I have had this for about ten days now and made five items. I dont usually leave reviews but thought I would for this air fryer. Its pretty great as far as I am concerned. Pro and Cons. Let me start with the cons.
CONS
1. Complaints about plastic smell. Not really a con for me but I see others complaining so I will mention it. I had no problem. I ran the machine through several air fry cycles (400 degrees for 15 minutes) before I cooked any food and noticed the oft complained about plastic smell the first time. It then decreased each time I ran it through another cycle until I could barely notice it. Some reviews say to remove the silicon food grade tabs on the grate insert but note that the grate will then easily fall out when you try to empty the pan by tipping it over. It might eventually fall out with the tabs in place but I used a tongs to prevent the grate from falling out any time I tipped the pan over to empty it.
2. My big complaint is the instructions. They are sparse. It took me awhile to realize I can pull out the pan anytime I want to flip my food and the machine will simply start where it left off when the pan is replaced. If you already flipped your food you can just leave the machine be for the ten seconds it tells you to flip your food and resumes air frying. My learning consisted of trial and error (still doing that learning cook times and when to flip the food) and looking at air fryer demonstration videos and recipes online. The intstant website appears to have no recipes for the air fryer and the recipe page only has recipes for their insta pot.
PROS
The food!! From left to right I first did french fries then chicken thighs, steak, fish and grilled ham and cheese.
FRENCH FRIES - Came out crispy and delicious. The picture is actually my second batch. The first batch went in, then I realized the machine was preheating. I just left the fries in. The machine then went to its 15 minute standard time at 400 degrees. The fries were OK but some were overcooked probably due to going in during the preheat cycle. The second batch went in after the machine preheated and used 12 minutes (after I learned how to adjust the time). This batch was much much improved. I used store bought frozen fries which seem to work really well. For fresh potatoes I learned I had to soak the fries first in water to get rid of some of the starch and dry them with paper towels otherwise the fries didnt turn out as crispy as the store bought frozen fries. My only slight complaint is the cooking grate would eventually fall out when I tipped the pan over to empty the fries onto a plate. I learned to hold the grate with tongs to keep it from falling out.
Chicken - I love fried chicken so this was the real test. I made four bone in thighs. Two were egg wash and then panko bread crumbs (on the left of the picture) and two (on the right of the picture) were eggwash and seasoned flour. All four thighs were sprayed with cooking oil (PAM). I learned this is a must to get a good fry. As you can see some of the panko came off during the cook from the fan. The panko also tended to burn. Many recipes use panko so the food gets crispy but for me it was just OK. On the other hand the chicken with the eggwash and then flour was GREAT. Crispy, juicy, as good as when I deep fry with oil.
STEAK - This is my go to method of making a steak when its too cold outside to grill. It took me awhile to get the time down but the steak turned out really good. I used the broil cycle at 380 degrees. I used an instant read thermometer to get a perfect medium-medium well of 140 inside. I first had the steak on 17 minutes (flipped half way) but it the internal temp was only 120. I then did another 5 minutes. The steak was juicy and perfectly cooked for me.
FISH - This was my one "Its OK" dish that I have work on. I did cod loins at 400 degrees air fry for 8 minutes (flipping half way). I used eggwash and seasoned flour with a spray of cooking oil. The coating wasnt as crispy when I deep fried with oil. Next time I will try increasing the time to see if that improves it. I didnt want to overcook the fish which it wasnt.
GRILLED HAM AND CHEESE - This was the last item prepared. It was probably one of the best grilled sandwiches I have had in a long time. Crispy on the outside with hot gooey cheese and ham on the inside. My go to way to make a grilled cheese from now on. I buttered the outside of the bread and put the machine 6 minutes on air fry at 400 flipping halfway. Like the french fries, the picture was my second sandwich. The first I had at 8 minutes and that was too long, the sandwich was overcooked. But when I got the time down it made a GREAT grilled ham and cheese.
Easy to clean. I just washed the grate in warm soapy water and wiped the pan out with a paper towel after each use.
