Instant Pot Air Fryer: A Multipurpose Kitchen Wonder

Instant Pot is a popular kitchen appliance that can be used for a variety of cooking purposes. While the basic Instant Pot does not have air frying capabilities, Instant Pot offers a separate air fryer lid that can be purchased to expand the functionality of the basic pot. This lid fits onto the Instant Pot’s base, turning it into a mini convection oven that can air fry, roast, bake, broil, reheat and dehydrate. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is another variation that comes with two lids, one for pressure cooking and one for air frying.

Instant Pot Duo Crisp: An 11-in-1 pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté pan, food warmer, sous vide, air fryer, roaster, mini oven, broiler, and dehydrator

Instant Pot Duo Crisp is an 11-in-1 appliance that can be used as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté pan, food warmer, sous vide, air fryer, roaster, mini oven, broiler, and dehydrator. It comes in 6.5, 8, and 10-quart sizes, with the 8-quart size being the most popular. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp has two lids: one for pressure cooking and one for air frying. The air fryer lid turns the Instant Pot into a convection oven, allowing you to air fry, roast, bake, broil, reheat, and dehydrate.

The air fryer lid is easy to use and features simple controls. It has advanced safety features such as overheat protection and automatic shut-off. The air fryer basket is designed for optimal air flow, and the protective pad can be used for storage and countertop protection. The air fryer lid uses up to 95% less oil than deep frying, making it a healthier option. It has an adjustable temperature range from 105 to 400 °F (41 to 205 °C).

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a versatile and convenient appliance that allows you to cook and crisp your favorite meals all in one pot. It is fast, energy-efficient, and easy to clean, with dishwasher-safe parts. It is a great option for families, meal prep, and big-batch cooking.

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid: Transforms your Instant Pot into an air fryer with a simple switch of the lid

Instant Pot offers the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, which fits onto your Instant Pot’s base, turning it into a mini convection oven that can air fry, roast, bake, broil, reheat and dehydrate. The lid fits most 6-quart Instant Pot models and comes with everything you need to air fry, including an air fryer basket, a broiling and dehydrating tray, a protective pad for your countertop, and a storage cover.

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is easy to handle and store, and features simple controls to get you cooking fast. It includes advanced safety features such as overheat protection and automatic shutoff. The multi-level air fryer basket with a dehydrating and broiling tray is designed for optimal airflow, and the protective pad is great for storage and countertop use.

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid lets you cook with little to no oil. You can make all your deep-fried favourites, including wings, crispy fries, and onion rings, with up to 95% less oil. It also has a temperature range of 105 to 400 °F (41 to 205 °C).

The Air Fryer Lid is a great addition to your Instant Pot if you're tight on space in your kitchen or if you're looking to try out air frying without committing to a whole new appliance.

Instant Pot Air Fryer vs. Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer: The Instant Vortex holds more food and has a slight edge in browning

Instant Pot Air Fryer vs. Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer: A Detailed Comparison

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid and the Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer are both excellent choices for those seeking the convenience of an air fryer. However, there are some key differences between the two products in terms of capacity, cooking time, and browning capabilities.

Capacity and Cooking Time

The Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer has a larger capacity than the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid. It can hold about 2/3 of a bag of steak fries, while the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid can only hold 1/3 of a bag. This makes the Instant Vortex a better option for those cooking for a family.

Additionally, the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid preheated approximately two minutes faster than the Vortex. However, both appliances produced similar results and cooking times, with the Vortex delivering slightly better browning.

Design and Ease of Use

The Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer has a sleek, black design and requires countertop space measuring 11.5 x 13 x 12.8 inches. It features a handle for removing the cooking basket and a control panel with large, clearly marked buttons and a dial for adjusting settings, temperature, and time. The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, on the other hand, is designed to fit onto your existing Instant Pot, turning it into a mini convection oven. It includes an air fryer basket, a broiling and dehydrating tray, and a protective pad for your countertop.

Performance

Both appliances deliver crispy, tender results and are excellent for roasting chicken. The Instant Vortex, however, struggled a bit with air-frying chicken wings, while the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid produced plump and juicy chicken nuggets. The Vortex also has the added benefit of a rotisserie basket, which is useful for cooking chicken wings, sausages, and hot dogs.

In terms of ease of use, the Instant Vortex has intuitive digital controls, but it lacks preset cooking programs, which may be a drawback for beginners. The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, on the other hand, will feel familiar to those used to Instant Pot's multi-cookers, and it includes simple controls.

Overall, both the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid and the Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer are impressive air frying solutions. The Instant Vortex holds more food and has a slight edge in browning, but the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a convenient option for those who already own an Instant Pot and want to save space.

