If you’re in the market for a new kitchen appliance to help making cooking easier, you’re probably on the fence: Air Fryer Vs Instant Pot. Let me give you some pointers to help you decide which one will make the perfect addition to your kitchen.
Why You Should Trust My Advice On Air Fryers Vs. Instant Pots
- Air Fryer Cookbooks: I have two best-selling air fryer cookbooks, Every Day Easy Air Fryer and Air Fryer Revolution , so you can feel confident in knowing that I use air fryers and similar kitchen gadgets on a regular basis, I’m quite familiar with how they work and I know what makes a good air fryer.
- Instant Pot Cookbook Author: I’ve written 5 Instant Pot Cookbooks that have been authorized by Instant Pot.
- Experienced Reviewer : I’ve done various air fryer reviews in the past, so I have a wealth of knowledge about air fryers, roasters, and grills, and what makes one better than another.
- Gadget geek! : I’m a self-proclaimed food tech enthusiast and have been known to purchase (and review ) just about any kitchen appliance I can get my hands on.
If you think you’re alone not knowing which appliance you should choose and what functions they perform, think again. I get asked these questions ALL OF THE TIME . Here are some of the most commonly asked questions that I will discuss to help you choose:
- What Does An Air Fryer Do?
- What Does An Instant Pot Do?
- Can An Instant Pot Be Used As An Air Fryer?
- Which Is Healthier? Instant Pot or Air Fryer?
- What Can You Cook In Them?
- Air Fryer Vs Instant Pot: Which Is Cheaper?
- Should I Get An Air Fryer Or An Instant Pot?
1. What Does An Air Fryer Do?
This all depends on the model of air fryer that you buy. There are air fryers that are super basic and have buttons to select time and temperature only.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are air fryers that offer a dozen preset cooking functions, along with the ability to adjust time and temperature.
Basic Models
- GoWise Air Fryer
- Gourmia Air Fryer
- Ninja Air Fryer
Models With More Functions
- Cosori Air Fryer with Presets
- Breville Smart Oven Air
- Instant Vortex Air Fryer
How Does An Air Fryer Work?
Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food and crisping the outside of your food by raising the internal temperature until it’s fully cooked.
2. What Does An Instant Pot Do?
As with air fryers, it depends on which model of Instant Pot you buy. There are as many types of Instant Pots and other name brands of pressure cookers as there are air fryers. You can get an Instant Pot for the beginner pressure cooker or you can get one that will do everything but the dishes for you.
Basic Models
- Instant Pot LUX
- Instant Pot Duo
- Instant Pot Duo Nova
Models With More Functions
- Instant Pot Ultra
- Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus
- Instant Pot Smart WiFi
How Does A Pressure Cooker Work?
Pressure Cookers work by cooking the food inside of the pot under high heat and pressure. If you’re wondering the science behind how the food cooks, take a look at my post about the Maillard Reaction . It explains how and why this method of cooking works.
Think an Instant Pot is what your kitchen is missing? Check out how to choose the right Instant Pot to help you make a decision on which one to buy.
2. Can An Instant Pot Be Used As An Air Fryer?
This is a tricky question. An Instant Pot CAN be used as an air fryer, but not without an additional attachment , such as an air fryer lid or crisping lid. Here are some of my favorite options for air fryer attachments to use with your air fryer:
- Mealthy Crisp Lid
- Michelangelo Air Fryer Lid
- Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
Would I Buy This?
Absolutely. If I already owned a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, I would pick up one of these air fryer lids. They have a very small footprint, are more affordable than buying a freestanding air fryer, and are so simple to use.
You also have the option of buying a 2 in 1 appliance that has different lids that perform different functions. My favorite is the Ninja Foodi . This is a large appliance, but it still takes up less space on your kitchen counter than two separate appliances.
Would I Buy This?
This can vary from person to person. If you have a small living space, already own an Instant Pot or Air Fryer, or are on a budget, you might want to pass on this. If you’re in the market for both an air fryer and an Instant Pot with plenty of room to cook in your kitchen, this is a great solution for your pressure cooking and air frying needs.
4. Which Is Healthier: Air Fryer Vs Instant Pot?
Most of this decision depends on what kind of food you plan on cooking most in it. As with almost any cooking gadget or appliance, you can make healthy food and you can make unhealthy food .
If you plan on making mostly foods that you would normally deep fry, such as french fries, egg rolls, and pizza in your air fryer, I would say that the Instant Pot is the healthier choice.
If you plan on making meals that are full of processed ingredients, carbs, and unhealthy fats, the air fryer would be the healthier choice.
It’s all in how the user cooks and the recipes they make.
What Can You Make In Them?
There are many recipes that you CAN cook in your Instant Pot and Air Fryer. However, there are some that are BETTER cooked in one rather than the other. Here are a few things that are best made in each small appliance:
Air Fryer
- Steaks
- Pork Chops
- Vegetables
- Shrimp
Basically, any smaller items that you want to turn out perfectly crispy on the outside.
