Turn Your Instant Pot Into An Air Fryer: Easy Steps

how to make instant pot an air fryer

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer is a pressure cooker and air fryer in one. It comes with two lids: a pressure cooker lid and an air fryer lid. The air fryer lid is placed on top of the pressure cooker and converts it into an air fryer. The air fryer has a fan that blows hot air around the food, similar to a convection oven. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer can also be used for slow cooking, making yoghurt, dehydrating and more.

Characteristics Values
Type Instant Pot Air Fryer Duo Crisp
Parts Inner Pot, Multi-Level Air Fryer Basket, Air Fryer Basket Base, Broil/Dehydrating Tray, Air Fryer Lid, Cooker Base
Capacity 6-8 quarts
Functions Air Fry, Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Make Yogurt, Dehydrate
Pros Simple, Quick, Easy, Dishwasher Safe, Minimal Smoke, Less Mess, Dual Level Cooking, Simple Aesthetic, Safe
Cons Requires Pre-Heating, Small Capacity, Hard-to-Grasp Handles, Inaccurate Temperature Readings

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How to assemble the Instant Pot Air Fryer

To assemble the Instant Pot Air Fryer, follow these steps:

Firstly, ensure that the base unit is empty and clean. Place the stainless steel inner pot into the base unit. The inner pot is stove-friendly, so it can be used on a stovetop as a regular pot. It can be washed in a dishwasher or by hand.

Secondly, attach the condensation collector by sliding it onto the back of the Instant Pot. This will catch any moisture that builds up on the rim of the Instant Pot. It can be washed in the top rack of the dishwasher or by hand.

Thirdly, place the air fryer basket upside down on a stable surface. Press the air fryer basket base firmly onto the basket. The teeth on the base should click into the groove on the outside of the basket.

Finally, turn the basket the right way up and hold the broil tray by the two large holes in the middle. Lower the tray into the basket. The broil tray can be used to air fry food on multiple levels.

You are now ready to start cooking with your Instant Pot Air Fryer!

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How to use the Instant Pot Air Fryer

The Instant Pot Air Fryer is a versatile appliance that can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including air frying, pressure cooking, slow cooking, and more. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the Instant Pot Air Fryer:

Step 1: Understand the Parts and Functions

The Instant Pot Air Fryer consists of two main components: the base unit and the lid. The base unit houses the heating element, control panel, and power cord. The lid can be an air fryer lid or a pressure cooker lid, depending on the model you have. The air fryer lid is used for air frying, while the pressure cooker lid is used for pressure cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients needed for the recipe you are following. Cut them into uniform sizes if necessary and pat them dry with a paper towel, especially for vegetables, to ensure crispiness. You can also coat the ingredients with a light spray of oil or an egg wash for extra crispness.

Step 3: Assemble the Air Fryer Basket

Place the inner pot into the base unit. Then, assemble the air fryer basket by placing the air fryer basket base upside down on a stable surface and pressing the air fryer basket firmly onto it. You can also add the broil/dehydrating tray if you are cooking multiple layers of food.

Step 4: Place the Ingredients in the Basket

Place the ingredients in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation. If you are cooking multiple layers, use the broil/dehydrating tray to separate the layers.

Step 5: Close the Lid and Set the Temperature and Time

Place the air fryer lid on the base unit, ensuring it is properly aligned and secure. Set the desired temperature and time using the control panel. The temperature and time will depend on the food you are cooking. Refer to your recipe or the Instant Pot user manual for specific guidelines.

Step 6: Start Air Frying and Monitor the Food

Press the "Start" button to begin the air frying process. The Instant Pot will beep halfway through the cooking time to remind you to turn the food. You can use tongs or a spatula to turn the food, ensuring even cooking. Close the lid and let the cooking continue.

Step 7: Remove the Food and Serve

Once the cooking program is completed, the Instant Pot will beep again. Open the lid and place it on the protective pad. Remove the food from the air fryer basket and serve.

Additional Tips:

  • Always use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling the air fryer lid, as it gets very hot.
  • Clean the air fryer basket and inner pot after each use to prevent food particles from burning or sticking.
  • Preheat the air fryer lid before adding food for better results.
  • Avoid using canned non-stick cooking spray as it can damage the coating of the air fryer basket. Instead, use a refillable oil spray bottle.
  • You can also use parchment paper rounds with holes cut out to line the air fryer basket and prevent sticking.

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How to clean the Instant Pot Air Fryer

To clean the Instant Pot Air Fryer, you should consult the owner's manual for the best methods to clean your specific model. However, here is a general guide for cleaning the Instant Pot Air Fryer:

Before Cleaning

Before you start cleaning, make sure the air fryer is unplugged and has cooled down completely.

Cleaning the Inner Pot, Trays, and Basket

The inner pot, protective pad, air fryer basket base, broiling/dehydrating tray, and multi-level air fryer basket can be cleaned in the dishwasher or hand-washed with normal dishwashing detergent.

Cleaning the Cooker Base and Air Fryer Lid

The cooker base and air fryer lid cannot be submerged in water. Instead, wipe them down with a damp cloth. For the air fryer lid, ensure it is cool before cleaning, and be careful not to touch the heating element. Use a soft, damp cloth or sponge to remove any food debris and grease splatter from the heating element cover and the surrounding area.

