Roast vs Broil - Air Fryer Settings Go Head-to-Head

If, like me, you're lucky enough to own an Instant Pot Duo Crisp, you might still be trying to figure out the best way to use all of its air frying features.

Understanding the difference between roast vs broil air fryer settings is key.

Today, I'm going to break down those differences and help you achieve the perfect results in your air fryer.

Jump to:

What Does Roast Do On Air Fryer Features?
What Does Broil Do On Air Fryer Features?
Roast vs Broil: Which Setting Is Best?
Cooking Method
Cooking Time
Temperature
How to Roast In Air Fryer Appliances
Tips For Using the Roast Setting
How to Broil In Air Fryer Appliances
Tips For Using the Broil Setting
Key Takeaways: How To Cook Food & Be In Your (Heating) Element

What Does Roast Do On Air Fryer Features?

The Duo Crisp's roasting feature functions like a traditional cooker or range but on a smaller scale. It allows you to cook food at high temperatures for a longer period of time.

The internal heating element and high-powered fan will team up to circulate dry heat (with a temperature range of 180°F–400°F) around the inner pot, bathing your food in the perfect climate to produce meat more tender than Ross and Rachel's first kiss.

The "Roast" is perfect for large cuts of meat like:

Whole Chicken
Roast Beef
Leg of Lamb
Honey Glazed Ham

What Does Broil Do On Air Fryer Features?

Broiling is like giving your food a suntan… with a flamethrower. It blasts heat from above, creating that crispy, golden finish we all pretend we achieved on purpose. Want those deliciously charred edges? Scoot your food nice and close to the heating element—just not so close it files a restraining order.

This setting's temperature is not adjustable, and broils at 400°F, but you'll be cooking for shorter periods of time.

The best foods for "Broil" are smaller cuts of meat like:

T-Bone Steak
Salmon Fillets
Grilled Chicken Breasts
Aberdeen Angus Burgers

To effectively cook food using the broiling feature, you'll also have to break out the reversible oven rack or stainless steel grill tray.

Roast vs Broil: Which Setting Is Best?

instant pot with air fryer accessories inside

You've probably already guessed there is no "best" setting, only the right tool for the job.

Here's a peek at the important differences between the roasting and broiling cooking methods so you can better select the appropriate feature to make you look more like Gino D'Acampo and less like the Swedish chef from Sesame Street.

Cooking Method

The primary difference between these two Instant Pot oven settings is how the appliance uses heat to cook meat.

The roasting in the Duo Crisp uses convection cooking, where hot air is circulated around the food, while the broiler uses radiant heat, where the heating elements direct its rays towards the food from the top of the air fryer lid.

Take a look at the Instant Omni Plus 19QT/18L Toaster Oven Air Fryer that broils too.

Cooking Time

As these two settings are geared towards cooking completely different meal styles, the cooking times are at the opposite ends of the spectrum.

Roasting generally takes longer, while you'll break out the broiler to quickly blast some burgers or bacon.

You can't rush massive joints of meat or whole chickens, or you'll end up with burnt exteriors and undercooked food. While the doneness of beef is down to personal preference, I've never met anyone who likes rare chicken.

On the flip side of the coin, if you take too long to cook small cuts of meat, you'll end up with dry food that will take Henry Cavill-like jaw muscles to chew.

Temperature

The final difference between "Roast" and "Broil" is the temperature at which they cook meat. The roasting function typically cooks food at around 180°F–400°F (82°C–204°C), while the broiling feature cooks food at a non adjustable temperature of 400°F (204°C).

Lower temperatures allow the heat to reach the centre of the chicken or ham and develop flavor without drying out the exterior. Because you'll cook steaks, burgers, and grilled chicken (which are much thinner than large joints), you won't need as much time for the middle of the meat to get hot without sacrificing a crispy exterior.

How to Roast In Air Fryer Appliances

Now that we've compared the convection roast and broiler settings, let's examine how to use the roasting feature on an air fryer.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) like you would a conventional oven.
Season your meat with your desired spices and place it in the air fryer basket.
Cook the meat for 20-30 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the meat. Consult your air fryer recipes.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meat has reached the desired level.
Let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving.

Also see: Can You Put Oil in an Air Fryer? What You Need to Know

Tips For Using the Roast Setting

For best results, use the roasting feature for larger cuts of meat, such as a whole chicken or a honey-glazed ham.
Make sure to preheat your air fryer before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meat has reached the desired level.
Let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

How to Broil In Air Fryer Appliances

Using the "Broil" on an air fryer is similar to using the roasting feature but with a few key differences.

Preheat your air fryer to 450°F (230°C).
Season your meat with your desired spices and place it in the air fryer basket.
Cook the meat for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the meat.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meat has reached the desired level.
Let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips For Using the Broil Setting

Use the broiling function for smaller cuts of meat, such as steaks or fish fillets.
Make sure to preheat your air fryer before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meat has reached the desired level.
Let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute

Key Takeaways: How To Cook Food & Be In Your (Heating) Element

By understanding the differences between the roasting and broiling cooking methods on the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, you give yourself the best chance of producing amazing cooked meals for you and your family in the most efficient time possible.

Moreover, by using the right tool for the job, you'll be sure you don't ruin your meat by overcooking or poisoning your guests with undercooked food.

Which should always be the primary objective for any home chef.