Getting healthy and delicious meals on the table every night felt like a constant battle. I craved the crispy, satisfying crunch of fried foods but dreaded the mess, the smell, and the unhealthy amount of oil that came with deep-frying. I needed a solution that could deliver that perfect texture without the guilt, one that could streamline my cooking process instead of adding another complicated gadget to my already crowded counter. An appliance like the Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer would have been a game-changer back then.
Before you invest in an air fryer oven, it’s important to understand what they bring to the table. These appliances solve the core problem of achieving a deep-fried texture using superheated, circulating air instead of vats of oil. They go beyond the capabilities of a standard basket-style air fryer by offering multiple functions like baking, roasting, and even rotisserie in a single unit. The ideal customer for this category is someone looking to consolidate appliances, save counter space, and cook larger quantities of food. Families, avid meal preppers, and those who love to entertain will find the extra capacity and versatility invaluable.
However, an air fryer oven isn’t for everyone. If you’re a single person living in a small apartment with minimal counter space, the larger footprint might be a dealbreaker. In that case, a smaller, more compact basket-style air fryer might be a more practical choice. Before making a purchase, consider these key factors:
- Capacity: How many people are you typically cooking for? A 10-quart model is great for families of four or more, while smaller households might be fine with something in the 4-6 quart range.
- Countertop Footprint: Measure your available space! These are not small appliances, and they require adequate clearance for ventilation, especially at the back.
- Functionality: Do you just want to air fry, or would you use features like dehydrating, baking, or a rotisserie? Be realistic about which functions you’ll actually use to get the best value.
- Ease of Cleaning: Look for models with dishwasher-safe components like trays and drip pans. This will make your post-dinner cleanup significantly easier.
- 7 Cooking Functions: Air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate, and rotisserie all in one easy appliance with little to no preheat...
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 6 one-touch options, from crunchy rotisserie chicken to soft sugar cookies
A First Look at the Instant Pot Vortex Plus
The Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer presents itself as a countertop command center for your kitchen. It’s a sleek, oven-style unit that promises to replace multiple appliances with its 7-in-1 functionality: air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, dehydrate, and rotisserie. Upon opening the box, you find the main unit along with a thoughtful set of accessories: a non-stick drip pan, two perforated cooking trays for multi-level cooking, and a complete stainless-steel rotisserie kit, including the basket, spit, forks, and a lift tool. This appliance is for the home cook who wants maximum versatility and capacity without firing up their main oven. It’s perfect for families who need to cook in larger batches or anyone who wants an all-in-one cooking station. It is likely not for the solo dweller with a tiny kitchen, as its size is substantial.
Pros:
- Incredibly versatile with seven distinct cooking functions.
- Large 10-quart capacity is perfect for families and meal prepping.
- The front window allows you to monitor food without opening the door.
- Includes a full rotisserie set and a rotating basket.
- Intuitive touchscreen controls are easy to navigate.
Cons:
- It has a large footprint and takes up significant counter space.
- Emits a noticeable plastic smell during the first few uses.
- The preheat cycle can take over five minutes to reach higher temperatures.
- 𝘼𝙞𝙧 𝙁𝙧𝙮𝙚𝙧 𝙐𝙥𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚: Innovative TurboBlaze Technology delivers a powerful 3600 rpm fan speed...
- AIR CRISP TECHNOLOGY: 400℉ superheated air surrounds food for hot, crispy results with little to no oil.
- CAPACITY: 3-quart air fryer perfect for cooking meals for 2-4 people, featuring an elegant ROSE finish.
A Deep Dive into Features and Performance
After months of putting this machine through its paces, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for its capabilities and a clear understanding of its quirks. It has earned its permanent spot on my countertop by consistently delivering fantastic results across its wide range of functions.
The Magic of 7-in-1 Versatility
The true strength of this versatile air fryer oven lies in its ability to do so much, and do it well.
