I’ve tested both extensively, and while they each bring something unique to the table, the right choice depends on your cooking style. From crispy fries to tender stews, let’s break down the real pros and cons so you can pick the powerhouse that fits your kitchen—and your life—best.
Editor's Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for family-sized crunch: Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries
- Best for party-ready power: Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries
- Best for tendercrisp pro: Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer
- Best for frozen-to-crisp: Ninja Foodi 10 in 1
- Best for 300 preset master: Nuwave Duet Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with 2 Switchable Lids
- Best for grill+air fusion: Nuwave Duet Air Fryer
- Best for 13-function flex: Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid
- Best for large capacity pro: Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Fries
- Best for max crisp xl: Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp
- Best for rotisserie powerhouse: CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie
Product Comparison: Best Air Fryer Or Pressure Cooker
Family-Sized Crunch
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Sautés, Dehydrates, & More, Free App With Over 800 Recipes, 6 Quart
Instant Pot
- 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 options, from hearty soups to decadent desserts.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- EvenCrisp Technology: Achieve the perfect crunch with 95% less oil than traditional deep frying.
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 6-quart capacity is perfect for up to 6 servings—ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe pressure cooking lid and inner pot make clean-up a breeze.
- Power-Packed Performance: 1500 watts, 120V 60Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection and an easy seal safety lid lock, to keep cooking worry-free.
- A Little Extra: Includes broil and dehydrator tray, air fryer basket, air fryer basket base, steam rack, air fryer lid, pressure cooker lid and stainless steel inner pot to keep you ready for anything.
Party-Ready Power
Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Sautés, Dehydrates, & More, Free App With Over 800 Recipes, 8 Quart
Instant Pot
- 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: Includes two removable lids to seamlessly switch between pressure cooking and air frying.
- EvenCrisp Technology: Achieve the perfect crunch with 95% less oil than traditional deep frying.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Cooking Status at a Glance: Status lights guide you through each stage of the cooking process, so you always know what's going on.
- Family-Sized Capacity: The roomy 8-quart size is ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking—and perfect for potlucks and parties.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe pressure cooking lid and inner pot make clean-up a breeze.
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms including overheat protection and an easy seal safety lid lock for worry-free cooking.
- A Little Extra: Includes multi-functional stainless steel rack, multi-level air fryer basket with base and broil/dehydrating tray, and protective pad and storage cover.
- Power-Packed Performance: 1500 watts, 120V 60Hz, UL & ULC Listed
TenderCrisp Pro
Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer, 6.5 Quart - Stainless Steel Multi-Cooker with Precise Heating - Perfect Holiday Gift & Healthy Fast Cooking (OS300)
Generic
- 10 in 1 functionality: Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Steam, Sous Vide, Yogurt, Air Fry, Broil, Bake/Roast, Dehydrate, Sear/Saute.
- Precise Heating: Premium bottom heating elements ensure total temperature control.
- TenderCrisp Technology: Pressure cook quickly and finish with a crisp golden exterior.
- Fast and Healthy: Cook up to 70% faster than traditional methods and air fry with up to 75% less fat
- Large Capacity: The 6.5-quart pot is perfect for family meals, accommodating a 5-lb chicken or 3 lbs of French fries.
- Easy Cleanup: Ceramic-coated, nonstick pot and plates are PTFE/PFOA free and dishwasher safe.
- Included Accessories: Pressure lid, reversible broil rack, and 15 chef-inspired recipes to get you started.
Frozen-to-Crisp
Ninja Foodi 10 in 1, 6.5 Quart Pro Pressure Cooker Air Fryer Multicooker, Precise Heating, Slow Cook, Steam, Sous Vide, Yogurt, Broil, Bake/Roast, Dehydrate, Sear/Saute, Stainless (OS300)
Generic
- 10 in 1 functionality: Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Steam, Sous Vide, Yogurt, Air Fry, Broil, Bake/Roast, Dehydrate, Sear/Saute.
