Mayte Mealthy Multi-Cooker: Air Fryer Functionality Reviewed

The Mealthy Multi Cooker is a popular kitchen appliance that can perform multiple cooking programmes, including pressure cooking, slow cooking, baking, steaming, and air frying. While the Mealthy Multi Cooker does offer air frying capabilities, it may not be as powerful as a dedicated air fryer appliance. For individuals who are curious about air frying but do not want to invest in a separate appliance, the Mealthy CrispLid accessory can be purchased to convert an existing pressure cooker into an air fryer. This accessory sits on top of the pressure cooker and allows for air frying, crisping, and broiling. It is compatible with 6-quart and 8-quart pressure cookers, including the Mealthy Multipot and Instant Pot. The Mealthy CrispLid provides a convenient option for those who want to explore air frying without committing to a dedicated air fryer appliance.

Mealthy CrispLid: The Multi-Cooker Accessory

Mealthy is a cookware brand that specializes in technology-enhanced products like multi-cookers and non-stick pans. The Mealthy CrispLid is a multi-cooker accessory that turns your gadget into an air fryer. It is a lid that sits on top of your existing pressure cooker to crisp, brown, or air-fry food inside. The CrispLid consists of a heating element, fan, and vents attached to a glass lid covered with a stainless steel cover. The lid works with both 6-quart and 8-quart pressure cookers.

The CrispLid comes with a rack and basket that sit inside the multi-cooker, a silicone mat for setting the hot lid on, and tongs. It is easy to use and clean, and it is simple to change lids. The CrispLid's previous time and temperature settings are saved for the next time you use it. The CrispLid can be purchased on the Mealthy website or on Amazon in the USA, Canada, and India.

The CrispLid is a great option for those who are curious about air frying but don't want another small appliance in their kitchen. It is also more cost-effective than purchasing a separate air fryer. However, it may not be ideal for cooking large quantities of food at once, as it cooks food more effectively in single-layer batches.

Some users have reported that the CrispLid does not circulate air around the food in the same way that most air fryers do. Despite this, many people have had success using the CrispLid to cook a variety of foods, including chicken, steak, chicken wings, fish, and vegetables.

Air Fryer vs Multi-Cooker: Pros and Cons

If you're looking to upgrade your kitchen appliances, both air fryers and multi-cookers are popular choices. Here is a detailed comparison of the two, exploring their pros and cons, to help you decide which one suits your needs better.

Air Fryer

Air fryers are a genius buy and are extremely popular due to their convenience and health benefits. They are a healthier alternative to deep frying as they use significantly less oil, resulting in food that is just as crispy and tasty but with 75% less fat. They are also versatile and can cook anything from frozen food to homemade cookies. Air fryers are compact, portable, and can be placed on your countertop without taking up too much space. They are energy-efficient, cheaper to run, and cook food much faster than a traditional oven.

However, air fryers may not be suitable for cooking for a large group of people as they cook food in smaller batches. They also have limited functionality compared to multi-cookers, as their settings are mostly related to frying and baking.

Multi-Cooker

Multi-cookers are considered the future of cooking as they consolidate multiple appliances into one. They contain multiple cooking programmes, including a pressure cooker, allowing you to slow cook, bake, steam, sauté, simmer, and even air fry, all in one unit. They are perfect for those who want to expand their culinary repertoire and cater to a larger group. Multi-cookers are also more energy-efficient due to their low wattage and heat-retaining abilities.

On the downside, multi-cookers tend to be more expensive than air fryers due to their increased functionality and versatility. They also take longer to cook as they need to build pressure before cooking begins.

Mealthy Multi-Cooker and Air Fryer

If you're looking for the best of both worlds, the Mealthy Multi-Cooker and the Mealthy CrispLid Air Fryer Lid are a great combination. The Mealthy Multi-Cooker is a versatile appliance with multiple cooking functions. The CrispLid Air Fryer Lid is designed to convert any 6 or 8-quart electric pressure cooker into an air fryer, allowing you to crisp and brown foods right in your pressure cooker. It sits on top of the stainless steel pot and has a glass lid, allowing you to monitor your food without lifting the lid.

To conclude, both air fryers and multi-cookers are excellent additions to your kitchen, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages. If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and convenient way to cook smaller batches of food, an air fryer is a great choice. On the other hand, if you want the flexibility to cook a wider variety of dishes for a larger group, a multi-cooker might be the better option.

