You love your air fryer. You love your Instant Pot. But do you love having so many appliances crowding your counter space?
Or maybe you’ve been meaning to try out an air fryer, a pressure cooker, or both. Either way, your problems are solved when you invest in this year’s trendiest kitchen appliance – the air fryer/pressure cooker combo.
Find out how the air fryer pressure cooker works, and discover our top picks. You’ll even learn how you can transform your current pressure cooker into an air fryer by trying out unique accessories!
Note: Clicking the above links will take you to further information, current prices and customer reviews on Amazon.
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- The compact pressure cooker that crisps. Pressure cooker, air fryer, tender crisper
- Tender crisp technology allows you to quickly cook ingredients, then the crisping lid gives your meal a crispy, golden finish
- Pressure cook up to 70 percent faster vs. Traditional cooking methods vs. Slow cooked, braised, or low simmer recipes
- Air fry with up to 75 percent less fat vs. Deep fried, hand cut french fries
- 5 quart ceramic coated pot is nonstick, PTFE/PFOA free, and dishwasher safe
- The Ninja Foodi—The pressure cooker that crisps. Pressure cooker, air fryer, tender crisper
- Tender crisp technology allows you to quickly cook ingredients, then the crisping lid gives your meals a crispy, golden finish
- Pressure cook up to 70% faster versus traditional cooking methods. Air fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Versus slow-cooked, braised, or low-simmer recipes; Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried french fries
- 6.5 quart ceramic-coated pot: Nonstick, PTFE/PFOA-free, and easy to clean. Enough capacity to cook a roast for your family
- 4-quart cook & crisp basket: Large-capacity, ceramic-coated, PTFE/PFOA-free basket holds up to a 5-pounds chicken or 3 pounds of french fries to feed your whole family. Nonstick for easy cleanup
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more.
- COOK FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook delicious one-pot meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods or slow cook your favorite traditional recipes – just like grandma used to make.
- QUICK AND EASY CLEAN UP: Finger-print resistant, stainless-steel sides and dishwasher-safe lid, inner pot, and accessories.
- SAFETY FEATURES: Includes over 10 safety features, plus overheat protection and safe-locking lid
Best Air Fryer Pressure Cookers – Product Roundups
Air fryer pressure cookers are the next big thing. If you’re looking to purchase one for your kitchen, check out our top picks.
Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer OP301
An air fryer pressure cooker from the trusted Ninja Foodi appliance lineup – “the pressure cooker that crisps.”
Features
Easy push-button controls allow you to manually set the cooking time and temperature, as well as select between pressure, steam, slow cook, sear/saute, air crisp, bake/roast, broil, and keep warm functions.
Pressure cooking takes place in a 6.5-quart ceramic-coated non-stick pot, while air frying is accomplished with the 4-quart cook and crisp basket. This nonstick basket can handle a 5-pound chicken or up to 3 pounds of French fries. Top it off with the pressure lid or crisping lid, depending on the cooking style you wish to achieve.
Size and Appearance
This air fryer pressure cooker has a black exterior. The digital display and push-button controls are located on the front of the appliance. The appliance has dimensions of 14.2 by 16.8 by 13.1 inches and weighs nearly 26 pounds.
- The Ninja Foodi—The pressure cooker that crisps. Pressure cooker, air fryer, tender crisper
- Tender crisp technology allows you to quickly cook ingredients, then the crisping lid gives your meals a crispy, golden finish
- Pressure cook up to 70% faster versus traditional cooking methods. Air fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods. Versus slow-cooked, braised, or low-simmer recipes; Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried french fries
- 6.5 quart ceramic-coated pot: Nonstick, PTFE/PFOA-free, and easy to clean. Enough capacity to cook a roast for your family
- 4-quart cook & crisp basket: Large-capacity, ceramic-coated, PTFE/PFOA-free basket holds up to a 5-pounds chicken or 3 pounds of french fries to feed your whole family. Nonstick for easy cleanup
Ninja Foodi 8-Quart Deluxe XL Cooker & Air Fryer FD401
A larger Ninja air fryer pressure cooker designed to feed the whole family.
