Air Fryer Lid: Instant Pot's Best Accessory?

Instant Pot has released an air fryer lid that 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 counter, and a storage cover. The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is not compatible with all Instant Pots and only works with 6-quart models. It is also not compatible with 3-quart or 8-quart Instant Pots or with electric pressure cookers made by other companies.

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid: Is it worth it?

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a popular accessory for Instant Pot owners, but is it worth buying?

The Pros

• Space-saving: The Air Fryer Lid can be a good option for those who want an air fryer but don't have the counter space for another appliance. It fits onto your existing Instant Pot, turning it into a mini oven that can air fry, roast, bake, broil, reheat, and dehydrate.
• Fast and convenient: The Air Fryer Lid comes to temperature much faster than a traditional oven, making it ideal for quick meals or snacks. It also eliminates the need to plan meals ahead of time, as you can use it to throw together last-minute dishes.
• Good performance: The Air Fryer Lid performs well, producing similar results to other air fryers and convection ovens. It crisps up food without the mess of deep frying, and cooks food evenly without drying it out.
• Versatile: The Air Fryer Lid can be used for a variety of tasks, including roasting, baking, broiling, and dehydrating. It can also be used in combination with the Instant Pot itself, allowing for multi-step cooking processes.
• Easy to use: The Air Fryer Lid is simple to operate, with familiar controls and programs for those who have used an Instant Pot before. It also comes with a protective pad to place the hot lid on after use, and most of its parts are dishwasher-safe.

The Cons

• Small capacity: The Air Fryer Lid has a small fryer basket, which means cooking for a family will require multiple batches. It is best suited for cooking for 1-2 people.
• Inconsistent temperature/timing: Some users have reported that the temperature and timing of the Air Fryer Lid are less consistent than a regular air fryer.
• Difficult to turn/flip food: The small size of the basket makes it difficult to turn or flip food while air frying, and it can be tricky to remove the hot metal insert.
• Not compatible with all models: The Air Fryer Lid is only compatible with certain 6-quart Instant Pot models and is not compatible with 3-quart or 8-quart pots or electric pressure cookers made by other companies.

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid can be a good option for those who want the functionality of an air fryer without taking up additional counter space. It performs well, is easy to use, and offers versatility in cooking. However, its small capacity and compatibility limitations may be dealbreakers for those cooking for larger groups or using incompatible Instant Pot models. Overall, it may be most worth it for those who are short on counter space, already own a compatible Instant Pot, and don't mind the smaller capacity.

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid vs. Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is compatible with most 6-quart models of the Instant Pot and is placed on top of the pressure cooker body. It has a handle for easy lifting and simple controls, with programs for air frying, broiling, baking, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating. The Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer, on the other hand, is a standalone air fryer with a touchscreen interface and dial for adjusting the temperature.

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a good option for those who want to save counter space and already own a compatible Instant Pot. It has a smaller capacity than the Instant Vortex, making it suitable for small servings, individual portions, and snacks. The Vortex, on the other hand, has a larger basket that can fit more food, making it a better choice for cooking for a family.

In terms of performance, both the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid and the Instant Vortex produced similar results in terms of cooking steak fries, with the Vortex taking slightly longer to preheat. The Vortex produced crispier results with extra browning. The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is also more versatile, offering additional cooking functions such as baking and dehydrating.

Overall, the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a good choice for those who want to save space and already own a compatible Instant Pot, while the Instant Vortex is a better option for those who want a standalone air fryer with a larger capacity and prefer crispier results.

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid vs. Mealthy CrispLid

Both the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid and the Mealthy CrispLid are designed to add air-frying functionality to a regular multicooker. However, there are some key differences between the two products.

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is designed to fit over a 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. The lid features six pre-set cooking functions, including frying, broiling, dehydrating, baking, roasting, and reheating. It is easy to customize the settings, and the lid is designed with EvenCrisp technology, giving food a crispy and golden finish. However, it is a bit heavy, has an annoying warning sound system, and the instructions are lacking. It is also not compatible with all models of the Instant Pot.

Mealthy CrispLid

The Mealthy CrispLid fits both 6 and 8-quart pots and does not have pre-set programs, allowing for more customization. It has a heat-resistant glass area that lets you see the food while it cooks. The CrispLid comes with a frying basket, a raised trivet, stainless steel tongs, and a heat-resistant silicone mat. The high temperature of 500ºF can burn food if you're not careful. Like the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, the CrispLid is not ideal for cooking large batches of food.

Both lids are good options for those looking to add air-frying functionality to their multicooker, but each has its own unique features. The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is better for those who want pre-set programs and already own a 6-quart Instant Pot, while the Mealthy CrispLid is a better option for those who want more customization, have an 8-quart Instant Pot, or want to see inside the cooker while cooking.

