Which One Is Better
Instant Pot vs. Air Fryer which one is better? Well, thats a tough question. Since the two devices do completely different things, its hard to compare the two. Ultimately, it comes down to what your daily cooking needs are!
If you love slow cooker foods and want big meals cooked in a quicker amount of time, then the Instant Pot may be right for you. If you find yourself heating up chicken nuggets in the oven, making fried food, or reheating foods often, then an air fryer may be more useful for you!
The Air Fryer Lid Is Very Versatile
You really can make delicious meals using your air fryer lid, from chicken tenders to crispy crunch fries, there are plenty of options for you to try and even better, the cooking times are very short.
For example, it takes just four minutes to cook asparagus using the air fryer lid!
Now thats what we call an efficient kitchen appliance!
Happy Instant Potting and happy air frying!
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Should I Buy The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid Or The Duo Crisp
If you already have an Instant Pot that you love, or dont want to upgrade to the 8-quart, you can also purchase a separate air fryer lid to pair with it! The air fryer lid comes with its own controls and functions, and is able to air fry, broil, and dehydrate. The Instant Pot air fryer lid works just as well as the one that comes with the Duo Crisp , but the big drawback is that by using it with a 6-quart pot youll have even less space in your air fryer.
If you mainly want the lid so that you can brown food and make smaller batch sides like fries or crispy brussels sprouts, the lid is a great option! But, if youre looking to air fry entire meals like chicken wings, wed recommend upgrading to the 8-quart, or just know that youll need to work in multiple batches!
Also Check: Best Air Fryer To Purchase
Instant Pot Duo Crisp Vs Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
If you dont want to buy a completely new Instant Pot, you can now buy a separate air fryer lid and gain the same capabilities that the Duo Crisp comes with! The Instant Pot Air Fryer lid comes with the capability to air fry, broil, bake, roast, reheat, and dehydrate, and it comes with the same air fryer basket and broiling tray as the Duo Crisp. If youre trying to decide between the lid and the Duo Crisp, read on for our complete review and recommendation.
Is Instapot Air Fryer Lid Easy To Use
Sadly, theres a caveat or two:
First, the lid lifts uncomfortably due to its weight. Thus, if you have mobility issues, you should check the Ninja Air Fryers instead for a more straightforward machine.
Secondly, its not ideal for hefty portions. If thats your goal, I highly recommend either the Instant Pot Pro Crisp or the Ninja 2-Basket Air Fryer .
Thirdly, this accessory has its own power source. It comes with an oddly-shaped plug.
On the bright side, if none of those issues bother you, then the Air Fryer Attachment for Instant Pot will suit you flawlessly. For one, it takes less footprint in the kitchen than having two separate appliances. And more importantly, its more budget-friendly. Thats a win-win right there!
On the flip side:
Fortunately, the lid features easy-to-understand controls. Moreover, thanks to the digital display, you dont have to play a guessing game whether your recipe is done or not.
Other included accessories such as the non-stick basket should only be used with plastic/silicone cooking utensils. By doing so, you can prevent the ceramic coating from chipping and prolong its quality.
Likewise, solely use soft sponges when cleaning the non-stick accessories. Or, when utilizing the dishwasher, ensure to not use harsh chemical detergents.
The lid, on the other hand, only needs some wiping with a damp cloth.
*Product Images and Video Courtesy of Instant Brands
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Larger Air Frying Capacity Than The Original Duo Crisp
The biggest draw of this model over the brand’s initial hybrid air fryer model is more cooking capacity. With the air fryer rack in place, you can fit three medium chicken breasts and four chicken thighs in the cooking chamber . The original model required a separate, smaller basket insert that had enough for only three chicken thighs or two medium breasts.
The air-frying rack easily holds two large chicken breasts or three medium ones.
Transform Your Instant Pot Into An Air Fryer With This Clever Lid
Instant Pot stans are quick to share just how life-changing the multicooker can be . Not that we blame them: The one-pot-wonder can make everything, from light, fluffy grains and creamy soups to hearty, fall-off-the-bone braises and stews, without the hassle of monitoring a stovetop or cleaning piles of dishes. In fact, one of the only things the Instant Pot couldnt do was transform foods into crispy, crunchy goodnessuntil now.
RELATED: Healthy Recipes You Can Make in an Air Fryer
Just before Thanksgiving, Instant Pot quietly released a clever attachment to convert the popular accessory into an air fryer. Now, thanks to the Instant Air Fryer Lid, you can make everything from French fries to churros with less mess and calories and in less time than traditional frying entails all right inside your Instant Pot.
To buy: $80
The brand released a standalone appliance, the Instant Vortex Plus, in July as an answer to the air fryer clamor, but if you already own an Instant Pot, youll likely want to opt for this lid instead. Simply insert the basket included with the Air Fryer Lid and switch out the regular pressure cooker lid. From there, its as easy as pressing a button.
