Let me start by saying, that before using the Instant Pot Duo Crisp I had never used an Instant Pot. I've been through three Air Fryers and was gifted an older pressure cooker as a hand me down. Which was from my mom when she purchased her first Instant Pot...if that tells you anything. Now, after many months of use, I figure it's time to share my official Instant Pot Duo Crisp Air Fryer Review.
This Instant Pot Duo Crisp is by far my favorite kitchen appliance that I own. It's one of those rare multi-functional appliances that has turned into an absolute necessity in our household. The Instant Pot was originally purchased as a pressure cooker, but it quickly became apparent how much more the Instant Pot could do, from pressure cooking to air frying.
What is an Instant Pot
If you are new to the world of Instant Pot and why everyone is so crazy about them, I'll explain. The particular model that I have can do everything that I need it to in one small space saving and beautiful appliance.
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a multi-functional cooker which does the job of multiple kitchen appliances replacing your pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice maker, steamer, air fryer, and more!
It also has smart programs (e.g., pressure cook, sauté, slow cook, steam, sous vide, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and de-hydrate), and I found that by combining all of these into one my life became easier and clutter free.
How to Use the Instant Pot Duo Crisp:
Of course when using the Instant Pot Duo Crisp their are directions to follow in every recipe. However, depending on the program you're going to use its as simple as set it and forget it. For example, I've made a couple of cheesecakes. I literally make the crust and cheesecake filling in a spring form pan then place that pan above a cup of of water on the trivet. Set the pressure cooker to the desired time and temp and let it do its thing.
The same holds true fort he air fryer functionality. This works just like any other air fryer. Place your food in the included air fryer basket, put the lid on, set your time and temp and press start.
The possibilities with this product are literally endless.
What Instant Pot Duo Features do I use the most?
More often then not I use the pressure cook feature the most. Instant Pot makes cooking so easy. Like I mentioned before the ease of use is fantastic. But above and beyond that, it just provides an overall better result, especially when it comes to quick weeknight meals. Anything from Fajita's to Broccoli Beef can be done in as little as 20 minutes from start to finish and that blows my mind.
The second most commonly used feature in our household is the Air Fryer. Now, I will admit that I have not gotten rid of our other air fryer but thats for good reason...
Two is better than one!
You see, let's say you're feeding a crowd and want to have fish & chips...Put the fries in one and the fish in the other and have them done, hot, and plated at the exact same time.
In addition to the Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer, I use the sauté feature quite often as well. It eliminates the need to dirty an extra pan and I can cook it all in one pot...instantly. Huh...coincidence?
What accessories are included with Instant Pot Duo Crisp
For the sake of a complete Instant Pot Duo Crisp Air Fryer review I wanted to be sure and let you know what will come in the box. Mainly because I was pleasantly surprised. You of course get the cooker itself which comes with two lids. One for pressure cooking and all other modes except Air Frying, and the other for, well...Air frying.
You also receive a trivet which comes in handy when you're making things like cheesecake or anything that needs to be raised up off the bottom of the bowl insert. The trivet has handles so removing things such as a springform pan is super easy. I also think this would come in handy when cooking something like a full chicken.
Next, you have the air fryer accessories. The unit includes and air fryer basket but also includes a separator. This allows you to have two cooking layers. Think chicken wings on bottom and french fries on top!
While this last mention isn't exactly an accessory and more of a feature, compared to older pressure cookers I think this feature is worth a mention. There is a pressure release button for faster and easier release. You can press and hold to reales the pressure or turn it as well so you don't have to hold it. Long gone are the days of steam burns.
My Favorite Instant Pot Duo Recipes
I have been testing and developing many recipes in the instant pot since I received it about 3 months ago. So far one of my favorites is Broccoli Beef which will be posted to the site soon.
In the mean time checkout one of my most popular instant pot recipes for Charro Beans as well as a super amazing Hatch Chile Cheesecake with Raspberry Coulis.
In Conclusion
If you haven't yet started cooking with the Instant Pot, an Air Fryer, or both then I strongly suggest one of their amazing mulit-cookers. There are a few options to consider but none of them will be the wrong one.
Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or anything to add. I'd love to hear about your experience with Instant Brand line of Home and Kitchen equipment.
Judy Beth McCrory says
Thank you for the complete explanation of this device. I appreciated it.
Jeremy says
Absolutely, Judy! Thank you for taking the time to read it over. I've really been amazed at how easy it is to use but more importantly, how delicious everything turns out.