Air Fryer Lid: Instant Pot's Versatile Accessory

Instant Pot is a well-known multicooker manufacturer that offers a pressure cooker, slow cooker, and steam cooking settings. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp Air Fryer is a kitchen appliance that combines the functions of a pressure cooker, a slow cooker, and an air fryer. It comes with an interchangeable air fryer lid and pressure cooker lid, allowing users to cook a variety of meals. The air fryer lid can be placed on top of the Instant Pot to air fry foods. However, it is important to note that the air fryer lid is not compatible with all Instant Pot models, and it takes up a significant amount of space.

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid: Worth It?

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is an accessory that allows you to convert your regular Instant Pot multicooker into an air fryer. It is 10.7 inches long, 11.6 inches wide, and six inches tall, with a total weight of six pounds. It is compatible with several 6-quart air fryer models, including the Instant Pot Duo series, Viva, Ultra, Lux, and Nova Plus.

Performance and Food Taste

The maximum temperature of the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is 400°F, which is suitable for cooking various types of meat. However, some roasted vegetable recipes require a higher temperature of 450°F. The air fryer basket that comes with the package is relatively smaller than the usual 6-quart Instant Pots, but it can still fit five to six chicken wings or a quarter bag of frozen French fries.

Overall Appearance and Construction

The size of the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid can be surprising, as it is about ¾ the height of the cooker itself and almost as tall when the handle is unfolded. This is due to the need to fit the heating element and fan within a small space.

Size and Layout of the Cooking Surface

One notable concern with the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is the basket size. Despite the lid's considerable size, the basket is relatively small and almost an inch narrower than the inner pot's diameter. This may limit the amount of food that can be prepared, especially for larger families.

Controls and Functions

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is straightforward to use, as it automatically senses whether it is safe to start the fan and heating element. The controls include air fry, broil, bake, roast, reheat, and dehydrate functions, with two sets of +/- settings for temperature and time adjustments.

Pros and Cons

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid offers several advantages, such as space-saving due to its compatibility with multiple models, the inclusion of a dehydrate function, multi-layered cooking capability, guided cooking prompts, and multiple accessories. However, one significant drawback is the small basket size, which may not be suitable for cooking for more than two people.

Cost

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is priced at $89.99, which is significantly more expensive than other air fryer lids that typically range from $30 to $60. Additionally, it is possible to find standalone air fryers for a similar price or even cheaper. Therefore, the value of this product lies primarily in its ability to upgrade existing Instant Pots with air fryer functionality, saving space and avoiding the need for an additional appliance.

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a valuable accessory for those who already own an Instant Pot and want to add air fryer capabilities without purchasing a separate appliance. However, it may not be worth the cost for those who require a larger capacity or do not wish to invest in an Instant Pot ecosystem.

Instant Pot Air Fryer: How to Use It

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is an accessory that allows you to convert your regular Instant Pot multicooker into an air fryer. It is placed on top of the cooker to air fry foods. It is compatible with several 6-quart air fryer models, including the Instant Pot Duo series, Viva, Ultra, Lux, and Nova Plus.

How to Use the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid

To use the air fryer lid on your Instant Pot, plug the lid into an electrical outlet (do not plug in the actual Instant Pot). Use the provided basket inside your Instant Pot to hold the food that you want to air fry. Then, place the air fryer lid on top of the Instant Pot. Set the temperature and timer using the '+' and '-' buttons, and press "Start". The air fryer lid will beep when your food is done.

Tips for Using the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid

• The air fryer lid only fits certain Instant Pot models, so ensure your Instant Pot is compatible before purchasing.
• The air fryer basket that comes with the lid may be smaller than expected, so it may not be suitable for cooking for a large family.
• All the accessories that come with the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, such as the basket and broil/dehydrate tray, are dishwasher safe.
• The lid itself should not be submerged in water or get too wet, as this may damage the electronics. Use a damp cloth to clean the lid.

Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer

Another option for air frying with an Instant Pot is to purchase the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer, which combines the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, and air fryer in one appliance. This offers convenience, versatility, and healthier cooking options.

How to Use the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer

Before using the air fryer for the first time, wash all the accessories and the heating element of the air fryer lid with hot, soapy water and a non-abrasive brush or sponge.

To operate the Duo Crisp, ensure the air fryer lid is securely on. Select the "Air Fry" function and adjust the temperature and time as needed. The Duo Crisp will begin air frying once you press "Start". It will beep when your food is ready.

Tips for Using the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer

• The air fryer basket may be too narrow for larger batches of food, so you may need to shake the basket or flip your food partway through the cooking process.
• All the removable components of the Duo Crisp are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean by hand.
• The air fryer lid should be cleaned with a damp cloth or sponge, and mild dish soap can be used for stubborn stains. Do not submerge the lid in water, as this may damage the power connector.

Instant Pot Air Fryer: Pros and Cons

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is an accessory that allows you to convert your regular Instant Pot multicooker into an air fryer. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if it's the right choice for you:

Pros:

• Space-saving: The air fryer lid saves space by eliminating the need for a separate air fryer appliance.
• Compatibility: It is compatible with several 6-quart Instant Pot models, including the Duo series, Viva, Ultra, Lux, and Nova Plus.
• Dehydrate function: In addition to air frying, the lid also has a dehydrate function, allowing you to dehydrate foods with your multicooker.
• Multi-layered cooking capability: The lid enables multi-layered cooking, maximizing the basket's capacity.
• Guided cooking prompts: The lid provides helpful cooking prompts, such as reminding you to turn the food for even cooking.
• Accessories included: The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid comes with multiple accessories, including a protective pad, a frying basket, and a broil/dehydrate tray.

