Turn Your Instant Pot Into An Air Fryer

Instant Pot is one of the most well-known multicooker manufacturers in the world. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a kitchen appliance that combines the functions of a pressure cooker, a slow cooker, and an air fryer. It is possible to transform any 6- or 8-quart electric pressure cooker (Instant Pot or not) into an air fryer by using an Instant Crisp Lid. This lid is placed on top of the pressure cooker, and the time and temperature are set. The Instant Crisp Lid is also equipped with a fan and a heating element.

Instant Pot Duo Crisp: a multi-cooker with an air fryer lid

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a multi-cooker with an air fryer lid that can be used for air frying, pressure cooking, slow cooking, baking, roasting, dehydrating, and more. It comes with two lids: one for pressure cooking and one for air frying. The air fryer lid has EvenCrisp™ technology, which gives you the crunch and tenderness of deep-frying with 95% less oil. It offers 11-in-1 functionality, including air frying, roasting, baking, dehydrating, pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sautéing, sterilizing, and warming food.

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a fast, versatile, and convenient appliance with two innovative, removable lids that allow you to cook and crisp your favourite meals in one pot. It has 11 customizable programs for quick one-touch meals and a customizable temperature range of 105°F (41°C) to 400°F (201°F) for the Air Frying Lid. It is perfect for families, meal prep, and big-batch cooking, as it can cook up to 8 portions. It is also up to 70% faster and more energy-efficient than other cooking methods.

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp has several accessories, including a multi-functional stainless-steel rack, a multi-level air fryer basket with a base, a broil/dehydrating tray, and a protective pad and storage cover. The inner pot, pressure cooking lid, and accessories are dishwasher-safe, making clean-up quick and easy.

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a great choice for those who want the convenience of multiple cooking functions in one appliance, saving space and time in the kitchen. It is a versatile and easy-to-use appliance that allows you to cook a variety of dishes with minimal effort.

Instant Crisp Technology: browns your food after pressure cooking

Instant Crisp Technology is a feature of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Air Fryer that allows you to brown your food after pressure cooking. This eliminates the need to transfer food to an oven or broiler after pressure cooking to achieve a crispy texture. The Instant Crisp Technology is made possible by the Instant Crisp lid, which fits all 6 or 8-quart Instant Pot models and even fits a crockpot express.

The Instant Crisp lid has a vortex-like design that ensures superior airflow and even cooking. It comes with a stainless steel inner pot, air fryer basket, trivet, tongs, and a heat-resistant silicone mat. The lid features a thermometer button to set the temperature and a clock button to set the time. The play button at the bottom turns the appliance on, and the square button allows you to stop the cooking process at any time.

To use the Instant Crisp Technology, simply replace the pressure cooker lid with the Instant Crisp lid after pressure cooking. Ensure that the handle is down, or the appliance won't turn on. Set the desired temperature and time, and then start cooking. You can also shake the basket halfway through the cooking process for even browning. Once the cooking is complete, place the lid on the protective pad and remove the food.

The Instant Crisp Technology is ideal for browning meats, crisping up lasagna, or making potato gratin. It eliminates the need for a separate air fryer appliance, saving countertop space and making it convenient for those with small kitchens. However, it is important to note that the air fryer basket is on the smaller side, making it suitable for cooking for one or two people but less ideal for larger families.

Mealthy CrispLid: turns your pressure cooker into an air fryer

Mealthy CrispLid: Turn Your Pressure Cooker into an Air Fryer

The Mealthy CrispLid is a multi-cooker accessory that turns your gadget into an air fryer, blasting dry heat around food to cook it faster and make it crisp. It is a heating device that allows you to crisp, broil, or air fry food right in your pressure cooker. It consists of a heating element, fan, and vents attached to a glass lid covered with a stainless steel cover.

The CrispLid is placed directly on top of any 6-quart or 8-quart stainless steel pressure cooking pot, such as an Instant Pot. It does not fit other sizes and could damage ceramic, aluminum, or non-stick coatings. The CrispLid has a handle, control panel, vents, heating element, fan, and a stainless steel cover over the heating element.