- Tender Crisp Technology provides the best of pressure cooking and air frying all in one pot to quickly lock in juices and then swap lids for a golden, crispy finish.
- Tender Crisp frozen to crispy chicken wings in as little as 20 minutes*, and 5 lb chicken in less than an hour.* (*Based on cook time under pressure and crisping.)
- Air Fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods.
- Pressure Cook up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods.
- 6.5 qt cooking pot and 4.6 qt Cook & Crisp Plate are ceramic-coated, nonstick, PTFE/PFOA free, and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- Family Capacity: Fit up to a 5-lb chicken or a 6-lb roast.
- Nesting Broil Rack lets you steam, broil, add a layer of capacity, and cook mains and sides at the same time for family meals.
- Includes chef-inspired recipes and additional cooking charts for meal-making inspiration.
300 Preset Master
Nuwave Duet Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with 2 Switchable Lids, 300 FoolProof One-Touch Presets, Crisp&Tender Tech, 6QT Heavy-duty Stainless Steel Pot, 15+ Safety Features
Nuwave
- 540-IN-1 MULTICOOKER: 3 cooking modules with 2 removable lids enable multiple cooking functions, including Air Fry, Pressure Cook, Combo Cook, Steam, Sear, Saute, Slow Cook, Roast, Grill, Bake, Dehydrate and more. Besides, 300 presets Plus 240 memory slots let you cook like a pro with ease.
- 6 MINS TO A PERFECT DISH: NuWave electric pressure cooker employs Dynamic Pressure Control Technology, maxmaking 200 pressure adjustments to maintain continuous boiling, thus maximizing nutrition and 20% tastier flavor release. With 80kPa max pressure, cooking speed is 70% faster than others.
- TENDER&CRISPY COMBO COOK: Start with pressure cooking to lock in the juices, finish with air frying for a brown and crispy texture. Combo cooking delivers 101% tenderness and 90% less oil for outstanding results.
- SIMPLE YET PROFESSIONAL: This air fryer combo boasts an intuitive digital display with indicator lights and a 2-in-1 dial control panel, providing easy access to 300+240 one-touch presets. Additionally, it offers 3 Sear modes and 5-stage cooking for maximum customization. Duet values your control over every detail.
- 3-THICKER INNER POT: The pressure cooker inner pot crafted from heavy-duty 18/10 stainless steel, triple-thick, non-coated, easily withstand 6 lbs of friction for 6,000 cycles. Bone-Friendly and Wear-Resistant.
- 15 SAFETY FEATURES: include overheat protection, automatic pressure release, Sure-Lock technology, and more. Rigorous safety testing ensures that the Duet pressure cooker is one of the safest pressure cookers ever produced.
- 6QT FAMILY SIZE: 6 qt. easily serves up to 4-6 people or allows for batch cooking for singles. You can cook a whole 5 lbs chicken or a 6 lbs roast in one go.
- 24H DELAY TIMER: The pressure cooker allows you to schedule meals with 24-hour delay, so you can enjoy them right after waking up or getting home from work. The keep-warm feature keeps food at the perfect temperature until you're ready to enjoy it.
- EASY TO CLEAN: All accessories are dishwasher-safe; the removable lid, particularly on the air fryer, includes a safety shield to prevent food residue from splattering inside; the detachable drip tray effectively prevents steam splashes.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: 6 qt. stainless-steel inner pot, reversible cooking rack, 4 qt. air fry basket, removable air fryer lid, pressure cooker lid. Additionally, you'll find a manual, a quick start guide, a recipe book with 40 recipes, and access to the NuWave Cooking Club App, which offers hundreds of recipes from our executive chefs.
Grill+Air Fusion
Nuwave Duet Air Fryer, Electric Pressure Cooker & Grill Combo, 540 IN 1 Multicooker with 2 Removable Lids, Slow Cook, Sears, Sautés, 18/10 SS Pot, Sure-Lock Safety Tech & 9 Deluxe Accessories
Nuwave
- 540 IN I PRESETS: This air fryer and pressure cooker combo comes with 2 removable lids plus deluxe cooking accessories so you can easily pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, grill, sear, sauté and more. In addition, it features 300 one-touch presets and 240 memory slots, making it one of the machines with the most presets worldwide.
