Instant Pot Vs Air Fryer Do I Need Both Or Just The Lid Combo

In today’s fast-paced kitchens, efficiency and versatility are king. Two of the most popular appliances in modern homes—Instant Pots and air fryers—promise speed, convenience, and healthier meals. But as manufacturers introduce hybrid options like Instant Pot lids with air frying capabilities, many home cooks face a practical question: Do I really need both an Instant Pot and a standalone air fryer, or can I get by with just one appliance using a combo lid?

The answer depends on how you cook, what types of meals you prepare, and how much counter space you’re willing to sacrifice. This article breaks down the core differences, compares performance, and helps you make an informed decision based on real-world usage.

Understanding the Core Functions

The Instant Pot and the air fryer serve fundamentally different purposes, even though some models now attempt to merge their functionalities.

• Instant Pot: A multi-cooker that primarily uses pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and sautéing. It excels at tenderizing tough cuts of meat, making soups, stews, beans, and rice quickly.
• Air Fryer: A convection oven that circulates hot air to crisp food with little to no oil. Ideal for achieving golden, crunchy textures on wings, fries, vegetables, and frozen foods.

While both appliances save time and energy compared to traditional ovens or stovetops, they achieve results through different methods. The Instant Pot builds flavor and tenderness through moisture and pressure; the air fryer creates texture through dry, rapid heat.

Tip: If you frequently cook dried beans, bone broth, or large batches of chili, the Instant Pot is unmatched. For crispy snacks and reheating leftovers without sogginess, the air fryer wins.

Can an Instant Pot with an Air Fryer Lid Replace a Standalone Air Fryer?

Several brands, including Instant (by Instant Brands), now offer air fryer lids designed to attach to select multi-cooker bases. These lids turn your Instant Pot into an air frying device—on paper, a smart space-saving solution. But does it perform as well as a dedicated air fryer?

The short answer: partially. While convenient, combo lids often fall short in airflow efficiency, basket size, and temperature control when compared to full-sized air fryers.

Key Limitations of Combo Lids

1. Smaller Cooking Capacity: Most Instant Pot models range from 3 to 8 quarts, but the inner pot shape is round and deep. Air fryer baskets are typically shallower and wider, allowing for better air circulation and more even crisping.
2. Less Efficient Airflow: True air fryers have heating elements and fans positioned to maximize convection. Combo lids rely on the same base unit used for pressure cooking, which isn’t optimized for top-down airflow.
3. Limited Features: Dedicated air fryers often include preset programs (fries, chicken, fish, bake, roast), dehydrate modes, and precise temperature adjustments. Combo lids usually offer fewer presets and less granular control.
4. Durability Concerns: Using multiple attachments increases wear on the main unit. If the base fails, you lose all functions—not just one appliance.

“Hybrid appliances are great for minimalists, but they rarely match the performance of single-purpose devices.” — Sarah Lin, Appliance Engineer & Kitchen Tech Reviewer

Performance Comparison: Real-World Cooking Tests

To assess whether a combo setup suffices, consider how each appliance handles common tasks.

Task	Instant Pot (with Air Fryer Lid)	Standalone Air Fryer	Verdict
Crispy Chicken Wings	Good crisp on top, slightly soggy underneath due to limited airflow	Evenly browned and crispy all around	Standalone wins
Frozen French Fries	Requires shaking; longer cook time; moderate crisp	Cooks faster, crispier exterior, less oil needed	Standalone wins
Reheating Pizza	Heats through but crust softens slightly	Restores near-original crispness in 3–4 minutes	Standalone wins
Pressure Cooking Beef Stew	Excellent—ready in 45 minutes, tender results	Cannot perform this task	Instant Pot essential
Roasting Vegetables	Adequate browning, but uneven at times	Better caramelization and consistent texture	Standalone preferred

As shown, while the combo lid can handle basic air frying tasks, it consistently underperforms in achieving the hallmark result of air frying: uniform crispiness with minimal oil.

Mini Case Study: One Kitchen, Two Cooks, Two Choices

Consider the case of Mark and Lisa, a couple living in a small urban apartment. Both work full-time and prioritize quick, healthy meals. They initially bought an 8-quart Instant Pot with an air fryer lid to save space.

After three months, they noticed recurring issues: wings never got fully crispy, fries required two batches, and the lid was easy to misplace. They also found themselves avoiding recipes that required simultaneous use of pressure cooking and air frying—something impossible with a single base unit.

