Instant Pot Duo Crisp 6-Quart wins as the best multi cooker with air fryer overall.
Imagine a busy weeknight. You want a roast, crispy fries, and a quick dessert without heating every pan and the oven. A multi cooker with air fryer trims time and clutter. It pressure-cooks a stew, then crisps the top with the air fryer lid. The result: one machine, many meals, less stress. I’ve tested these combos side-by-side and lived with them daily. I’ll walk you through what matters, who each model fits, and how to pick the best multi cooker with air fryer for your kitchen.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1…
11 Cooking Functions: Air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, sterilize, warm, or cook rice with ease. Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 15 one-touch…
Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1…
11 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, steam, sauté, sous vide, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, or simply keep warm, all in one easy appliance. Two Lids, Total Flexibility:…
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1…
11 Cooking Functions: Air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, sterilize, warm, or cook rice with ease. Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 11 one-touch…
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 6 Qt
I use the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 6 Qt almost every day. It gives me fast pressure cooking and a crisp finish with one click. The unit ships with both a pressure-cooker inner pot and an air-fryer lid. The controls are clear and the cooking presets actually save time instead of confusing me.
Cleanup feels manageable. The crisping basket and inner pot are dishwasher-safe. Recipes from the Instant Pot app transfer well to the device. For families and singles who want the best multi cooker with air fryer, this model balances size and features neatly.
Pros:
- True 11-in-1 functionality for diverse cooking
- 6-quart size fits families of 2–5
- Easy-to-use presets speed up meal prep
- Two-lid system simplifies switching between modes
- Compatible with Instant Pot app recipes for inspiration
Cons:
- Air-fryer lid takes extra storage space
- Learning curve for perfect crisping times
- Basket capacity less than full oven trays
My Recommendation
This Instant Pot Duo Crisp 6 Qt is best for busy kitchens that need reliable pressure cooking and crisping. I recommend it to families who want one appliance to replace multiple units. Its 6-quart capacity is versatile for weeknight dinners and meal prep.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Everyday family meals | 6-quart size and multi-functions fit varied recipes |
| Beginners | Intuitive presets and app guidance simplify learning |
| Tight kitchens | Combines two major appliances into one footprint |
Instant Pot Pro Crisp 8 Qt
The Instant Pot Pro Crisp 8 Qt scales up capacity and power. I switched to the 8-quart when batch cooking and hosting became routine. It preserves all the Duo Crisp strengths while adding room for larger roasts and holiday meals.
Controls feel refined with a sharper display and slightly improved steam release tools. If you want the best multi cooker with air fryer for bigger households or meal preppers, this Pro Crisp model gives me the margin I need.
Pros:
- Larger 8-quart capacity for bigger meals
- Powerful heating for faster air frying
- Robust sealing and safety features
- Works with Instant Pot recipe ecosystem
- Good for batch cooking and family dinners
Cons:
- Takes more counter or cabinet space
- Heavier to move when full
- Higher price point than smaller models
My Recommendation
I recommend the Instant Pot Pro Crisp 8 Qt for larger families and those who cook for groups. I find it ideal when the best multi cooker with air fryer must handle roast chicken or multi-dish meal prep without crowding. The extra capacity gives reliable value during holidays.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Large families | 8-quart pot fits roasts and batch meals easily |
| Meal preppers | Extra space for batch batch-cooking and storage |
| Holiday cooks | Handles larger cuts and full trays with ease |
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8 Qt
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8 Qt blends reliable pressure cooking with crisping power. I used it to swap between stews and crunchy toppings in minutes. Its 8-quart size gives me room for bigger families or weekend meal prep.
It ships with the same multi-lid flexibility so I can go from slow-cooker to air-fryer quickly. If you want the best multi cooker with air fryer for bigger kitchens but still want Instant Pot familiarity, the 8 Qt Duo Crisp is a solid pick.
Pros:
- Trusted Instant Pot performance with air-fryer add-on
- Generous 8-quart inner pot for larger dishes
- Multiple cooking modes for versatile meals
- Reliable sealing and safety interlocks
- Good accessory compatibility for third-party inserts
Cons:
- Occasional hot spots for deep-fry style crisping
- Basket limits if you need full-sheet coverage
- Requires counter space for both lids
My Recommendation
I recommend the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 8 Qt to anyone who wants abundant capacity with familiar controls. For me, it’s the go-to when I need the best multi cooker with air fryer that can make a full meal for guests. It’s dependable and practical.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Dinner parties | Large capacity handles multi-dish cooking |
| Busy cooks | Many presets to speed up repeat meals |
| Families | Enough room for family-sized portions |
Emeril Lagasse 26QT Air Fryer Oven
The Emeril Lagasse 26QT French door air fryer toaster oven feels like a countertop oven upgrade. I use it when I need oven-style capacity but faster cook times. It has 24 functions and comes with multiple accessories for baking, toasting, roasting, and air frying.
This model replaces a full-size oven for small households. It excels at even toasting and true oven-style bakes. If your search for the best multi cooker with air fryer includes toaster-oven style versatility, this Emeril model delivers the capacity and control I appreciate.
