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Thinking about getting the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer? I had the same question. Does it work as well as people say? After using it almost every day, I can say it’s more than just hype. I’ve made fries, reheated leftovers, and even roasted veggies, all faster and crispier than my oven. In this guide, I’ll share what I love, what I don’t, and a few tips I’ve learned along the way. If you’re unsure, my experience may help you make a decision.

First Impressions & Unboxing Experience

When the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer arrived at my door, I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. The box was big but not too heavy. I could carry it on my own, a good start.

Unboxing was easy. Everything was packed snugly, with foam inserts and clear plastic wrapping. Right away, the matte black finish caught my eye. It looked sleek. Modern. Like something that belongs on your counter, not tucked away in a cabinet.

The clear window in the front? Total game-changer. Most air fryers make you guess what’s going on inside. However, this one lets you see your food cook in real-time, thanks to the built-in light. It felt like having a tiny oven with a front-row view.

The touchscreen panel looked fancy but wasn’t overwhelming. No confusing buttons or tiny text. Just clean icons and a smooth surface that wipes clean with one swipe. My first thought? “Finally, an air fryer that doesn’t feel like a spaceship.”

What stood out most to me, though, was the build. It didn’t feel cheap or plasticky. The handle felt sturdy, and the tray slid in and out smoothly. Even the feet had little grips, so it wouldn’t slide on the counter.

Before I even plugged it in, I could tell this wasn’t your average air fryer. It looked like a serious upgrade, not just in style, but in thoughtfulness. Every piece seemed made to make cooking easier, faster, and more fun.

What I Cooked First (And Why That Matters)

The first thing I made in the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer was, of course, French fries. I know, classic. But to me, fries are the perfect test. They need to be hot, crispy, and golden. If an air fryer can get that right, I’m all in.

I used frozen fries from the store. Nothing fancy. I opened the basket, dropped them in, and picked the air fry preset. The screen was easy to read, and I didn’t even need the manual. It felt intuitive, like using a microwave with a glow-up.

The preheat time? Super quick. Just a few minutes, and it beeped to let me know it was ready. That alone made me happy. My oven takes forever, and I didn’t miss waiting around. I hit start, watched through the window, and waited.

About halfway through, I opened the basket to give the fries a quick shake. The machine paused on its own. When I closed it again, it picked up right where it left off. No buttons. No hassle. That tiny detail made a big difference.

When the timer beeped, I pulled them out, and wow. Crispy on the outside. Soft in the middle. No soggy spots. The Instant Pot Vortex nailed it. Even my partner said, “These taste like restaurant fries.” That’s when I knew I had a winner.

If you’re wondering how to use the Instant Pot Vortex right out of the box, this is it. Start simple. Let it show off. For me, the fries were more than a snack; they were proof. Fast, easy, and way better than I expected.

Features That Make It a Winner

After weeks of use, I can say this: the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer isn’t just pretty. Its features help make meals fast, easy, and fun.

ClearCook Window & Light

This is one of the best things. You don’t have to open the door to check your food. The ClearCook window lets you watch it cook. The light inside shows you what’s going on.

I used to pull out the basket a lot just to peek. Now I don’t need to. I can see my fries getting golden or my veggies crisping up. It’s clear, and I like that. It saves time and keeps the heat in.

Touchscreen Controls

Some fryers are hard to use. Not this one. The touchscreen is easy. It shows clean icons. It’s not full of buttons or tiny text.

If I mess up the time or temp, I just tap and fix it. No stress. It also wipes clean fast. My uncle, who hates tech, tried it and got it right on the first go. That says a lot.

Cooking Presets & Customization

It’s not just for fries. The Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer can bake, roast, broil, and dry food, too. I’ve made toast, salmon, and even dried mango. All in one machine.

The presets save time. I made wings once, saved the time and temp, and now it’s just one tap to do it again. If I forget to preheat? It still works fine. But if I want to preheat, I can do that too. It’s fast.

Safe Build and Smart Design

It feels strong. The handle stays cool, even when the food is hot. If I open the door mid-cook, it stops. When I shut it, it starts again. No burn risk. The back vent gets hot. I keep it a few inches from the wall. There’s a label there, too, which helps remind you. Smart touch. What I like most? It feels solid. Not cheap. My Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6-quart sits firmly on the counter. No sliding, no shaking. It’s made to last.

Performance – Does It Work?

Short answer? Yes, the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer works, and it works well.

I’ll be honest, I was not easily impressed. I’ve used other air fryers before. They did the job, but none wowed me. This one, though? It’s like the fast, fun version of my oven. It preheats in under 4 minutes. That alone saves me a lot of time, especially when I’m hungry and don’t want to wait.

The heat spreads evenly. And the results show it. I’ve roasted veggies, made fries, and even reheated pizza, all came out hot and crisp. Not rubbery or soggy. I once made tofu that was crispy on the outside and soft in the center. That was a win. I even baked cookies, and they didn’t burn around the edges. This thing cooks with care.

The auto-turn reminder is a nice touch. It beeps halfway to tell you to shake or flip the food. I don’t always do it, but when I do, the food turns out better. Fries are crisp on all sides. That little beep? It matters.