So that its. I hope this helps other people looking at this machine or other air fryers. I am happy with mine so far. Its just a matter of trial and error until you learn the temps and cooking times that work for you.
Instant Vortex Plus 6QT XL Air Fryer, 6-in-1, Broils, Dehydrates, Crisps, Roasts, Reheats, Bakes for Quick Easy Meals, 100+ I
4.6 | 19,072 ratings
Price: 129.95
Last update: 08-10-2024
About this item
6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, broil, roast, dehydrate, bake and reheat
EvenCrisp TECHNOLOGY: Advanced technology that drives air flow top down for a perfect golden finish and crispy, tender results every time!
ONE-TOUCH SMART PROGRAMS: Customizable programs for one-touch wings, roasted veggies, garlicky potatoes, cookies, cinnamon buns and more!
FAST PREHEATING: Little to no preheating time, from frozen to golden in minutes! Create gourmet meals with the versatility of a temperature range of 95 to 400° F.
EASY CLEAN-UP: Non-stick, dishwasher safe air fry basket and tray.
COMPACT DESIGN & STAINLESS-STEEL ACCENTS: Perfectly combines function and style in a countertop-friendly size.
DISCOVER AMAZING RECIPES: Includes the free Instant Brands Connect App, where you can find new recipes to create quick favorites and prepare delicious meals, available iOS and Android.
SAFETY FEATURES: Built-in safety features like Overheat Protection, auto-off and more to keep your mind at ease.
A KITCHEN MUST HAVE: Perfect for quick delicious meals, preparing side dishes, appetizers, wings and more. Great addition to any kitchen; perfect for 4-6 servings
EvenCrisp TECHNOLOGY: Advanced technology that drives air flow top down for a perfect golden finish and crispy, tender results every time!
ONE-TOUCH SMART PROGRAMS: Customizable programs for one-touch wings, roasted veggies, garlicky potatoes, cookies, cinnamon buns and more!
FAST PREHEATING: Little to no preheating time, from frozen to golden in minutes! Create gourmet meals with the versatility of a temperature range of 95 to 400° F.
EASY CLEAN-UP: Non-stick, dishwasher safe air fry basket and tray.
COMPACT DESIGN & STAINLESS-STEEL ACCENTS: Perfectly combines function and style in a countertop-friendly size.
DISCOVER AMAZING RECIPES: Includes the free Instant Brands Connect App, where you can find new recipes to create quick favorites and prepare delicious meals, available iOS and Android.
SAFETY FEATURES: Built-in safety features like Overheat Protection, auto-off and more to keep your mind at ease.
A KITCHEN MUST HAVE: Perfect for quick delicious meals, preparing side dishes, appetizers, wings and more. Great addition to any kitchen; perfect for 4-6 servings
Product information
| Special Feature | Programmable |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 12.36"D x 14.92"W x 12.83"H |
| Color | Vortex Plus |
| Capacity | 6 Quarts |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Broil |
| Output Wattage | 1500 Watts |
| Brand | Instant Pot |
| Wattage | 1500 watts |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Model Name | Vortex Plus |
| Has Nonstick Coating | Yes |
| Inner Material | Stainless Steel |
| Min Temperature Setting | 95 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| Controller Type | app |
| Is Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| Max Temperature Setting | 400 Degrees Fahrenheit |
| UPC | 857561008866 |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00857561008866 |
| Manufacturer | Instant Pot |
| Item Weight | 15.97 pounds |
| ASIN | B07VHFMZHJ |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer 6Qt |
| Customer Reviews |
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars
19,072 ratings
4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #2,742 in Kitchen & Dining (See Top 100 in Kitchen & Dining) #20 in Air Fryers |
| Date First Available | September 5, 2019 |
Top reviews from the United States
Robert
Why didnt I buy one of these things sooner??
Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2021
Robert
Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2021
CONS
1. Complaints about plastic smell. Not really a con for me but I see others complaining so I will mention it. I had no problem. I ran the machine through several air fry cycles (400 degrees for 15 minutes) before I cooked any food and noticed the oft complained about plastic smell the first time. It then decreased each time I ran it through another cycle until I could barely notice it. Some reviews say to remove the silicon food grade tabs on the grate insert but note that the grate will then easily fall out when you try to empty the pan by tipping it over. It might eventually fall out with the tabs in place but I used a tongs to prevent the grate from falling out any time I tipped the pan over to empty it.
2. My big complaint is the instructions. They are sparse. It took me awhile to realize I can pull out the pan anytime I want to flip my food and the machine will simply start where it left off when the pan is replaced. If you already flipped your food you can just leave the machine be for the ten seconds it tells you to flip your food and resumes air frying. My learning consisted of trial and error (still doing that learning cook times and when to flip the food) and looking at air fryer demonstration videos and recipes online. The intstant website appears to have no recipes for the air fryer and the recipe page only has recipes for their insta pot.
PROS
The food!! From left to right I first did french fries then chicken thighs, steak, fish and grilled ham and cheese.
FRENCH FRIES - Came out crispy and delicious. The picture is actually my second batch. The first batch went in, then I realized the machine was preheating. I just left the fries in. The machine then went to its 15 minute standard time at 400 degrees. The fries were OK but some were overcooked probably due to going in during the preheat cycle. The second batch went in after the machine preheated and used 12 minutes (after I learned how to adjust the time). This batch was much much improved. I used store bought frozen fries which seem to work really well. For fresh potatoes I learned I had to soak the fries first in water to get rid of some of the starch and dry them with paper towels otherwise the fries didnt turn out as crispy as the store bought frozen fries. My only slight complaint is the cooking grate would eventually fall out when I tipped the pan over to empty the fries onto a plate. I learned to hold the grate with tongs to keep it from falling out.
Chicken - I love fried chicken so this was the real test. I made four bone in thighs. Two were egg wash and then panko bread crumbs (on the left of the picture) and two (on the right of the picture) were eggwash and seasoned flour. All four thighs were sprayed with cooking oil (PAM). I learned this is a must to get a good fry. As you can see some of the panko came off during the cook from the fan. The panko also tended to burn. Many recipes use panko so the food gets crispy but for me it was just OK. On the other hand the chicken with the eggwash and then flour was GREAT. Crispy, juicy, as good as when I deep fry with oil.
STEAK - This is my go to method of making a steak when its too cold outside to grill. It took me awhile to get the time down but the steak turned out really good. I used the broil cycle at 380 degrees. I used an instant read thermometer to get a perfect medium-medium well of 140 inside. I first had the steak on 17 minutes (flipped half way) but it the internal temp was only 120. I then did another 5 minutes. The steak was juicy and perfectly cooked for me.
FISH - This was my one "Its OK" dish that I have work on. I did cod loins at 400 degrees air fry for 8 minutes (flipping half way). I used eggwash and seasoned flour with a spray of cooking oil. The coating wasnt as crispy when I deep fried with oil. Next time I will try increasing the time to see if that improves it. I didnt want to overcook the fish which it wasnt.
GRILLED HAM AND CHEESE - This was the last item prepared. It was probably one of the best grilled sandwiches I have had in a long time. Crispy on the outside with hot gooey cheese and ham on the inside. My go to way to make a grilled cheese from now on. I buttered the outside of the bread and put the machine 6 minutes on air fry at 400 flipping halfway. Like the french fries, the picture was my second sandwich. The first I had at 8 minutes and that was too long, the sandwich was overcooked. But when I got the time down it made a GREAT grilled ham and cheese.
Easy to clean. I just washed the grate in warm soapy water and wiped the pan out with a paper towel after each use.
So that its. I hope this helps other people looking at this machine or other air fryers. I am happy with mine so far. Its just a matter of trial and error until you learn the temps and cooking times that work for you.
Images in this review
RJ
Do you like your roasted potatoes crispy?
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2024Eric
I didn't want to but now I LOVE this thing!
Reviewed in the United States on August 18, 2023