Many households are now focusing on cooking healthier meals. They can only achieve that by getting perfect kitchen appliances for food preparation. Air fryers and instant pots are the leading appliances many families are going for to prepare healthier meals free of excess oil or fats. Before you buy one of them, it is essential to know their advantages and drawbacks. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of air fryer vs Instant Pot.
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What is an air fryer?
An air fryer is a small kitchen appliance that cooks food using hot circulating air and uses little or no oil. The appliance has a heating element that heats the air and a fan that circulates the hot air around food in the cooking basket. It can cook a wide range of food ranging from delicious broccoli to roasted beef.
Pros and Cons of an Air fryer
An air fryer is an easy-to-use appliance that can cook healthier breakfast, lunch, and dinner for your family. Believe it or not, the air fryer can air fry, grill, roast, bake, dehydrate and reheat food. It all depends on the model you have and its functionalities. In addition, the appliance cooks food faster without compromising the nutrient’s concertation, taste, and texture. The appliance is also small, ideal for kitchens with limited countertop space.
Most importantly, air fryers make healthier meals free of excess fats or oils. It is worth noting that the air fryer is easy to clean. But you need to learn air fryer cleaning tips to ensure you clean it effectively without damaging it. The cooking device is also affordable and comes in different sizes. However, the appliance can burn food, use more energy, and some are small for large families.
Pros
- Easy to use and clean
- Preps healthier meals
- Safe to use and don’t require much space
- Can make a wide range of meals
- Cooks faster, saving time
Cons
- Can burn food
- Too small to make meals for large families
- Energy consumption can be high
What is an instant pot?
An instant pot is a kitchen appliance that cooks food using steam and high pressure. It works just like a pressure cooker. You must add fluid into the pot to allow steam to develop and build up pressure for it to work. It is ideal for soups, stew, and boiling grains like rice but has functions and accessories to help cook other meals.
Pros and cons of an Instant Pot?
Comparing the pros and cons of an air fryer vs instant pot is not easy, but let’s simplify it by focusing on the instant pot now. Instant Pots are relatively larger compared to ordinary air fryers. Also, they come in different sizes to ensure each family gets the right appliance for their cooking needs. Instant Pot features different smart functions and modes that allow for automatic cooking without interrupting the cooking process.
In addition, meals prepared in an instant pot retain vitamins and flavors, ensuring you get healthier meals. Note that an instant pot uses electric pressure cooking technology, making it more energy-efficient compared to the air fryer. Additionally, the cooking device is easy to clean, thanks to its stainless steel pot. However, the appliance only cooks food with liquids, and you can’t check the food during the cooking process.
Pros
- Available in different sizes
- Has different smart functions
- Safe thanks to built-in safety features
- Easy to clean
- Can cook a variety of foods
Cons
- Cooks food with liquids
- You can’t inspect food during the cooking process
Final Thoughts
When comparing the pros and cons of air fryer vs Instant Pot, there is no clear winner. It all depends on what you will be cooking with the appliance. If you want crunchy meals, it is advisable to go for the air fryer. However, if you want to prepare beef stews, soups, and meals requiring boiling, the Instant Pot is your best option.