To use the CrispLid, simply place the trivet and the cooking basket with the food inside the pressure cooker's inner stainless steel pot. Then, place the lid on top of the inner pot using the handle. Make sure the pressure cooker is unplugged before plugging in the CrispLid and lowering the handle. Select the temperature and cooking time, and press the start button.

• CrispLid
• Trivet
• Basket
• Silicone Tongs
• Silicone Pot Holder (Mat)
• User Guide
• Recipe Booklet

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Takes up less space than a standalone air fryer
• Glass lid allows you to see the food as it cooks
• Reuse the same accessories that came with your pressure cooker
• Easy to clean
• More affordable than a standalone air fryer

Cons

• Need to move the hot lid carefully after cooking
• Food needs to be rotated or turned to crisp evenly
• Short power cord
• Smaller capacity than a standalone air fryer
• No preset cooking programs

Final Thoughts

The Mealthy CrispLid is a great option for those who want to add air frying capabilities to their pressure cooker without purchasing a separate air fryer appliance. It is affordable, convenient, and easy to use, but keep in mind the capacity and rotation of food when cooking for larger groups.

Air fryer basket: ensures even cooking and a crispy texture

The air fryer basket is an essential component of the Instant Pot air fryer, playing a crucial role in achieving the desired crispy texture and even cooking. This accessory is designed to optimise airflow and ensure uniform heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked dishes.

The basket is constructed of stainless steel, ensuring durability and ease of cleaning. It is also dishwasher-safe, making the post-cooking cleanup a breeze. Its height is ample, providing sufficient space for the super-heated air to circulate and impart that coveted crispiness to your food. However, the width could be more generous, as some users find it a bit narrow for their liking. This narrow design may necessitate shaking the basket multiple times during the cooking process to ensure even browning.

The basket's base is designed with clips that securely attach it to the inner pot, creating the necessary space for hot air to circulate. This thoughtful design ensures that your food cooks beautifully and evenly. Additionally, the basket can be used in conjunction with the broiling tray, which elevates food towards the heating element, making it ideal for grilling burgers or bacon.

The air fryer basket is an indispensable tool for achieving the signature crispy texture of air-fried foods. Its thoughtful design ensures optimal airflow and even cooking, making it a valuable accessory for anyone looking to get the most out of their Instant Pot air fryer.

Air fryer vs Instant Pot: they serve different purposes

The Instant Pot and Air Fryer are two popular kitchen appliances that can help make cooking faster, easier, and less stressful. While they may seem similar on the surface, they actually serve different purposes and cater to different cooking needs.

An Instant Pot is an electric pressure cooker and multicooker. It offers a range of functions, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, sautéing, steaming, and more. It is particularly useful for dishes with liquid, such as soups, stews, and casseroles, and it can also be used to cook meat from its frozen state.

An air fryer is a countertop convection oven that uses hot air and a small amount of oil to "fry" foods, giving them a crispy texture. It is ideal for foods that you want to crisp or dry out, such as French fries, 'fried' chicken, or apple crisps. Air fryers are generally smaller and more compact than Instant Pots, and they are simple to use and easy to clean.

Key Differences:

The main difference between the two appliances is in their functionality and purpose. The Instant Pot is a pressure cooker that is ideal for moist cooking methods, while the Air Fryer uses super-hot and dry air to crisp and fry foods.

Instant Pots are known for their versatility, offering a range of functions in one appliance, whereas Air Fryers are more specialized for frying and roasting. Instant Pots are also bulkier and take up more counter space, whereas Air Fryers can come in more compact sizes.

The choice between the two appliances depends on your specific cooking needs and preferences. If you want crispy and crunchy results for foods like French fries and chicken wings, an Air Fryer is the better option.

On the other hand, if you want a versatile appliance that can handle a variety of cooking methods and dishes, the Instant Pot is a good choice. It is particularly useful for those who want to combine several kitchen gadgets into one and save space.

Ultimately, both appliances have their strengths and can be useful additions to your kitchen, depending on your cooking style and the types of dishes you prepare.

Frequently asked questions