- DYNAMIC PRESSURE CONTROL TECH: Nuwave electric pressure cooker employs Dynamic Pressure Control Technology, maxmaking 200 times pressure adjustments to maintain continuous boiling, thus maximizing nutrition and 20% tastier flavor release. With 80kPa max pressure, cooking speed is 70% faster than others.
- TENDER&CRISPY COMBO COOK: Nuwave Duet is designed with Combo Cook functionality, which fulfills your imagination of combining the effects of a pressure cooker and an air fryer. It starts with pressure cooking to lock in the juices, and finishes with air frying for a brown and crispy texture. Combo cooking delivers 101% tenderness and 90% less oil for outstanding results.
- SIMPLE YET PROFESSIONAL: This air fryer combo boasts an intuitive digital display with indicator lights and a 2-in-1 dial control panel, providing easy access to 300+240 one-touch presets. Additionally, it offers 3 Sear modes and 5-stage cooking for maximum customization. Duet values your control over every detail.
- 15 SAFETY FEATURES: This electric pressure cooker is designed with features including overheat protection, automatic pressure release, Sure-Lock technology, and more. Rigorous safety testing ensures that the Duet pressure cooker is one of the safest pressure cookers ever produced.
- 3-THICKER INNER POT: The pressure cooker inner pot crafted from heavy-duty 18/10 stainless steel, triple-thick, non-coated, easily withstand 6 lbs of friction for 6,000 cycles. Bone-Friendly and Wear-Resistant.
- 6QT FAMILY SIZE: 6 qt. easily serves up to 4-6 people or allows for batch cooking for singles. You can cook a whole 5 lbs chicken or a 6 lbs roast in one go.
- 24H DELAY TIMER: The pressure cooker allows you to schedule meals with 24-hour delay, so you can enjoy them right after waking up or getting home from work. The keep-warm feature keeps food at the perfect temperature until you're ready to enjoy it.
- EASY TO CLEAN: All accessories are dishwasher-safe; the removable lid, particularly on the air fryer, includes a safety shield to prevent food residue from splattering inside; the detachable drip tray effectively prevents steam splashes.
- 9 DELUXE ACCESSORIES＆60-RECIPE BOOK: air fryer lid, pressure cooker lid, 6 qt. stainless-steel inner pot, 4 qt. air fry basket, reversible rack, griddle plate, rib rack, black silicone mitts, lid holder. Additionally, you'll find a manual, a quick start guide, a recipe book with 60 recipes, and access to the Nuwave Cooking Club App, which offers hundreds of recipes from our executive chefs.
13-Function Flex
Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid,13-in-1 Air Fryer&Pressure Cooker Combo, Sauté, Slow Cook, Bake, Steam, Warm, Roast, Dehydrate, Sous Vide&Proof, App With Over 800 Recipes,1500 watts,6.5 Quart,Black
Instant Pot
- 13 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, steam, sauté, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, sous vide, make yogurt, proof bread, or simply keep your meal warm— all in one appliance.
- The Best of Both Worlds: One lid switches effortlessly between pressure cooking, air frying, and more. No attachments needed
- Safe & Easy Steam Release: Activate venting directly from the control panel, and get a clear “OK to Open Lid” message on the large, easy-to-read display.
- EvenCrisp Technology: Achieve the perfect crunch with 95% less oil than traditional deep frying
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe pressure cooking cover, air frying rack, and cooking pot make clean-up a breeze
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 6.5-quart capacity is perfect for up to 6 servings—ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking
- A Little Extra: Includes a 2-in-1 steamer and air frying rack and a pressure cooking cover to keep you ready for anything.