Air Frying: The “EvenCrisp Technology” is not just marketing jargon. French fries, whether from frozen or fresh-cut potatoes, come out perfectly golden and crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy inside. The key is using the rotating basket, which tumbles the fries continuously, ensuring no side goes uncooked. Chicken wings are another highlight. With a simple dry rub and a light spray of oil, they emerge with crackling skin and juicy meat in about 20 minutes, rivaling anything from a deep fryer but with a fraction of the fat and none of the mess.
Rotisserie: This is the feature that will impress your guests. Securing a 3-4 pound chicken on the rotisserie spit is straightforward, and watching it slowly turn and baste itself through the viewing window is oddly satisfying. The result is a bird with incredibly moist meat and perfectly browned, crispy skin all around. The included lift tool makes removing the hot spit safe and easy. It’s a feature that elevates a simple weeknight dinner into something special.
Roasting and Baking: This function has effectively replaced my main oven for smaller tasks. It preheats faster and doesn’t heat up the entire kitchen, which is a lifesaver in the summer. I’ve roasted asparagus, broccoli, and salmon fillets to perfection on the perforated trays. It even bakes beautifully. I was skeptical, but it produced a small batch of wonderfully soft sugar cookies. It’s ideal for side dishes or meals for two to four people.
Dehydrate, Broil, and Reheat: The dehydrate function works surprisingly well for making things like apple chips or beef jerky, though its small capacity means you can only do small batches at a time. The broil setting is perfect for melting cheese on open-faced sandwiches or getting a nice crust on a mac and cheese. But perhaps the most-used function in my house is Reheat. It revives leftover pizza, turning a once-soggy slice back into a crispy-crusted delight, something a microwave could never do.
Thoughtful Design and Family-Sized Capacity
The 10-quart capacity of this 10-quart air fryer is a significant advantage over basket-style models. Using the two included trays, I can cook a main protein on one level and a vegetable side on the other, making a complete meal in one go. The oven-style door with a large viewing window is a brilliant design choice. You can check on the progress of your food without opening the door and letting all the precious heat escape, which ensures more consistent cooking. The digital touchscreen is bright, responsive, and easy to understand. Setting the function, time, and temperature is completely intuitive right out of the box.
The Cooking Experience and Effortless Cleanup
Day-to-day use is a breeze. The machine beeps to let you know when it’s preheated and gives a mid-cycle reminder to turn your food if you’re using the trays. The cleanup process is remarkably simple. The non-stick drip pan at the bottom catches any grease or crumbs, and it, along with the stainless steel trays and rotisserie accessories, can go right into the dishwasher. A quick wipe of the interior is all that’s needed to keep it clean.
A Few Minor Quirks to Note
No appliance is perfect, and this one has a few quirks. As many users report, there is a distinct chemical/plastic smell during the first couple of uses. I highly recommend running it empty at 400°F for two 20-minute cycles (ideally in a well-ventilated area) before cooking any food in it. This completely eliminated the smell for me. Also, be mindful of its size and heat output. This powerful appliance vents a significant amount of hot air from the back, so you must leave at least 5-6 inches of clearance from your wall or backsplash to avoid heat damage. Finally, the preheating isn’t instant; it takes about 5 minutes to reach 400°F, which is longer than some smaller air fryers but still much faster than a conventional oven.
What Other Users Are Saying
I wasn’t alone in my positive experience. After browsing through numerous online reviews, I found a strong consensus. Users consistently rave about the food quality, highlighting how it makes everything from chicken to vegetables perfectly crispy and delicious. Many echoed my initial concern about the plastic smell but confirmed that it disappears completely after a few “burn-off” cycles. The large capacity and the rotisserie function are frequently mentioned as standout features that set this model apart from competitors.
The Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
The challenge of making exciting, healthy, and convenient meals day after day is real. The Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer rises to that challenge, offering a powerful and versatile solution. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to simplify their kitchen routine because it consolidates multiple appliances into one efficient unit and delivers consistently delicious results with its EvenCrisp technology. For families or anyone who wants more than just a simple air fryer, this machine is a worthy investment that will expand your cooking horizons.
If you’re ready to enjoy crispy, healthy, and hassle-free meals, this might be the perfect addition to your kitchen. Click here to check the price and see more details.
Last update on 2025-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API