Instant Pot Duo Crisp Vs Crock
My third contender is the Crock-Pot Express Crisp. With a long history in slow cookers, Crock-Pot is a familiar brand to many home cooks. This model is similar to the Instant Pot Duo Crisp in that it also has two removable lids – one for pressure cooking, the other for air frying. The Crock-Pot inner pot is made of aluminum with a non-stick ceramic coating which some may love, though I do not. It also has a detachable cord that is 24 inches long, giving a bit more flexibility in regards to kitchen placement and storage.
The biggest difference in these two multi-cookers has to do with the preset functions. As I mentioned, the Instant Pot version has 11 functions, each with its own button. The Crock-Pot model is equipped with 14 separate cooking functions, including settings for meat, poultry, beans, and rice. The benefit to this machine is that it is more adapted to the less-experienced home cook, who may want to try their hand at this type of cooking, but needs a bit more guidance to get started. These machines are quite comparable in terms of price and size, so the real question here is how much knowledge of this type of cooking are you bringing to the table.
Testing The Air Fryer Lid
My test of the lid was favorable. It is very easy and intuitive to use. If browning the top of a pressure cooked dish, simply unplug your Instant Pot, plug in the air fryer lid, set it on top, and turn it on. Overall Instant air fryer lid reviews have been good.
As a stand alone air fryer, use the air fry basket, with its stand. For dehydrating, the little tray is simple to use. The air fryer basket is Teflon and the tray stainless.
The controls on the top are simple and easy to use. The unit knows when you remove the lid and will beep to let you know that the lid is off. It will resume the temperature and timing settings when placed back on.
The lid has a handle for easy removing.
The stand for the hot lid is great. Keep it close by when using the lid!
My only issue with the lid is its size which, of course, is constrained by the size of the Instant Pot. When using the lid with the basket for stand alone air frying, there is not a lot of space. With that said, you could still do a fair amount of items such as french fries, vegetables, or wings in it. Really just as much as most basket air fryers.
If you want larger full meals, you will probably be happier with the Duo Crisp or a dedicated air fryer. See my Vortex v. Omni post for more information on those.
I made some stand alone Instant Pot air fryer shrimp and vegetables using the air fryer lid. Everything worked easily and came out fine.
Cleanup was simple. I simply put the basket and the pot in the dish washer.
How Does The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid Compare To The Duo Crisp
The MOST common question on my Instant Pot Duo Crisp review was if the lid could be used on any model of Instant Pot. The Duo Crisp cant, but this new Air Fryer Lid works on most 6-quart models.
I love my Duo Crisp, and Im happy to say that the new Air Fryer Lid works just as well!
The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is comparable to the Instant Pot Duo Crisp lid in function, but sized down to fit on the 6-quart models.
The Air Fryer Lid is shaped a little differently than the Duo Crisp lid. The Duo Crisps controls are integrated into the face of the Duo Crisp, but the Air Fryer Lid has the controls on the top of the lid so it can work with several Instant Pot models.
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Instant Pot Duo Crisp Air Fryer & Electric Pressure Cooker
If you want a one-touch cooker with customizable Smart Programs, Duo Crisp XL 8Qt 11-in-1 Air Fryer is the answer. You can use it for desserts, yogurt, poultry, rice, beans, soups, ribs, and more. Choose to cook fast or slow its your choice. You can adjust each process to your desired temperature settings and time.
This machine is a model with a Start button even if youve chosen automatic settingsWhats more? The machine is pretty easy to clean. However, it looks odd to discover that the Temperature controls dont adjust their settings. You will have to press the Pressure Cook button to set the Pressure Cook function to low or high.
The built-in accessories make it the perfect choice for many people. You dont have to worry about an extra purchase for a stainless-steel inner pot, pressure cooker lid, air fryer lid, steam rack, air fryer basket base, air fryer basket, and broil and dehydrator tray.
Pros
- Easy and quick to clean
- More energy efficient than other products
- Perfect for extensive batch cooking or big families
Cons
- Poor air frying option
How Easy Is It To Set Up
After unpacking and finding space for the Instant Pot air fryer, I knew right away that this would require some research before I was ready to start cooking. I found the Getting Started Guide to be very helpful, as I proceeded to familiarize myself with the proper setup. I definitely recommend the “Initial Test Run” that is detailed in the manual as it will take a first time user, like myself, some time to get used to the mechanisms for pressure cooking. This pretty much took me through the process of setting up the cooker with water. I learned how to set the timer and release the steam properly which was very worth the time I spent doing it.