The attachment also offers roasting, baking, and reheating options, as well as the ability to broil and dehydrate your favorite foods in respective specialized trays. The lid is a breeze to wipe clean, and all included accessories are dishwasher-safe.
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Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid Vs Instant Vortex 4
We put the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid to the test against the Instant Vortex 6-Quart 4-in-1 Air Fryer . We did a side-by-side comparison of frozen steak fries in the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid and the Instant Vortex and found similar results and cooking times. The major difference when comparing the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid to the Instant Vortex comes down to capacity and cook time. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare.
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Read reviews, compare customer ratings, see screenshots, and learn more about Pot App – Air Fryer Recipes. Download Pot App – Air Fryer Recipes and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and. Instructions. Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees on Air Crisp. Season the chicken by rubbing the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper all over the chicken thighs. Place the. InstantPotRecipes 1. Easy InstantPot Mashed Potatoes 2. InstantPot Buffalo Chicken Meatballs 3. InstantPot Chicken Soup 4. InstantPot Chicken Cacciatore 5. InstantPot Thai. Beef Lettuce Wraps 6. InstantPot White Beach Chicken Chili 7. InstantPot Penne Pasta with Sausage in Tomato Cream Sauce 8. Instat Pot Cheddar Broccoli & Potato Soup 9.
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Is An Instant Pot Worth It
Lets do the price breakdown. The most basic version of the Instant Pot starts at around $65, and the price of a manual pressure cooker alone is roughly the same. So for the price of one appliance, youre getting an overachiever that does the work of six.
Not only that, but the Instant Pot is regularly on sale, especially during big shopping days. Chances are at any given moment, youll get a further price reduction on the Instant Pot.
That, combined with the seemingly endless number of foods you can cook, makes the device well worth it in our book.
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Instant Pot Vs Air Fryer: Performance
In our experience, when it comes to performance, each appliance is best at what its designed to do. That means, of the two, air fryers are generally better at air-frying foods. The food comes out crispier, crunchier and more appealing on the whole. That said, here are 9 things you should never put in an air fryer.
However, Instant Pots are popular for a reason the pressure cooking and slow cooking functions are second to none. That means these are great for cooking stews, meats and all kinds of recipes to a professional standard, with moist and even results. However, be warned that we have found that alternative dedicated appliances, such as rice cookers, tend to do a better job than the equivalent setting on an Instant Pot. So while the versatility is indeed a selling point, its no guarantee of the performance across each setting.
Instant Pots and air fryers are often similar in size, but there are more compact air fryer designs out there which can help you save surface space. Plus, if you opt for an Instant Pot with the ability to air fry, bear in mind that you will need to store the additional lid as well. Air fryers tend to weigh less than Instant Pots on top of this, making them more maneuverable.
Both appliances usually come with dishwasher-safe parts for ease of cleaning, although the Instants pot will generally take up more room in the dishwasher than an air fryers basket.
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Why Do We Need It
I mostly use it to fry things. Besides fries, I also like to cook chicken , vegetables, and even baked potatoes.
If you want to check out yourself, I have a full list of Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid recipes.
Basically, you can use the functions of the pressure cooker to bring a chicken or vegetables to tender goodness and finish everything off with a bit of air frying. And you can do everything in one pot, only by switching lids!
So, if you like convenient appliances and enjoy the idea of a ready-to-use air fryer that can be easily stashed away, you need it.
Of course, there is also the alternative of the Instant Pot DUO Crisp, but if you already own a 6 quart Instant Pot, the Air Fryer lid makes a lot more sense.
Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
The Spruce Eats / Donna Currie
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Adds air frying to your Instant Pot
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Can cost as much as an Instant Pot
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Not compatible with all models
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Small fryer basket
If youre looking for an air fryer option without adding a bulky new appliance to your counter, the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid may be just what you need.
Also Check: Easy Pork Chops In Air Fryer
Who Should Buy The Duo Crisp With Ultimate Lid
The Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid is a good choice for someone who uses a multicooker often but also wants to air fry on occasion. I stress often because if you tend to use an air fryer far more than an Instant Pot, pressure cooker or multicooker, this model is far bulkier and heavier than most solo air fryers.
I personally air fry far more than I use a multicooker so I’m happy with my small and light 2.6-quart Magic Bullet air fryer and its nonstick basket. I leave it on my counter most times, whereas my multicooker is stored in a closet until I’m ready to use it.
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid is bulkier than most air fryers and it also requires more cleanup after an air frying session than I’m used to. It also takes about five minutes to preheat, while most other air fryers don’t need preheat time at all. That said, once it was ready to cook, this machine air-fried, broiled and roasted with the best of ’em.
