Once pressed, you can adjust the latter two buttons using a silver roller dial. This model sported a powerful “Max Crisp” function that allowed it to reach 450 degrees and cook food quickly, if unevenly. But while its cooking basket was deep, holding a full 2 pounds of frozen instant pot duo nova fries, it was too narrow to fit four chicken cutlets in a single layer, limiting its usefulness for larger recipes. The unit was tall and heavy with a cooking tray with silicone bumpers that clung tightly to the walls of its cooking basket and was hard to extract.
The Instant Vortex Plus 6-in 1 Air Fryer with ClearCook and OdorErase is the first of its kind to almost entirely eliminate cooking odors, but this is far more than a gimmick. The air fryer is quick, quiet, and has a transparent cooking door that makes it easy to monitor meals. Our assessment of cleaning the air fryer includes both baskets, the interior of the machine and exterior surfaces.
We were also frustrated that it didn’t automatically pause its timer when we removed the basket to shake or turn food. We also noted that the inner pot has some upgraded features compared to other Instant Pot models, including side handles and a flat bottom for even cooking. The unit comes with a number of accessories, including a multi-use cooking rack, nonstick air fryer basket, dehydrate/broil tray, a protective pad for the lids, and a storage cover. Most of them are dishwasher-safe, and they also fit inside the machine all at once for compact storage. With four functions like bake, air fry, reheat, and roast, this basket-style air fryer relies on a fan system to rapidly circulate air like a convection oven.
We really enjoyed using the digital control dial that enabled us to easily experiment with precise temperatures and timings. We also appreciated the simplicity of its design and attractive finish. All of moosoo air fryer these are just a guideline, however, and can easily be adjusted with a simple turn of the dial. The temperature goes up in 1°C increments too, which is a useful feature if you’re after a specific finish.
This was an interesting experience, given that our french-fry test required more time than the package directions at the recommended temperature. While the jerky’s flavor varies depending on the marinade you use, my top round jerky came out as good as what you can buy in stores and in under 4 hours. Dehydrating is easy to do, even for a first-timer following an online recipe. The crisper plate’s airflow slots trapped debris and needed a firmer scrub. Fortunately, a wash cycle in the dishwasher got the job done, and it only takes up the space of a dinner plate. The rest of the instant pot duo nova lineup is great, but you just might not care about fancy features such as OdorErase, ClearCook or the progress bar.
Of all the air fryers we tested, this is one of the most intuitive air fryers to program. The buttons are nicely sized, clearly marked, and quick to respond. To program the temperature and time, you turn and press a dial. The basket has a rack on which the food rests and is easy to pull out and reposition in the air fryer. The display is large and easy to read and the digital controls are intuitive to use. Like other Instant Vortex models, you won’t require much oil when cooking in the Slim air fryer.
It’s big enough to fit four chicken thighs and one pound of wings. I thoroughly test each product I review to assess functionality, versatility, portability, and efficiency. My work can be found in Food & Wine, Foodnetwork.com, Saveur, Real Simple, and more. The air fryer comes with the basket in place, and the removable non-stick air fryer insert at the top of the styrofoam packaging.