Air fryers and instant pots are two smart kitchen equipment that can make everyday cooking easier and stress-free. These divine gifts also make everyone’s favorite meals healthier.
However, will you need both of these appliances in the kitchen? If not, which one should you purchase? And what’s the difference between them? Fret not because here at DaDongNY, we will be answering all your questions to provide all the necessary information about air fryers and instant pots.
And If you want to know the difference between a Nuwave Oven and an air fryer, see our post here.
Air Fryer
An air fryer is a modern technological invention by Fred van der Weij in 2005, which is the healthier equivalent of an air fryer since it only uses rapid heat air to cook food with little to no oil.
Unlike the instant pot multi-cooker, air fryers are designed for one thing: making foods crispy. This kitchen equipment comes with a special basket that goes under a heating element and a fan that circulates the hot air throughout the basket. As a result, the food is cooked faster and juicier compared to a convection oven.
Overall, the air fryer microwave combo is perfect for all kitchens as they don’t need that much space since it’s countertop kitchen equipment. Furthermore, it can help you cook delicious and crispy meals for many years.
What Can You Cook With An Air Fryer?
While they are solely advertised for their ability to fry things, developing new methods to use such equipment takes creativity.
Here’s a quick rundown of the things you can prep:
- French fries
- Fried fish
- Baked potatoes
- Omelet
- Grilled vegetables
- Fried chicken
- Potato chips
- Casseroles
- Cakes
- Muffins
- Cooked pumpkin seeds
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Egg rolls
Pros and Cons
Air fryer v.s Instant Pot Multi Cooker
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Easy to Use ✔️ Easy to Clean ✔️ Pre-programmed settings ✔️ Makes fried foods healthier ✔️ Energy-efficient ✔️ Versatile and budget-friendly ✔️ Compact design | ✖️ Not as versatile as instant pots ✖️ Not suited for cooking large batches of food ✖️ Some air fryers models are bulky and can take up a lot of countertop space ✖️ Foods can dry out if not used properly |
Instant Pot Multi Cooker
An instant pot is a modern and versatile kitchen appliance produced by Instant Pot (formerly known as Double Insight in 2018) that has several series of multi-cooker with specific features to fit various household kitchens.
Overall, an instant pot multi cooker can replace 7 or more appliances in a regular kitchen since it has so many cooking methods. Some basic models, for example, can function as a pressure cooker, saute pan, slow cooker, rice cooker, yogurt maker, and more.
What Can You Cook With An Instant Pot?
An instant pot multi cooker generates steam and builds pressure within the cooking pot by using water. The heated steam is then driven into the food, allowing it to cook fast while maintaining most of its nutrients and flavor.
Because of the way such pots work, you may use them to make various delectable meals. Beginners typically begin with the pre-set meals mentioned on their pot, and once they understand how it works, they begin experimenting with personalized recipes.
The following are some of the most common foods that can be cooked in an instant pot:
- Beef
- Chicken
- Bread
- Beans
- Vegetables
- Soups
- Cakes
- Noodles
- Eggs
- Rice
- Multigrain
- Porridge
- Yogurt
Pros and Cons
Instant Pot Multi Cooker v.s Air fryer
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Saves countertop space ✔️ Automatically keeps food warm after it’s done cooking ✔️ Best suited for a large family or when making huge batches of food ✔️ No need for thawing frozen foods | ✖️ Can be quite tricky ✖️ Not easy to clean ✖️ Can overcook food if the appliance’s instructions are not followed ✖️ Bulky and can take a lot of countertop space ✖️ Some models are expensive |
What Is The Main Distinction Between Them?
An air fryer and an instant pot cook differently from one another. The instant pot employs pressure cooking to cook food faster and easier, but the air fryer uses hot air to make oil-free and healthier meals.
Differences Between an Air Fryer and an Instant Pot Multi Cooker
Aside from their cooking methods, the two kitchen appliances differ in the following ways:
- Flexibility
Air fryers are typically more small and portable than quick pots. As a result, they are easy to transport on your trips. This is not to say that quick pots aren’t portable. They are often bulkier but can be carried around unless they are particularly heavy. In that situation, it may be more difficult, but not impossible.
- Versatility
Because it has more capabilities and functions than air fryers, the instant pot is often likened to rice cookers and other culinary equipment. As a result, the list of products cooked in quick pots is slightly longer than that of air fryers.
- Durability
Instant pots are more durable because they are designed with high-quality technology and materials that do not quickly break down. Air fryers, on the other hand, do. They have a shorter lifespan. However, their durability will fluctuate with time because they are newer on the market than instant pots. And they’re always becoming better.
Related Article: Air Fryer Lifespan: How Long Does It Last Before It Needs Replacing
- Cooking times
Most foods can be prepared in an air fryer in 15-25 minutes. Some meals, however, require up to an hour or more. Instant pots, on the other hand, cook food quickly since the composition is typically different from that of air fryers.
- Price
They’re both reasonably priced. Good air fryers and instant pots can be found for less than $100. However, because quick pots provide additional benefits, I believe they are more cost-effective. Purchasing an instant pot capable of preparing hundreds of recipes for under $100 is a sensible decision.
- Size
Air fryers are more compact than instant pots. However, different models of both units come in various sizes, so choose something that fulfills your demands while not taking up too much space in your kitchen.
- Food Choices
Both kitchen equipment are versatile. Each can easily create a variety of dishes. However, unlike air fryers, instant pots may prepare rice and yogurt.
- Safety
Safety should be at the top of your priority list when purchasing kitchen appliances that use air and heated pressure. If you want something with safety features, go no further than an instant pot.
Because of the safety measures, cooking with an instant pot is safer. Air fryers are also completely safe. However, some people have complained about air fryers burning, overheating, and smelling like plastic.
- Ease of Use
Air fryers are ideal for beginners. They’re easy to use, unlike instant pots, which have a period of adjustment due to their extensive range of cooking functions.
- Recipes
When it comes to cooking recipes, instant pots outperform air fryers. There are numerous rapid pot cooking recipes available. Some air fryer models now incorporate a smartphone app with various recipes.
Bottomline
It all depends on your preferences and the foods you want to cook in the future. Ask yourself, “How often do I plan on using each of these tools?” We believe that most people will utilize the instant pot more often than the air fryer, which can lead to more power being consumed by this tool. But if you want to make simple and tasty recipes like acorn squash slices, peanut butter cookies, or chicken wings. The air fryer is the perfect choice for these challenges. Either way, both help you decrease the cooking time.
The final choice also depends on your budget. They were both cheap. Still, the price depends on the type of features and accessories. There’s also a difference in power consumption.
If you prefer to understand more about air fryers, visit the link to discover everything you need to know about this handy kitchen appliance.