It took me a while to acquaint myself with all of the parts. After about 30 minutes, I felt I was ready to move ahead, though I certainly continued to reference the manual through the process. Once I felt prepared, I moved into some simple air frying. I wanted to see if this function was enough to set this multicooker apart.
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Instant Vortex Plus 6
- A KITCHEN MUST HAVE: Perfect for quick delicious meals, preparing side dishes, appetizers, wings and more. Great addition to any kitchen perfect for 4-6 servings.
- SAFETY FEATURES: Built-in safety features like Overheat Protection, auto-off and more to keep your mind at ease.
- ONE-TOUCH SMART PROGRAMS: Customizable programs for one-touch wings, roasted veggies, garlicky potatoes, cookies, cinnamon buns and more!
- 6-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat and dehydrate
- EASY CLEAN-UP: Non-stick, dishwasher safe air fry basket and tray.
Instant Pot 8 Quart 8 In 1 Air Fryer Lid
This lid from Michelangelo is another awesome way to upgrade your instant pot to a versatile cooking appliance. With 8 preset modes and ease of operation, youre sure to get addicted to your new lid for the instant pot.
Whats more, is that you dont need to use a huge amount of oil for air frying the food. Only a few drops will result in a beautiful golden crispy finish. So, if you wish to become more innovative with your recipes, there cant be a better lid than this one.
In addition, you can use it with both a 6-quart and an 8-quart instant pot. Lets take a look at the features first.
Top Features
- Durable material
- 360o air circulation technology
Describing this lid in a few words is going to be difficult but I am going to try. The first thing you need to know is that it features eight preset modes.
It opens diverse opportunities to expand your cooking experience. Using these preset air frying options, you can cook steak, fries, chicken, egg tart, shrimp, sweet potato, pizza, fish, and lots of other recipes too.
There are not many lids that allow you to go this versatile with your cooking style, especially with an air fryer.
The lid has a strong build and wont crack easily. Its super easy to use too. You only have to place it on top of your instant pot, press it hard till you hear a beep, and use your preferred preset mode to cook a delicious meal.
Besides, the lid isnt messy to clean at all. All you have to do is use a cloth or paper towels to wipe it clean.
Pros
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Cooking A Whole Roast Chicken Using The Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer Functions
I could not ignore the fact that this machine had something else to offer. I really wanted to know how I could employ two different functions in one recipe to achieve desirable results, in order to prove that this machine was worthy of the counter space it occupied.
I decided to put this to the test with one of my all-time favorite meals – roast chicken. I set out to make this dish in one pot with two functions. I was after a bird with juicy white meat and a crisp skin – something I feel I have perfected in my conventional oven. After consulting the Instant Pot Time Table that accompanied this cooker, I knew that I could cook a 4-pound chicken in about 30 minutes . I adjusted this time slightly because I intended to use the air fry function to finish this chicken off with golden brown skin.
I seasoned the chicken generously with salt and pepper, stuffed the cavity with garlic and lemon, trussed it with butcher’s twine, and nestled it into the wire rack that I lowered into the inner pot, along with a cup of water. I set the timer for 25 minutes.
I could not ignore the delicious, golden, aromatic liquid that had been left behind from the pressure cooking stage, so I quickly put that right back into the pot with an equal amount of jasmine rice that I had rinsed under water.
The Instant Vortex Has More Space
The Instant Vortex holds about about 2/3 of a bag of steak fries compared to the lid, which holds about 1/3 of the bag. The air fryer basket for the lid is even smaller than the inner pot of a standard six-quart Instant Pot, which should give you an idea of the limited space you’re working with. If you’re using your air fryer to cook for a family, the Instant Vortex is the way to go.
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Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid Pros & Cons
Pros
- You can use it on several 6 quart Instant Pot
- It has 6 different pre-set programs
- It is easy to use and clean
- You can store it away when not in use
- Its very popular, so you gonna find a wide range of recipes.
Cons
- It is a bit on the heavy side
- That beeping sound can be annoying
- You must handle it with extra care because of the extreme heat
- Does not fit 8-quart pressure cookers
- Does not fit 4-quart or pressure cookers
The Specs Of The Sousvideart
The SousVide Art air fryer lid advertises seven different modes and allows you to grill, cook, fry, broil, and bake at ease.
The lid runs at 1000W power, has an IMD touch panel accompanied by an LED display.