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 11+ safety features, including overheat protection and a safe locking lid for worry-free cooking
- Power Packed Performance: 1500 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
Large Capacity Pro
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Dehydrates,Free App With Over 800 Recipes, Black/Stainless Steel, 8QT
Instant Pot
- 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 options, from hearty soups to decadent desserts.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- EvenCrisp Technology: Achieve the perfect crunch with 95% less oil than traditional deep frying.
- Customizable Air Fry Range: Dial in the perfect crisp with a temperature range of 70°F (21°C) to 450°F (232°C).
- Pro-Grade Cooking Pot: Durable stainless-steel (18/8) with a tri-ply bottom that’s stovetop- and oven-friendly, plus easy-grip silicone handles for lifting, searing, and sautéing.
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 8-quart capacity is perfect for up to 8 servings—ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe pressure cooking lid and inner pot make clean-up a breeze.
- Power-Packed Performance and Proven Peace of Mind: 1500 watts, 120V 60Hz, UL & ULC Listed. Features over 10 safety mechanisms including overheat protection and an easy seal safety lid lock for worry-free cooking.
- A Little Extra: Includes broil and dehydrator tray, air fryer basket, air fryer basket base, steam rack, air fryer lid, pressure cooker lid, stainless-steel inner pot, protective pad, and storage cover to keep you ready for anything.
Max Crisp XL
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
Ninja
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers up to 450°F of superheated air for faster, hotter, and extra-crispy results using little to no oil—perfect for fries, wings, and more. Achieve that golden crunch with rapid air circulation.
- Guilt-Free, Healthy Fried Foods: Enjoy the indulgence of fried food with up to 75% less fat compared to traditional deep frying. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries for proven healthier results.
- XL Capacity Air Fryer: The 6.5-quart nonstick basket and crisper plate hold up to 5 lbs. of French fries or 9 lbs. of chicken wings ideal for family meals, game day, and meal prepping.
- Cooks Frozen Foods Fast: Go from frozen to crispy in minutes with powerful Max Crisp settings no need to thaw. Get a restaurant-style finish straight from the freezer.
- 6-in-1 Cooking Functions: Includes Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate a complete countertop solution for healthier, oil-free meals.
- Space-Saving Design: The compact footprint of the Ninja AF181 fits seamlessly on your countertop without sacrificing its generous capacity ideal for smaller kitchens.
- Easy to Clean: Both the air fryer basket and crisper plate are nonstick and dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup after every meal.
- What’s Included: The Ninja AF181 Air Fryer, 6.5-qt. nonstick basket, crisper plate, a 20-recipe chef-created cookbook, and detailed cooking charts to get you started.
Rotisserie Powerhouse
CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer+ Rotisserie, Dehydrator, Convection Oven, 17 Touch Screen Presets Fry, Roast, Dehydrate, Bake, XL 10L Family Size, Auto Shutoff, Large Easy-View Window, Black
Chefman
- Versatile countertop cooking: Air fry, bake, dehydrate, rotisserie, or roast to crispy perfection in one convenient appliance
- Cook faster: No need to preheat like traditional ovens. This all-in-one convection oven uses rapid air heating elements to cook fast, even, and crispy food
- Healthy cooking made easy: Make healthy meals using 98% less oil than traditional fryers
- Simplified set-up: Anyone can cook perfect meals in minutes with 17 preset options and an easy-to-use capacitive touch control screen
- All-inclusive: Includes three air flow racks, stainless steel rotisserie oven spit with retrieval tool, and a drip tray
- Family-size meals: Make meals for the family with the extra-large 10-Liter capacity. Also great for meal-prepping large quantities of food
- Monitor cooking progress: The interior lights and extra-large air fryer oven window allow you to check your food's cooking progress
- Minimal clean-up: The removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe parts keep cleanup fast and simple
- Resources: cETL approved with advanced safety technology for long-lasting durability and a 1-year assurance provided by Chefman. 120 Volts/1700 Watts – RJ38-10-RDO-V2
- 11.8"D*12.2"W*14.6"H, 14.2 pounds (6,44kg)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What are the main differences in cooking functions between the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11‑in‑1 and the Ninja Foodi 10‑in‑1?
