Ranked on crisping performance specifically: lid wattage, basket size, and whether pressure-then-crisp works in one pot.
The Best Instant Pot with Air Fryer (2026)
Pressure cooker and air fryer combos compared: which two-in-one units actually crisp well and which are compromises.
Our top picks at a glance
Best combo
Ninja Foodi Deluxe 8-Quart (FD401)Households that want pressure cooking and crisping in one footprint.
Best with separate air fryer
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 6-QuartFirst-time buyers and most households of two to six people.
Best premium base
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 6-QuartDaily multi-cooker users who will use the extra presets and quieter operation.
The Ninja Foodi Deluxe is the best pressure-cooker-plus-air-fryer combo: its 1,760-watt TenderCrisp lid genuinely browns food after pressure cooking. But a separate air fryer still crisps better, so buy the combo only if counter space forces the issue.
The picks, ranked
| Pick | Capacity | Wattage | Lid system | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best comboNinja Foodi Deluxe 8-Quart (FD401) | 8-quart cooking pot + 5-quart crisp basket | 1,760 watts | TenderCrisp: pressure lid + crisping lid | Check price |
| Best with separate air fryerInstant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 6-Quart | 6 quarts | — | — | Check price |
| Best premium baseInstant Pot Pro 10-in-1 6-Quart | 6 quarts | — | — | Check price |
Best combo
Ninja Foodi Deluxe 8-Quart (FD401)
Pressure cooker plus air fryer: crisp after cooking with the TenderCrisp lid.
Strengths
- The TenderCrisp lid pressure-cooks then crisps in the same pot, so chicken wings and roasts finish with browned exteriors without moving food.
- The 8-quart cooking pot and 5-quart crisp basket are genuinely large: a whole 7-pound chicken fits.
- 1,760 watts of power means the crisping lid heats fast and holds temperature well for frozen foods.
Limitations
- It is one of the tallest and heaviest countertop cookers; measure cabinet clearance before buying.
- The two-lid system means storing an extra lid, and the crisping lid cannot go in the dishwasher.
- As a pure pressure cooker it offers fewer dedicated presets than the Instant Pot Pro.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Pressure cooks and air crisps in one machine
- Large 8-quart capacity for families
- Easy-clean ceramic pot
Common complaints
- Bulky, with two lids to store
- Air frying can take longer than a dedicated air fryer
- A small number of early failures reported
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Capacity | 8-quart cooking pot + 5-quart crisp basket |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 1,760 watts |
| Lid system | TenderCrisp: pressure lid + crisping lid |
| Key functions | Pressure cook, air crisp, slow cook, steam, saute, bake/roast, broil, dehydrate |
| Fits | Up to a 7-pound chicken |
Best for: Households that want pressure cooking and crisping in one footprint.
Skip if: You already own an air fryer, or counter space is tight; this unit is tall and heavy.
Best with separate air fryer
Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 6-Quart
The standard-setter: 9 functions, quiet steam release, proven at scale.
Strengths
- Nine cooking functions cover pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice, yogurt, steaming, sauteing, sous vide, sterilizing, and keep-warm in one 6-quart pot.
- Whisper-quiet steam release with an auto-seal lid removes the two most intimidating parts of pressure cooking for beginners.
- The stainless-steel inner pot is dishwasher-safe and the best-selling size has years of documented reliability.
Limitations
- Slow-cook mode heats from the bottom only and runs cooler than a dedicated slow cooker; results are acceptable, not equivalent.
- No air-frying or crisping function, so anything that needs browning requires a separate appliance or the oven.
- The 6-quart capacity gets tight for batch cooking or families larger than six.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Versatile, time-saving one-pot cooking
- Easy to learn with clear presets
- Stainless inner pot is durable and dishwasher safe
Common complaints
- Burn notices if there is too little liquid
- Sealing rings absorb odors and need replacing
- Pressurizing adds time to the stated cook times
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Capacity | 6 quarts |
|---|---|
| Functions | 9 (pressure cook, slow cook, rice, yogurt, steam, saute, sous vide, sterilizer, keep warm) |
| Steam release | Whisper-quiet with auto-seal lid |
| Inner pot | Food-grade stainless steel, dishwasher-safe |
| Preset programs | 15 smart programs |
Best for: First-time buyers and most households of two to six people.
Skip if: You want air-frying in the same unit, or you regularly cook for eight or more.
Best premium base
Instant Pot Pro 10-in-1 6-Quart
The upgraded Duo: faster preheat, gentler steam release, stay-cool handles.
Strengths
- Ten cooking functions add canning and baking presets the Duo Plus lacks, with five programmable favorites for custom settings.
- Manufacturer-rated 20% faster preheating shortens the most annoying part of pressure cooking: waiting for the pot to pressurize.
- The upgraded inner pot has stay-cool silicone handles and the steam release uses a gentle diffuser instead of a loud burst.
Limitations
- Same 6-quart capacity as the Duo Plus, so it does not solve the batch-cooking constraint.
- The premium over the Duo Plus buys convenience, not fundamentally different cooking results.
- More presets mean a slightly steeper learning curve for absolute beginners.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Faster preheating and a quieter steam release than older models
- Inner pot with handles is easier to lift
- Well rated across thousands of reviews
Common complaints
- Higher price than the Duo line
- Setup and cleaning take some learning
- Some report a metallic taste from the new pot until seasoned
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Capacity | 6 quarts |
|---|---|
| Functions | 10 (adds canning and baking presets vs. Duo Plus) |
| Preheating | Rated 20% faster than previous generation (Instant Brands) |
| Inner pot | Stainless steel with stay-cool silicone handles |
| Programmable favorites | 5 custom slots |
Best for: Daily multi-cooker users who will use the extra presets and quieter operation.
Skip if: You cook occasionally and the Duo Plus already covers your needs for less.
Questions, answered
Does the Foodi crisp as well as a standalone air fryer?
Close but not equal. The 1,760-watt lid handles wings, fries, and roasted vegetables well; a dedicated air fryer with a larger flat basket crisps more evenly in bigger batches.
Can I pressure cook and air fry at the same time?
No: it is sequential. Pressure cook first with the pressure lid, swap to the crisping lid, then crisp. The whole cycle still takes less time than the oven.
Is the extra lid a hassle?
It is the main ownership cost: the crisping lid is bulky to store and cannot go in the dishwasher. If that bothers you, buy the Duo Plus and a separate air fryer.