How to Air Fry in a Multi-Cooker

The Mealthy Crisplid is a revolutionary gadget that can be used with the Mealthy Multipot and other 6-quart and 8-quart pressure cookers from different brands. It can be placed on top of the pressure cooker to crisp, brown, broil, or air-fry food inside. The Mealthy Crisplid has a glass lid, a handle, a control panel, vents, a heating element, a fan, and a stainless steel cover over the heating element.

• Place the trivet and the cooking basket with the food inside the pressure cooker's inner stainless steel pot.
• Place the lid on top of the inner pot using the handle on the Crisplid.
• Ensure the pressure cooker is unplugged.
• Plug in the Crisplid and lower the handle.
• Set the temperature and cooking time using the control panel.
• Press the start/play button to begin the cooking process.
• Once the cooking time has elapsed, press the stop/square button to end the cooking process.

Some additional tips for using the Mealthy Crisplid:

• The Crisplid will automatically remember your previous time and temperature settings for future use.
• Always use caution when removing the Crisplid as the bottom can get very hot.
• The silicone trivet is essential as it provides a safe and dedicated space to place the hot lid after use.

While the Mealthy Crisplid may not be as powerful as a standalone air fryer, it is a great option for those who want to air-fry but don't want to purchase a separate appliance, saving both money and storage space.

Instant Pot vs Air Fryer

Instant Pots and air fryers are two of the most popular kitchen appliances today. Both appliances can simplify cooking, but they have different features and are therefore suited to different tasks.

Instant Pots are electric pressure cookers that have multiple features to meet varying needs. They use water or broth to produce steam and build up pressure within their cooking pots. They force hot steam into food to cook at high speeds while preserving nutritional value. Instant Pots are ideal for cooking moist foods like stews, soups, rice, and roasts. They can also be used to make one-pot meals like cheesecakes. Depending on the model, additional Instant Pot features may include a yogurt maker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté pan, boiled egg maker, and slow cooker. These versatile multi-cookers can replace several kitchen appliances, making them ideal for small kitchens. However, they have a learning curve and a longer cooking time due to the time it takes to build up pressure.

Air fryers, on the other hand, are like small countertop convection ovens that simulate deep frying but in a healthier way. They use a heating mechanism and a fan to circulate hot air around the food, cooking it and making it crispy. Air fryers use significantly less oil than deep fryers, making them a healthier option. They are also more compact and portable than Instant Pots. Air fryers are great for cooking crispy foods like French fries, appetizers, and frozen foods. They are easy to use, with fewer buttons and controls, and they preheat quickly. However, they are limited to convection cooking and may not be suitable for baking or making more complex meals.

In summary, if you are looking for an appliance to make soups, stews, or other moist, one-pot meals, an Instant Pot is a better option. If you want to prepare crispy treats like French fries and appetizers, an air fryer is the way to go. Consider your personal preferences and the type of cooking you want to do when deciding which appliance to choose.

Additionally, it is worth noting that there are accessories like the Mealthy CrispLid that can convert an electric pressure cooker into an air fryer. This accessory sits on top of your existing 6-quart or 8-quart pressure cooker, allowing you to crisp, brown, or air-fry food inside. It offers a space-saving alternative to purchasing a separate air fryer.

Air Fryer: The Healthier Option

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their convenience, versatility, and health benefits. They are a great way to cook a variety of foods, from frozen meals to homemade dishes, in a short amount of time.

One of the main reasons for their popularity is their ability to produce crispy, fried foods with minimal oil. Traditional deep-frying methods require large amounts of oil, which can make food greasy and high in fat. In contrast, air fryers use a heating mechanism and fan to circulate hot air around the food, creating a similar effect without the excess oil. This results in a healthier option, as foods like French fries cooked in an air fryer can contain up to 75% less fat than deep-fried options.

The Mealthy CrispLid is a great example of an innovative product that can convert your existing pressure cooker into an air fryer. It sits on top of 6-quart or 8-quart pressure cookers, allowing you to air fry, crisp, or broil your food. This accessory is a more cost-effective and space-saving option than purchasing a separate air fryer appliance.

Another benefit of air fryers is their energy efficiency. They cook food much faster than a traditional oven, saving time and energy. Additionally, their compact size makes them perfect for kitchens of all sizes.

Overall, air fryers offer a convenient, versatile, and healthier option for cooking a wide range of dishes. They are a great addition to any kitchen, especially for those seeking to enjoy their favourite fried foods in a more nutritious way.

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