Instant Pot
- Soups
- Stews
- Tougher Cuts of Meat
- Beans
- Rice
Anything that generally requires a longer cook time will be better cooked in an Instant Pot.
6. Air Fryer Vs Instant Pot: Which Is Cheaper?
As far as price goes, you can get an opening price point air fryer and Instant Pot for about the same price . Higher-end air fryers or air fryer/oven combinations can be quite a bit more expensive than even the most expensive version of the Instant Pot
I like to think of this as the price of the investment . It doesn’t matter how expensive or inexpensive your appliance is if you never use it. Don’t decide to buy the cheaper appliance just to save a few dollars. Buy the one that you will use more and you will get more value for your investment.
7. Should I Get An Air Fryer Or An Instant Pot?
The right decision for one person may not be the right decision for another. It all comes down to what kind of food you want to cook. Here are some suggestions to help you make your decision:
Buy An Air Fryer If:
- You want to reduce the amount of deep-fried food you eat
- You want to reheat leftovers without using your microwave
- Hate waiting on your oven to preheat
- You like to try new recipes (think more than french fries and egg rolls)
And don’t forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer , and Air Fryer Revolution .
Buy An Instant Pot If:
- You want food done quickly
- Hate doing dishes. No more using every pot and pan you own to make dinner
- You want to combine several kitchen gadgets in one (think pressure cooker, slow cooker, and air fryer with the addition of a crisping lid)
- Love to try new recipes
Grab Some Great Instant Pot Recipes In One Of My Instant Pot Cookbooks
Don’t forget to check out my otherBest-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!
Indian Instant Pot , Keto Instant Pot, Instant Pot Fast and Easy , Healthy Instant Pot & Vegetarian Instant Pot .
More Helpful Gadget Reviews
- Instant Pod Coffee & Espresso Maker
- Misen Santoku Knife Review
- Instant Pot Ace Blender Review
- Instant Pot Mini Duo Review
- Chef’s Choice 615A Meat Slicer Review
- How To Use A Food Saver
- How To Choose An Instant Pot
- KitchenAid Nespresso Espresso Maker
- Instant Zest Rice Cooker
- Souper Cubes
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- Sous Vide Accessories
- Phillips Starfish Technology Air Fryer Review
- Nutrimill Artiste Review
Tips For Deciding Air Fryer Vs Instant Pot
| Instant Pot | Air Fryer |
|---|---|
| Many Models and Brands to Choose From | Many Models and Brands to Choose From |
| Affordable Pricing | Affordable to High End Pricing |
| Offers Programmable Functions | Offers Programmable Functions |
| Great For Soups and Stews | Great For Shrimp and Vegetables |
So, have you decided which one you’re going to add to your kitchen gadget collection? If you found Air Fryer Vs Instant Pot comparison helpful, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest so they can read it too.
Originally Published October 17, 2020
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Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard about the new “must-have” kitchen gadget, the Dash Mini Waffle Maker. Read my full, unbiased review to see if it lives up to all of the hype and if you need to add one to your kitchen gadget collection.
Why You Should Trust My Dash Mini Waffle Maker Review
- Cookbook Author: I’ve written 5 Instant Pot Cookbooks and 2 Air Fryer Cookbooks so I’ve spent more than my fair share of time in the kitchen.
- Efficient: That’s the only way I know how to do things in the kitchen. Who has time to waste when you’re trying to get food on the table? I’m known for my ruthless efficiency and use the pot in pot cooking method every chance I get.
- Gadget geek! : I’m a self-proclaimed food tech enthusiast and have been known to purchase (and review) just about any kitchen appliance I can get my hands on.
What Is A Dash Mini Waffle Maker?
The Dash Mini Waffle Maker is exactly what it sounds like. It’s the cutest, tiniest waffle maker on the market. It’s perfect for dorms, rv’s, travel, or for anyone eating low carb that has jumped on the Chaffle bandwagon.
What Did I Consider When Reviewing This Mini Dash Waffle Maker?
- Footprint
- Capacity
- Features
- Ease Of Use
- Ease Of Cleaning
- Price
1. Footprint
The struggle with adding a new kitchen gadget to your collection is trying to find room for it. Especially if you have a small cooking space or limited storage options.
If you decide to pick up one of these Dash Mini Waffle Makers , you won’t have to worry about finding room for it. This thing is seriously tiny. You can fit the whole thing in the palm of your hand. It’s easy to tuck away after each use if you want. However, as frequently as I found myself using mine, it has made a permanent home on my countertop.
It is great for people with hand mobility issues or people that live alone. It’s lightweight ( weighing in at just 1.35 pounds ) so it’s easy to move. Plus it makes the perfect portions for a small breakfast.
2. Capacity
Unlike some other waffle irons (read my article on the best waffle irons of 2020 here) the Dash mini waffle maker has a very small capacity. If you’re wanting to make waffles for an entire family, or meal prep waffles to freeze, this probably isn’t the waffle maker for you.