Features
Use the push-button controls and central control knob to set time, temperature, and select between functions including pressure, steam, slow cook/yogurt, sear/saute, air crisp, broil, bake/roast, keep warm, and dehydrate.
The pressure cooking pot has an 8-quart capacity, while the cook and crisp basket sports a 5-quart capacity. You’ll be able to cook a 7-pound chicken, or up to eight chicken breasts at a time when you employ the reversible rack insert. The air frying basket is dishwasher safe, while the pot is hand-wash only.
Size and Appearance
This air fryer pressure cooker has a black and brushed stainless steel exterior. The digital display and controls are located on the front of the appliance. It has dimensions of 16.1 by 14.6 by 14.2 inches and weighs 26 pounds.
- Tender crisp technology allows you to quickly cook ingredients, then the crisping lid gives your meals a crispy, golden finish
- Pressure cook up to 70 percent faster versus traditional cooking methods. BPA free
- Xl 8 quart ceramic Coated pot is nonstick, PTFE/PFOA free and easy to clean
- Xl 5 quart cook and crisp basket can hold up to a 7 lb. Chicken to feed your whole family
- Includes: crisping lid, pressure lid, 8 qt. Ceramic Coated pot, 5 quart ceramic Coated cook and crisp basket, stainless steel rack, recipe book
Emeril Lagasse Pressure Cooker Air Fryer
Backed by a famous chef, this air fryer pressure cooker has sterling reviews.
Features
Use the simple push-button interface to manually set your desired time and temperature, or select from 44 preset functions including pressure, sous vide, steam, sauté, slow cook, air fry, canning, or yogurt. You can even set a delayed timer.
In order to air fry, you will use the steel mesh crisping basket and crisper lid.
Size and Appearance
This sturdy appliance has a brushed stainless steel exterior with black plastic accents. The blue digital display screen and push-button controls are located on the front of the appliance. It is available in 6-quart and 8-quart models, the latter of which has dimensions of 22 by 17.4 by 15.2 inches and weighs just over 30 pounds.
GoWise USA Pressure Oven GW22710
Take your air fryer pressure cooker to the next level with the ability to toast bread or cook rotisserie style.
Features
Oven racks can be set at three different heights, or they can be removed to make way for the rotisserie spit and drip pan. The spit can handle items weighing up to 6 pounds. Functions include bake, toast, roast, and broil. You can also record up to 10 smart presets of your own creation, adjusting not only time and temperature but also which burners will be in use.
Size and Appearance
The GoWISE oven has a brushed stainless steel exterior with black accents. The oven door has a small viewing window. The digital display and control buttons are located on the right side of the oven door. The oven is 14.3 inches tall and 16.3 inches wide. It weighs nearly 40 pounds.
The oven interior is 9 inches tall. It can handle a rectangular 13 by 11-inch baking pan or an 11.5-inch pizza pan.
- Faster, more flavorful cooking: The GoWISE USA pressure oven provides an innovative way to cook your standard oven meals. Bake under pressure and watch as the contents cook flawlessly and in 70% less time.
- Extra-large cooking capacity: with 27 quarts of cooking space, rest assured that this oven can take on dinner for your large family or upcoming gathering. At 14. 3 inches tall and 16. 3 inches wide, This pressure oven still fits easily on your counter top.
- Built-in rotisserie: prepare whole roasts, tenderloins and even a whole chicken (6 pounds max)! it’s fast, easy, and your meats will stay juicy and delicious. The pressure oven comes with all the tools you need including a rotisserie stake, rotisserie forks, and a tool to easily insert and remove the rotisserie safely.
- Create your own presets: cook to perfection by creating your own smart presets for your favorite recipes. Customize the cook setting, time, temp and even burners. Save up to 10 combinations that you can reuse at the touch of a button. Owner’s manual includes tested preset Suggestions to get you started.
- 20 recipes to get you started: your purchase includes a recipe book specifically made for the GoWISE USA pressure oven. Get started today with 20 step-by-step recipes to explore all that your new counter top Oven has to offer.
