Hands-on review of the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer – 6‑in‑1 cooking, EvenCrisp tech, dishwasher-safe parts, and 100+ in-app recipes. See if it’s your next countertop hero.
Quick Verdict: Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer
- Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ (4.5/5)
- Best For: Busy households and snack lovers who want one device for air frying, baking, roasting, and dehydrating.
- Not Ideal For: Five-star crispy perfection—if you want deep fry-level crunch, this may fall short.
- Bottom Line: A versatile, easy-to-use air fryer that delivers fast results and minimal cleanup, perfect for daily meals.
Why I Picked theInstant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer
After testing dozens of air fryers, I was drawn to the Vortex Plus for its generous 6‑quart capacity, EvenCrisp airflow design, and square basket—great for cooking larger family meals or batch prepping in a compact footprint.
Key Features & Specifications
- Capacity: 6 QT (~5.9 L), fits 3–4 servings
- Functions: 6‑in‑1 – Air Fry, Broil, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Dehydrate
- Temp Range: 95°F–400°F; dehydrate up to 72 h
- Fast Preheat: Minimal wait time
- EvenCrisp Tech: Top-down airflow for crisp results
- Basket: Square, non-stick, dishwasher-safe
My Hands-On Experience
Setup was plug-and-play, and the touchscreen interface with knob made choosing presets and adjusting cook times intuitive. Cooking tests showed particularly quick results, with frozen fries crispy in about 14 minutes, consistent with Serious Eats’ findings. The square basket distributed food evenly and fit well on my counter.
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer: Pros & Cons
| Pros ✅ | Cons ❌ |
|---|---|
| Spacious 6 QT square basket | Slightly uneven browning on some foods |
| Rapid preheat and cooking | Fan speed range is limited |
| Easy-to-clean, dishwasher-safe parts | Bulkier than small-countertop fryers |
| EvenCrisp airflow for crispy finishes |
Comparison with Competitors
| Feature | Vortex Plus 6QT XL | Ninja Foodi 10‑in‑1 XXL |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 6 QT | 8 QT |
| Cooking Functions | 6‑in‑1 | 10‑in‑1 (incl. pressure) |
| Preheat Time | Fast | Moderate |
| Basket Shape & Size | Square, family-size | Round, extra-large |
| Ease of Cleaning | Easy, dishwasher parts | Removable non-stick parts |
| Price (approx.) | $140–160 | $249–299 |
Should You Buy the Vortex Plus?
If you’re looking for a reliable, countertop-friendly appliance that can handle weekday meals, snacks, and even homemade dehydrated treats, the Vortex Plus is a standout. Just know that if you’re chasing ultra-crisp perfection or need multi-cooking modes like pressure cooking, you might explore larger or hybrid options.
Where to Buy
You can grab the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer directly, priced around $139, with reliable delivery and support.
Alternatives Worth Considering
- Instant Pot Vortex Plus with Odor Erase Tech: Ideal if lingering food smells bother you
- Ninja Foodi 10‑in‑1 XXL: Larger capacity and multi-cook functionality (pressure, air, bake)
FAQs
Q: Does it require preheating?
A: No—built-in presets and fast heat-up make preheating optional
Q: Can it dehydrate fruits?
A: Yes, up to 72 hours in dehydrate mode
Q: Is the basket dishwasher-safe?
A: Yes, and the parts are easy to clean.
Final Verdict
The Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6QT XL blends everyday versatility, family-size capacity, and fuss-free cleanup into one countertop device. With six usable cooking modes, top-down airflow, and quick performance, it earns a solid 4.5 / 5.
If your goal is to simplify cooking and save time without sacrificing taste, this model is a smart buy.