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid: Cooking for a family of four

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a handy accessory that can turn your pressure cooker into an air fryer. It is a great option for those who want the functionality of an air fryer without adding another bulky appliance to their kitchen counter. However, it is important to note that the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is only compatible with certain 6-quart models of the Instant Pot.

The Air Fryer Lid houses a fan and a heating element, and it simply needs to be placed on top of a compatible Instant Pot and plugged in. The controls are simple and similar to those of the Instant Pot, with buttons to start and cancel, and programs for air frying, broiling, baking, roasting, reheating, and dehydrating.

Cooking for a family of four

While the Air Fryer Lid is a convenient option for small servings, individual portions, and snacks, it may not be ideal for cooking for a family of four due to its limited capacity. The fryer basket that comes with the lid is small and may not accommodate large quantities of food.

However, with some creativity and adjustments, it is possible to cook meals for a family of four using the Air Fryer Lid. Here are some tips and suggestions:

• Cook in batches: You may need to cook in multiple batches to feed a family of four. This will take more time, but it is doable if you plan ahead.
• Use the multi-level air fryer basket: The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer offers dual-level cooking, allowing you to cook more food at once. You can place the multi-level air fryer basket in the inner pot, add a single layer of ingredients, and then cook according to your desired settings.
• Use the broiling tray: The broiling/dehydrating tray that comes with the Air Fryer Lid can be used for multi-level cooking. Place it in the fryer basket, add a single layer of ingredients, and then add more ingredients on top of the tray.
• Use stainless steel steamer baskets: You can purchase optional Mesh Steamer Baskets made of stainless steel, which allow you to avoid non-stick cookware. These baskets can be used for dual-layer cooking, bringing your ingredients closer to the cooking element.

Recipes for a family of four

• Instant Pot Duo Crisp Chicken Wings: This recipe uses the pressure cooker and Duo Crisp Air Fryer Lid to make extra tender and crispy chicken wings.
• Instant Pot Baked Potatoes: Pressure cook your potatoes and then finish them off with the Air Fryer Lid for creamy potatoes with crispy skin.
• Instant Pot Pizza Pasta: This recipe uses both the pressure cooker function and the Air Fryer Lid to create a one-dish dinner.
• Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole: This recipe uses the crisping lid to get that golden, cheesy top on your casserole.
• Instant Pot BBQ Chicken: A quick and easy recipe that can be thrown together last-minute with a few pantry staples.

Things to keep in mind

When using the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Size limitations: The small fryer basket may restrict the size of the food you can cook. You may need to adjust the amount, temperature, and cook time of recipes designed for traditional air fryers.
• Turning and flipping food: Some recipes may require you to turn or flip the food during the cooking process, which can be a bit bothersome.
• Cleaning: While some parts of the Air Fryer Lid are dishwasher-safe, others need to be wiped clean with a damp cloth.

Final thoughts

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a convenient option for those short on counter space who want the functionality of an air fryer without adding another appliance. However, the limited capacity may be a constraint when cooking for a family of four. With some adjustments and creativity, it is possible to make meals for four, but it may involve cooking in batches or using additional accessories.

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid: Pros and Cons

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a popular accessory for Instant Pot owners who want to expand the functionality of their appliance without adding another bulky item to their kitchen. The lid is designed to fit onto the base of the Instant Pot, turning it into a mini convection oven that can air fry, roast, bake, broil, reheat, and dehydrate.

Pros

• Saves Space: The Air Fryer Lid is a great option for those who want the functionality of an air fryer without adding another large appliance to their kitchen. It simply sits on top of the Instant Pot when in use and can be easily stored away when not in use.
• Fast Cooking: The Air Fryer Lid preheats quickly and cooks food faster than a traditional oven, making it a convenient option for quick and easy meals.
• Even Cooking: The lid circulates hot air to cook food evenly and can produce crispy and delicious results.
• Versatility: In addition to air frying, the lid can be used for roasting, baking, broiling, reheating, and dehydrating, making it a versatile tool for meal preparation.
• Ease of Use: The Air Fryer Lid is easy to use and operates similarly to the Instant Pot, with simple controls and preset programs. It also comes with a protective pad to place the hot lid on after use.

Cons

• Small Capacity: The Air Fryer Lid has a small fryer basket, which limits the amount of food that can be cooked at once. It may not be suitable for larger families or those who want to cook in bigger batches.
• Inconsistent Results: Some users have reported that the temperature and timing of the Air Fryer Lid are less consistent compared to a regular air fryer, and adjustments may be needed for recipes.
• Inconvenient Design: The lid is quite large and heavy, and some users have found it inconvenient to store and handle. The process of flipping or turning food during cooking can also be cumbersome.
• Limited Compatibility: The Air Fryer Lid is not compatible with all Instant Pot models and only works with specific 6-quart models. It is important to check compatibility before purchasing.
• Price: The Air Fryer Lid is priced similarly to some Instant Pots and other air fryers, which may be a significant expense for some.

Frequently asked questions