It’s not loud either. You’ll hear it, yes, but it won’t drown out a podcast or a chat. It hums more than anything. It uses 1700 watts at 120 volts, the same as many kitchen tools. But it cooks fast. So it’s not running long like an oven does.

One more thing, the built-in light. Total game-changer. I can check my food without opening the door. That keeps the heat in. It may sound small, but it adds up. It feels pro, like I’m running my test kitchen.

The Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer doesn’t just talk a big game. It delivers. Fast cooking. Even heat. Crispy results. And it makes daily cooking easier. For me, that’s a win.

Day-to-Day Use – What I Love Most

Here’s where the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer truly shines. It’s in the small, everyday stuff. Those little moments that save time. Each morning, I use it to toast or air fry. It’s quick. I don’t preheat unless I’m cooking meat. I toss in waffles or reheat potatoes, and it’s done in minutes. Crispy. Hot. Never soggy.

Clean-up? Super easy. The basket and tray slide out smoothly. I wipe them down with a soft sponge. I often use parchment paper or liners, too. It keeps the mess down. No burnt bits. No scrubbing. Just rinse and go.

It fits into my routine without stress. Unlike the oven, I don’t need to plan. I grab what I need, pop it in, and press a button. The Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer makes last-minute meals feel planned.

Some days, I air fry dumplings for lunch between Zoom calls. Crispy on the bottom. Soft on top. No boiling. No pan. Just hot air. That’s why this thing sits on my counter. I use it more than my stove or microwave now. If you want fast meals without giving up taste, this is a win. It makes life easier. And food is better.

What Could Be Better

Now, it’s not perfect. I love my Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer, but there are a few small things that could improve.

First, the light turns off during cooking. You can tap to turn it back on, but I wish it would stay on. I like to peek at fries or wings without opening them. It’s like turning off the movie halfway, not cool.

Then there’s the hot air vent in the back. It blows strongly and gets very hot. I keep it a few inches from the wall just to be safe. There’s a warning label, but still, be careful if you’ve got little kids or a tight space.

Next up is the beep that reminds you to shake. It works fine, but you can’t change the volume. It’s soft. If the room is loud or you’re not near, it’s easy to miss. I’d love a volume setting in a future update.

Also, the tray coating. It’s non-stick, which I like. But it can scratch. I never use metal tools. I clean it with a soft sponge, always by hand. It’s not dishwasher-safe. You’ve got to treat it nicely if you want it to last. These things are small. They don’t stop me from using it daily. But knowing them early helps you take better care of it and avoid little annoyances.

Final Verdict: Is the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer Worth It?

If you’ve made it this far, you already know I like the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer. It’s not just another kitchen gadget that ends up in the back of a cabinet. This one stays out, right on the counter, because I use it all the time.

It’s fast. It’s simple. It makes real food taste better. I don’t need to preheat my oven. I don’t need to stand by the stove. I just tap, cook, and eat. It fits right into my day, whether I’m rushing through lunch or making late-night snacks.

Now, is it perfect? Not quite. The light turns off mid-cook. The back vent gets hot. And I wish the shake reminder were louder. But none of these are deal-breakers. They’re more like little quirks, the kind you notice, then forget about once the food hits your plate.

If you want meals that are crisp, hot, and done fast, this is your new best friend. If you’ve got a small kitchen, a busy schedule, or just want to eat better with less stress, the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer makes a lot of sense.

Read More: Breville vs Ninja Blender: My Honest Take After Testing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What size is the Instant Pot Vortex Plus air fryer?

The Instant Pot Vortex Plus I use is the 6-quart version. It’s the sweet spot, not too big, not too small. I can fit a bag of fries, a batch of wings, or four pieces of salmon without crowding the tray. For my small kitchen, it’s perfect. If you’re cooking for 1–3 people, this size feels just right.

Does it need to be preheated?

It can preheat, but you don’t always have to. I usually skip it for fries or toast. But when I make chicken or anything thicker, I let it preheat for a few minutes. It’s super quick, way faster than my oven. If you’re short on time, it still cooks well even without preheating.

Can I see food while it’s cooking?

Yes, and it’s one of my favorite things. The ClearCook window and built-in light let you watch your food as it crisps up. It feels like peeking into a tiny oven. I love not having to open the basket and lose heat just to check. It’s great for timing things just right.

How do I turn off the beeping?

Right now, you can’t change or mute the beep volume. It’s soft, which I found out the hard way when I missed the shake reminder during a movie night. I wish there were a volume setting. For now, I just keep an ear out, especially if I’m making something that needs flipping halfway.

Is it dishwasher-safe?

The tray and basket aren’t labeled dishwasher-safe, and I treat them gently. I use a soft sponge and warm, soapy water. It’s quick to clean since food doesn’t stick much. I also use parchment liners, which keep things tidy. Trust me, clean-up takes less time than scrolling TikTok.

What can I cook in it?

So many things! I’ve done fries, chicken, salmon, dumplings, cookies, and even toasted sandwiches. It’s like a mini oven that cooks with hot air. I love it for leftovers, too. Pizza comes out crispy, not soggy. I haven’t touched my microwave much since getting the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer.

How to reset cooking presets?

It’s easy. Just pick a preset, adjust the time and temp you want, then hold the button for a few seconds. It saves your custom setting. I did this for wings and use it every week. It’s one tap and done. No more guessing every time.