Air Fryer Lid For Instant Pot: Is It Possible?

Instant Pot offers 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, protective pad for your counter and a storage cover.

The air fryer lid is easy to use and a good addition to an existing Instant Pot. It works well for small batches of air-fried items and makes food crisp while cooking. However, it takes up a lot of space and some users have complained about the lack of an instruction manual.

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid Review

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a great option for those who want to add air frying to their Instant Pot without adding a bulky new appliance to their kitchen. It is easy to set up and use, with simple controls that will be familiar to anyone who has used an Instant Pot before. However, it is worth noting that it is not compatible with all models, and its small capacity may be an issue for larger households.

Setup and Design

The setup process for the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is straightforward. It simply needs to be placed on top of a compatible Instant Pot and plugged in. The air fryer plug has a shield that prevents it from being plugged into an outlet next to another plug, which offers some protection from overloading a circuit.

The lid reminded some users of a funny hat on top of the Instant Pot, adding quite a bit of height to the unit. However, it is still short enough to slide under upper kitchen cabinets for storage. The controls are located on top of the unit, which is comfortable when the Instant Pot is placed on a standard-height counter.

The lid doesn't twist on but simply sits on top of the pressure cooker body. It has a handle on top that flips up to make it easy to move and flips down when not in use. It also comes with a pad to protect your counter from the heat of the fryer lid.

Performance

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid offers a range of programs, including air fry, broil, bake, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. It is worth noting that the maximum temperature on any of the modes is 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which may be lower than some recipes recommend. Additionally, the fryer basket is on the smaller side, making it most useful for small servings, individual portions, and snacks.

The lid also has a dehydrate mode, which can go as low as 105 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the fryer basket is not very large, so it wouldn't hold more than a handful of fruit slices.

Compatibility and Price

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is compatible with several 6-quart Instant Pot models, including the Lux, Duo, Duo Plus, Viva, Nova Plus, Ultra, and Duo Nova. It is not compatible with the Smart WiFi 60, Duo Evo Plus 6, Duo Evo Plus 60, Duo SV 60, or Max 60 models. It is also not compatible with 3-quart or 8-quart Instant Pots or electric pressure cookers made by other companies.

The price of the air fryer lid is comparable to that of some Instant Pots, making it one of the more expensive accessories. However, it is a good option for those who already have a compatible Instant Pot and want to save space in their kitchen.

User Reviews

User reviews for the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid are mixed. Some users appreciate its convenience and the fact that it saves space in their kitchen. They also like that it allows them to air fry without adding another appliance. However, many users have noted that the capacity is quite small, which can be an issue for larger households. Some users also mentioned that the temperature and timing are less consistent than with a regular air fryer.

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

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid and the Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer are two popular options for those looking to combine two of the most popular kitchen appliances: the Instant Pot and the air fryer. Here's a detailed comparison between the two to help you decide which one is right for you.

Size and Capacity

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid fits onto your existing Instant Pot, turning it into a mini convection oven. It is designed to fit most 6-quart Instant Pot models and comes with an air fryer basket, a broiling and dehydrating tray, a protective pad, and a storage cover. While it saves space by not requiring a separate air fryer appliance, the capacity of the air fryer basket is limited, even smaller than the inner pot of a standard 6-quart Instant Pot. This makes it suitable for cooking for 1-2 people but may not be adequate for larger families.

On the other hand, the Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer is a standalone air fryer with a larger capacity. It can hold about 2/3 of a bag of steak fries, which is significantly more than what the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid can accommodate. If you're cooking for a family or need to prepare larger batches, the Instant Vortex offers more space.

Cooking Performance

Both the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid and the Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer deliver crispy and delicious results. They were put to the test with frozen steak fries, and both produced similar outcomes. However, the Vortex was preferred slightly more due to the extra browning it achieved. The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid also performed well when tested with frozen chicken nuggets, producing plump and juicy results without drying them out.

Design and Ease of Use

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid has a simple design that is comfortable to use for those familiar with Instant Pots. It features a handle for easy lifting and sits securely on top of the Instant Pot. The controls are straightforward, with start and cancel buttons, as well as programs for air fry, broil, bake, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. The lid makes familiar Instant Pot sounds, and the default time and temperature can be adjusted using the plus and minus buttons.

The Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer, on the other hand, stands out for its user-friendly interface. It has four pre-programmed settings for air fry, bake, roast, and reheat, with large text and a dial that allows for easy adjustment of temperature. The Vortex also has a sleek, modern look that many would find appealing on their countertop.

Price

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid costs about as much as some Instant Pots, making it one of the more expensive accessories. However, if you already have a compatible Instant Pot, it can be a good deal, saving you from purchasing a separate air fryer appliance.

The Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer, at $99, is quite affordable compared to other models with similar capacity and functions.

