In the rapidly evolving landscape of countertop kitchen appliances, the Instant Pot brand has become synonymous with multi-functional cooking. Known for revolutionizing pressure cooking, Instant Pot has expanded into various niches, including air fryers. With the air fryer boom still in full swing due to its healthier cooking approach and versatility, many users are curious: Does Instant Pot make an 8-quart air fryer?
This article delves into the latest offerings from Instant Pot, especially in the multi-cooker and air fryer realm. We’ll explore the possibilities, analyze the specs, compare models, and determine whether an 8-quart air fryer model exists—or is likely to exist in the near future.
Understanding Instant Pot and Its Expansion into Air Frying
When most people hear “Instant Pot,” they think of electric pressure cookers. However, over the past few years, Instant Pot has broadened its product line to cater to the growing demand for healthier and more versatile home cooking technologies—most notably, air fryers.
The brand entered the air fryer market with the Instant Vortex series, combining air frying with other cooking functions like dehydrating, reheating, and rotisserie options. The Vortex models are standalone units, but they also offer specialized models with pressure cooking and air frying combinations—catering to those looking to cut down on clutter in their kitchens.
Key Takeaway: While Instant Pot doesn’t currently offer an 8-quart standalone air fryer, its multi-functional approach and expanding product line may lead to future compatibility.
What We Know About Instant Vortex Air Fryers
To date, the Instant Pot Vortex lineup includes models like the Vortex 6 Quart Air Fryer and Vortex Plus 6 Quart. These popular units offer air frying, broiling, reheating, dehydrating, and in some cases, rotisserie options—all packed into a sleek 6-quart capacity unit.
The 6-quart size is ideal for families of 2–4 people. It can accommodate enough foods like chicken breasts, wings, or roasted vegetables for small to moderate portions. However, larger families and enthusiasts of air frying are increasingly seeking larger-capacity appliances.
What is the Need for an 8-Quart Air Fryer?
Before exploring whether Instant Pot has an answer for higher-capacity cooking, it’s important to understand why consumers would desire an 8-quart air fryer.
- Feeding larger families (5+)
- Cooking full-sized proteins, such as large chicken, whole roasts, or multiple batches without overlap
- Batch-efficiency and energy saving over conventional ovens
- Experimenting with gourmet home cooking or batch meal-prepping
Many air fryer brands, including COSORI, Ninja, and Philips, have introduced 8-quart air fryers with dual-zone racks, smart control features, and AI-assisted temperature adjustments. As a result, this capacity has become something of a new standard for premium models.
Competitors and the Rise of 8-Quart Air Fryers
For example, the COSORI Pro 5.8L/5.5 Quart and 10 Quart Air Fryer, and Ninja Foodi Max XL 8 Quart Air Fryer, showcase the growing demand. These units are not only sized larger but also equipped with dual-zone cooking trays, touchscreen interfaces, and smart connectivity features.
This evolution sets expectations in users’ minds: if major competitors are releasing 8-quart air fryers, wouldn’t major players like Instant Pot follow suit?
Current Instant Pot Air Fryer Models: A Comparison Table
Let’s evaluate existing models’ capacities and features:
| Model | Capacity | Functions | Smart Features | Special Add-ons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Pot Vortex 6 Quart | 6 quarts | Air fry, roast, reheat, bake, dehydrate | No smart app or voice control | Digital touch control, 1700W power |
| Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6 Quart | 6 quarts | Air fry, roast, bake, reheat, dehydrate, rotisserie | Smart cooking app connectivity | Presets, voice control via Alexa/Google Assistant |
| Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer | 6 quarts | 12-in-1, including air fry | Pre-sets for cooking, easy operation | Integrated pressure cooker and air fryer |
This comparison reveals that while Instant Pot offers feature-rich cooking units, the maximum capacity remains 6 quarts across standalone air fryers and hybrid pressure cooker-air fryers.
Does the 8-Quart Air Fryer Fit Into Instant Pot’s Product Philosophy?
Historically, Instant Pot has succeeded not only due to its versatility but also because of its commitment to user-friendly design, affordability, and multi-functionality. Therefore, an 8-quart air fryer in an Instant Pot model might come as a natural progression, especially if the aim is to serve larger households or cater to air frying enthusiasts.
Reasons Why Instant Pot Might Not Yet Have an 8-Quart Air Fryer
- Compact kitchen appliances: Most Instant Pot appliances, including pressure cookers, are designed to be compact and multifunctional. A larger capacity unit may deviate from that design pattern, at least currently.
- Cost-effective production: Larger appliances come at a higher manufacturing cost, which would be passed on to consumers. Instant Pot’s brand strength lies partly in affordable, all-in-one units. Perhaps 8 quarts isn’t financially feasible for a standalone unit yet.
- Hybridization focus: Instead of standalone large units, Instant Pot may prefer pushing the boundaries of combination appliances. Its **Duo Crisp** model already pairs pressure cooking with air frying capabilities—though within a 6-quart framework.
Is There an 8-Quart Option in Instant Pot’s Upcoming Products?
As of early 2025, there’s no official announcement regarding an 8-quart air fryer from Instant Pot. However, the brand is continuously updating its product catalog to meet consumer feedback and market trends.
Potential Developments and Future Releases
Market analysts and consumer trend experts following home appliances believe that it is quite likely that Instant Pot will eventually release a larger-capacity air fryer. Considering the popularity of 8-quart units from Ninja and Breville, ignoring this shift in consumer preference could mean losing market share.
Moreover, with the increase of popularity of one-pot cooking concepts and health-focused diets, a larger air fryer from Instant Pot could align well with broader goals:
- Serving large families
- Facilitating meal prepping in one session
- Replacing traditional ovens for fast and healthy eating
Instant Pot’s Potential Competitor for the 8-Quart Market
In the absence of an “8-quart” air fryer named as such, perhaps Instant Pot offers hybrid features or larger-capacity air frying alternatives by other means.
The Duo Crisp + Air Fryer: A Possible Workaround
Although the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 6 Quart model doesn’t exceed this capacity, it provides both pressure cooking and air frying in the same device. This dual usage may allow cooks to prepare different parts of a meal simultaneously.
For instance, you can pressure-cook your soup or stew and use the air frying lid to crisp chicken or vegetables on top. While not increasing volume in terms of actual cooking chamber size, this multi-step usage maximizes efficiency.
Consumer Demand and Community Feedback
Customer forums, cooking influencers, and home kitchen experts point toward a growing chorus of users requesting an 8-quart air fryer. In a 2024 forum discussion on Reddit’s /r/appliancereviews, a user commented:
“I love my Instant Pot Vortex, but when I have to feed a bigger gathering, I wish there was an 8-quart Vortex or a larger model. It would reduce cooking steps and make parties easier.”
While the brand has not responded officially to such queries, it’s likely these insights influence product development pipelines.
What Would an 8-Quart Instant Pot Air Fryer Offer?
If Instant Pot releases an 8-quart air fryer in the future, here’s what we might expect:
1. Additional Cooking Functions
- Perhaps more intelligent presets, including rotisserie or reheat optimization.
- Possibly integrated dehydrating capabilities or slow-cooking options depending on the model.
2. Smart and Connected Features
- Integration with voice assistants.
- Wi-Fi connectivity for auto-software updates and recipe syncing via the Instant Pot app.
3. Eco-Friendly and Energy-Efficient Design
Considering modern user sensibilities around sustainability, an ideal model would be constructed with energy efficiency in mind—aligning with market trends.
What Should You Do While You Wait?
If you’re eager for an Instant Pot product with more room or flexibility in the air fryer department, here are a few steps:
Choose a 6-Quart Instant Pot Model
You’ll get:
- Enough capacity for most family meals
- Versatile cooking options
- Good value for quality
Consider 8-Quart Models from Other Brands Temporarily
If you need the extra space and Instant Pot hasn’t met that need yet, you can still enjoy the benefits of a large-capacity air fryer by exploring similar brands:
- COSORI Pro 8-Quart Air Fryer
- Ninja Foodi 8-Quart Dual Zone Air Fryer
- Breville Joule Oven Air Fryer Pro (8-quart)
Each of these offers a similar array of functions plus the added benefit of scale—ideal if you cook in quantity or often host meals.
Check Back Periodically
Instant Pot regularly updates its website, media channels, and press releases with new models. Following consumer trends, the company may reveal new products in 2025 or 2026, possibly with 8-quart options or hybrid models with higher functionality.
Final Thoughts: Instant Pot’s Air Fryer Trajectory
In summary, as of now, Instant Pot does not currently make an official 8-quart air fryer in its standalone lineup. However, with increasing consumer demand and the rise of larger-capacity competitors, it’s very possible that the company could explore or release an 8-quart air fryer—or a multifunctional large-capacity hybrid unit—in the near future.
For existing or prospective users, this means two things: stick with the trusted 6-quart models for now, or keep an eye on product announcements closely. The air fryer sphere is evolving fast, and Instant Pot is well-positioned to rise to the challenge with an 8-quart powerhouse—sooner than later.
Regardless, the brand’s air fryer offerings remain high-quality, versatile, and user-focused. Whether as a cooking standalone device or integrated with multi-function appliances like the Duo Crisp, Instant Pot continues to offer excellent options for modern home chefs.
Summary of the Article’s Main Points
- Instant Pot currently offers 6-quart air fryers (Vortex series) and hybrid 6-quart air frying and pressure cooking models (Duo Crisp).
- 8-quart air fryers are growing in popularity for larger households and meal prep enthusiasts.
- Other major household brands like Ninja and COSORI already offer 8-quart options with dual racks and smart features.
- Instant Pot may release an 8-quart model in the future, focusing on energy efficiency, user features, and smart integration.
- Users seeking larger cooking capacity could opt for competitive models or keep an eye on Instant Pot product announcements.
What is the relationship between Instant Pot and air fryers?
Instant Pot is a brand primarily known for its multi-functional pressure cookers that combine features such as slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, and yogurt making. While Instant Pot has expanded its product line to include various kitchen appliances, it does not currently manufacture a standalone air fryer. However, the company has collaborated with other well-known brands and introduced models that integrate air frying functionality into multi-cooker units.
The most relevant product in this category is the Instant Pot Duo Crisp & Air Fryer, which is a 6-quart model that includes pressure cooking, air frying, and other cooking options. While this model offers the convenience of air frying, some consumers have expressed interest in a larger, 8-quart version. As of now, Instant Pot has not released an 8-quart air fryer model, and it’s unclear whether such a product is in the works. For now, consumers seeking a larger capacity air fryer may have to look elsewhere or use accessories to increase cooking volume.
Has Instant Pot released an 8-quart air fryer model?
As of the latest information available, Instant Pot has not released an 8-quart air fryer model. The largest air fryer they currently offer in their lineup is the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, which has a 6-quart capacity and integrates air frying with pressure cooking in one unit. This product was well-received for its versatility and space-saving design, but it does not fulfill the demand for a larger air frying capacity.
If you’re searching for an 8-quart air fryer, you may want to consider other well-established brands such as Ninja, Philips, or Cuisinart, which offer larger standalone air fryer models. These models are designed specifically for air frying, which may result in better performance and even cooking when compared to multi-functional units. However, Instant Pot’s approach to combining functions in one device gives users a lot of flexibility, which might be more important than capacity depending on your cooking needs.
What are the specs of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp & Air Fryer?
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp & Air Fryer is a 6-quart multi-cooker that combines 11 functions in one appliance, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, and of course, air frying. It features a digital control panel with pre-set programs for various dishes such as fries, chicken, and baked goods. The unit also includes a crisping lid that enables air frying, dehydration, browning, and broiling, allowing for a wide range of cooking techniques without switching devices.
This model operates with 1700 watts of power and includes safety features such as auto shut-off and overheat protection. The included basket and tray are both dishwasher-safe, making cleanup easy. While the capacity isn’t as large as an 8-quart air fryer might be, it is suitable for families of 3 to 5 people and provides even cooking when used properly. Accessories like additional racks can help maximize the cooking space for those who need more capacity.
Can I use accessories to increase the capacity of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp for air frying?
Yes, you can use accessories to maximize the cooking capacity of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp when using it for air frying. The unit comes with a 6-quart basket and an air fry tray, but third-party and even manufacturer-approved items can help you stack or layer food more efficiently. For example, using an additional rack or tray can allow you to cook two different items at once without mixing flavors or losing crispness.
While these accessories can help improve efficiency and volume, they do not increase the total volume to the level of an 8-quart model. Therefore, if you regularly cook for more than five people or want to fry larger items like whole chickens, you might consider a dedicated 8-quart air fryer or another Instant Pot alternative that can accommodate your household size. Accessories are best suited for optimizing the existing design rather than replacing the need for a larger appliance when necessary.
What are the advantages of a standalone 8-quart air fryer over a multi-functional unit like the Duo Crisp?
A standalone 8-quart air fryer offers several advantages, especially in terms of performance and convenience for air frying focused cooking. Because it’s designed specifically for air frying, these models often have larger capacities, more precise temperature controls, and better air circulation systems. This results in faster cook times and more consistent browning, making them ideal for households with multiple members or individuals who prefer to cook full meals in the air fryer.
In contrast, multi-functional units like the Instant Pot Duo Crisp must balance various functions, which can affect air fryer efficiency. For example, the air frying function may take slightly longer than a dedicated model due to design limitations. However, the benefit of having multiple cooking methods in one device may outweigh the need for maximum frying capacity, especially for those with limited kitchen space. Your choice ultimately depends on your cooking priorities and lifestyle needs.
Are there rumors about Instant Pot releasing an 8-quart air fryer in the near future?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans or official announcements from Instant Pot regarding the release of an 8-quart standalone air fryer. While Instant Pot has shown innovation in combining multiple cooking functions into one device, including pressure cooking and air frying in the Duo Crisp, there’s no indication that the company is shifting toward producing larger, dedicated air fryers in the near future.
Consumers curious about future products should stay tuned to Instant Pot’s official website, social media, and newsletters, as these are the best sources for upcoming releases. If there’s high demand for a larger air fryer, the company may respond by either expanding the Duo Crisp line or forming partnerships with other appliance manufacturers. Until then, it’s safe to assume the company will continue focusing on multi-functional, space-saving kitchen appliances rather than larger standalone models.
Should I wait for an Instant Pot 8-quart air fryer, or should I buy another brand now?
If you’re in immediate need of a larger air fryer and find that 6 quarts is not sufficient for your household, it may not be wise to wait for an Instant Pot model of an 8-quart standalone air fryer. No official plans have been communicated by the company, so there’s no guarantee that such a product will arrive soon—if at all. In the meantime, brands like Ninja, Philips, and Cuisinart provide excellent 8-quart options that offer faster and more even cooking for air frying enthusiasts.
However, if you’re invested in the Instant Pot ecosystem and prefer having a multi-functional device that can handle pressure cooking and air frying together, waiting for potential future models may appeal to you. Instant Pot may still surprise us with an updated line or expanded capacities based on consumer feedback. Consider what’s most important to you—versatility with a slightly smaller air fry capacity versus standalone size and performance—and make a purchasing decision accordingly.