Lisa eventually purchased a compact 5.8-quart Ninja Foodi DualZone air fryer. Now, she can pressure-cook lentils in the Instant Pot while crisping tofu in the air fryer—simultaneously. The extra $80 investment eliminated bottlenecks and expanded their meal variety.

For them, owning both appliances—even in a tight kitchen—proved more efficient than relying on a combo system.

When a Combo Lid Makes Sense

Despite its limitations, the Instant Pot with an air fryer lid is not obsolete. It can be a smart choice under specific circumstances.

Tip: If you only air fry occasionally—say, once a week—and already own an Instant Pot, the lid is a cost-effective upgrade rather than buying a second appliance.

• Small Households: Singles or couples who don’t cook large meals may find the smaller capacity sufficient.
• Infrequent Air Frying: If you mostly reheat leftovers or make simple snacks, the combo lid performs adequately.
• Limited Counter Space: In studio apartments or shared kitchens, reducing appliance count is a valid priority.
• Budget Constraints: Buying a combo lid ($50–$70) is cheaper than a full air fryer ($80–$150).

If you're someone who values simplicity over peak performance, the combo option offers decent versatility without clutter.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide What’s Right for Your Kitchen

Follow this decision-making process to determine whether you need both appliances or just the combo lid:

1. Assess Your Weekly Meal Patterns: Track what you cook for seven days. Count how many meals involve pressure cooking vs. air frying.
2. Evaluate Your Cooking Volume: Do you regularly feed four or more people? Larger families benefit from bigger air fryer baskets.
3. Check Your Counter Space: Measure available area. Can you realistically store two appliances? If not, prioritize the one you’ll use most.
4. Test the Combo Option: If you already own an Instant Pot, try borrowing or renting an air fryer lid before committing.
5. Compare Long-Term Value: Consider durability, ease of cleaning, and whether one failure disables multiple functions.
6. Decide Based on Frequency: If you air fry less than twice a week, the combo lid may suffice. More than that, and a standalone unit pays off.

Checklist: Do You Need Both Appliances?

Answer the following questions to guide your decision:

• ✅ Do you cook dried beans, soups, or stews weekly? → Keep Instant Pot.
• ✅ Do you air fry more than three times a week? → Get a standalone air fryer.
• ✅ Do you want to cook two things at once (e.g., steam rice and fry chicken)? → You need both.
• ✅ Is counter space extremely limited? → Lean toward combo lid.
• ✅ Do you value restaurant-quality crispiness? → Standalone air fryer recommended.
• ✅ Are you on a tight budget? → Start with combo lid; upgrade later if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any Instant Pot model with an air fryer lid?

No. Only certain models (like the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, Lux, or Smart) are compatible with specific air fryer lids. Always check manufacturer guidelines before purchasing.

Is food cooked in a combo lid truly “air fried”?

Technically, yes—it uses rapid air circulation. However, due to design constraints, the results are often less crispy than those from a dedicated air fryer. Think of it as \"air roasting\" rather than true high-intensity air frying.

Are there safety concerns with combo lids?

Generally, no. These accessories meet safety standards. However, ensure the lid locks securely and never operate the air fryer function with the sealing ring in place, as this can create pressure buildup.

Final Verdict: Do You Need Both?

If you're serious about cooking versatile, high-quality meals efficiently, owning both an Instant Pot and a standalone air fryer is the optimal choice. Each appliance excels in its domain: the Instant Pot for moist-heat cooking that saves hours, and the air fryer for delivering crispy, satisfying textures with minimal oil.

The combo lid is a compromise—a decent option for occasional users, small kitchens, or those testing the waters. But for frequent cooks, meal preppers, or families, the limitations in capacity, performance, and multitasking outweigh the space-saving benefits.

Think of it like kitchen knives: a Swiss Army knife is handy, but a chef’s knife and paring knife together give you far more precision and control. Similarly, two specialized appliances will outperform one generalized tool.

Conclusion

The choice between an Instant Pot with an air fryer lid and owning both appliances separately comes down to lifestyle, cooking habits, and priorities. While the combo option offers convenience and affordability, it doesn’t fully replicate the experience of a dedicated air fryer. For those who value speed, texture, and flexibility, investing in both tools unlocks the full potential of modern electric cooking.

🚀 Ready to optimize your kitchen? Start by tracking your next week’s meals. Then decide: Are you settling for good enough, or ready to upgrade to great results?