Pros:
- Large 26-quart capacity for trays and sheet pans
- 24 cooking functions for baking, broiling, and air frying
- French door design reduces heat loss when checking food
- Comes with seven accessories for flexible cooking
- Good for baking and multi-rack cooking
Cons:
- Takes significant counter space
- Hot exterior when running high-heat functions
- Not a pressure cooker—different appliance type
My Recommendation
I recommend the Emeril Lagasse 26QT Air Fryer Oven for bakers and small households who want oven-like performance without firing up a full oven. I reach for it when I need the best multi cooker with air fryer that can bake, roast, and crisp large batches. It’s ideal for multi-dish cooking and sheet-pan meals.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Baking and sheets | Large interior fits baking trays and multiple racks |
| Small apartments | Replaces oven for many tasks in compact kitchens |
| Entertaining | Handles larger quantities for guests |
Ninja Combi 14-in-1 Multicooker
The Ninja Combi SFP701 is a flexible multitool in my kitchen. It blends baking, air frying, and combi-cooking modes that use steam plus convection. I often use it to speed up weeknight dinners or to get a crispy finish after sous-vide style slow cooking.
Its 14-in-1 feature set is one of the broadest I’ve used. The unit’s smart cook functions help me convert recipes with little guesswork. For anyone hunting the best multi cooker with air fryer that doubles as an oven alternative, the Ninja Combi stands out.
Pros:
- Combi-cooking blends steam with air for moist, crispy results
- Wide function set for versatile meal prep
- Sleek stainless finish that fits modern kitchens
- Three included accessories expand usability
- Fast results—complete meals in roughly 15 minutes for some dishes
Cons:
- Loud fan during high-heat air-fry cycles
- Steam function requires careful water monitoring
- Interior racks can be tricky to remove when hot
My Recommendation
I recommend the Ninja Combi 14-in-1 for cooks who like tech-forward options and fast meals. I reach for it when the best multi cooker with air fryer needs to act like an oven and a steamer at once. Its combi mode makes it great for fish, vegetables, and one-pan meals needing a crisp finish.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Tech-savvy cooks | Many modes and smart combo cooking options |
| Quick meals | Speeds up weeknight dinners with powerful convection |
| Healthier crisping | Air fry function reduces oil use while keeping texture |
Ninja Foodi PRO 6.5 Qt
The Ninja Foodi PRO 6.5 Qt brings TenderCrisp technology that I really like. It pressure-cooks food fast, then crisps the exterior with air flow. The result is juicy meats with a golden finish without extra pans or oil.
Its user interface is straightforward and the included rack and crisping basket work well. I consider it a top contender when I look for the best multi cooker with air fryer that handles both pressure cooking and true air-fry crisping in one pot.
Pros:
- TenderCrisp tech locks in juices, then crisps the exterior
- 6.5-quart size balances family needs and counter space
- Solid build and user-friendly controls
- Good value for combined pressure and air-fry features
- Fast searing and crisping for weeknight meals
Cons:
- Crisping basket height can limit taller roasts
- Some recipes need fine-tuning for crisp timing
- Heats the kitchen more than smaller countertop units
My Recommendation
I recommend the Ninja Foodi PRO 6.5 Qt to home cooks who want robust pressure-cook performance and excellent crisping. I reach for it when the best multi cooker with air fryer needs to give me both a tender main and a crunchy topping. It’s a great mid-size choice with strong results.
| Best for | Why |
|---|---|
| Juicy mains | Pressure cooking retains moisture; crisping adds texture |
| Mid-size families | 6.5-quart pot serves 3–5 people well |
| Value seekers | Strong features at a competitive price point |
FAQs Of best multi cooker with air fryer
What is a multi cooker with air fryer, and how does it work?
A multi cooker with air fryer combines pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and air frying in one unit. You use the pressure mode to cook ingredients fast and the air-fry lid or function to crisp surfaces. The device saves space and replaces several appliances.
Can I use it every day as my main cooker?
Yes. Many users, including me, rely on these units daily. They handle proteins, vegetables, grains, and baked goods. For long-term daily use, choose a model with the capacity that fits your meals and a durable build.
Is it easy to clean a multi cooker with air fryer?
Most have dishwasher-safe inner pots, baskets, and racks. The outer units need a quick wipe. I recommend removing food residue soon after cooking to avoid stuck-on messes. Regular cleaning keeps performance consistent.
Does air frying in a multi cooker give the same result as a standalone air fryer?
Results are very close. A dedicated air fryer may have slightly faster circulation and crisper edges for some items. But modern multi cookers with air fryer functions deliver excellent crispness for home use while offering broader cooking modes.
What should I consider when choosing the best multi cooker with air fryer?
Consider capacity, functions you’ll actually use, countertop space, ease of cleaning, and warranty/support. Match the appliance to your typical meal sizes and cooking styles. I also test presets and manual controls to ensure they fit my kitchen habits.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
If you want a true all-rounder, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp models top my list for the best multi cooker with air fryer because they combine dependable pressure cooking with effective air frying. The 6-quart hits the sweet spot for most households, while the 8-quart suits larger families.
For oven-like needs, the Emeril unit excels. For combi-steam options, the Ninja Combi is strong. Overall, pick the model that matches your capacity and cooking style. The best multi cooker with air fryer will save time and reduce clutter in any kitchen.