Is The Instant Pot Duo Crisp Worth It If You Already Own An Air Fryer

If you already own a reliable air fryer, the idea of purchasing another countertop appliance—especially one that combines multiple functions—can feel redundant or even wasteful. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp markets itself as a hybrid: part pressure cooker, part air fryer, with additional features like slow cooking, steaming, and yogurt making. But does it offer enough unique benefits to justify its presence in a kitchen that already has a dedicated air fryer?

The answer depends on how you cook, what you value in your appliances, and how much counter space you're willing to sacrifice. Let’s take a detailed look at the practical differences, real-world usability, and long-term benefits to determine whether the Instant Pot Duo Crisp is truly worth adding to your kitchen arsenal.

Understanding What the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Offers

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp isn’t just an air fryer with a different name. It’s a multifunctional appliance designed to replace several devices. At its core, it’s a 6-quart electric pressure cooker—part of the popular Instant Pot lineup known for drastically reducing cooking times. What sets the Duo Crisp apart is its included air frying lid, which transforms the same inner pot into a convection-based crisping device.

This dual-lid system allows users to pressure-cook a stew, then switch lids and crisp chicken thighs on top—all without changing pots or using a second appliance. Additional functions include sautéing, slow cooking, steaming, sterilizing, and making yogurt. In theory, this consolidation saves time, reduces cleanup, and minimizes clutter.

However, the key question remains: can this combination outperform or even match the experience of using a standalone air fryer paired with a traditional pressure cooker or multi-cooker?

Tip: If you frequently use both pressure cooking and air frying, the ability to transition between them in one pot could reduce dishwashing by up to 30% per meal.

Performance Comparison: Air Fryer vs. Duo Crisp

To assess whether the Duo Crisp is worth it, we need to compare its air frying performance directly against typical basket-style air fryers. Most dedicated air fryers use rapid convection heating with focused airflow, resulting in quick browning and crispy textures. Many models also feature pre-set programs and digital interfaces for precision.

The Duo Crisp uses a similar convection method but within a deeper, rounder chamber. This shape affects airflow dynamics. While it still produces crispy results, some users report slightly longer cooking times and less even crisping compared to compact basket models, especially for foods like fries or wings that benefit from shaking during cooking.

On the flip side, the Duo Crisp’s inner pot is non-stick and dishwasher-safe, making cleanup easier than scrubbing a metal basket. And because the same pot is used across functions, there's no need to transfer food between vessels—reducing mess and preserving marinades or seasonings.

“Hybrid appliances succeed when they eliminate friction in the cooking process. The Duo Crisp shines not because it air fries better, but because it connects cooking stages seamlessly.” — Chef Marcus Tran, Appliance Innovation Analyst

When the Duo Crisp Adds Real Value

The true advantage of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp lies in workflow integration. Consider a weeknight meal of pulled pork. With a standard setup, you might pressure-cook the meat in a separate Instant Pot, shred it, transfer it to a bowl, then finish it in an air fryer to crisp the edges. That requires monitoring two appliances, transferring food, and cleaning two pots or baskets.

With the Duo Crisp, you pressure-cook the pork, remove the pressure lid, attach the air fryer lid, and crisp the shredded meat directly in the same pot. No transfer, no extra dishes, and minimal handling. For busy households or small kitchens, this streamlined process can be a game-changer.

Another strength is versatility. If you only use your air fryer occasionally but regularly rely on pressure cooking for soups, beans, or meats, the Duo Crisp consolidates those needs. It also includes a sauté function—useful for browning onions or searing meat before pressure cooking—eliminating the need to use a stovetop pan first.

Real Example: A Working Parent’s Weeknight Routine

Sarah, a project manager and mother of two, owns a 5.8-quart air fryer she uses twice a week for frozen nuggets, roasted vegetables, and occasional salmon. She also owns a basic Instant Pot for making beans and chili. Her countertop is cramped, and she often finds herself juggling appliances and running out of outlets.

After receiving the Duo Crisp as a gift, she tested it by making her usual “taco bowl” dinner: seasoned ground beef, rice, black beans, and corn. Normally, she’d brown the beef in a skillet, cook rice on the stove, heat beans in the microwave, and roast corn in the air fryer. With the Duo Crisp, she browned the beef using the sauté function, added rice and broth, pressure-cooked everything together, then swapped lids and roasted the corn in the same pot while assembling bowls.

