Instant Vortex Plus Smart Customizable Air Fryer, 10-Quart

The components and parts feel good quality, adding to the overall value for money with this product. This dual-drawer air fryer stood out for a number of reasons but predominantly for the design features that make it enjoyably easy to use. Both drawers have interior lights that mean ingredients can be checked without opening the drawers and losing the heat inside.

It would be good if the brand acted on its own advice and kept sustainability more in mind when it comes to packaging, though. With the vast amount of kitchen gadgets on the market, it can be tough to zero in on a smart investment. Air fryers, slow cookers, pressure cookers, toaster ovens, the list is endless.

Simply use a soft sponge, warm water, and dish soap to wash the removable components . The Instant Vortex Air Fryer has 2 fewer functions than its bigger sibling, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus. Fortunately, that doesn’t make it any less of an airfryer. Basically, the new Instant Vortex is a more intelligent machine than its predecessor, commanding a slight premium. However, the standalone model is still below a hundred bucks. Read our Instant Vortex Mini review for a deeper insight, otherwise, this one is a better choice for smaller kitchens.

Instant created the smart programs to control temperature and time automatically. You can set it and go on with your other activities while the air fryer takes care of the cooking for you. This air fryer comes from the same instant pot duo nova makers of the beloved Instant Pot and is designed to function as six different gadgets. You can air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, and dehydrate your food easily with its fast preheating and simple one-touch design.

Since a fraction of the oil is used, air frying is considered a healthier cooking method. The sleek black air fryer comes in at just above 14 inches tall, 11 inches wide, and 12 inches deep and has a 6-quart volume, which is perfect for four to six servings at a time. Plus, it’s got a clear window, so you can see the progress of your food without opening the basket. It also has a progress bar to show you exactly how much cooking time is left. The brand’s “EvenCrisp” technology helps create the perfect texture without the fuss or oil of a fryer, too. And cleaning up couldn’t be easier, since its tray and basket are both dishwasher-safe.

instant vortex

Air fryers are far more versatile than countertop oil fryers or toaster ovens, so they’re worth a second look even if you’re not a huge fan of standard fried fare. Air fryers are an entirely different beast than the countertop oil fryers you may have bought in the past. Instead of immersing baskets of your food in hot oil (which can splash out of the basket and burn you and requires heavy-duty cleanup), air fryers use a very small amount of oil to crisp your food. A light spritzing from an oil spray bottle should be all you need.

When you’re trying out your own recipe or heating up something that isn’t listed in a recipe book or app, you often have to use your best judgment and cross your fingers. But overall, this machine worked effortlessly at roasting, crisping, and heating food. The Reheat smart program helps you heat up your leftovers without overcooking or drying out your food.

We didn’t even have to read the manual to learn how to navigate between cooking mode, time, and temperature settings. The dial also moves smoothly and is fast for navigating minutes and temperature degrees, compared to holding down a button. Our engineers first judge an air fryer based on how easy it is to use the buttons or dials on the machine and the size and clarity of the lettering on the unit.

The Brussels sprouts cooked in the XL Dual had significantly inferior, undercooked results compared to the singular model. We were satisfied with the crispy, tender results that this machine delivered. Sign-up for the first semester of our Chef’s Course newsletter for exclusive recipes from top chefs and the tips and tools to nail them. Throughout the testing process, we also considered elements like the provided manual, clean-up process, and ease of use.