What is a Pressure Cooker?
The pressure cooker is an old-fashioned appliance that dated back from the 1600s. Over the last few centuries, the cooker has changed dramatically in shapes and forms, engineering and performance. Today we have an entirely new and improved version.
To better understand what a pressure cooker today is, let’s look at what the traditional pressure cooker looked like. The old appliances had a steam regulator, safety valve, and locking system designed for a stovetop.
When it reaches the desired pressure, the steam pushes the steam regulator up, regulating extra pressure. That’s where the well-known noise came from. Besides the manual usage, the central issue of this appliance was its unsafety.
Not only was it seemed always ready to explode, but it had also been often the cause of the clutter in the kitchen, which required additional cleaning.

To avoid uncomfortable situations coming with an old gadget, the at-home chefs looked for a safer product to efficiently prepare the food. And finally, many years later, an electric pressure cooker appeared!
It works on a “closed-loop control system,” and is much safer, better designed, and more compact than a traditional one.
This electric pressure cooker evolved over many generations and these days the new styles of cooker come with pre-set programming and the latest Wi-Fi control offering consumers the experience of more efficient cooking! Essential all you have to do is put the ingredients into the inner pot, and the pressure cooker will finish the job!
What is an Air Fryer Lid on a Pressure Cooker?
An air fryer unit itself is an appliance that cooks food with hot air and without the oily and greasy mess. As we have learnt in previous articles, air fryer has gained so much popularity that nowadays every household wants to have one.
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However if you already own a particular model of a pressure cooker, you could actually extend its capability with air frying, simply by swapping the lid. This means you don’t have to buy a separate air fryer unit. There are a few models of air fryer lid available in the market and here are the two most popular models:

The Mealthy CrispLid has been designed to fit with 6 and 8 quart stainless steel inner pots for electric pressure cookers.

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid only works with selected 6-quart Instant Pots.
This innovative item amazingly turns a pressure cooker into an air fryer. It is a convenient choice without the investment of a whole new device and still serving you purpose of air frying with one appliance and countless possibilities!
What is a Pressure Cooker Air Fryer Combo?
But, if this is your first time meeting with these types of gadgets, then you should consider buying the product that has the best of both; the air fryer and the pressure cooker – a pressure cooker air fryer combo.