How Much Batter Do You Put In A Dash Mini Waffle Maker?
Because of the small amount of batter that it is able to cook at one time it also cooks waffles very quickly. For these mini waffles, you’ll use between 2 and 3 tablespoons of batter. The Dash is able to cook each one in less than two minutes.
3. Features
I’m afraid that if you’re looking for a waffle iron with tons of bells and whistles, you may be underwhelmed by the features this Dash waffle iron offers. Basically, you plug it in, wait for your waffle to cook (there is an indicator light to tell you when the cooking time is complete) and then unplug it when it’s finished.
It doesn’t have removable plates, cooking time settings, or even a button to turn it on and off. But this simple design makes it easy for the entire family to use.
Are There Any Other Varieties Of Dash Waffle Makers?
Yes, there are! As the Dash mini waffle maker continues to grow in popularity, they have made several new styles with additional designs. Here are a few different styles you and your children might enjoy to celebrate a variety of seasons and holidays:
- heart
- skull
- pumpkin
- snowflake
- pineapple
4. Ease Of Use
I don’t know that a waffle maker can get any easier to use than this Dash Mini Waffle Maker. Seriously, there aren’t even any buttons to press and there’s an easy to read indicator light to let you know when your waffle is perfectly cooked.
Here’s an easy tutorial on how to use a Dash mini waffle maker:
- Prepare waffle mix
- Plug in the waffle maker
- Wait for the light to turn off (this indicates the waffle iron is hot enough)
- Pour waffle mix into your Dash mini waffle maker
- Close the lid
- The light will come back on and when it goes off again, the waffle is ready
- Raise the lid and remove your waffle
- Enjoy!
One thing I have noticed when making Chaffles is that the handle to raise the lid is quite small. So I would suggest using a small silicone mitt to avoid burning your fingers.
How Long Do Dash Mini Waffles Take To Cook?
There is no timer setting on this tiny waffle maker, but the indicator light will let you know when the cooking cycle has completed. The cook time is approximately 5 minutes per cycle.
What Can You Make In A Dash Waffle Maker?
A great feature of this Dash mini waffle maker is how versatile it is. Sure, you can make waffles in it, but you can make so much more. While these aren’t exactly Dash Mini Waffle Maker recipes , here are a few other items I’ve successfully made in it:
- Waffles
- Chaffles
- Hashbrowns
- Cinnamon rolls
- Mini omeletes
5. Ease Of Cleaning
My only complaint with this waffle maker is that it doesn’t have removable plates for easy cleaning. That being said, the waffle iron plates are extremely nonstick so cleanup is still a breeze. Here’s how I clean my Dash mini waffle maker:
- First, wait for it to cool completely
- Then, take a paper towel and wipe away any leftover crumbs
- Next, gently wipe the plates down with a damp towel
- Lastly, use the clean part of the rag to wipe down any drips or splatters off of the exterior
6. Price
Price may be one of my favorite things about this Dash mini waffle maker. Compared to a lot of other waffle irons on the market, the Dash is incredibly affordable. With the incredibly low price point, it’s silly not to give it a chance.
With the time you’ll save in the mornings and the money you will save by skipping take out breakfast, the Dash mini waffle maker will pay for itself in no time.
What Does It Come With?
What does this mini waffle iron come with? Well, not much. You won’t be surprised when you see how small the box it comes in that there isn’t much that will fit inside. The only things that come in the box for the Dash mini waffle maker are the waffle maker and the instruction manual.
Pros and Cons
After using this mini waffle iron more times than I should probably admit to, I can comfortably tell you that it has way more pros than it does cons . In fact, the cons that I listed aren’t really even cons, just things that could be improved.
Pros
- Small footprint
- Easy to use
- Versatile
- Inexpensive
Cons
- No removable plates for easy cleaning
- Virtually no customizable features for different cooking times
Would I Buy This?
Buy A Dash Mini Waffle Maker If:
- You love waffles
- Have a small kitchen or cooking space
- Are eating low carb and want to make easy Chaffles
- You need a waffle iron on a budget
- If you live alone
Pass On A Dash Mini Waffle Maker If:
- You already own a waffle maker
- Want a waffle iron with advanced cooking functions
- Want a waffle maker with removable plates for easy cleaning
Other Helpful Buying Guides
- An Essential Guide To Copper Cookware
- Best Rice Cookers Of 2020
- How To Choose A Blender
- The Best Baking Pans of 2020
- How To Choose A Slow Cooker
- How To Choose An Air Fryer
- Food Processor Vs. Blender - Which Should You Choose?
- How To Choose A Food Processor
- Kitchen Gadgets For Foodies
- How To Choose A Waffle Iron
- The Best Spatulas For Every Job
- Which Mandoline Slicer Should You Choose
- The Best Dash Kitchen Appliances
If you found this Dash Mini Waffle Maker review helpful, make sure you share it with your friends on Pinterest and Facebook so they can decide if they need one too.