What If I Already Have a Pressure Cooker?
Do you already own a pressure cooker? Would you like to enter the wonderful world of air frying without investing in an entirely new appliance? Mealthy has you covered.
The Mealthy CrispLid is designed to fit most 6 and 8-quart pressure cookers, turning them into an air fryer pressure cooker!
Mealthy CrispLid
Turn one appliance into two with this surprising accessory.
Features
The Mealthy CrispLid is designed to fit securely on most 6 and 8-quart pressure cookers that employ stainless steel inner pots. Cook in the pressure cooker and then crisp your meal, or use the included frying basket to make French fries or other snacks. The CrispLid can reach up to 500 F, hotter than most dedicated air fryers. For safety, the CrispLid will only power on when locked into position on the pressure cooker. Removable parts are dishwasher safe.
Size and Appearance
The Mealthy CrispLid is black in color. The digital display is located on the top of the appliance, along with simple start/stop, plus/minus and time/temperature touchscreen controls. The transparent tempered glass lid allows you to watch your food as it cooks.
It should be noted, however, that the use of this device or any other accessory not provided by the manufacturer will void your pressure cooker’s manufacturer warranty. Most warranties last only a year, however, so if this amount of time has passed, you’ve got an air cooker to gain and nothing to lose!
Air Fryer Pressure Cooker Buying Guide
What Is an Air Fryer Pressure Cooker?
What is an air fryer pressure cooker? To answer that question, let’s first discuss the science between each of the individual components.
Pressure cooking is a process in which food is cooked more quickly by securing it under high pressure. The pressure limits water’s ability to boil. Typically, water boils at 212 degrees Fahrenheit (F). Boiling releases energy as the water turns to steam, so the water does not much exceed the boiling point. Under pressure, however, the water can become superheated, allowing the food to cook much more quickly – typically half or one-quarter of the time required of traditional boiling.
Air frying, too, is a method of rapid cooking, but it employs superheated air instead of superheated water. Heating elements increase the air temperature, and fans circulate the air for a convection effect. The result is a fast cooking cycle that leaves food soft on the inside and crispy on the outside, mirroring the effects of deep-frying.
Air fryer pressure cookers do both – though never at the same time. Items may be cooked quickly with liquid under pressure. Then, the appliance accessories are adjusted to air fryer mode to crisp the food for a tasty finish.
One advantage of this cooking style is that meats and other items may be pressure cooked straight out of the freezer, no thawing necessary.
You’ve seen our top picks, but which air fryer pressure cooker is the right choice for your family? Consider the following to help you decide.
What Size Air Fryer Pressure Cooker Should I Get?
Size and capacity are a major consideration when deciding which air fryer pressure cooker to purchase. All of the items discussed herein have a medium to large capacity.
- The Ninja Foodi and Emeril Lagasse air fryer pressure cookers have a medium capacity and are ideal for families of any size.
- The GoWISE USA oven has the largest capacity. It is recommended for large families or for those who frequently entertain guests.
Features to Look for in an Air Fryer Pressure Cooker
Size is important, but it’s not everything.
- Features and special functions. All of the appliances discussed herein will pressure cook, air fry, and everything in between. Some, however, offer additional cooking functions that others do not. For example, the Ninja Foodi Deluxe XL offers two settings – yogurt and dehydrate – that its smaller counterpart does not. The Emeril Lagasse air fryer pressure cooker has unique sous vide and canning settings. The GoWISE pressure oven allows you to roast meats rotisserie-style.
- Weight. Air fryer pressure cookers are the heavyweights of the appliance world. Two of the models discussed weigh 30 to 40 pounds. This is a major consideration if you foresee the need to move the appliance frequently or store it away from the countertop. If so, you might opt for one of the lighter Ninja models.
Our Favorite Picks
Summary
Users have left thousands of reviews for the above products, and they were overwhelmingly positive.