Both the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid and the Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer are excellent options, each with its advantages. The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is ideal for those who want to save space and already own a compatible Instant Pot, especially if cooking for 1-2 people. On the other hand, the Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer offers more capacity, making it better suited for families or those who need to cook larger batches. It also stands out for its user-friendly interface and competitive price. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid vs. Mealthy CrispLid

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid and the Mealthy CrispLid are two products designed to add air frying functionality to a regular multicooker. However, they differ in several ways, each with its own unique features.

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid fits 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: broiling, dehydrating, baking, roasting, reheating, and of course, frying. The pre-set programs can be customised by adjusting the temperature and cooking time. It is easy to handle and clean, but it is a bit heavy, and the warning sound system can be annoying. It is also not compatible with all models of Instant Pot.

Mealthy CrispLid

The Mealthy CrispLid fits both 6 and 8-quart pots and does not have pre-set programs, allowing for more customisation. It has a heat-resistant glass area that lets you see the food as it cooks. It comes with a frying basket, a raised trivet, tongs, and a heat-resistant silicone mat. The Mealthy CrispLid reaches higher temperatures than the Instant Pot lid (up to 500°F) but does not have as much space inside, so food needs to be cooked in smaller batches.

If you are just starting with air frying, the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid might be a better choice, as it has pre-set programs that take the guesswork out of cooking. It is also a good option if you already own a 6-quart Instant Pot with a stainless steel inner pot and want to make use of the dehydration function. On the other hand, if you have an 8-quart Instant Pot, prefer customising your cooking settings, or want to be able to see inside the cooker while your food is cooking, the Mealthy CrispLid might be a better fit.

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid: Is It Worth It?

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a popular accessory for Instant Pot owners looking to expand the functionality of their appliance without adding another bulky item to their kitchen counter. The Air Fryer Lid turns your pressure cooker into an air fryer, allowing you to 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 counter.
• Ease of Use: The Air Fryer Lid is easy to set up and use, especially for those already familiar with the Instant Pot. It has simple controls and programs, and a handle for easy lifting.
• Fast Cooking: The Air Fryer Lid cooks food faster than a traditional oven, making it a convenient option for quick meals.
• 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.
• Dishwasher Safe: The air fryer basket, base, broiling tray, and protective pad are all dishwasher-safe, making cleanup easy.

Cons:

• Small Capacity: The Air Fryer Lid has a small capacity and is most suitable for cooking small servings, individual portions, or snacks. It may not be ideal for cooking for a family or larger groups.
• Inconsistent Results: Some users have reported that the Air Fryer Lid produces inconsistent results, with food not browning evenly or being fully cooked.
• Limited Compatibility: The Air Fryer Lid is not compatible with all Instant Pot models. It only works with specific 6-quart models and is not compatible with 3-quart or 8-quart Instant Pots or electric pressure cookers from other brands.
• Price: The Air Fryer Lid is quite expensive, costing as much as some Instant Pots or standalone air fryers.

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid can be a worthwhile purchase for those who are short on counter space and already own a compatible Instant Pot. It offers the convenience of multiple cooking functions in one appliance. However, it may not be suitable for those who need to cook for larger groups or those who are looking for a standalone air fryer with more capacity.

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 their cooking options without adding another bulky appliance to their kitchen. The lid fits onto the base of most 6-quart Instant Pot models, turning it into a mini convection oven with multiple cooking functions.

Pros:

• Space-saving: The lid is a good option for those who want to avoid adding another large appliance to their kitchen counter.
• Versatile: The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid has multiple cooking functions, including air fry, roast, bake, broil, reheat, and dehydrate.
• Easy to use: The controls are simple and similar to the standard Instant Pot, making it comfortable for those already familiar with the appliance.
• Good performance: The lid performs well for air frying, producing similar results to standalone air fryers. It also works well for pressure steaming and then air frying foods like potato wedges.
• Dishwasher-safe parts: Many of the lid's components, including the fryer basket, broiling/dehydrating tray, and protective pad, are dishwasher-safe, making cleanup convenient.

Cons:

• Small capacity: The lid's fryer basket is quite small, making it suitable mostly for individual portions or snacks. It may not be ideal for cooking family-sized meals.
• Limited temperature range: The lid has a maximum temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, which may not be suitable for all recipes.
• Incompatible with some models: The lid is not compatible with all Instant Pot models. It only fits most 6-quart models and is not compatible with 3-quart or 8-quart pots or electric pressure cookers from other brands.
• Price: The lid is one of the most expensive Instant Pot accessories, costing about as much as some Instant Pot models or standalone air fryers.
• Cleaning challenges: The lid can be difficult to clean, with grease building up that requires unscrewing the lid to remove completely.

Overall, the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a good option for those who want to add air frying capabilities to their Instant Pot without taking up additional counter space. However, it may not be ideal for those who need to cook larger quantities of food or who require higher temperature settings.

Frequently asked questions