Joybuy Insights

Multicooker with Air Fryer: Our 2026 Recommendations

By Joybuy

Updated June 2026

5 Min Read

An appliance that can pressure cook, slow cook, steam, and fry with hot air. The promise of a multicooker with an air fryer is significant: more counter space and fewer dishes to wash. But with a growing market full of different features and specifications, choosing a model you'll actually use can be a challenge. A poor purchase that ends up gathering dust in a cupboard is a waste of money and space. This guide will help you compare specifications and make an informed decision.

Choosing a Multicooker with an Air Fryer: What to Look For?

Before comparing models, it's helpful to determine which features are important for your household. Focus on the facts and specifications to find the appliance that best suits your cooking style.

Capacity (in litres): The capacity determines for how many people you can cook. A model of around 6 litres is generally suitable for 2 to 4 people. For larger families or if you enjoy meal prepping, a capacity of 7.5 litres or more is a practical choice.
Functions and Cooking Programmes: The term all-in-one appliance is often used, but the available functions vary by model. Always check which programmes are included. Common functions are:
- Pressure Cooking: For quickly cooking stews, beans, or soups. An electric pressure cooker significantly shortens cooking time.
- Air Frying (Hot Air Frying): For a crispy result with less oil.
- Slow Cooking: For slowly cooking dishes at a low temperature.
- Sautéing (Searing): For browning onions, garlic, or searing meat directly in the pot.
- Steaming: A method for cooking vegetables or fish.
- Sous-Vide: Some advanced models offer a sous vide machine function for cooking vacuum-sealed ingredients at a very precise, constant temperature.
Power (Wattage): A higher wattage can lead to a faster preheating time for both the pressure cooking and air fryer functions. This is expressed in Watts (W).
Material and Maintenance: A stainless steel (SS) inner pot is durable and contains no chemical coatings. Check if the inner pot and other removable parts are dishwasher-safe for easy maintenance.

Our 2026 Selection

Based on functionality and specifications, we have selected several models from the Instant Pot brand. This brand is a well-known name in the field of multicookers.

Instant Pot Duo Crisp 7.6L Multicooker with Air Fryer

Why this product: This model is an air fryer and multicooker in one through the use of two separate lids: one for pressure cooking and other 'wet' functions, and a special lid for the air fryer functions. This makes it a highly versatile appliance.
Advantages:
- 11-in-1 functionality: Offers 6 'wet' cooking functions (pressure cook, sauté, steam, slow cook, sous-vide, keep warm) and 5 'dry' functions (air fry, roast, bake, grill, dehydrate).
- EvenCrisp technology: According to the manufacturer, this technology ensures a crispy result with little to no oil.
- Capacity: At 7.6 litres, this model is suitable for families or for preparing larger portions.
- Material: The ceramic-coated air fryer basket is free of BPA/PFOA/PTFE.
Who is this for: For households looking for a combination appliance that offers the functions of both an Instant Pot and an air fryer, to save space and time.

Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 Electric Multicooker

Why this product: The Instant Pot Pro Crisp is a more advanced version of the Duo Crisp. It distinguishes itself with an upgraded inner pot and a wider temperature range, offering more control during cooking.
Advantages:
- Upgraded inner pot: The inner pot is made of high-grade stainless steel (304-grade) and has silicone handles, which makes removing the hot pot easier.
- Wide temperature range: Adjustable from 21 °C to 232 °C, allowing you to both dehydrate at low temperatures and grill at high temperatures.
- Sous-vide function: The sous vide machine function provides precise temperature control (accurate to 1 °C) for consistent results.
- Power: At 1500 W, this model has powerful performance for fast preheating times.
Who is this for: For the home cook who loves to experiment with different cooking techniques like sous-vide and grilling, and values high-quality materials and precise temperature settings.

Instant Pot Rio XL - 7.1L Multicooker

Why this product: This model focuses on the core functions of a multicooker and features an extra-wide inner pot. Note: this model does not have an integrated air fryer function. It is a 7-in-1 multicooker.
Advantages:
- Wide inner pot: The wider base provides 33% more cooking surface, which is useful for searing larger cuts of meat or sautéing more ingredients at once.
- Energy saving: According to the manufacturer, this appliance saves up to 80% energy compared to traditional cooking methods.
- Capacity: At 7.1 litres, this is a spacious model, suitable for larger meals.
- Core functions: Offers 7 functions, including pressure cooking, sautéing, slow cooker, steaming, and a yoghurt maker.
Who is this for: For large families primarily looking for a reliable and spacious electric pressure cooker and slow cooker, who do not need the air fryer function or already own a separate device.

Can't Find the Right Combination Appliance?

A multicooker with an air fryer is an efficient solution, but it may not suit everyone's needs. You might prefer a specialised pressure cooker or a separate air fryer with a larger basket. If you want to explore the possibilities of different types of cookware, from traditional pressure cookers to specialised pots, you can browse a wider assortment.

For an overview of various cooking solutions, check out our kitchen pots category.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a multicooker and a slow cooker?

A slow cooker is designed for a single task: slowly cooking dishes at a low, constant temperature. A multicooker is a more versatile appliance that, in addition to slow cooking, can have other functions such as pressure cooking, steaming, rice cooking, and sautéing. A multicooker with an air fryer adds the function of hot air frying to that list.

Is cooking in a multicooker with an air fryer healthier?

The air fryer function makes it possible to give dishes like fries, snacks, and vegetables a crispy texture with significantly less oil than traditional frying. The pressure cooking function can help retain more nutrients in food compared to longer cooking methods like boiling. However, it is not a guarantee of healthy meals; that depends on the ingredients you use.

How much power does a multicooker use?

Power consumption depends on the model, its wattage, and the function being used. An Instant Pot like the Pro Crisp has a power rating of 1500 W. According to the manufacturer, these appliances are designed to be energy-efficient, especially the pressure cooking function, which drastically reduces cooking time. Compared to the prolonged use of a large oven, a multicooker can be a more energy-efficient option for certain dishes.

Written by the Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer