Instant Pot Duo Crisp Pressure Cooker & Airfryer Review
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is Instant Pot’s long-awaited air fryer / pressure cooker combination! Check out my complete Instant Pot Duo Crisp Review for everything you need to know about one of 2020’s hottest pressure cookers.
The Duo Crisp is the first air fryer / pressure cooker combination from Instant Pot. I’ve had it for a few weeks now and have had so much fun test driving it for you!
Here’s everything you need to know about how to use the Instant Pot Duo Crisp!
Plus, one lucky Pressure Cooking Today reader will win a new 8-quart Instant Pot Duo Crisp!
🛑 Read all about the Duo Crisp, then scroll to the bottom of the post to enter by Wednesday, November 20th, so the winner will have it in time for Thanksgiving!
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is available now on Amazon and from Target. I haven’t yet found it other major stores like Walmart, Kohls, or Williams-Sonoma, but I’ll update the post when I find it more widely available.
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Recommendation
If you’re in the market for an 8-quart pressure cooker, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp would be a really great choice. You get all the capabilities of the classic Instant Pot, plus the great air frying capabilities.
What Is the Instant Pot Duo Crisp?
The Duo Crisp is the latest model of electric pressure cooker made by Instant Pot. It is currently only available in the 8-quart size.
This two-in-one Instant Pot has two different lids for the two different functions. Use the pressure cooker lid with the pressure cook, sauté, steam, slow cook, and sous vide settings.
Swap over to the domed air fryer lid to use the air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate settings.
(To compare the Duo Crisp with other models, check out my other Instant Pot Reviews.)
What You’ll Love about the Instant Pot Duo Crisp
Two Completely Separate Lids
I absolutely love the way Instant Pot has handled the two-lid set up of the Instant Pot Crisp.
Both lids are completely removable, which cuts down on the weight you have to lift at any one time. The Instant Pot knows what lid you’re using and won’t allow you to use a pressure cooking function when the air fryer lid is on (and vice versa).
The pressure cooker lid is the same as the Ultra and the Nova, so it has the quick release switch that automatically resets to the Sealed position when the lid is closed.
If you’re familiar with other models of Instant Pot, you likely already know and love the handle slots used for resting your pressure cooking lid after cooking. The air fryer lid fits ingeniously into these handle slots. This makes it so easy to line up the lid and base sensors needed to power the air frying lid.
Because of the connection between the lid and the base, there is no power cord on the air fryer lid.
The air frying lid also has a cool matching tray. Use it with the Instant Pot logo facing upwards to have a safe place to put the lid when it’s hot. Once the lid has cooled, you can turn the tray over and the air frying lid will lock in place for safe storage.
8-quart Size
Honestly, I love that the Duo Crisp only comes in an 8-quart size. While I think that the 6-quart pressure cooker is perfect for most families most of the time, it’s difficult to air fry much in a 6-quart.
However, I feel like the 8-quart makes it easier to cook a normal family-sized portion using the air fryer functions.
Essential Buttons Only
Love that the control panel is integrated with buttons for each function, rather than having the air frying buttons separate on the lid.
Long-time readers of this blog know that I have little use for the Instant Pot preset buttons. (The Smart Program buttons confuse new cooks, and I often find the preset times are different than I recommend.)
With the Duo Crisp, Instant Pot has stripped away all the preset buttons (like Chicken and Rice) and include only the must-use function buttons like Pressure Cook and Saute.
Well Designed Accessories
Each of the accessories that does come with the Duo Crisp is smartly made.
The classic trivet with handles that has come with Instant Pot models in recent years has been updated so that the handles swing around to the other side and become a sturdy tall rack to rest food on.
The double-layered air fry basket is really nice. The legs slide off to make it easier to clean between the grooves. And the stainless steel insert has two large holes to make it easy to pinch and remove it from the pot.
Also, all oven-safe cookware is safe to use in the inner pot with the air fryer lid.
What You Should Know Before Buying the Instant Pot Duo Crisp
The Start button is hard to see. When they redesigned the buttons on the Duo Crisp, they used red for the cancel text and green for the start button. In practice, however, the green is harder to read than the other buttons. Once you’re used to it, it’s no big deal.
The display is smaller. The display has smaller buttons, a smaller font, and a slightly smaller display. Once you get used to it, however, this won’t be a problem.
The Duo Crisp only comes with a Getting Started Guide. If you like to read manuals, the full Instant Pot Duo Crisp user manual is only available online.
The Air Fryer lid is NOT interchangable with other pressure cookers or other models of Instant Pot. This is NOT Instant Pot’s answer to the Mealthy CrispLid.
Sometimes you have to press the lid down on the lid sensor to make sure it is well connected with the base sensor.
You also need to have at least 5 inches of space all around the housing when you use the air fryer lid.
Count down change. Unlike other Instant Pot models, when there is 1 minute left, the timer counts down the remaining cooking time in seconds.
The air fryer lid beeps after 5 minutes, 20 minutes, and 60 minutes to remind you that cooking has completed.
The Delay Start and Keep Warm functions do not work with the air fryer lid.
Recipes for the Air Frying Setting
Not much information on air frying. No information on how long to air fry different foods is provided in the Getting Started Guide.
Even in the online user manual, they have detailed charts for pressure cooking and sous vide, but very little about air frying. The link the user manual refers to doesn’t currently have any Air Frying recipes either.
I tried my Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer French Fries in the Duo Crisp, and they turned out great!
I also reheated frozen chicken nuggets for the grandkids. In 9 minutes, the outsides were crispy, the meat was still juicy, and everyone was happy. It was so easy!
My friend Urvashi also has written a great Air Fryer cookbook. I love to try her Instant Pot recipes, and I’ve flagged several to try in the Duo Crisp.
Instant Pot Duo Crisp vs. Ninja Foodi
It’s the most common question in my inbox lately: How does the Duo Crisp stack up against the Ninja Foodi?
After using them both, I’ve been thinking of the Foodi as an air fryer that can pressure cook while the Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a pressure cooker that can air fry.
The biggest difference between the two is that the Foodi’s airfryer lid is nonremovable while the Duo Crisp has a removable airfryer lid.
Ultimately, they’re both great machines, and I get great results from both of them!
What Are the Specs for the Duo Crisp?
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp uses a sensor to toggle between 10.2 and 11.6psi on High Pressure and between 5.8 and 7.2psi on the Low Pressure setting.
The 8-quart Instant Pot Duo Crisp is 1500 watts and a little over 22 pounds. However, since the air fryer lid is detachable, you only have to lift half the weight at any one time, making it easier to move around the kitchen or clean.
With the pressure cooker lid, the Duo Crisp is 14.8″ long × 13.6″ wide × 14.2″ tall. When you’re using the air fryer lid, it’s 14.8″ long × 13.6″ wide × 15.3″ tall.
What Comes with the Instant Pot Duo Crisp?
The Duo Crisp comes with
- the outer housing with an attached cord
- a stainless steel inner pot
- a pressure cooking lid and sealing gasket
- stainless steel trivet (rack)
- an air fryer lid and storage cover
- two-level air fry basket with a removable stainless steel tray
Like many Instant Pot models this year, the Duo Crisp does not include a ladle, paddle, or rice measuring cup. It also does not come with a second sealing ring.
However, all Instant Pot accessories available separately should fit in the Duo Crisp.
How to Turn Off the Sound on the Duo Crisp Instant Pot
Right after you turn on the Duo Crisp, press and hold the Time + button until the display indicates whether the sound is on or off.
Note that you can’t turn off the sound while a cooking function is enabled and that error alerts will still sound.
What Do the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Error Codes Mean?
The online user manual provides possible issues and solutions for each of the error codes (see pages 55–58 for more details.)
BURN / FOOD BURN indicates the Burn Notice on the Instant Pot Duo Crisp. Basically, this means that a few things could have gone wrong:
- the inner pot is not positioned properly inside the outer housing
- the temperature inside the cooking pot is too hot
- the inner pot does not have enough liquid
- Starch deposits on the bottom of the cooking pot may be preventing the heat from being distributed evenly
If you’ve gotten the burn notice, remove the inner cooking pot from the base. If food has burned onto the bottom of the cooking pot, soak and scrub off the burned foods. Allow the pot to cool before pressure cooking again.
Be sure to add more liquid to the pot and avoid ingredients containing thickeners like canned soups or prepackaged spaghetti sauces.
Other Instant Pot Duo Crisp Error Codes
The other error codes are quite rare:
C1, C2, C6, C6H, C6L: These five errors don’t specify what exactly is wrong, just that your Instant Pot may have a faulty sensor and that you’ll need to contact customer support at 1-800-828-7280 or support @ instantpot.com.
C5 indicates the inner pot is not inside the housing or that there is no water in the inner pot.
C7 or NoPr indicates that the heat element has failed, there is not enough liquid, or the quick release switch is set to vent position. If you get the error even after checking the vent, release valve, and making sure there is the minimum amount of liquid required for pressure, you would need to contact customer service.
C9 indicates that the air fryer lid doesn’t have a good connection to the cooker base. Just press the lid down again, especially in the area above the connecter.
Lid indicates that you might be using the wrong lid or that the lid is the wrong position. Simply double check you’re using the correct lid. If so, open and replace the lid. Make sure you don’t use a lid with the Saute button.
PrSE indicates that pressure has accumulated during a non-pressure cooking program. You will want to use the quick release vent to reduce pressure in the pot.
(Note that this is NOT a sponsored post. I was not sent a Instant Pot Duo Crisp to review or giveaway. As always, my opinion is my own.)
Instant Pot Duo Crisp Giveaway
To Enter the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Giveaway, Follow These Simple Steps:
If you’re having trouble entering because the Promosimple entry form is taking too long to load or isn’t loading properly for you, you can also enter by visiting https://promosimple.com/ps/f342/instant-pot-duo-crisp-giveaway
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Can I make yogurt in the duo crisp even if it does not have the “yogurt” button??
Hi Ana – you can – just follow the no yogurt button directions in this recipe https://www.friedalovesbread.com/2017/06/easy-cold-start-yogurt-no-boil-method.html
Thank you for answering! I’ve been said that I can make yougurt With the “sous vide” function , is it true? Thank you again!
I am in the market for an 8 qt. Do you know what the non-stick coating is? It looks like there is non-stick coating on the airfryer basket as well as the grate on the airfryer lid.
Hi Lisa – the basket has a ceramic non-stick coating. The heating element in the lid does not have a coating.
Walmart now sells a 6 quart duo crisp for 129.00.
Does the 8 quart have a larger diameter pot than the 6 quart? We have the 6 quart IP with a load of accessories will the 6 quart accessories work in the 8 quart Duo. We travel quite a bit in our motorhome and premake meals then freeze for easy fixin on the road there are just the two of us . I have been thinking of getting an AIr Fryer but the combo unit sounds like a much better and space conserving idea. After reading a load of reviews I am leaning towards the IP Duo 8 quart unit. Hopefully with all the sales going on right now we can find a good deal. First time visitor to your site. Appreciate your thorough reviews
Hi Dick – my husband and I travel in our motorhome with two Instant Pots and an Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer https://www.barbarabakes.com/instant-vortex-air-fryers/ but the Duo Crisp would save space. Yes, all the accessories for your 6 quart will work in the 8 quart. Here’s the specifications https://instantpot.com/portfolio-item/duo-crisp/#specifications
I have been thinking about trying one of these cookers. There are so many, I never thought that it would be so hard to find a good cooker, one that I could use foe everything I need. I am somewhat apprehensive to choose. I know I need to get one soon if I am going to start cooking without any problems.
Hi Tambura – I have a buying guide https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/best-instant-pot-to-buy/
I really wish y’all would make a 10qt. Crisper lid! Any plans in the future?
Hi Brenda – as far as I know right now Instant Pot does not have any plans to make a Crisper lid for the 10 quart.
Hi,
Ready to purchase the duo crisp, but want to make sure I compare apples to apples. Has it had updates/changes since first out? (I know the Ninja Foodi has had several renditions, ( etc. fd401, fd402, etc.).
THanks
Alicw
Hi Alice – the CrispLid was just released and I don’t believe there have been any updates or changes.
What are the internal container diameters for the 8 quart “Duo Crisp”? I want to try a cheese cake but don’t know which pan to order.
Is there a conversion chart that shows what the smart or preset buttons are equivalent to on the DuoCrisp? I have several recipes for the instantpot that give directions using the presets, but have no idea how that translates to the pressure cook times/settings. Help?
Thanks in advance!
I don’t have a chart with the full information, but pages 12-14 in the original Instant Pot manual give you a basic indication of the timing on the Smart buttons. Most of the smart buttons from the regular Instant Pot Duo are missing on the Duo Crisp, so you’d have to replicate them by selecting High Pressure and an equivalent time. (So like if you used the Poultry button and set the time for 10 minutes, you’d select the Pressure Cook button for 5 minutes.)
Manual: https://instantpot.com/wp-content/uploads/IP-DUO/InstantPot-IP-DUO-Manual-English.pdf
Hi Barbara, thank you for the article. This is really helpful!
My question is around capability of the duo crisp. A comment of yours about how you don’t really need the “Rice” option to cook rice in an IP made a lot of sense. Do you think that most pre-existing functions except for maybe yogurt and sterilizer could be accomplished in the Duo Crisp IP? Let me know! It is a toss up between the Duo Crisp and the Duo Plus 8qt. right now. Thank you very much!
For me, I use the Air Fryer lid on the Duo Crisp MUCH more than I use the yogurt button on my other Instant Pots. I think the Duo Crisp is the *perfect* 8-quart size to have, and that would be my recommendation UNLESS you really think you’ll make a lot of yogurt.
FWIW, I almost never use any of the preset buttons on the Instant Pots. You can sterilize in any brand of pressure cooker, too, so it all comes down to the yogurt button vs the air fryer lid.
How can make a cold start yogurt following the instructions in this recipe https://www.friedalovesbread.com/2017/06/easy-cold-start-yogurt-no-boil-method.html – follow the no yogurt button directions.
I reall what to win this
Barbara I have the IP-DUO80 is can I buy a lid for this and turn it into an air fryer? I’m a bit confused.
Thank you
So if you want to buy an Instant Pot brand air fryer lid, you cannot at this time. The standalone Instant Pot air fryer lid only comes in a 6-quart and the 8-quart Duo Crisp does not have a lid that can be used separately.
However, if you’re interested in a standalone air fryer lid that can work with an 8-quart, I’ve been happy with my Mealthy Crisp lid, which works with any 6-quart or 8-quart pressure cooker that has a stainless steel pot. I really like that it’s made of glass, so I can see when the food inside is browned.
Hope this helps!
how do I cook rice in this pot. How do I get to the smart program to cook rice? is there a listing of smart programs for this pot? I thing I might have made a misstate thinking the smart programs where as on the Duo Nova that has a rice button.
Hi Joseph – you don’t need a rice button to cook rice in the Duo Crisp. In fact, I never use the pre-set buttons (do you use the preset buttons on your microwave?). I use the Pressure Cook button for everything. Here’s my white rice recipe https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/pressure-cooker-white-rice/ as well as other types of rice https://www.pressurecookingtoday.com/how-to-make-rice-in-the-instant-pot/ You’ll get the hang of it in no time I’m sure.
Have you tried Emril’s pressure air fryer duet? If so how does it compare to the InstaPot Duo Crisp? I do not own an electric pressure cooker or air fryer and would really like to only invest in one machine. So far I’ve eliminated the Ninja due to the lid not being removable. TIA! K
1st time user, tried the initial water test, timer never counted down, waited for 30 minutes, got a burn error, I used 3 cups of water in the 8 quart, am I doing something wrong
Hi Sharon – sounds like you didn’t have the steam release valve closed or your gasket wasn’t in place properly so all the water boiled out. Did you see lots of steam releasing?
HI did you ever find out if you can still make yogurt in this one since it has no yogurt button? I want to use that function to proof dough.
How can make a cold start yogurt following the instructions in this recipe https://www.friedalovesbread.com/2017/06/easy-cold-start-yogurt-no-boil-method.html – follow the no yogurt button directions.
Hi. Thanks for all of the information. I just got the Instant Pot Duo Crisp/Air Fryer. My question is can you use the round broiling tray in the multi level air fryer basket to air fry two layers of food at the same time? Thanks. Nancy
Yes, you can! It’s nice use it to get more air frying space. Enjoy!
Looking for our first Instant Pot. We’re a family of 5 so I think we need the 8 qt. My question is which to get, the duo nova; the duo evo plus; or the duo crisp? HELP!!!
Hi Timothy – If you often make big batches of things and like leftovers, then I think an 8 quart would be a good size for your family. If not, most recipes are created using a 6 quart pressure cooker and it would be big enough for a family of 5. All of those are good choices. If you think you might want to make yogurt, the Duo Crisp does not have a yogurt button and Instant Pot is now starting to sell a Crisping lid separately. I really like the handles on the Evo Plus and the fact that the pot doesn’t turn when you’re sauteing. But you can’t go wrong with any of the choices you listed.
Great information, this would be great to have as a military family thats always traveling and staying in hotels. We sometimes live in a hotel for a month or more and eating out all the time isnt fun. Thanks for sharing!
I agree Felicia – it would be a great choice for a military family. Good luck!
Despite numerous searches, I couldn’t find the Instant Pot Duo Crisp on Amazon, but I did find it on kohls.com.
Hi Tina – here’s the link to it on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Instant-Pot-Air-Fryer-Combo/dp/B07VT23JDM – It’s also linked to above in the post.
I have a mini and a 6 qt. This would round out my Instant Pot family! Been loving IP’s for many years now….
Would love to try this, especially with the holidays coming up
Looks great. Love your website and blog.
i would love to try this instant pot accessory!
I love my instant pot now, the added new feature would only make it more awesome.
As always, you are uptodate on new items and provide a thorough review for your group. It is greatly appreciated since you a trusted source of information. I had been looking at this model and Kohls had this on sale on the weekend, plus I had coupons and bought it for a phenomenal price. Will now have to find a home for one of my three 6 quart. Really enjoying your book and dessert book. Thank you
Thanks so much Joann. It’s so nice to hear you’re enjoying both cookbooks! Have fun with the new Duo Crisp. I’m sure someone will love that you passed on one of your three 6 quarts.
In one review that I read, it mentioned that the instant pot dual crisp lid is quite heavy and if one has difficulty lifting heavier items, then they might want to consider the ninja foodie over this instant pot. What are your thoughts on the?
Hi Lora – I find it just the opposite. The Ninja Foodi is very heavy and you can’t carry the lid separately from the base unit. If weight is an issue, with the Duo Crisp you can carry the lid and the base unit separately.
This has convinced me to get the air fryer with the instant pot! I love your cook book! I refer to it regularly and trust your recipes! Thanks for them!
That’s so nice – thanks Marita!
I think it looks great
THANK YOU so much for the chance to win, Barbara!
I have (3) IP 3 qt., can’t justify a fourth OR an 8-qt – too big cooking for 1-2. But, if this thing can replace a stand alone airfryer, woohoo! Thanks for your opinion that anything smaller than 8-qt would be useless for airfrying – makes sense.
Two questions: 1) which would you recommend? An IP 8-qt (leaning towards duo nova) + mealthy crisp lid OR the 8-qt IP crisp?
2) Could I still pressure cook smaller quantities of food like I do in the 3-qt in the 8-qt? I’ve never used larger than 3-qt. Thanks!
Great information would love to have this!!!
I’m not sure how you register to win. I pinned it, and the link gives me an unsafe warning and a 404 error.
Hi Robin – did you try using this link? https://promosimple.com/ps/f342/instant-pot-duo-crisp-giveaway
My husband has been hinting that “we” (translation: me, not him!) should get the Ninja Foodi but after this review, I’m leaning towards the IP Duo Crisp. I use the IP 6-quart quite often and while the Duo Crisp is big, it just might be worth finding some extra space in the kitchen. So glad you did this review–thanks!
This looks amazing. I still have the first generation 6qt duo so the upgrade in features and size would be awesome. I too am curious about the yogurt capabilities since the preset is gone. Thanks for all the information and the chance to enter.
Apparently, they didn’t include the yogurt function on the Duo Crisp. I searched the manual and there is no mention of yogurt. How can make a cold start yogurt following the instructions in this recipe https://www.friedalovesbread.com/2017/06/easy-cold-start-yogurt-no-boil-method.html – follow the no yogurt button directions.
This sounds like it is great. I love my instant pot and so the two combined would be fantastic. Thanks for your great information.
Wow…this is looking great. I can’t justify buying another IP and don’t have the room, so thanks for the opportunity
I am new to the Instant Pot world, and would love the ability to do both pressure cooking and air frying.
Barbara (and Jennifer?), this is a superb review. I didn’t think I “needed” this, but as a result of the review, I’ve changed my mind :-).
I understand that many are interested in a comparison of the IP Duo Crisp and the Ninja Foodi but I am interested in the comparison of the Duo Crisp air frying function with that of the Mealthy. I recognize that currently, at least the IP Duo Crisp is only available in the 8 qt size but I’m wondering if at some point IP will sell a 6 qt version. For air frying an 8 qt size certainly makes sense, but for pressure cooking, it sometimes does not (at least in my opinion).
Oooh, I already have two sizes of Instant Pot but now I’m thinking I may need to get this one, too! Thanks for the chance to win! I love your recipes!
Really helpful review. I love this site. I am still learning how many things I can make in my IP Ultra. I want to win this & open up even more possibilities! 💝
I have a Instant Pot and have been looking for an air fryer. It would be so great to win this!! Thank you for the info. on how it works.
I love the idea.
I didn’t see the yogurt function on the control pad. Is it still possible to make yogurt on the Duo Crisp?
That is my question too! Does anyone know?
Apparently, they didn’t include the yogurt function on the Duo Crisp. I searched the manual and there is no mention of yogurt.
Great review. Been waiting for the duo crisp. Hope we win!
I am so excited to learn more about this. It has so many healthy options – I love it! Looks like an answer to many cooks problem of owning too many pots! Now I need one more! LOL!
This sounds awesome. I would love one. Thanks.
We have an air fryer collecting dust because it just doesn’t cook adequately. Hope this one works better. I love the idea that it can dehydrate foods!
Your website is so helpful. Its my go-to place every time I get out the pressure cooker.
I saw this pot in a store. I think it was Best Buy. It’s nice. I really like your reviews. You mention all the things one needs to think about when buying.
Thanks Robin! Isn’t it fun how many places are selling pressure cookers these days.
Thanks for the review and giveaway. Your hardwork is appreciated.
That’s so nice – thanks Sandra!
Is Instant Pot going to have an air fryer to compete with Mealthy?
Hi Sue – I haven’t heard of one yet, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they did.
Thank you for the great review! It looks like Kohl’s has this now.
Another great, through review.
A dream come true
This looks awesome. I struggled a year ago over whether to get an air fryer or an instant pot and decided on the instant pot. I absolutely love it, but wish I had an air fryer.
Thank you for this review! Just what I was looking for! I hope we win the raffle! or wait if Santa is going to put me on his nice list this year 🙂