You can set the air fryer lid up to 420 degrees Fahrenheit and up to 30 minutes of cook time .
The SousVide Art Air Fryer Lid is compatible with and can be used on the following Instant Pot models:
Instant Pot DUO 60
Whether you have a 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot, another electric pressure cooker from different brands, or even any metal pots with a diameter of 8 11/16 or 9 7/16 inch , all you have to do is place this lid on top, and you instantly have an air fryer.
I use the Instant Pot Ultra with the air fryer lid, it is 6 quarts, and you can set your manual times for each setting, and it will remember your last used settings.
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Tips For Using Your Air Fryer
1-Attach the Control Panel
For safety reasons, if the control panel of your semi-professional fryer is not properly connected to the appliance , your fryer will not turn on. It is important always to press the control panel down until you hear a click. In other fryers, always check that all accessories are well fixed or recessed.
2-Adding Oil
Pour oil or grease into the fryer before turning it on. Warning: without oil, the resistance may burn and damage the device.
Pour enough oil into the fryer before turning it on. The oil level must at least reach the minimum level without exceeding the maximum level. If it exceeds the prescribed amount, the oil may spill out of the fryer as soon as you dip the basket in, which could result in burns.
3-Oil Level
Take the opportunity to renew the oil. If you prefer to wait, be sure to add the same type of oil or grease. We do not recommend mixing different oils, as they can react with each other when they heat up. Each oil has its own cooking temperature and shelf life.
Important: when you add oil or grease, it is not extending the shelf life of what is already in the fryer.
If you use solid grease, melt it according to the instructions in your user manual. Keep in mind: not all fryers are suitable for using solid fats. Opt-in this case, preferably for a model equipped with a special indicator that controls the oil melting.
4-Kinds of Oil
Oil quality is an essential element. There are two types of frying oils:
5-When to Change the Oil
How It Performs As An Air Fryer
I cooked several of my favorite air fryer foods with the Duo Crisp and its Ultimate Lid. The air fryer was plenty proficient once it got heated. Speaking of which, this is one of the only air fryers I’ve used that needed an official preheat time. For an air frying session at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it took about five minutes to preheat plus the actual cook time. I’m used to air fryers that don’t need preheating, so it took getting used to.
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You Cant Fit Much In The Air Fryer Basket
To be fair, this is my complaint with most air fryers, but there are some air fryers and toaster ovens with air fry capabilities that can fit larger amounts. We are a family of 2, so it works ok for us for most applications, but if you are a family of 4 or more, or enjoy making large portions for leftovers, youll have to cook your food in multiple batches which is a pain really defeats the purpose of air frying!
Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11
- INCLUDED ACCESSORIES: Stainless-steel multi-use steam rack, non-stick multi-level air fryer basket with stainless-steel dehydrating/broiling tray, and heat-resistant protective pad and storage cover.
- PERFECT FOR LARGER FAMILIES: Cook for up to 8 people perfect for larger families, or meal prepping and batch cooking for singles and smaller families.
- SAFETY FEATURES: Includes over 10 safety features, plus overheat protection and safe-locking lid.
- FAST OR SLOW: Pressure cook to save time and retain more flavor, or slow cook for traditional recipes.
- 11-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, sauté pan, food warmer, sous vide, air fryer, roaster, mini oven, broiler, and dehydrator
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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.
Can I Turn My Instant Pot Into An Air Fryer
If you have an Instant Pot Air Fryer lid, yes!
The Instant Pot Air Fryer lid really does allow you to air fry food in your Instant Pot.
After testing it out, I couldnt tell a big difference between the results from our regular air fryer and our Instant Pot air fryer lid.
The air fryer lid only fits certain Instant Pot models, so make sure your Instant Pot is compatible with the lid before purchasing.
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The Air Fryer Lid Cooks A Little Faster
The air fryer lid preheated about two minutes faster than the Vortex. Both produced crispy results, but we liked the Vortex slightly more because of the extra browning. The fact that this Instant Pot attachment produced similar results as the Instant Vortex makes a case for not adding a whole new appliance to your collection.
What Are The Cons Of The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
- The temperature doesnt go higher than 400 degrees. I guess I dont know why Id want it to go higher but I would have liked at least up to 450 degrees.
- Its big and bulky BUT it is far better than having another machine.
- Since the air fryer basket goes into the stainless steel Instant Pot insert, you have to wash both when youre done cooking.
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