Instant Pot essentially defined the modern electric pressure cooker. The Duo Crisp builds on that by adding a dedicated air fryer lid, which is the key move here. It swaps out the standard pressure lid for a unit with a heating coil and fan, turning your six-quart pot into a capable air fryer or dehydrator. This approach saves significant counter space compared to owning two separate appliances.

In practice, the transition is simple. You pressure cook a batch of chicken, then swap lids to air fry for a few minutes and crisp the skin. The 15 one-touch programs handle the core functions reliably, though you’ll likely use manual settings more as you get comfortable. The stainless steel pot is easy to clean and the interface is straightforward. The free app with hundreds of recipes is helpful, but not essential for daily operation.

The main compromise is capacity. A six-quart pot is standard for pressure cooking, but the air frying basket inside is naturally smaller. It’s perfect for a family of four, but you’ll cook in batches for larger gatherings. If your kitchen is tight on space and you want both functions, this combo executes cleanly.