Instant Pot Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Instant Pot users can now turn their appliance into an air fryer with an air fryer lid. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer comes with an additional lid that allows you to use the Instant Pot as an air fryer. You can also buy a separate air fryer lid that fits onto your existing Instant Pot. However, this is not compatible with all models.

Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer: Features, pros and cons

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer is a 2-in-1 pressure cooker and air fryer combo. It is a versatile appliance that can handle various cooking tasks with ease. Here are some of the features, pros, and cons of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer:

Features

• It has two separate lids for pressure cooking and air frying.
• It offers multiple cooking functions, including air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan, yogurt maker, sterilizer, and food warmer.
• It is available in two sizes: 6-quart and 8-quart.
• The 6-quart model has a power rating of 850 watts, while the 8-quart model has a power rating of 1200 watts.
• It has an LED screen display and a streamlined touch control pad.
• It comes with accessories, including a dehydrating tray, air fry basket, multi-functional rack, and a protective pad.

Pros

• It is a versatile and multifunctional appliance that combines the features of a pressure cooker and an air fryer, making it a great space saver in the kitchen.
• It has a large capacity, making it suitable for families or handling large quantities of food.
• It is easy to use and navigate, with program buttons that are well-laid out.
• It performs well in pressure cooking and can produce tasty and tender meals.
• The air fryer function can deliver crispy and healthy food without the use of excess oil.
• Some parts, such as the inner pot and the air fryer basket, are dishwasher-safe, making cleaning more convenient.

Cons

• It is heavy and bulky, and the lids and accessories can take up a significant amount of countertop and storage space.
• The air fryer basket is on the smaller side, limiting the quantity of food that can be cooked at once.
• Steaming and air frying functions may require some experimentation with timings to achieve the desired results.
• The stainless steel inner pot is not non-stick, which can make cleaning more challenging.
• It takes longer to heat up and cook compared to dedicated single-function appliances.

Overall, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer is a good option for those seeking a versatile and multifunctional appliance that combines pressure cooking and air frying capabilities. However, it may have some limitations in terms of size, cooking functions, and performance when compared to dedicated single-function appliances.

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid: What it does, pros and cons

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a detachable lid that can be swapped with the regular pressure cooker lid of your Instant Pot, turning it into an air fryer. It comes with a multi-level air fryer basket, a dehydrating and broiling tray, and a protective pad. It is easy to use, handle and store, and features simple controls. It also has advanced safety features such as overheat protection and automatic shut-off.

What it does

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid allows you to air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat and dehydrate food. It works with your existing Instant Pot, so you don't need to buy a separate air fryer appliance, helping you save space and money. It can be used to cook frozen foods, reheat leftovers, and even dehydrate your own jerky, fruit strips and kale chips.

Pros

• It is a good addition to your Instant Pot, offering new cooking options without needing a separate appliance.
• It is easy to use, with simple controls and no learning curve.
• It works well for small batches of air-fried items, making food crisp and tasty.
• It is reasonably priced.
• It is easy to clean.

Cons

• It takes up more space than expected, with the lid and its accessories occupying as much space as a full air fryer.
• The basket inside is small, enough for two larger servings, and the batch size is about 3-4 servings.
• There is no instruction manual, and the included instructions are poor.
• It is not compatible with all Instant Pot models.

Air frying vs traditional frying: Differences and similarities

Air fryers are countertop kitchen appliances that use convection to circulate hot air (and sometimes oil) to cook food. They are touted as a healthier alternative to deep frying as they require less oil and can cook food evenly. However, air fryers may not be suitable for all types of food, especially battered or "wet" foods. They also have limited capacity and can only cook in small batches.

On the other hand, traditional frying involves submerging food in hot oil, resulting in a crispier texture. This method is generally less expensive and can cook larger quantities of food. However, it uses more oil, which can be messy and time-consuming to clean up. Traditional frying may also not be suitable for all types of food, especially those that require a long cooking time, as the oil can penetrate the food and make it greasy.

Differences

The key differences between air frying and traditional frying lie in their cooking methods, oil usage, capacity, and versatility. Air fryers use hot air convection to cook food, while traditional frying involves submerging food in hot oil. Air fryers require less oil, making them a healthier option, whereas traditional frying uses more oil, resulting in a crispier texture. Air fryers have limited capacity and are suitable for small batches, while traditional frying can handle larger quantities.