Unlike many “multi-use” appliances, the Ninja Foodi does not seem to suffer from insufficient air frying capabilities. Customer satisfaction was nearly 100 percent. Results were similar with the Emeril Lagasse cooker.
One of the most common complaints was the weight of the appliance. Some users noted that the upturned lids of the Ninja models can get them off-balance, causing them to fall over if empty.
The Mealthy CrispLid also received good reviews. It was said to be ideal for browning and crisping items but did not perform as well as a dedicated air fryer. It was lauded by users with limited counter space who couldn’t justify the addition of another stand-alone appliance to their kitchen.
The GoWISE oven suffered the lowest reviews. Users complained that the controls were not as intuitive as other models (for which the button icons are often self-explanatory) and that the included instruction manual was insufficient. Others noted that the oven exterior can become very hot during use and that the top heating element rests very close to sizeable food items, potentially overcooking them.
Air Fryer Vs Pressure Cooker
Air fryers are the latest kitchen craze. They are the as-seen-on-TV powerhouse, and perhaps you already adore your own air fryer or are considering the purchase.
You may wonder, however, how this new appliance stacks up to an old kitchen standby – the pressure cooker. This quick-cooking appliance has been around for a long time – the first pressure cooker, then called a “steam digester,” was invented by the French physicist Denis Papin in 1679. The first home-use pressure cookers hit the market in 1938, and they have since evolved into electric stand-alone appliances. Despite design changes, the purpose of the pressure cooker has remained the same – to cook food more quickly.
Faster cooking times is one of the key features of the air fryer as well. How do air fryers and modern pressure cookers compare in terms of performance, price, and other factors? We’ve compiled the following comparisons so that you can get back to the kitchen even faster.
Comparison Overview:
Air Fryers – How Do They Work?
Air fryers are versatile kitchen appliances. They use one or more internal heating elements to superheat the air. Natural convection currents are then assisted by fans to circulate the heat evenly around the food.
Air fryers reduce cooking times by increasing rates of heat transfer between the air and the food. Their hallmark is the ability to simulate deep frying by browning foods such as French fries or frozen snacks, resulting in a crisp exterior and moist, soft interior. Air fryers can also be used to bake, sauté, rotisserie, broil, grill, and more.
Pressure Cookers – How Do They Work?
Pressure cooking involves cooking food along with a liquid – typically water or broth – inside a sealed container. When the liquid boils, steam is not able to escape as with standard cooking methods, so the pressure inside the container builds. This, in turn, causes internal temperatures to rise – in fact, the increased pressure actually raises the boiling point of water. This results in cooking the food more quickly than other methods, such as boiling on the stovetop. After each use, the pressure inside the pressure cooker must be released slowly before opening.
Some pressure cookers are “manual,” meaning they are placed on the stovetop heating element. The pressure gauge must be carefully observed, and temperature and pressure regulated using the stovetop element’s dial or by removing the pressure cooker from the heat source. A few small manual pressure cookers are made of microwave safe materials and use the microwave oven as their heat source. We’ll mention these briefly, but our focus will be on the manual pressure cooker’s modern cousin.
Today, many electric pressure cookers are available that exist as a stand-alone appliance. These include a timer and a built-in electric heat source that automatically adjusts to maintain the proper pressure. Some models have digital displays and can be set for delayed cooking
Some modern pressure cookers are designed to be multi functional appliances, and are thus called “multicookers.” These pressure cookers can be used as a rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, warmer, and slow cooker, among other things.
Can You Air Fry in a Pressure Cooker?
The simple answer to this question is, no, you cannot air fry in a pressure cooker. Why not? Pressure cookers utilize a moist heat, as opposed to the dry heat of the air fryer. Moist heat cannot facilitate the Maillard reaction, which produces crispy food.
You can, however, cook in an air fryer almost any dish that you would prepare in a pressure cooker.
Air Fryer and Pressure Cooker Comparison
You’re a smart shopper. If you are considering the purchase of either of these appliances, you no doubt want to have all the facts. Therefore, we’ve compiled the following comparisons so you don’t have to. We’ll examine how air fryers and pressure cookers stack up in terms of space, performance, pricing, cleanup, and ease of use.
How It Works
Air fryers and pressure cookers operate on opposing principles – that of wet and dry heat.
Air fryers utilize a dry heat – superheated air circulated by fans. Pressure cookers use a wet heat, raising temperatures via the pressure produced when liquids are boiled inside a closed system. Both methods result in faster cooking times due to increased heat exchange.
Size and Space
At only 4 inches tall and 8 inches in diameter, the smallest microwave safe manual pressure cookers outsize even the the compact Dash air fryer, which is 11.5 inches tall with a footprint of 10 inches by 8 inches.
When considering the standard manual or electric pressure cookers, you’ll find sizes ranging from 12 to 20 square inches. This is similar to the height and footprint of most air fryers.
Winner: If storage space in a small apartment is your primary concern, the smallest manual pressure cookers are the clear winner. Overall, however, considerations of size and space result in a tie between pressure cookers and air fryers.
Performance
Almost any food that can be steamed, boiled, or prepared on a stovetop can be prepared more quickly in a pressure cooker. Pressure cookers can also be used to simulate long braising, also called pot roasting. This is a cooking method in which foods, especially meats, are seared at high temperatures, then simmered for long periods in a covered pot along with liquid. Multicooker style pressure cookers are also valuable in preparing yogurt, soups, rice, eggs, keeping food warm, and more.
Air fryers are also known for their versatility. In addition to air frying, they can be used to bake, grill, sauté, or reheat food. Some models also allow for rotisserie style cooking.
If you’re looking to save time, air fryers can reduce cooking times by 20 percent or more; pressure cookers by 70 percent or more.
Winner: This category is a difficult one in which to assign a clear winner. If you want crispy French fries, go with the air fryer. But for an abundant variety of other cooking styles, and very rapid turn around, our choice is the pressure cooker.
Price
If you are counting your pennies, microwavable pressure cookers are available for less than ten U.S. dollars, and stovetop models for under 30 dollars. However, we’re talking programmable, electric kitchen appliances here.
On that note, air fryers and pressure cookers are fairly comparable. Both products start at around 60 dollars for a basic or small model, and range into the hundreds of dollars for advanced models.
Winner: In terms of price, we call it a tie between the air fryer and the pressure cooker.
Ease of Use
“Old school” pressure cookers may have been tedious to monitor, use, and maintain, but not so with modern electric models. Modern pressure and multi cookers are equipped with digital pressure, temperature, and timer settings, as well as presets for commonly prepared dishes. This rivals the air fryer, which sports either manual or digital controls for time, temperature, and presets.
In the past, some pressure cookers were known to explode when used or opened incorrectly, potentially causing severe burns. Today, multiple safety features and failsafes prevent the cooker from overpressurizing or from being opened when pressurized, which could release hot food and steam. In fact, most electric pressure cookers won’t pressurize at all if the lid and other features are not properly secured.
Winner: Simple controls and presets make using either of these appliances a breeze. Even a kid could do it – with proper adult supervision, of course. So, we’re calling this one a tie between the air fryer and the pressure cooker.
Cleanup
The internal cooking pot and suspension baskets of most electric pressure cookers are dishwasher safe, as is the gasket that provides a secure, airtight seal. However, some models recommend that the lid be hand washed and not submerged in water. The appliance itself can be unplugged and cleaned with a damp cloth. Special care may also need to be taken with the gasket. Cracked or dry gaskets will not provide a proper seal and must be replaced. Some manufacturers recommend replacing the gasket each year, and provide one replacement gasket with the purchase of the product.
Air fryers are similarly equipped with removable, dishwasher safe parts.
Winner: It was almost a tie, but due to the gasket and lid issues, we’re going to grant the Ease of Cleanup award to the air fryer.
- Healthier cooking in 30 min or less: Thanks to rapid air technology, you can now experience your favorite food without the extra calories. This air fryer can fry, bake, grill and roast with little to no oil.
