Instant Pot Duo Crisp Review The Ultimate 2-in-1 Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer

When it comes to kitchen appliances that save both time and space, few products can compete with the Instant Pot Duo Crisp. This multi-functional kitchen gadget combines two of the most popular cooking methods—pressure cooking and air frying—into a single appliance. Whether you’re cooking a hearty stew, crispy fries, or even baking a cake, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp is designed to meet all your culinary needs.

In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into the features, performance, and overall value of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, and explore why it has become one of the most beloved appliances in modern kitchens.

1. What is the Instant Pot Duo Crisp?

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a 7-in-1 multi-cooker that not only serves as a traditional Instant Pot for pressure cooking but also includes an air fryer lid for crisping, baking, and roasting. This dual functionality makes it an incredibly versatile appliance, especially for busy individuals who want to prepare a variety of meals without cluttering their kitchen with multiple gadgets.

Dual-Lid Technology

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp comes with a detachable air fryer lid, allowing you to easily switch between pressure cooking and air frying. This feature enables you to prepare a wide range of dishes, from tender, slow-cooked meats to crispy fried foods, all in one appliance.

2. Key Features of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp

Let’s take a look at the standout features that make the Instant Pot Duo Crisp a must-have for any kitchen:

Pressure Cooking

As with all Instant Pots, the Duo Crisp includes pressure cooking functionality. It allows you to cook food quickly by using high-pressure steam, reducing cooking time by up to 70%. Whether you’re making soups, stews, beans, or tough cuts of meat, the pressure cooker feature ensures perfectly cooked food in a fraction of the time compared to conventional methods.

Air Frying

The air fryer lid is one of the key features of the Duo Crisp. It uses hot air circulation to crisp up food, much like a traditional deep fryer, but without the need for excessive oil. You can cook everything from crispy French fries to chicken wings and even bake desserts, all while reducing the fat content in your meals.

Additional Cooking Functions

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp offers 7 cooking functions:

• Pressure cook
• Air fry
• Slow cook
• Sauté
• Steam
• Bake
• Roast

These versatile functions make the Duo Crisp an all-in-one solution for any kitchen, allowing you to prepare a variety of meals, from quick weekday dinners to slow-cooked Sunday roasts.

Large Capacity

With a 6-quart capacity, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp is ideal for families or individuals who like to batch cook or entertain guests. It provides ample space for preparing meals for 4-6 people, whether you’re cooking a big pot of soup, pressure-cooking a roast, or air frying a large batch of fries.

Easy-to-Use Interface

The digital control panel on the Instant Pot Duo Crisp is user-friendly and easy to navigate. The buttons are clearly labeled, and the built-in presets make it simple to select the right cooking mode for various dishes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, the Duo Crisp simplifies cooking with minimal effort.

3. How Does the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Perform?

Now that we’ve covered the features, let’s dive into how the Instant Pot Duo Crisp performs in real-world cooking scenarios.

Pressure Cooking Performance

The pressure cooking function on the Instant Pot Duo Crisp works as well as any other Instant Pot model. It delivers tender and flavorful results in less time than traditional methods, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals. For example, you can cook a pot roast in about 40 minutes instead of the usual 2-3 hours it would take in the oven or slow cooker. The Duo Crisp also handles beans, stews, and soups with ease, providing rich flavors and tender textures.

Air Frying Performance

The air fryer lid on the Instant Pot Duo Crisp is an absolute game-changer. It creates a crispy, golden exterior on foods like chicken wings, fries, and even vegetables. Unlike traditional air fryers, the Duo Crisp allows you to use pressure cooking first to tenderize foods before crisping them, giving you the best of both worlds—juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The 7-in-1 functionality also ensures that the crisping process is easy and effective, delivering crispy food without excess oil or mess.

Slow Cooking and Other Functions

The slow cook function on the Instant Pot Duo Crisp is great for preparing classic slow-cooked dishes like beef stew, pulled pork, and chili. It produces tender, flavorful results, but it’s worth noting that the slow cooking is not as fast as the pressure cooking option, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you decide to use this setting. The sautéing function also works well for browning meats and vegetables before pressure cooking or air frying, which can enhance the flavor of your dishes.

4. Ease of Use and Cleaning

User-Friendly Operation

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp features a simple interface, making it easy for both beginners and experienced cooks to operate. The controls are intuitive, and the preset programs take the guesswork out of cooking. Simply select the desired cooking mode and let the appliance do the rest. The air fryer lid is also easy to attach and detach, making it simple to switch between cooking modes.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Instant Pot Duo Crisp is straightforward, although there are a few things to keep in mind. The inner pot and air fryer lid are both non-stick, which makes them easy to wipe down after cooking. The air fryer lid also comes with a removable basket, which can be washed separately. Be sure to clean the sealing ring and the venting cover to ensure optimal performance and prevent odors.

The inner pot is dishwasher-safe, which makes cleanup even easier. However, the air fryer lid is not dishwasher-safe, so it’s best to clean it by hand with a damp cloth or sponge.

5. Pricing and Value

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is priced in the mid-range for multi-cookers, and while it may be slightly more expensive than a basic Instant Pot or air fryer, the versatility and functionality it offers justify the cost. If you’re looking for a 2-in-1 appliance that can pressure cook, slow cook, air fry, and more, the Duo Crisp provides excellent value for money. It’s a great investment for anyone who wants to save space and time in the kitchen without compromising on quality or performance.

6. Pros and Cons of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp

Pros:

• Dual functionality: Pressure cooker and air fryer in one appliance.
• Easy-to-use interface with preset cooking functions.
• Quick cooking times with pressure cooking.
• Large 6-quart capacity suitable for families.
• Removable air fryer lid for added convenience.
• Easy to clean, with dishwasher-safe parts.
• Versatile cooking options, from sautéing to baking.

Cons:

• Air fryer lid is not dishwasher-safe.
• Larger footprint compared to some other appliances.
• May take up more counter space if you don’t store it away after use.

7. Conclusion: Should You Buy the Instant Pot Duo Crisp?

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a versatile, efficient, and easy-to-use appliance that combines the power of pressure cooking and air frying into one convenient unit. Whether you’re preparing tender stews, crispy fried foods, or slow-cooked favorites, the Duo Crisp delivers excellent performance with minimal effort. Its 7-in-1 functionality makes it an all-in-one solution for busy individuals or families who want to save time and counter space without sacrificing quality.

If you’re looking for a 2-in-1 kitchen gadget that can handle a wide range of cooking tasks, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp is definitely worth considering. It offers great value for money, and its ease of use and powerful performance make it a standout choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kitchen.