Instant Pot 10QT Air Fryer Review: The Family-Sized Kitchen Workhorse (2026)

The 10-quart oven-style interior is the star: it fits a 5-lb chicken on the rotisserie spit or 6 portions of fries.

With seven functions, it replaces multiple appliances. The included rotisserie basket and trays make meal prep easy. The oven-style layout with two trays lets you cook multiple items simultaneously. For example, you can roast chicken on one tray and vegetables on the other, saving time. The rotisserie spit accommodates a 4-5 lb bird, and the included lift tool makes removal safe. Dehydrating at 140°F for 6-8 hours yields perfect fruit leather or jerky, and the large capacity means you can prepare big batches. The 95°F minimum temperature is also low enough for proofing dough, though it's not marketed heavily. Overall, this appliance can handle the vast majority of a family's cooking needs, from breakfast biscuits to late-night snacks.

On a Sunday, roast a chicken at 375°F for 60 minutes, then dehydrate fruit at 140°F for snacks.

Families of four or more who batch cook proteins and sides will love this.

EvenCrisp uses 1500W of power and rapid air to achieve golden crunch with up to 95% less oil.

Independent tests brown fries and wings evenly, though the 400°F cap limits extra crispiness. The EvenCrisp system circulates hot air at high speed, ensuring even browning even when the trays are fully loaded. We've seen reports that frozen foods like mozzarella sticks and fish fillets come out perfectly crispy without needing to flip, thanks to the powerful fan. The 1500-watt heating element recovers quickly after the door is opened, minimizing temperature drops. While it can't achieve the extreme blistering skin of a deep fryer, it delivers a satisfying crunch with far less oil and mess. For wings, a light spray of oil and a dusting of baking powder can help boost crispiness, a trick shared by many users. The roast function works well for whole chickens, with skin crisping nicely and meat staying juicy. The broil mode is handy for melting cheese on nachos or finishing a frittata.

Frozen fries go from freezer to table in 15 minutes, no preheating needed.

If you demand extreme crunch, the Ninja AF181's 450°F MaxCrisp wins.

The plastic chassis keeps weight at 19 lbs but feels less sturdy than metal competitors.

Hand-washing is recommended, though trays are dishwasher safe. The tempered glass window is a bright spot. The plastic housing reduces cost and weight, making it easier to move around than full stainless steel models. However, it's prone to scratches and can discolor slightly over time. The control panel is responsive, with a bright digital display that's easy to read from across the kitchen. One minor annoyance: the door doesn't open completely flat, so sliding out the trays requires a slight lift. The nonstick coating on the trays holds up well if you avoid metal utensils. Many users opt to line the drip tray with foil for easier cleanup. The unit's feet are sturdy and prevent sliding on the counter. Because of its height, it may not fit under standard overhead cabinets when the door is open, so placement under a cabinet requires caution.

At 13.23" deep, it juts out on standard 25.6" countertops. Small kitchens may struggle.

After a year, scratches appear but function holds up. It's a workhorse, not a showpiece.

The touch controls are intuitive with one-touch programs for fries, chicken, and more.

The oven-style door opens downward for easy tray sliding. Cleanup is simple: wipe exterior, dishwasher trays. The pre-set programs take the guesswork out of cooking times, but manual adjustments are straightforward. The countdown timer begins once preheat is complete, which is a nice touch. The interior light allows you to check progress through the window, though the light can't be turned off manually—it stays on during cooking. The controls beep softly, but there's no mute option. Cleanup is quick: a wipe-down of the interior with a damp cloth usually suffices, with deeper cleans once a week. Some users report that the rotating basket can be tricky to align correctly, but once you get the hang of it, it's smooth. The included recipe booklet is basic, but the Instant Pot app offers many more recipes tailored to this model.

Noise is about 62 dB—like a conversation. The rotisserie motor adds a soft hum.

Use a dedicated outlet to avoid tripping a circuit with other high-wattage appliances.

The rotisserie is the 10QT's killer feature—it spins a whole chicken evenly, delivering juicy interior and crisp skin.

The basket handles wings or Brussels sprouts for all-over browning. Dehydration runs at 140°F for hours. The rotisserie is what sets this air fryer apart from smaller basket models. It rotates slowly, ensuring even cooking and self-basting, which yields a beautifully browned chicken every time. The basket is ideal for evenly roasting vegetables or making perfect French fries with little to no oil. Dehydration works well for making apple chips, kale chips, or dried herbs. You can dehydrate up to 6 trays' worth of food in the 10-quart oven, though you may need additional trays (not included) to maximize space. The low and steady heat is perfect for preserving without cooking. Some enthusiasts even use it for proofing yogurt or making sun-dried tomatoes. The only downside is that the dehydrator function takes many hours, and you might need to rotate trays for even drying.

Standalone dehydrators have more trays, but this does both functions adequately, saving space.

Rotisserie fans get a no-brainer upgrade from a basic air fryer.