- Modern touch screen design: Sleek and modern look with advanced touch screen menu. New features include a start/stop button allowing you to change your program mid-cycle, as well as a built-in alarm function to remind you to shake your ingredients in 5, 10, and 15-minute increments.
- 8 preset cooking options & manual controls: Enjoy 8 pre-programmed cooking functions including fries/chips, pork, chicken, steak, shrimp, cake, fish and pizza. Or, use the manual controls to customize to your needs. This air fryer is equipped with a wide temperature range from 180F to 400F and a timer for up to 30 minutes.
- Accessory kit included: Includes 8-inch baking pan, 8-inch pie/pizza pan, insert rack, insert rack W/ 3 skewers, toasting/warming rack, and silicone pot holder.
- Recipe book included: Includes 50 recipes specifically made for GoWISE USA air fryers. Get started today with 50 step-by-step recipes to explore all that your new kitchen gadget has to offer.
Air Fryer Advantages
Air frying reduces cooking times by 20 percent or more when compared to a conventional oven, reducing energy costs. The air fryer is perfect for a wide variety of foods, including meats, vegetables, frozen snacks, sauces, sandwiches, small pizzas, baked goods, and desserts. The air fryer also does something few other appliances can – it replicates the taste and texture of deep frying with little or no oil. This equates to health benefits for those counting calories or pursuing a heart-healthy diet.
Pressure Cooker Advantages
In theory, pressure cookers may cut cooking times by as much as 75 percent, significantly reducing energy costs when compared with boiling or baking. This is especially helpful for food items that take a long time using traditional cooking methods, such as beans or rice. Less water is also needed. In addition to cooking meats, soups, stews, and basically anything else cooked with steam or boiling liquid, most pressure cookers can be used to assist in safely home canning fruits, vegetables, and meats.
Multi cooker style pressure cookers often have settings for rice, yogurt, warming, and more. Pressure cookers are lauded for their ability to kill harmful bacteria that might survive other cooking methods, especially those cookers deemed “pressure canners.” In fact, the autoclave, used for decades in sanitizing medical equipment, is simply a more technical version of the average pressure cooker.
What Others Are Saying
The following are comments posted publicly to Facebook by owners of both pressure cookers and air fryers. Which of these two appliances do real owners love most? Find out below.
“They are both very different and are wonderful in their own ways. Think about using air fryer for things you generally fry. Pressure cooker is mainly for food that requires some sort of liquid. There are several groups online, do check them out. I think you will enjoy both your gifts very much.”
“Kathy Maze Sabo I have both and they do different things. I don’t think I’ll ever use my crock pot again. And my deep fryer is cleaned and in the garage. Air fryer is wonderful.”
“I use my pressure cooker everyday. I use my air fryer once a week.”
“I have both, there is no comparison, they have different intended uses IMHO.”
“I have both – almost never use pressure cooker – air fryer is more versatile in my opinion.”
“We have both and use our pressure cooker more, love both.”
“Both. They are both awesome appliances.”
“Both. They are two totally different animals. Like comparing apples and oranges.”
“They are perfect to use together. Ex., cook meatloaf in the instant pot and your veggies/baked potatoes in the air fryer. Or meatloaf in air fryer and mash potatoes in the instant pot. The possibilities are endless.”
“Both – they have nothing to do with one another. One fries and one bakes with moist heat. I use my air fryer daily for toast, meats, and veggies…and the pressure cooker only once a week or so for casseroles, rice, roasts and eggs.”
“My husband has about a thousand tools to make fixing things easier. I figure I need at least two to make cooking easier.”
Which Is Better – A Pressure Cooker or an Air Fryer?
If you have to pick just one, we recommend the pressure cooker. Why? In our comparisons above, the pressure cooker rivaled or outperformed the air fryer on almost all counts. While the air fryer is versatile, pressure cookers – especially multi cookers – are even more so.
If money is no object, however, and if you have the counter space to facilitate it, we recommend using both of these items in tandem. You may find that creating healthy meals at home is quicker and easier than ever with both a pressure cooker and an air fryer at your disposal.