7 Best Instant Fryers of 2026

Packed with punch despite its petite frame, the Instant Pot 4Qt Vortex is a game-changer for compact kitchens and solo cooks. With EvenCrisp Technology, this mini air fryer delivers golden, crunchy exteriors using up to 95% less oil—perfect for guilt-free fries, crispy nuggets, or roasted veggies. Its 6-in-1 functionality (air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, reheat) packs serious versatility into a space-saving design, making it ideal for dorm rooms, studio apartments, or anyone who values efficiency without sacrificing performance.

In real-world testing, the 4-quart basket consistently cooked meals for one to two people with impressive results—crispy wings in 18 minutes, roasted Brussels sprouts with caramelized edges, and even dehydrated apple chips with minimal effort. The 1500-watt heating system ramps up quickly, though it lacks preheat customization. The ClearCook window and internal light let you monitor progress without disrupting the cooking cycle, a standout for such a small unit. However, larger families or batch meal preppers will quickly outgrow its capacity.

Compared to the bulkier 6- and 10-quart models, this mini fryer sacrifices space but gains countertop real estate and simplicity. It’s a smarter pick than full-size units for singles or couples who want fast, healthy meals without clutter. While it doesn’t offer rotisserie or app connectivity like the Instant Pot 10QT, it excels in its niche: compact, no-fuss cooking that still delivers that deep-fried crunch. For those prioritizing size and simplicity over bells and whistles, it outperforms expectations in a tiny package.

When power, capacity, and versatility collide, the Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer emerges as the undisputed best overall choice for families and serious home cooks. Boasting 7-in-1 functionality, including a full rotisserie mode, this unit handles everything from crispy fried chicken to slow-roasted pork loin with ease. Its EvenCrisp Technology ensures consistent browning with up to 95% less oil, while the 1500-watt convection system delivers restaurant-quality results across all functions.

Real-world use proves this fryer can tackle large meals—roasting a whole chicken alongside vegetables, air frying a full batch of fries for four, or dehydrating multiple trays of fruit at once. The 10-quart capacity is genuinely family-friendly, and the dual cooking trays plus rotisserie kit expand its culinary range beyond most competitors. The front Sneak a Peak window allows monitoring without heat loss, though the sheer size means it needs dedicated counter space. It’s powerful, but the fan noise is noticeable at top speed.

Against the 6-quart Vortex Plus, this model trades portability for performance and flexibility—especially with rotisserie and app-based recipes. It’s more capable than the mini fryers and more intuitive than combo units like the Pro Crisp. While it lacks the OdorErase tech of the Vortex Plus 6QT, its broad feature set and included accessories make it a complete kitchen workhorse. For those who want one appliance to replace their oven, toaster, and fryer, this delivers unmatched value and performance.

The Instant Pot 6QT VORTEX Plus strikes the ideal balance between size, power, and ease of use—earning its title as the best mid-range air fryer. With 1700 watts of power, it heats faster and more evenly than most 1500W models, giving you crispier results in less time. The EvenCrisp Technology lives up to its name, producing golden fries, juicy wings, and perfectly roasted vegetables with minimal oil, while the adjustable temperature range (95°F to 400°F) offers precision for delicate tasks like proofing dough or dehydrating herbs.

In daily use, the 6-quart basket comfortably feeds 3–6 people, making it perfect for small families or meal preppers. The intuitive touchscreen and one-touch presets simplify cooking—just press “Air Fry” and go. The stainless steel finish resists smudges and adds a premium look to any kitchen. However, the lack of a viewing window is a missed opportunity, forcing users to open the basket and lose heat to check progress—a step that interrupts cooking flow.

Compared to the 4-quart mini, it offers more space and power without the bulk of the 10QT model. Against the Cosori TurboBlaze, it lacks ceramic coating and quieter operation but wins on brand reliability and seamless integration with Instant Pot’s ecosystem. It doesn’t have OdorErase like its sibling model, but its higher wattage and sleek design make it a stronger performer overall. For those seeking a reliable, powerful, and family-ready fryer without overpaying, this is the sweet spot.

When performance is non-negotiable, the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze sets a new benchmark as the best performance air fryer on the market. Its TurboBlaze Technology drives a 3600 rpm fan and reaches temperatures up to 450°F, delivering crispier results faster than most rivals. Whether air frying frozen fries or roasting a whole salmon, the heat circulation is so even that you rarely need to flip food—no cold spots, no uneven browning.

