Why I Chose the Instant™ Vortex™ Air Fryer
I’ll admit—I was late to the air fryer trend. I tend to be skeptical of the latest kitchen gadget crazes. But after caving and finally trying one, I can say it’s completely transformed the way I cook.
When it came time to buy, I did my homework: YouTube reviews, Consumer Reports, Amazon feedback, and chats with foodie friends and family. Over and over, the same model stood out: the Instant™ Vortex™ 6-Quart Air Fryer.
What Is an Air Fryer—and Why Is It So Popular?
An air fryer is a countertop kitchen appliance that uses rapid air circulation to cook food, producing a crispy exterior similar to deep frying—but with little to no oil. It’s a faster, cleaner, and healthier way to cook everything from fries and chicken wings to roasted vegetables and even desserts.
With minimal preheating and easy cleanup, it’s no wonder air fryers have become a must-have in modern kitchens.
Here’s why I choose the Instant™ Vortex™ Air Fryer :
- Square basket = more usable space. You can arrange chicken breasts, thighs, or salmon portions neatly without overlapping.
- Simple controls. Intuitive buttons make it easy to use right out of the box.
- Perfect size. While advertised for 4–6 people, I find it ideal even for one. It fits a slice of pizza, easy chicken fingers and frozen foods, or a full meal (like chicken and fries) without feeling too bulky.
- Space-saving and efficient. Smaller units just don’t offer enough flexibility—and double-basket models are bulky without providing much usable space.
This 6 QT (Sometimes referred to a 5.7 QT) is supposed to be suitable for 4-6 people and it does indeed fit 4 chicken breasts or 4 salmon portions. However, I think it is also the perfect size for even one person. Anything smaller wouldn’t allow as much flexibility and therefore wouldn’t be used as much. The space saving size of the smaller version is not enough to justify going smaller. For example, if you want to heat up a single slice of pizza, the smaller units just aren’t big enough. Or perhaps you want some chicken fingers and fries – this unit fits both easily and comfortably. I see no reason to go smaller unless you really must!
Why I Don’t Recommend the Double-Basket Air Fryers
I know the dual-zone air fryers look like they offer more flexibility, but in reality, the baskets are tiny—and they hog your counter. Unless you’re cooking two completely different meals at once (rare, let’s be honest), a well-designed single-basket air fryer like the Instant Vortex Air Fryer is the better choice. It’s simple, effective, and produces better results.
Instant Vortex Air Fryer Highlights
- Smart square design that maximizes cooking space
- Four functions in one: air fry, broil, roast, and reheat
- Little to no preheating needed
- Temperature range: 120°F to 400°F
- Crispy results at the touch of a button
What can you cook in the Instant Vortex Air Fryer?
You can cook just about anything in an air fryer and I am not exaggerating. From frozen to fresh, everything can be cooked in it. My favorite uses for the air fryer are roasting vegetables especially potatoes, simple yet delicious chicken thighs, frozen foods of all kinds crisp up in a breeze and reheating pizza!
- Roasted Vegetables of all kinds
- Frozen Foods
- Salmon, chicken and even beef
- Reheating leftovers
- Endless uses
Where to buy the Instant Vortex Air Fryer
Amazon is usually your best bet. (As of this writing, Costco does not carry this product opting to sell the Ninja line of air fryers instead, which I do not personally recommend.)
Makes a fantastic gift for:
Bridal showers, housewarmings, Christmas, Father’s Day, or birthdays!