Instant Vortex Air Fryer Review
This simple-to-use fryer is great for families, if you don’t mind the noise
By Tanya A. Christian
The Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer, brought to you by the folks who gave us the Instant Pot, is the company’s signature air fryer model, released in 2019. It earns dismal scores in Consumer Reports’ tests due to its loud operational noise and a crisper tray that tends to trap food debris. But at home, this large-capacity fryer displays plenty of pluses: It has one of the most intuitive displays in our ratings and a design that makes cooking for a crowd an incredibly easy task.
Instant Vortex 4-in-1
Notable Features
Intuitive controls. User-friendly touch buttons and a dial make it a cinch to operate the air fryer right out the box without ever cracking open the manual. There’s also four different one-touch modes: air-fry, roast, bake, and reheat.
Easy-lift tray. A stainless steel handle in the middle of the plate cleverly allows you to remove the tray after use without having to get your hands dirty.
Wide interior. Though this air fryer’s measured capacity isn’t as spacious as the manufacturer’s claim (6 quarts vs. a measured 4.8 quarts), there is no denying that this model is roomy. Its boxy design maximizes cooking space more so than egg-shaped air fryers. Six strips of bacon, four generously sized chicken cutlets, and a large filet of fish all lie nice and flat without overlapping. And when it comes to baking, square pans are a cinch to drop in.
App compatibility. Instead of the typical physical and digital cookbooks that come with some other air fryer models, the Instant Vortex’s app lets home cooks select their main ingredient, the device they’d like to use, and—voila!—you have recipe suggestions in the palm of your hand.
Turn-food reminder. The Instant Vortex sets off a reminder beep so that you don’t forget to flip your food halfway through the cooking process—even if you’re distracted by a million other things. The payoff: a nice even crisp.
How Well Does the Instant Vortex Air Fryer Work?
Our engineers scrutinized the Instant Vortex in the lab, and we also tried it at home. Here’s what we found:
During an at-home evaluation, it became clear that the Instant Vortex’s unique square footprint is the secret to its success. It capably cranks out multiple servings in one cycle — easily making enough appetizers for a game-day gathering or a small dinner party. It’s really that spacious.
Like most air fryers, it excels at delivering crispy food in a fraction of the time. But we’ve experimented with at least half a dozen air fryers at home and can attest to the fact that it’s the most ideal for baking dishes like macaroni, brownies, and cupcakes because square baking dishes fit easily inside, and it is intuitively easier to use. Small but thoughtful design features dramatically simplify the cooking process.
But, oh, the noise! The Instant Vortex sounds like three microwaves running all at once, as opposed to the more subtle fridgelike hum of other air fryers we’ve tried.
It’s also not the easiest air fryer to clean. The crisper tray that comes with the unit, though dishwasher-safe, has an abundance of small airflow openings. It’s great for getting a nice crunch — sure. But when you have to use a skewer to get food debris unstuck, it quickly becomes a nuisance (luckily, you can get compatible replacements on Amazon). Finally, the basket can’t go in the dishwasher. But to be fair, wiping it clean with a hot, soapy rag isn’t a big deal.
Who Is the Instant Vortex Air Fryer For?
Designed with families in mind, the Instant Vortex cranks out 4 to 6 servings in one cooking cycle. Its large footprint makes it best for people with a decent amount of real estate on their kitchen counter. Its easy-to-use interface makes it great for recent air-fryer converts or parents who enjoy cooking with their pint-sized sous chefs.
How Consumer Reports Tests Air Fryers
Our engineers first judge an air fryer based on how easy it is to use the buttons or dials on the machine and the size and clarity of the lettering on the unit.
They also evaluate noise levels, a test that involves placing the air fryer on a butcher block counter in the lab. A sound-level meter takes multiple measurements of how loud each air fryer gets during operation, noting the noise at its peak.
Finally, to test how easy cleanup might be, the engineers cook up french fries and chicken nuggets, then take notes on the cleaning process — paying close attention to cracks and crevices that can trap food or otherwise make for difficult cleaning.
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Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2022, Consumer Reports, Inc.