Removing Grease Build-Up

To remove grease build-up, create a paste with warm water and 1/2 cup of baking soda. Use a toothbrush or paintbrush to apply the paste to all surfaces with built-up grease. Leave the paste on for about 10-15 minutes. Rinse the paste off with a combination of water and a sponge, and use the paintbrush/toothbrush to get into hard-to-reach places.

Deodorising the Air Fryer

If your air fryer has an odd smell, pour 1/2-1 cup of white vinegar and 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice into an oven-safe dish and let the air fryer run for 5-10 minutes at 400˚ F. Alternatively, place half a lemon inside the basket and let it sit for 30 minutes before cleaning.

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Instant Pot Air Fryer cooking times guide

The Instant Pot Air Fryer is a versatile appliance that allows you to air fry, pressure cook, slow cook, make yogurt, dehydrate, and more. Here is a guide to help you get the most out of your Instant Pot Air Fryer with suggested cooking times for various types of food.

Air Frying Tips:

  • The air fryer works by circulating hot air to cook food, so it's important to ensure that there is enough space around the food for proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
  • For best results, preheat the air fryer before adding food. This step is not essential but is recommended for optimal cooking.
  • Don't be afraid to check on the food by lifting the lid during the cooking process. The timer will pause for up to 3 minutes, allowing you to monitor the cooking progress without interrupting the cooking cycle.
  • Depending on the type of food, turning the food partway through air frying can ensure even cooking.
  • For crispy results, coat the air fryer basket with vegetable oil before adding food, and consider spraying the food with a spritz of vegetable oil as well.

Cooking Times:

  • French Fries: Place frozen fries in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400°F. Cook for 10-15 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispness.
  • Chicken Wings: Place fresh or frozen wings in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 380°F. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Vegetables: Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for even cooking. Set the temperature to 375°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, depending on the type of vegetable.
  • Proteins: Air frying is a great way to cook proteins like salmon, chicken breasts, or pork chops. For salmon, set the temperature to 375°F and cook for 10-12 minutes. For chicken breasts, set the temperature to 360°F and cook for 15-20 minutes. For pork chops, set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes.
  • Frozen Foods: The Instant Pot Air Fryer is great for cooking frozen foods. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10-20 minutes, depending on the type of food.

Additional Tips:

  • Always refer to the user manual for specific instructions and safety guidelines.
  • Clean the inner pot and air fryer basket after each use to prevent food particles from burning or sticking in subsequent uses.
  • Experiment with different cooking times and temperatures to find the optimal settings for your favourite dishes.
  • The Instant Pot Air Fryer is a versatile appliance, so feel free to explore its various functions and try new recipes!

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Instant Pot Air Fryer recipes

The Instant Pot Air Fryer is a versatile appliance that can cook a variety of dishes, from mains to desserts, and even snacks! Here are some recipes to get you started:

Using the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid

  • French Fries
  • Crispy Chicken Wings
  • Chicken Nuggets
  • Bacon
  • Banana Chips
  • Country-Style Ribs
  • Cornish Hen
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Mozzarella Sticks
  • Lasagna
  • Onion Rings
  • Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Crab Cakes
  • Crispy Tofu
  • Hot Dogs
  • Potatoes and Carrots
  • Chicken Leg Quarters
  • Sugar Cookies
  • Chili Chicken
  • Beef Enchiladas
  • Sweet Potato Fries
  • Apple Fritters
  • Fried Apples
  • Kale Chips
  • Empanadas
  • Fried Pickles
  • Egg Rolls
  • Donuts
  • Beef Jerky
  • Baked Potatoes
  • Spinach Artichoke Dip
  • Coconut Shrimp
  • Hash Browns

Using the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer

  • Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
  • Air Fryer Pound Cake
  • Air Fryer Chicken Wings
  • Air Fryer Potato Gratin
  • Air Fryer Pulled Pork
  • Air Fryer Potato Wedges

Using the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer Oven

  • Whole Rotisserie Chicken
  • Tornado Potatoes
  • Beef Jerky
  • Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists
  • Spaghetti and Meatballs
  • Baked Potatoes
  • Deep-Fried Oreos
  • Rotisserie Roast Beef
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Frequently asked questions

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer comes with two lids, one for pressure cooking and one for air frying. To use the air fryer, simply insert the air fryer basket into the cooker’s pot, swap out the Instant Pot’s standard lid for the air fryer lid, and choose the air fry setting.

The Instant Pot Air Fryer is a great way to cook anything you would normally bake, roast or fry. It's a healthier alternative to deep frying as it requires little to no oil. It's also a great space-saver, as you get two appliances in one.

Here are some tips to get the best results from your Instant Pot Air Fryer:

- Preheat the air fryer before adding food.

- Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow air to circulate.

- Pat food dry before air frying to ensure crispness.

- Coat the air fryer basket with oil before adding food to prevent sticking.

- Don't be afraid to check on the food by lifting the lid during the cooking process – the timer will pause for up to three minutes.

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