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid vs. Mealthy CrispLid: The Mealthy CrispLid has a glass lid but gets too hot to touch

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid vs. Mealthy CrispLid

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid and the Mealthy CrispLid are both designed to add air-frying functionality to a regular multicooker. However, there are some differences between the two products. Here is a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is better suited for your needs:

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid fits over your regular 6-quart Instant Pot multicooker, turning it into an air fryer. It comes with a heat-resistant pad, a multi-level frying basket, and a dehydrating and broiling tray. All the accessories are dishwasher-safe, and the heat-resistant pad can also be used for storage. It is important to note that this lid should only be used with Instant Pot cookers that have a stainless steel inner pot, as the high heat may damage ceramic inner pots.

One of the standout features of the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is that it offers six pre-set cooking functions: air fry, broil, dehydrate, bake, roast, and reheat. This allows for greater versatility in your cooking. Additionally, you can customize each pre-set program by adjusting the temperature and cooking time to suit your preferences. The lid is designed with EvenCrisp technology, which gives your food a crispy and golden finish, similar to deep-frying, but with less oil.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The lid is a bit heavy, and the warning sound system can be annoying. The instructions could also be more comprehensive. Additionally, it is not compatible with 8-quart or 3-quart Instant Pots.

Mealthy CrispLid

The Mealthy CrispLid is compatible with both 6 and 8-quart electric pressure cookers with stainless steel inner pots. Unlike the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, it does not come with pre-set programs, giving you the freedom to experiment with time and temperature settings. The Mealthy CrispLid has a heat-resistant glass area that allows you to see the food while it's cooking, which can be quite satisfying. It also comes with a frying basket, a raised trivet, stainless steel tongs, and a heat-resistant silicone mat.

One of the advantages of the Mealthy CrispLid is that it reaches higher temperatures, up to 500°F, which can be useful for certain recipes. However, this high temperature can also be a drawback if you're not careful, as it can burn your food easily. Additionally, the space inside your multicooker is tighter than a dedicated air fryer, so you can't cook in large batches.

Both products have their pros and cons, and the decision depends on your specific needs. If you're just starting with air frying and want the convenience of pre-set programs, the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a good choice. It also offers a dehydration function, which may be useful for some. On the other hand, if you prefer the flexibility of customizing your cooking temperatures and times, the Mealthy CrispLid is a better option. Additionally, if you own an 8-quart Instant Pot or multiple multicookers of different sizes, the Mealthy CrispLid is the way to go.

Instant Pot Air Fryer: A pressure cooker with air frying capabilities

The Instant Pot Air Fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that combines the functionalities of a pressure cooker and an air fryer in one convenient device. With its removable lids and multiple cooking modes, the Instant Pot Air Fryer offers a fast and easy way to prepare a variety of dishes, from crispy fried foods to tender pressure-cooked meals.

Features and Functionality

The Instant Pot Air Fryer comes with two innovative, removable lids: one for pressure cooking and the other for air frying. This unique design allows you to cook and crisp your favorite meals in one pot. With a simple switch of the lid, you can unlock a whole new set of cooking techniques. The air fryer lid uses EvenCrisp™ technology, which circulates hot air to give your food a crispy, golden finish while using up to 95% less oil than traditional deep frying.

The pressure cooker lid, on the other hand, offers the convenience of one-pot meals and faster cooking times. With the ability to pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, and more, you can prepare a variety of dishes with ease. The pressure cooker lid is also dishwasher-safe, making cleanup a breeze.

Performance and Capacity

The Instant Pot Air Fryer delivers impressive cooking performance, thanks to its customizable temperature range and smart programs. You can choose from a variety of preset cooking modes, including Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Roast, Reheat, and Dehydrate, or customize your own settings within a temperature range of 105°F to 400°F.

In terms of capacity, the Instant Pot Air Fryer is designed to cook for up to eight people, making it perfect for families, meal prep, and big-batch cooking. The air fryer basket, however, has been noted to have a limited capacity, better suited for cooking for one or two people.

Safety and Ease of Use

The Instant Pot Air Fryer is designed with safety in mind, featuring over ten safety features, including Overheat Protection™ and a safe-locking lid. The air fryer lid also comes with a protective pad to prevent damage to your countertops when removed.

The controls are simple and easy to use, with a bright, dual-display that allows you to select and adjust settings even during cooking. However, it's important to note that the air fryer lid does not lock onto the base like the pressure cooker lid, and you cannot use both the air fryer and the Instant Pot base at the same time.

Comparison with Other Air Fryers

When compared to standalone air fryers, the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid performs similarly in terms of cooking results and times. However, it offers the added benefit of saving counter space by transforming your existing Instant Pot into an air fryer. The air fryer basket is on the smaller side, so it may not be ideal for cooking for large families.

The Instant Pot Air Fryer is a versatile and convenient kitchen appliance that combines pressure cooking and air frying capabilities in one device. With its easy-to-use controls, customizable settings, and fast cooking times, it offers a simple way to prepare a variety of dishes. While the air fryer basket may be better suited for smaller portions, the Instant Pot Air Fryer is a great option for those looking to save space and consolidate their kitchen appliances.

Frequently asked questions