Cons:

• Small basket: Despite the lid's large size, the basket is relatively small, making it challenging to cook for a family.
• Inconsistent temperature/timing: Some users have reported that the temperature and timing are less consistent compared to a regular air fryer.
• Limited capacity: The basket's limited capacity means cooking for more than two people can be challenging and may require multiple batches.
• Storage: The lid needs to be stored separately when not in use, taking up additional space.
• Price: The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is priced higher than other air fryer lids, and standalone air fryers can be found at similar price points.

Instant Pot Air Fryer: Accessories

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is an accessory that allows you to convert your regular Instant Pot multicooker into an air fryer. It is compatible with several 6-quart air fryer models, including the Instant Pot Duo series, Viva, Ultra, Lux, and Nova Plus. The lid is 10.7 inches long, 11.6 inches wide, and six inches tall, with a total weight of six pounds.

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid comes with a protective pad, a frying basket, and a broil/dehydrate tray that doubles as an air fryer rack for multi-layered cooking. The package also includes a basket for air frying, which is relatively smaller than the usual 6-quart Instant Pots. The tray has multiple holes to enhance air circulation inside the cooking chamber.

The controls on the lid are straightforward and include air fry, broil, bake, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. The lid also has two sets of +/- settings (for temperature and time), one on each side of the display screen. The air fryer lid is dishwasher-safe, but it is recommended to let the accessories soak in soapy water first to loosen baked-on grease.

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a valuable accessory for those who already own an Instant Pot and want to include air fryer functionality without purchasing a separate appliance. However, it may not be suitable for cooking for larger families, as the basket size is relatively small.

• Instant Vortex Official Air Fryer Silicone Tray: Reusable, non-stick, heat-resistant, and dishwasher-safe. Ideal for crispy chips, fries, wings, toast, and more.
• Instant Vortex Official Silicone Flippable Grill Cage: Non-stick, heat-resistant, and dishwasher-safe. Easy-flip design with handles for safe lifting, perfect for small foods.
• Instant Vortex Official Grill and Lifting Rack with Skewers: A 6-piece stainless steel set, ideal for cooking, roasting, baking, and cooling. Compatible with 6-quart and 10-quart Vortex Air Fryers.
• Instant Vortex Official Nonstick Round Cake Pan: Ideal for baking cakes and casseroles. Made of aluminized steel for even cooking, with a non-stick surface and heat resistance up to 450°F. Dishwasher-safe.
• Instant Vortex Official Cutting Board with Air Fryer Cook Times: Features pre-printed cook times, a non-slip trim, a reversible design, and a knife-friendly surface. Dishwasher-safe and essential for Instant Vortex Air Fryers.
• Instant Vortex Official Bamboo Cutting Board with Air Fryer Cook Times: A durable and knife-friendly bamboo cutting board with pre-printed cook times.

These accessories offer a range of options for preparing and cooking various dishes with your Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, ensuring a convenient and versatile cooking experience.

Instant Pot Air Fryer: Cooking Tips

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is an accessory that allows you to turn your regular Instant Pot multicooker into an air fryer. It is compatible with several 6-quart air fryer models, including the Instant Pot Duo series, Viva, Ultra, Lux, and Nova Plus.

• Know the limitations: The maximum temperature of the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is 400°F, which is suitable for various types of meat. However, some roasted vegetable recipes require a higher temperature of 450°F. The basket that comes with the package is also relatively small, so it may not be ideal for cooking for a large family.
• Multi-layered cooking: The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid allows for multi-layered cooking, which can help maximize the small basket size. You can use the included broil/dehydrate tray as an air fryer rack to create multiple layers and cook more food at once.
• Guided cooking prompts: The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid will beep and display messages like "turn food" to guide you through the cooking process and ensure even cooking.
• Accessories: The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid comes with a protective pad, a frying basket, and a broil/dehydrate tray. All of these accessories are dishwasher-safe for convenient cleanup. However, remember that the accessories do not have non-stick coatings, so it is best to let them soak in soapy water to loosen any baked-on grease before cleaning.
• Cleaning the lid: When cleaning the lid, use a damp cloth to wipe it down. Avoid getting it wet, as liquids can damage the electronics.
• Space-saving: One of the benefits of the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is that it saves space by eliminating the need for a separate air fryer appliance.
• Compatible models: Before purchasing the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid, ensure that your Instant Pot model is compatible with the lid. It currently fits several 6-quart models.
• Alternative options: If the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is too pricey or does not suit your needs, there are alternative air fryer lids on the market, such as the Yedi Total Package Air Fryer Lid, Zavor 8-in-1 Air Fryer Lid, and the 1829 Carl Schmidt Sohn Air Fryer Lid, which offer similar functionality at a lower price point.

By following these tips, you can get the most out of your Instant Pot Air Fryer and enjoy the convenience of air frying with your regular Instant Pot.

Frequently asked questions