Insta Pot's Air Fryer Function: What You Need To Know

Instant Pots are electric pressure cookers that can be used to cook a variety of dishes, from stews and soups to rice and boiled eggs. However, they cannot be used as air fryers without an additional attachment, such as an air fryer lid or crisping lid. These lids can be purchased separately and used with specific models of Instant Pots to expand their functionality. Air fryers, on the other hand, are small countertop convection ovens that use hot air circulation to cook food, achieving a similar effect to deep frying but in a healthier way. They are ideal for crisping and browning foods like French fries, chicken, and even proteins like salmon.

Air fryer lids for Insta Pots

An Insta Pot can be used as an air fryer, but it requires an additional attachment, such as an air fryer lid. Here is a list of some air fryer lids that can be used with an Insta Pot:

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is compatible with most 6-quart 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. It adds air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, reheating, and dehydrating functions to your Insta Pot. It is easy to use, with simple controls, and advanced safety features such as overheat protection and automatic shut-off. It is reasonably priced and space-saving but may not be suitable for large batches or family cooking.

Mealthy CrispLid

The Mealthy CrispLid is another air fryer lid option that fits 6 and 8-quart Insta Pots and other pressure cooker brands. It comes with an air fryer basket, a trivet, tongs, a carrying case, and a recipe book. It is a good option if you don't want to buy a separate air fryer appliance, but some users have found that it doesn't perform as well as a dedicated air fryer.

Ninja Foodi

The Ninja Foodi is a 2-in-1 appliance that combines a pressure cooker and an air fryer in one unit. It is a larger appliance that takes up more countertop space than an air fryer lid, but it still saves space compared to having two separate devices. It is a good option if you want a single appliance that can do both pressure cooking and air frying.

CrispLid

The CrispLid is an air fryer lid that fits 6-quart Crock-Pot Express or Mealthy pressure cookers. It comes with a non-stick pot, an air fryer basket, a trivet, tongs, and a silicone mat. It is a good option if you want to add air frying functionality to your pressure cooker without buying a separate air fryer appliance. However, it might not perform as well as a dedicated air fryer.

Air fryer pros and cons

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance that uses 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. However, there are some pros and cons to consider before investing in an air fryer.

Pros:

• No need to heat up a large oven: Air fryers are great for cooking small batches of food without having to heat up your entire oven.
• Food is crisped evenly: Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, resulting in evenly crisped food.
• Uses less oil than deep frying: Air fryers require a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep frying, making them a healthier alternative.
• Less cleanup than deep frying: With less oil involved, there is usually less cleanup required after using an air fryer.
• Faster than an oven: Air fryers take less time to heat up than a traditional oven, making them a convenient option for quick meals.
• Easy to clean: Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe and easy to rinse out.
• Affordable: Basic models start at around $70, making them a budget-friendly option.
• Great for small meals and snacks: Air fryers are perfect for cooking small batches of food, such as roasted vegetables, chicken, or reheating frozen foods.
• Oil-free recipes: Air fryers can be used to make oil-free recipes, which is a healthier option.

Cons:

• Limited capacity: Air fryers have a small capacity and may not be suitable for cooking for large groups or meal prep.
• Not suitable for all foods: Battered or "wet" foods do not cook well in an air fryer.
• Food can get dried out: Some foods may become dried out due to the hot air circulation.
• Takes up counter space: Air fryers are countertop appliances that can take up valuable counter space in your kitchen.
• Noisy: The fan in an air fryer can be noisy during operation.
• Not as good as traditional deep frying: While air fryers use less oil, they may not deliver the same taste and texture as traditional deep-fried food.

Insta Pot cannot be used as an air fryer on its own. However, you can purchase an additional attachment, such as an air fryer lid or crisping lid, that fits onto your Insta Pot and allows you to air fry foods. This is a more affordable option than buying a separate air fryer appliance, but it may not perform as well as a dedicated air fryer.

Air fryer recipes

An Insta Pot can be used as an air fryer, but only with an additional attachment, such as an air fryer lid or crisping lid. These lids are a more affordable and compact option than buying a freestanding air fryer. However, they may not perform as well as a separate device.

If you already own an air fryer, or are looking to cook larger batches, a dedicated air fryer appliance may be a better option. Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep fryers, as they use less oil to cook your favourite foods.

• Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato
• Air Fryer Asian-Glazed Boneless Chicken Thighs
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
• Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
• Air Fryer Chicken Sandwich with Sriracha Mayo
• Air Fryer Butternut Squash
• Eggplant Sticks (Baked or Air Fryer)
• Air Fryer Pork Chops
• Air Fryer Potato Wedges
• Air Fryer Corn Ribs
• Air Fryer Garlic Ranch Chicken Thighs
• Italian Seasoning Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Mexican Tostadas
• Spinach Artichoke Roll-Ups
• Breakfast Potatoes
• Air Fryer Donuts
• Air Fried Apple Cinnamon Chips
• Crunchy Air Fried Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
• Lemon Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

How an air fryer works

An air fryer is essentially a countertop convection oven that doesn't actually fry your food. It uses rapid air technology to create heat instead of an element. This helps it to heat up much faster than an oven and its small size helps it to circulate the heat more evenly, crisping up your food without hot spots.

The top section of an air fryer contains a heating mechanism and fan. You place the food in a fryer-style basket and when you turn it on, hot air rushes down and around the food. This rapid circulation makes the food crisp—much like deep-frying, but without the oil.

The basket may hold anywhere from 2 to 10 quarts, depending on the size of your air fryer. In most cases, you’ll want to add 1 or 2 teaspoons of oil to help the food get nice and crispy. Air fryer cooking times and temperatures typically range from 5 to 25 minutes at 350° to 400°F, depending on the food you’re cooking.

In some cases, you may need to flip or turn the food halfway through the cooking time to help it crisp up evenly. It's also important to not overcrowd the basket—the machine needs air around it, and the food does too.

Air fryer vs Insta Pot

An air fryer is a mini convection oven that sits on your countertop. It uses hot air circulation technology to cook food from the outside in, resulting in a crispy texture. Air fryers are highly versatile and can be used for baking, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating, in addition to frying. They are also energy-efficient, cheap to run, and cook food much faster than a conventional oven.

Insta Pots, also known as electric pressure cookers or multi-cookers, are used for pressure cooking, slow cooking, boiling, and braising. They are particularly useful for cooking soups, stews, beans, and braises. Insta Pots can also be used for air frying, but only with an additional attachment, such as an air fryer lid.

The main difference between air fryers and Insta Pots is that air fryers are primarily designed for cooking crispy, fried foods, while Insta Pots are better suited for moist cooking methods like pressure cooking and boiling. Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook food quickly and evenly, while Insta Pots cook food under high pressure and heat.

In terms of functionality, air fryers are generally simpler to use and have fewer functions than Insta Pots. Air fryers are also usually smaller in size, making them easier to store and clean.

When it comes to price, both appliances have a similar entry-level price point, but higher-end air fryers can be more expensive than even the most costly Insta Pots.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on your specific needs and cooking preferences. If you want to reduce the amount of deep-fried food you eat, reheat leftovers without a microwave, or cook crispy foods like french fries and chicken wings, an air fryer is a good option.

On the other hand, if you want to cook food quickly, minimize dishwashing, and combine multiple kitchen gadgets into one, an Insta Pot might be a better fit. Insta Pots are also ideal if you frequently cook dishes that require longer cook times, such as soups and stews.

Ultimately, both appliances offer unique benefits and can be valuable additions to your kitchen, depending on your specific needs and cooking style.

Frequently asked questions