As the name implies, a pressure cooker air fryer is a combo type appliance that works on two cooking principles.
In pressure mode cooking, the sealed lid builds up the high pressure, which, in combination with steam, helps prepare the food quicker and more efficiently. Switch to air fry mode, it will give the food a final crispy finish.
Not only will you enjoy tastier food, but the right pressure cooker air fryer combo will also change your cooking style for the better. This item will liberate your counter space, and you will have the perfect product that pressure cooks, air fries, and makes super-tender meals!
Benefits of Pressure Cooking and Air Frying
Having a pressure cooker air fryer as part of your kitchen appliances brings with it many advantages. Here are some of them:
- Tastier and Healthier Foods. The less you cook the food, the more nutrients are retained. Eating healthy is half of the battle, and it’s imperative to pay attention to the cooking method and process. Color, flavor, minerals, vitamins, that’s what food is about, right? And when the food loses all nutrients, what remains? Pressure cooking allows you to eat healthier, more delicious, and juicier meals. Combining with an air fryer, your meals will complete with a final crispy finish.
- Saves Energy and Time. Since a pressure cooker is one of the most efficient ways of preparing food, it’s not surprising that it can save a lot of energy. The less cooking time, the less energy is needed to prepare the meals. Now you can prepare dinner for your friends calmly and stress-free because this fantastic product cooks up to 70% faster than the traditional one!
- The Kitchen is Cooler. Unlike the standard cooking method with pans and pots, a pressure cooker retains the heat, so it can’t heat your kitchen. It reduces the amount of heat, which results in a cooler kitchen, and thus a more pleasant place to have a morning coffee.
- A Great Way to Preserve Food. A pressure cooker is not called a multi-functional product for free.Believe it or not, it is designed for canning foods! For that reason, the larger models are also known as canners. So, you can easily store the food for further use.
- Less Cleaning. A pressure cooker has a well-secured lid that prevents any steam escape from the cooking vessel. Also, there are no boil overs which require further cleanup. Only one product can help you have a cleaner kitchen!
What Can You Cook in a Pressure Cooker Air Fryer Combo?
Almost anything! Your rice will be ready in just a few minutes while the beans will be on the table in less than an hour. It is also an excellent choice for preparing meats and roasts. But you can cook all kinds of food, too. Since the pressure cooker air fryer combo serves multiple functions, it can pressure cook, steam, slow cook, keep warm, air fry, roast, bake and dehydrate. It’s not surprising that it will provide you with tender, juicy meals in a short time. You and your family will enjoy the meals like never before.
How to Choose the Right Pressure Cooker Air Fryer Combo for Your Kitchen?
Before buying the best pressure cooker air fryer combo, you should thoroughly check all its characteristics. To make it easier for you, Airfryerzone.com has made a list of things to look out for when purchasing, especially if it is your first time meeting with this product.
Size Matters
The first, and probably the essential thing to consider when buying an air fryer cooker combo is its capacity. You should choose a product depending on how many people you want to feed. For example, if you usually prepare meals for four people or less, you should purchase a three or 6-qt size pressure cooker. But if you have an enormous household (more than four members), then an 8-qt size should be perfect.
Frequency of Use
This is also a vital question when selecting the best pressure cooker air fryer combo for your kitchen: How often do you plan to use it for cooking? If you would like to prepare every meal in your new pressure cooker, you should consider buying more than just one unit. Not only will this speed up the cooking process, but you won’t have to wash the dishes after every use. Pretty convenient, right?
Desired Features
Depending on your intentions, you should pick the product carefully. For example, if you want to prepare yogurt in it, you should search for the pressure cooker with the yogurt button. It is the same with other foods, including rice cooking, slow cooking, pressure canning, and specialty programs. Think carefully, and choose wisely.
The Budget
The performance, size, and capacity usually determine the price of the product. There are great pressure cookers on the market for everyone’s pocket, from $60 to up to $300. We will talk about the price a bit later.
The Power
For better performance, the wattage plays a considerable role. The watts are everything to a pressure cooker. The higher the wattage, the faster the cooker will reach pressure. While a 1000 watt model can take an average of thirteen minutes to get pressure, a 1300 watts pressure cooker will need five. As you can see, this is maybe the essential element when searching for the best pressure cooker air fryer combo.
Get at least two Pressures
You should ensure that your future pressure cooker has at least two pressures, high and low. The low pressure is essential for delicate meals, such as fish, pasta, and eggs. You can’t just burn them, right? Some brands offer a pressure cooker air fryer with eight or more pressure settings to experiment with different recipes.
Additional Features
If you still can’t decide, it’s always good to look at the desired model’s different characteristics. Advanced safety, additional accessories (basket with dehydrating and broiling tray, the protective pad, pressure cooking lid, pot, plate), and the specialty programs could be decisive for your purchase!
How to Clean the Unit?
A pressure cooker is relatively easy to maintain. All you have to do is wipe sleek surfaces, while the accessories, such as the lid, cooking tray, drip pan, and basket are dishwasher safe. Every model is slightly different in design and accessories hence always refer to the manufacturer’s hand book for cleaning instructions.
How Much Does it Cost?
Pressure Cooker Cost
Pressure cookers vary in cost, and it mostly depends on size, capacity, model, and performance. So, you can find a pressure cooker for $60 with the basic program, meaning that you will be able to use it for simple cooking.
If you want something more particular, an 8-qt pressure cooker with a good cubic foot, for example, you can afford it for about $100. They mostly have steam release functionality.
But, if you want a top of the line pressure cooker, you can get it for up to $300. It includes all functions, from the yogurt button and pressure canning to specialty egg, cake, and chili programs, and is fully equipped with accessories.
Air Fryer Lid Cost
You can find budget lids for about $6o, and this is the most affordable and most accessible way to cook your delicious meals with a one-touch smart program.
Mid-range lids vary from $60 to $120, and they do almost everything, from air frying and baking to broiling and drying.
The premium lids are expensive ones, and the price ranges from $120 onwards. They are modernized with more settings, so you can easily prepare for your family whatever they wish.
Combo Cost
The most affordable combos are about $80, and they’re definitely worth the price because, with only one item, you can pressure cook, slow cook, rice cook, steam, and make your favorite yogurt.
The next one would range from $80 to $180, and it usually has up to seven functions; it’s incredibly safe and easy to use, so all you have to do is enjoy your quickly cooked juicy meals!
If you want a monster among appliances, you should spend a bit more, from $180 to $350. One gadget, more sizes, and options to pick: from enough capacity to cook a roast for your family to evenly cooked frozen food from the inside out. If you choose this one, you will undoubtedly have an item that will last for a lifetime!
Final Word
By purchasing this product, you will get the best of pressure cooking and air frying all in one pot. Change the habits for the better, and try a pressure cooker today! Cook with style, cook with the pressure cooker air fryer!
Further reading
In the next article, we will show you how to find and shop for your perfect air fryer online.
Related buyer’s guides:
- Air Fryer – Buying Guide
- Toaster Oven Air Fryer – Buying Guide
- Shopping guide – How to shop for your air fryer online