I liked the new Duo Crisp fine, but the originalDuo Crisp without the built-in air fryer lid can be had for about $130. For my money, that’s the better pick if you’re looking for a machine that does it all. If you already have a 6-quart Instant Pot you like, grab the air frying lid for $70 or on sale for $55 at Crate & Barrel.
Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid Review Worth The Upgrade
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The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is an indispensable accessory for any 6-quart Instapot. Its such a great alternative if youre thinking of joining the air frying community.
Chances are you already have an Instant Pot at home, and youre looking at a few options from the company. Luckily, Instant Brands has three product lines in this category.
If you have already bought a multi-cooker, this Air Fryer accessory is compatible with a wide range of 6-qt modelsInstant Pot Duo 60, Instant Pot Duo Nova 60, Instant Pot Duo Plus 60, Instant Pot Duo Gourmet 60, Instant Pot Viva 60, Instant Pot Ultra 60, Instant Pot IP Lux 60, and Instant Pot Nova Plus 60.
Your first order of business is to check if your pressure cooker is on that list.
Heres a list of non-compatible Instapots: Instant Pot Smart WiFi 60, Instant Pot Duo Evo Plus 60, Instant Pot Duo SV 60, Instant Pot Max, Instant Pot Pro 60 and Instant Pot Pro Plus.
If your multi-cooker belongs to those I just mentioned, your other option would be to get the brands standalone air fryer, like the Instant Vortex Plus 6 in 1 Air Fryer. Were going to publish a guide about it in a couple of weeks.
Or, if this is your first time buying an Instant Pot, two models already come with the air fryer lidInstant Pot Duo Crisp and Instant Pot Pro Crisp.
The latter is a more recent model with an 8-quart pot suitable for roasting whole chickens.
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The Instant Pot That Air Fries
This Instant Pot Air Fryer combo uses minimal cooking oil or fat so you can enjoy healthy air fried foods at home. It minimizes unhealthy fats, including saturated and trans fats, while keeping essential nutrients intact Instant Pot Air Fryer Crisp features a variety of new cooking functions steam, pressure cooking, slow cook, vacuum low temperature cooking method, dehydrate, bake, roast, sauté , air fry, grill.
Gallery: Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
Thrilled, I ordered it from Amazon. It arrived a few days later in a fairly large box, almost the size of the Instant Pot itself. Indeed, the Air Fryer Lid is not insignificant in size, measuring 13.8 by 13.7 by 12.8 inches. It weighs in at 11.7 pounds, which is not exactly feather-light, but I didnt find it to be too heavy. Bundled with the lid is a fryer basket and a metal insert, which you can use as a broiler tray or as a way to air-fry two tiers of food at once. Theres also an Air Fryer Lid cover, which you can turn upside down to use as a resting spot for your lid when its hot, so you wont damage your countertop.
Interestingly, the instructions note that you should not have the Instant Pot and the Air Fryer Lid plugged in at the same time. In fact, the Air Fryer Lids plug has plastic webbing around it that covers up the other outlet when plugged in. The idea here is that the Air Fryer Lid is pretty powerful, and having a couple of devices plugged in might overwhelm the circuit.
About halfway through, the Air Fryer Lid beeped loudly, with the words Turn Food on its display. I then removed the lid and proceeded to, well, turn the food. From reading other air fryer recipes, this seems to be unique to the Air Fryer Lid. Most other air fryers just recommend you shake the basket around, and even thats up to you theres certainly no flashing reminder of it on the device itself.
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I Made A Few Air Fryer Favorites With The Duo Crisp
Fried chicken thighs: One air fryer recipe I’ve become fond of is simple fried chicken thighs. I take two or three thighs, dip them in egg and dredge them in flour. I made them with my standard recipe in both the Duo Crisp and my solo Magic Bullet air fryer. I cooked for 18 minutes and flipped them at the midway point. The results were remarkably similar, but the Instant Pot needed an extra five minutes to preheat.
Sweet potato fries: Fried potatoes are another classic air fryer food. They generally come out crispy and much less oily than with deep frying. I split a sweet potato in half and made a batch of fries in my solo air fryer and the Duo Crisp. Both batches emerged from 12 minutes of cooking with about the same amount of caramelization and browning.
The Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid turned out equally browned sweet potato fries as my solo air fryer in the same amount of time.
I also made basic chicken cutlets from scratch in the Duo Crisp. These took a few minutes longer than they would have in a typical solo air fryer but came out looking great with a crispy crust and juicy insides.
The Duo Crisp with Ultimate lid turned out picture-perfect chicken cutlets.
Roasted broccoli: I roasted broccoli florets in the Duo Crisp for 12 minutes at 375 degrees F. While they came out great, there was only enough capacity to cook two servings. I’d probably generally opt to use my oven for something like this.
