap.
Wait for sales like Prime Day, Black Friday, or Cyber Monday when it can drop to $90-100. Regular price $130 is okay but not urgent.
Counter space, lid storage, capacity for your family size, and whether you prefer separate devices. Also check the return policy if you're unsure.
College students, small families, RV dwellers, Instant Pot fans wanting to add air frying, and anyone with limited counter space who cooks for 1-3 people.
Large families, air fryer purists, casual cooks who just want an air fryer, and those who already own separate quality appliances.
It works decently for small batches (fries, wings, etc.) but may cook unevenly for large items. It's not as good as a standalone air fryer but acceptable for occasional use.
No, you must swap lids. The appliance can only have one lid attached at a time.
The inner pot is dishwasher safe. The air fryer lid should be hand washed. Some users find it tricky to clean the heating element area.
Typically 1 year limited warranty. Extended warranties available separately.
We hope this guide helped you decide whether Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer is right for you.
