The Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer is more than just a typical air fryer—it’s a multifunctional appliance designed to cater to a variety of cooking methods, from roasting to baking and, of course, air frying. As part of the renowned Instant Pot family, this air fryer is known for its advanced technology, durability, and ability to simplify meal preparation. In this review, we’ll break down the key features, pros, cons, and what makes it stand out from other air fryers on the market.
Overview
The Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer is a large-capacity kitchen appliance that does more than air fry; it combines several functions into one convenient unit. It boasts a spacious 10-quart capacity, making it ideal for larger families or meal prep enthusiasts. This air fryer doesn’t stop at cooking food quickly and evenly—it comes with EvenCrisp technology for perfect crispiness, plus a variety of preset programs for ease of use.
With the ability to air fry, roast, broil, bake, dehydrate, and more, the Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer is built for versatility. Whether you’re cooking chicken wings, baking cookies, or dehydrating fruit, this machine can handle it all. Plus, its sleek design and user-friendly control panel make it a modern and functional addition to any kitchen.
Key Features
1. 10-Quart Capacity
One of the largest air fryers in its class, the 10-quart capacity is ideal for families, batch cooking, or hosting. You can easily cook large quantities of food in one go—perfect for meal prepping or parties. It can handle whole chickens, larger cuts of meat, or generous portions of fries.
2. EvenCrisp Technology
This unique technology ensures that your food comes out crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. It uses a powerful airflow system to circulate heat evenly, reducing the amount of oil needed while still delivering excellent texture and flavor.
3. Multi-Functionality
The Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer is more than just an air fryer. It can air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate, and rotisserie. This makes it an all-in-one appliance for people who love to experiment with different cooking methods without having to clutter their kitchen with multiple devices.
4. One-Touch Smart Programs
The air fryer comes with a variety of preset cooking programs, making it easy to cook your favorite dishes at the touch of a button. Some of the pre-programmed options include:
- Air Fry
- Roast
- Bake
- Broil
- Dehydrate
- Rotisserie
- Reheat
These presets are particularly helpful for beginners or those who prefer a hands-off approach to cooking.
5. Rotisserie Function
A notable feature is the built-in rotisserie function, which allows you to cook rotisserie-style chicken, kebabs, and more. The rotisserie spit rotates to ensure that meats cook evenly and stay juicy while achieving a perfectly browned exterior.
6. Digital Control Panel
The air fryer features an intuitive digital display and control panel. The buttons are easy to understand and responsive, allowing users to navigate through the settings with ease. You can adjust the cooking time and temperature manually or opt for the preset programs.
7. Dishwasher-Safe Components
Cleaning up after cooking is made easy with dishwasher-safe accessories, including the cooking basket, tray, and rotisserie attachments. This ensures that the cleanup process is quick and hassle-free.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
1. Large Capacity
The 10-quart capacity is a major advantage for families or anyone who needs to cook in bulk. It can fit large items like whole chickens, making it perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.
2. Versatility
With its multi-functionality, the Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer replaces several other kitchen appliances, saving both space and money. Its ability to air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, and even rotisserie makes it an incredibly versatile tool.
3. EvenCrisp Technology
The EvenCrisp feature ensures that foods are cooked evenly and come out perfectly crisp. Whether you’re making fries, chicken wings, or roasted vegetables, the result is consistently delicious and evenly cooked food with minimal oil.
4. Rotisserie Function
The rotisserie is a fantastic addition, enabling you to make restaurant-quality rotisserie chicken at home. It rotates the food, ensuring even cooking and browning, which enhances flavor and texture.
5. Easy to Clean
The dishwasher-safe accessories make cleanup easy. No need to scrub off baked-on grease and residue, making the post-meal cleanup process efficient.
6. One-Touch Programs
The pre-programmed settings are easy to use and convenient for beginners or those who prefer not to manually adjust time and temperature for each dish. The programs are tailored to common air fryer recipes, ensuring optimal results every time.
Cons:
1. Bulky Size
The large 10-quart capacity also means it takes up a lot of counter space. If you have a small kitchen, finding space for this air fryer could be challenging.
2. Learning Curve
Although the digital interface is intuitive, the sheer number of functions may be overwhelming at first, especially for those unfamiliar with multi-function kitchen appliances. It may take a few uses to become comfortable with all of its capabilities.
3. No Smart Wi-Fi Connectivity
Unlike some other high-tech air fryers, the Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer does not come with smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity or app control. If you’re looking for a smart device that integrates with Alexa or Google Assistant, you may be disappointed by the lack of these features.
4. Price
As a high-capacity, multi-functional appliance, the Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer is priced higher than many other air fryers. While it provides great value in terms of versatility, the price may be a bit steep for those on a budget or those who only need a basic air fryer.
Buying Guide: What to Consider Before Purchasing
1. Capacity
Consider the size of your household and your cooking habits. If you frequently cook for large groups or want to batch cook meals for the week, the 10-quart capacity is perfect. However, if you have limited counter space or usually cook for one or two people, a smaller model might be more suitable.
2. Functions
Think about the functions you’ll use most often. If you’re mainly looking for an air fryer, the additional roasting, baking, and rotisserie features may be more than you need. However, if you enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, the multiple cooking functions will be a big plus.
3. Kitchen Space
The Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer is quite large, so you’ll need ample counter or storage space. Before buying, make sure you have a dedicated spot in your kitchen where it can be used and stored.
4. Budget
As a premium air fryer, this model is priced higher than others. Consider if the extra features and larger capacity are worth the additional investment based on your cooking needs.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer is a versatile, high-capacity appliance that excels in both performance and convenience. Its multi-functionality, including the unique rotisserie feature and EvenCrisp technology, makes it stand out from other air fryers on the market. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or love experimenting with different cooking methods, this air fryer has the capacity and features to meet a wide range of needs.
While its bulky size and lack of smart connectivity may deter some, the overall value it provides in terms of performance and functionality makes it a worthy investment for anyone looking to enhance their cooking routine with a powerful, all-in-one appliance.