Similarities

Both air frying and traditional frying can be used to cook similar types of food, such as French fries, chicken, and vegetables. They both involve the use of heat to cook food and can deliver similar taste profiles, with a crispy exterior and a soft interior. Additionally, both methods require some form of cleanup, whether it's disposing of oily tissues and bowls or cleaning the air fryer basket and cooking elements.

Air fryer recipes: Ideas for what to cook

Air fryers are a great, healthier alternative to deep fryers. They are a fantastic way to cook your favourite foods with less oil. Here are some ideas for what to cook in your air fryer:

Main Dishes

• Chicken wings
• Chicken tenders
• Chicken strips
• Chicken sandwiches
• Chicken bites
• Chicken cutlets
• Chicken thighs (boneless)
• Chicken breasts
• Fish sticks
• Pork chops
• Salmon rice bowl
• Tacos
• Tofu
• Turkey meatloaf

Sides

• Sweet potato fries
• Baked potatoes
• Potato bites
• Smashed potatoes
• Green beans
• Brussels sprouts
• Butternut squash
• Eggplant sticks
• Roasted vegetables
• Polenta fries
• Tempura vegetables
• Sweet potato chips
• Green bean fries
• Mashed potato cakes

Snacks and Appetizers

• Cinnamon roll bites
• Ham and cheese wraps
• Cheese curds
• Spinach artichoke roll-ups
• Crispy pickle chips
• Raspberry brownie bites
• Mini croissants
• Pretzel crescent rolls
• Crispy Cajun black-eyed peas
• Breakfast potatoes
• Donuts
• Apple cinnamon chips
• Avocado oil chips
• Banana chips

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid vs Traditional Air Fryer: A comparison

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a handy accessory that can be used with your existing Instant Pot to air fry, bake, roast, broil, reheat and dehydrate. It is a great option for those who already own an Instant Pot and want to expand its functionality without buying a completely new appliance. On the other hand, a traditional air fryer is a standalone appliance designed specifically for air frying. Here is a detailed comparison between the two to help you decide which one is right for you:

Capacity:

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid has a limited capacity and is suitable for smaller families, singles or couples. It can cook up to 3-4 servings in one batch. Traditional air fryers, on the other hand, usually have a larger capacity and can cook larger quantities of food in a single batch.

Features and Functions:

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid comes with 6 pre-set smart programs: Air Fry, Bake, Broil, Roast, Reheat and Dehydrate. It also allows you to customize the temperature and time settings according to your needs. Traditional air fryers may or may not have pre-set programs, but they usually allow you to adjust the temperature and time.

Ease of Use:

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is easy to use and store. It has simple controls and can be handled easily. Traditional air fryers may vary in terms of ease of use depending on the model and brand, but they generally have a learning curve.

Versatility:

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid offers multiple cooking options in addition to air frying, such as baking, roasting and dehydrating. This makes it a versatile appliance. Traditional air fryers are mainly used for air frying, but some models may have additional functions like roasting or dehydrating.

Size and Storage:

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid adds to the dimension of the Instant Pot, but it does not require additional counter space. It can be stored along with your Instant Pot. Traditional air fryers, on the other hand, occupy counter space and can be bulky to store.

Safety:

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid comes with advanced safety features such as overheat protection and automatic shut-off. Traditional air fryers also have safety features, but they may vary depending on the model and brand.

Taste and Quality:

Both the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid and traditional air fryers can deliver tasty and crispy results. The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a good option for crisping up pressure-cooked food. Traditional air fryers are specifically designed for air frying and can produce similar results.

Ease of Cleaning:

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid and its accessories are easy to clean and most of them are dishwasher-safe. Traditional air fryers may vary in terms of ease of cleaning depending on the model and brand, but most of them have dishwasher-safe parts.

Value for Money:

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a good value for money if you already own an Instant Pot and want to save space and money. Traditional air fryers can also offer good value, but they may be more expensive upfront.

In conclusion, both the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid and traditional air fryers have their pros and cons. The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a good option if you already own an Instant Pot and want to save space and money. Traditional air fryers are a better choice if you are looking for a dedicated appliance for air frying, especially if you are cooking for a larger family. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget.

Frequently asked questions