She finished the meal in 40 minutes with only one pot to clean. “I didn’t realize how much mental load came from managing multiple appliances,” she said. “Now I start dinner with one device and don’t think about it until it’s done.”

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Standalone Air Fryer	Instant Pot Duo Crisp
Air Frying Performance	Excellent (fast, even crisping)	Good (slightly slower, deeper chamber)
Pressure Cooking	None	Yes (6-quart capacity)
Sauté Function	No	Yes (integrated)
Slow Cooking	No	Yes
Cooking Transitions	Manual transfer required	Same-pot switching with lid swap
Counter Space Used	One appliance	Replaces 2–3 appliances
Dish Load	Multiple pots/baskets	Single inner pot
Price Range	$70–$120	$100–$140

When You Might Not Need the Duo Crisp

If your air fryer usage is limited to reheating leftovers or cooking small batches of frozen food, and you rarely—or never—use pressure cooking, the Duo Crisp may not add meaningful value. Similarly, if you already own a high-end multi-cooker like the Instant Pot Pro Plus (which lacks air frying), adding the Duo Crisp would create redundancy rather than simplification.

Additionally, some experienced cooks prefer the tactile control of stovetop cooking for tasks like searing or deglazing. The Duo Crisp’s sauté function works well but doesn’t reach the same temperatures as gas burners, limiting its ability to develop deep fond or achieve restaurant-style sears.

Finally, if counter space isn’t an issue and you’re satisfied with your current appliances, introducing a new device—even a versatile one—adds complexity. Learning new settings, storing extra lids, and managing app integrations (if using the smart model) can offset time savings for some users.

Tip: Before buying, map out your most common 5 meals. If more than two involve both pressure cooking and finishing with crispness (e.g., ribs, carnitas, crispy potatoes), the Duo Crisp likely fits your routine.

Step-by-Step: Evaluating Whether to Upgrade

Follow this decision-making process to determine if the Instant Pot Duo Crisp makes sense for your kitchen:

1. Inventory Your Current Appliances: List what you own—air fryer, pressure cooker, slow cooker, etc.—and note their condition and frequency of use.
2. Track Your Cooking Habits for One Week: Note how many meals require pressure cooking, air frying, or multi-step prep involving transfers.
3. Assess Counter and Storage Space: Can you accommodate another large appliance? Would it replace an existing one?
4. Evaluate Cleanup Pain Points: Are you tired of washing multiple pots and baskets after one meal?
5. Calculate Cost vs. Benefit: Compare the price of the Duo Crisp to what you’d spend replacing aging appliances. Factor in energy efficiency and time saved.
6. Test the Workflow Mentally: Imagine preparing your most complex regular meal using the Duo Crisp. Does it simplify or complicate the process?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Instant Pot Duo Crisp fully replace my air fryer?

It can replace it functionally, but not necessarily performance-wise. It air fries well, but may take longer and produce slightly less uniform results than high-end basket models. However, if you value integrated cooking over peak crisping power, replacement is feasible.

Do I need both lids to use all functions?

Yes. The pressure cooking lid and air fryer lid are separate and must be swapped manually. Both are included with purchase, but losing either limits functionality.

Is the Duo Crisp worth it for small households?

For one or two people, the 6-quart size may be larger than ideal for air frying small portions. However, if you batch-cook proteins or grains and appreciate having multiple functions in one device, it can still be efficient. Consider the smaller 3-quart models if space or portion size is a concern.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp isn’t a direct upgrade to a standalone air fryer—it’s a different category of tool. Its value isn’t in doing one thing better, but in connecting multiple cooking stages efficiently. If you regularly use pressure cooking and want a way to finish dishes with crispness without dirtying extra dishes, the Duo Crisp offers tangible benefits.

For those who only air fry occasionally and have no interest in pressure cooking, it’s likely overkill. But for home cooks seeking smoother workflows, reduced cleanup, and consolidated appliances, the Duo Crisp delivers real quality-of-life improvements.

In a world where kitchen space is precious and time is scarcer than ever, tools that reduce friction matter. The Duo Crisp won’t replace a commercial-grade air fryer or a professional stove, but it excels at making everyday cooking simpler, cleaner, and more intuitive.

💬 Have you tried the Instant Pot Duo Crisp alongside a standalone air fryer? Share your experience in the comments—your insights could help others decide!