In real-world testing, it outpaced the Instant Pot models in speed and consistency. The 5-fan speed system and precise 90°F to 450°F control make it ideal for advanced cooks who want fine-tuned results—think proofing sourdough at 95°F or broiling steaks at max heat. The premium ceramic-coated basket resists scratches and cleans effortlessly, while the square 6-quart design holds more food than round baskets of the same capacity. Plus, it operates under 53dB, making it one of the quietest high-power fryers available.

Compared to the Instant Pot 6QT VORTEX Plus, the Cosori offers smarter heat control, quieter operation, and a more durable basket—but lacks the Instant Pot brand’s app integration and ecosystem. It doesn’t have a rotisserie like the 10QT model, but its 9-in-1 functions (including proof and keep-warm) give it broader culinary utility. For those who prioritize speed, precision, and quiet performance, this fryer outperforms even higher-priced models. It’s the top choice for culinary enthusiasts who want restaurant-grade results at home.

For those haunted by lingering cooking smells, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT with OdorErase is a breath of fresh air—literally. Designed as the best for odor control, this fryer integrates built-in air filters that neutralize pungent aromas from fish, garlic, or fried foods, keeping your kitchen smelling clean. Paired with EvenCrisp Technology and 1700 watts of power, it delivers the same crispy, golden results as other high-end models while solving a common pain point most brands ignore.

In testing, the OdorErase system noticeably reduced the smell of air-fried salmon and sautéed onions—no need to open windows or run fans. The ClearCook window and internal light let you monitor food without interrupting the cycle, a small but impactful feature. The 6-quart capacity handles family meals with ease, and the 6 customizable presets let you save favorite settings for one-touch cooking. However, while the fan is effective, it adds slight noise and doesn’t eliminate all odors from strongly scented dishes.

Compared to the standard 6QT VORTEX Plus, this model trades nothing in performance but adds a unique air-purifying edge. Against the Cosori TurboBlaze, it’s not as quiet or precise in temperature, but it wins for urban dwellers or open-plan kitchens where smells travel fast. It doesn’t offer rotisserie or dehydrating trays like the 10QT model, but its odor-fighting tech and user-friendly interface make it ideal for everyday use. For those who want clean air and crispy food, this fryer offers a rare combination you won’t find elsewhere.

The Instant Pot Pro Crisp redefines kitchen efficiency as the best multi-cooker combo, merging a full 8-quart pressure cooker with a crisp-capable air fryer lid in one seamless system. This 11-in-1 powerhouse lets you pressure cook a stew, then air fry chicken—all in the same pot—eliminating the need for multiple appliances. With EvenCrisp Technology and two dedicated lids, it transitions effortlessly between cooking modes, making it perfect for batch cooking, meal prep, or hosting.

In real use, the dual-lid system works flawlessly: the pressure lid locks in flavor and tenderness, while the air fryer lid delivers golden, crunchy finishes with 95% less oil. The 8-quart capacity is ideal for families or entertaining, and the status lights clearly show cooking stages without guesswork. However, switching lids takes a few seconds, and the air frying performance isn’t quite as fast or crispy as standalone models like the Cosori TurboBlaze.

Compared to the standalone 10QT air fryer, it sacrifices some air frying power for versatility. Against the Omni Plus toaster oven, it’s more compact but can’t toast bread or fit a 12-inch pizza. Yet, for those who already love their Instant Pot and want to add air frying without clutter, this combo is unmatched. It’s faster than slow cooking, healthier than frying, and smarter than owning two appliances. If you value space-saving innovation and total cooking flexibility, this is the ultimate upgrade.

For those who need an air fryer that can replace their oven, the Instant Pot Omni Plus 19QT is the best large capacity option on the market. With a cavernous interior that fits a 12-inch pizza or six slices of toast, this 10-in-1 toaster oven goes beyond air frying to bake, broil, roast, convection cook, and even rotisserie roast with dual Golden Quartz Infrared heating elements. The result? Crispy, juicy meals cooked fast and evenly, thanks to radiant heat that locks in moisture.

In testing, it excelled at large-batch cooking: roasting a whole chicken with perfect skin, baking a casserole for six, or toasting multiple bagels without crowding. The 1800-watt system outpowers most air fryers, and the adjustable temp range (170°F to 450°F) allows delicate tasks like warming bread or dehydrating herbs. The double-layer glass door keeps heat in and the kitchen cool—a big win for summer cooking. But its size demands serious counter or cabinet space.

Compared to the 10QT air fryer, it offers more cooking modes and space, but lacks portability and app integration. Against the Pro Crisp, it can’t pressure cook but wins in baking and toasting performance. It doesn’t have OdorErase, but its sealed design minimizes odor spread. For families, entertainers, or anyone who hates oven preheating, this is a true all-in-one powerhouse. If you want oven-sized meals with air fryer speed, this delivers like no other.