Don’t forget to consider the fryer’s overall size, too—more capacity might mean that it needs more storage space when it’s not in use. Fans of multifunctional kitchen appliances will want to check out this air fryer option from Instant Pot. It comes with two lids—one for air frying and one for pressure cooking—that enable the pot to function as both an air fryer and the classic pressure cooker the brand is known for. Instant Pot has so many different models that it’s hard to remember the differences, but this one stands out from the crowd thanks to its sleek black exterior, and its handy vent/pressure toggle.
A wider range of temperatures will give you more options for cooking different foods. Generally, fryers that can achieve higher temperatures can cook faster and brown foods more easily. Beyond temperature, take a look at the other functionalities of an air fryer.
There are many all-in-one-type air fryers on the market today that can toast, bake, roast, dehydrate, and more. If those added functions can replace another small appliance in your kitchen, it may be worth additional cost. When it comes to air fryers, there are basic models and ones with all the bells and whistles, but a fancy one won’t do you any good if its complicated interface detracts from its convenience. Many have preset programs that allow you to whip up a batch of fries, bake cornbread, or roast veggies with one touch of a button. There are also analog and digital models to choose from as well as models with smart functions and access to an app full of recipes.
For the easiest cleaning, look for nonstick baskets and air fryers with parts that are all dishwasher-safe. It’s usually fairly easy to wash the parts by hand or stick them in the dishwasher (if they fit), but if ease of cleaning is at the top of your list, nonstick is the way to go. Rotisserie racks and models with lots of accessories can be tricky to take apart/put back together, which will also add to your cleanup time. Air fryers come in many shapes and sizes, with capacities ranging from 2 quarts to 10 or more.
The Vortex Plus is currently retailing for $20 more than the Vortex. Our air fryer uses the basket method to cook while the 10-quart one uses racks or a rotating barrel or a rotisserie attachment for a whole chicken. It’s much more of a “mini convection oven” than just an air fryer. The Instant™ Vortex® Mini is fast, versatile, compact, and convenient, so you can make all your favorite fried sides and snacks with less of the oil and none of the mess. This small air fryer is available in 4 colors and features EvenCrisp™ technology for crispy, tender results every time.
Equipped with pre-programmed settings and a temperature-controlling dial, the interface is also super user-friendly. The only downside to this model is the broiler function, instant pot duo nova which is pre-set to 400 degrees F and for two minutes and didn’t perform well for us in testing. These appliances aren’t just for piles of fries and chicken wings.
Keen to put the Instant Vortex Plus through its paces, we trialled it over the course of a month to prepare a range of everyday foods. Get the best value on product protection including fast repairs or replacements.
After you set your desired cooking temperature and time, it automatically goes into a preheat mode. This actually comes in use, because if your food isn’t ready once time is up and you want to air fry it for a few more minutes, it will automatically revert to preheating again. Set the mode and temperature, and the display reads ON while preheating the oven. I would much prefer to see PRE or a real-time count up to the requested temperature. This isn’t a dealbreaker, I just found the display a bit uninformative for a product that heats up to 400 degrees.