Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer Review: Big Performance in a Compact Package

There’s no shortage of air fryers on the market, but finding one that’s truly versatile, user‑friendly, and built for everyday use? That’s where the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer stands out. Designed by the same folks who brought us the wildly popular Instant Pot pressure cooker, this model packs powerful performance and thoughtful features into a sleek, countertop‑friendly design.

Whether you're cooking for one, feeding a family, or trying to eat a little healthier without giving up that irresistible crispy texture, this air fryer hits the mark in almost every way.

Build Quality & First Impressions

From the moment you unpack the Vortex Plus, it’s clear this isn’t just another cheap plastic kitchen gadget. The stainless steel finish adds a modern, high‑end look that fits well into any kitchen setup. It's also not as bulky as some competitors with the same capacity, which is a plus if counter space is at a premium.

The controls are clean and intuitive. A touchscreen interface shows you exactly what’s happening at every stage, and the knob lets you quickly scroll through temperature and time settings — no endless tapping on up/down arrows. That might sound like a small detail, but when you’re mid‑meal prep, it makes a big difference.

That said, there is one slightly puzzling design choice: the display shows a bright “OFF” when not in use — and it never turns off. In a dark kitchen, it can feel like a nightlight. While it's not a dealbreaker, some users may find this unnecessarily distracting.

Size, Capacity & Design Efficiency

Don’t let the 6‑quart size fool you — this thing is roomier than it looks. The square basket design makes better use of space than round air fryers, allowing you to fit a surprising amount of food in one layer, which is key to achieving that signature air fryer crisp.

It comfortably fits 1.5–2 pounds of chicken wings, multiple pork chops, or even a small batch of baked potatoes. For everyday cooking, it’s more than enough. If you’re preparing meals for 3–5 people, it handles the job without breaking a sweat. And for singles or couples, it doubles as an ultra‑efficient alternative to using a full‑size oven.

The compact footprint also means it stores well under cabinets, though it looks good enough to leave out if you use it frequently — which you probably will.

Price & Overall Value

At its current price point, the Instant Pot Vortex Plus delivers exceptional value. You're getting six cooking functions in one unit: air fry, bake, roast, broil, dehydrate, and reheat. It doesn't try to be a do‑it‑all smart oven — it focuses on air frying and does it incredibly well.

The combination of smart design, high heat capacity (up to 400°F), and solid construction gives it an edge over cheaper models. And while it lacks a viewing window like some higher‑end units, most users won't miss it once they get the hang of the cooking cycles.

Considering how often it ends up replacing your oven, microwave, toaster, and frying pan — it’s a small investment for big‑time kitchen efficiency.

Cooking Performance & Features

Let’s get into what matters most: how well it actually cooks.

The EvenCrisp™ technology is the real hero here. From frozen foods to fresh cuts, the results are consistently impressive. French fries come out golden with a satisfying crunch, chicken wings are juicy with crispy skin, and even thick cuts like pork chops or steak turn out evenly cooked inside and out.

If you’re reheating leftovers, it’s a total game‑changer. Pizza, fried foods, even roasted vegetables — all reheat beautifully without the sogginess of a microwave. The broil function is especially great for adding a finishing crisp to dishes or cooking bacon to perfection.

The temperature range of 95°F–400°F and the adjustable timer make it flexible for everything from dehydrating fruit to baking brownies. It handles small personal pizzas, crisping garlic bread, and cooking frozen snacks in record time with far less oil and mess than a traditional fryer.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning is blissfully simple. The nonstick basket and crisper tray rinse clean with soap and water, or you can toss them in the dishwasher. There's little to no grease buildup thanks to the airflow design, and even after heavy use, the basket remains easy to wipe down.

A few users reported a slight plastic smell during the first few uses. That’s normal for many air fryers and fades after a few empty “burn‑in” cycles. It’s just the manufacturing oils burning off, and not something to worry about long‑term.

Pro tip: using parchment liners or silicone mats can further reduce cleanup time, especially when cooking saucy or sticky foods.

Learning Curve & Usability

For beginners, there’s a short learning curve — mainly figuring out timing and shaking intervals. While the touchscreen interface is intuitive, the included manual is a bit sparse, and the Instant Brands app could offer more air fryer‑specific recipes.

Still, once you’ve used it a few times, you’ll find that most foods follow the same basic patterns. Chicken? 380°F for 18–22 minutes. Fries? 400°F for 10–12 minutes. Grilled cheese? 6 minutes at 400°F — crisp and gooey every time.

Having a little cheat sheet for timing can go a long way, and fortunately, dozens of free printable guides are available online.

Pros & Cons

Specifications