Both appliances combine pressure cooking and air frying, but the Duo Crisp adds dedicated functions like sterilize, rice cooking, and a dehydrate mode, giving it 11 built‑in programs. The Ninja Foodi focuses on a broader range of specialty modes such as sous‑vide, yogurt, and a sear/sauté function, totaling 10 functions. Choose the Duo Crisp if you need more preset cooking styles, and the Foodi if you value advanced temperature control and specialty options.
How does pot capacity vary across the models and why is it important?
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp and Pro Crisp both have a 6‑quart inner pot, while the Ninja Foodi models offer 6.5 quarts, giving a slight edge for larger meals. Nuwave Duet units also use a 6‑quart pot but emphasize a triple‑thick stainless steel construction for durability. If you frequently cook for six or more people, the extra half‑quart of the Ninja Foodi can accommodate whole chickens or big batches of fries without crowding.
Which appliance provides the most preset programs and how does that affect ease of use?
Nuwave Duet leads with 540 cooking modules, 300 one‑touch presets, and 240 memory slots, offering the widest library of automated recipes. Instant Pot models typically include 11–13 presets, while Ninja Foodi offers 10 preset functions plus custom temperature control. More presets mean less manual programming, which is helpful for beginners, but the sheer number can be overwhelming if you prefer a simpler interface.
How do the air‑frying technologies (EvenCrisp, TenderCrisp, Max Crisp) compare in terms of crispness and oil reduction?
EvenCrisp (Instant Pot) and TenderCrisp (Ninja Foodi) both claim up to 95 % less oil than deep frying, using rapid hot‑air circulation for a crunchy exterior. Max Crisp (Ninja countertop air fryer) pushes the temperature to 450 °F, delivering extra‑crisp results especially for frozen foods, while still reducing fat by about 75 %. In practice, EvenCrisp and TenderCrisp excel in multi‑stage cooking (pressure‑cook then crisp), whereas Max Crisp is best for quick, high‑heat frying.
What safety features should I prioritize when choosing a combo pressure cooker/air fryer?
Look for automatic pressure release valves, overheat protection, and Sure‑Lock lid mechanisms, which are standard on Instant Pot and Nuwave models. Ninja Foodi adds a safety interlock that prevents the air‑fry lid from opening while pressure is still present. Comprehensive safety systems give peace of mind, especially if the unit will be used frequently or by less‑experienced cooks.
Is the higher price of the Instant Pot Pro Crisp, which includes two removable lids, justified compared to single‑lid models?
The Pro Crisp’s dual‑lid design lets you switch instantly between pressure cooking and air frying without removing the lid, saving time and reducing mess. This convenience can be worth the extra cost if you often alternate between the two cooking modes in a single session. For occasional users, a single‑lid model like the Duo Crisp may provide similar functionality at a lower price point.
How does Nuwave Duet’s 540‑in‑1 preset system compare to the simpler preset lists of other brands?
Nuwave’s extensive preset library offers granular control for niche recipes, which can be a boon for culinary enthusiasts who like to experiment. However, the sheer number may require a learning curve, whereas Instant Pot and Ninja provide a more curated set of presets that are easier to navigate for everyday cooking. Your preference for depth versus simplicity will determine which system feels more valuable.
Which unit offers the best overall value for families that cook large batches regularly?
For families, the Ninja Foodi 10‑in‑1 with its 6.5‑quart capacity, TenderCrisp technology, and versatile cooking modes delivers strong performance at a competitive price. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11‑in‑1 also offers a solid mix of functions and a reliable 6‑quart pot, often at a slightly lower price point. If you prioritize the widest range of presets and advanced safety, the Nuwave Duet may be worth the premium, but the Ninja Foodi generally provides the best balance of capacity, features, and price for batch cooking.