An air fryer lid for an Instant Pot is an accessory that allows you to air fry foods in your Instant Pot. It transforms your multi-cooker into an air fryer, so you can make crispy foods like french fries, chicken wings, and more. With an air fryer lid, you can take advantage of the convenience of pressure cooking and air frying all in one appliance.
What is an air fryer lid?
An air fryer lid is an accessory made specifically for Instant Pot multi-cookers. It replaces the regular Instant Pot lid and features a fan and heating element that circulates hot air around food to give it a crispy, fried finish without deep frying.
The lid fits on top of the Instant Pot inner pot and works by rapidly circulating hot air at high speed to mimic deep frying. The fan and heating element are powered separately by plugging the air fryer lid into an outlet. This gives food a crispy, crunchy exterior and tender interior.
Benefits of an air fryer lid
There are several benefits to using an air fryer lid with your Instant Pot:
- More versatility – With an air fryer lid, your Instant Pot becomes a multi-functional appliance that can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, and air fry.
- Healthier frying – Air frying uses little to no oil compared to deep frying, resulting in fried foods that are lower in fat and calories.
- Easy crisping – The circulating hot air crisps up foods like french fries, chicken wings, and fish with a satisfying crunch.
- Faster cooking – The concentrated heat of the air fryer lid cooks food up to 2x faster than a traditional oven.
- Convenient – With an air fryer lid, you don’t need the extracounter space for a separate air fryer appliance.
What foods can you air fry with an Instant Pot lid?
Many different foods can be made crispy and delicious in an Instant Pot using an air fryer lid. Here are some of the most popular air fried Instant Pot recipes:
Vegetables
- French fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Brussels sprouts
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Potatoes
Proteins
- Chicken wings
- Chicken tenders
- Chicken drumsticks
- Pork chops
- Bacon
- Sausages
- Meatballs
- Fish fillets
Other
- Egg rolls
- Spring rolls
- Pizza
- Nachos
- Mozzarella sticks
- Donuts
- Fried Oreos
Are all air fryer lids compatible with Instant Pot models?
No, not all air fryer lids are universally compatible with every Instant Pot model. There are a few factors that determine compatibility:
- Instant Pot size – The air fryer lid must match the exact size of your Instant Pot (3qt, 6qt, 8qt, etc). Lids are not interchangeable between different sized pots.
- Instant Pot model – Some air fryer lids are only made for specific models like the Duo, Lux, Ultra, etc. They may not be cross-compatible.
- Inner pot shape – Older Instant Pot models have more oval-shaped pots vs newer models with round pots. Lids must match the inner pot shape.
Always check the product description and reviews to confirm compatibility with your specific Instant Pot before purchasing an air fryer lid. The lid brand does not have to match the Instant Pot brand.
Are Instant Pot air fryer lids worth it?
Here are some pros and cons to help determine if an air fryer lid is worth purchasing for your Instant Pot:
Pros
- Adds air frying function to Instant Pot
- More cooking versatility in one appliance
- Convenient – don’t need separate air fryer
- Crisps up fried foods with less oil
- Typically cheaper than buying separate air fryer
Cons
- Limited capacity for air frying
- Special accessories required like grease shield
- Preheating takes time
- Mixed reviews on performance
- Possible compatibility issues
For most people who already own an Instant Pot, purchasing an air fryer lid can be a cheaper and more convenient way to add air frying capabilities compared to buying a whole separate appliance. However, performance and capacity may be better with a standalone air fryer.
Top rated air fryer lids for Instant Pot
Based on customer reviews and ratings, here are some of the best air fryer lids for Instant Pot:
| Brand | Model | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant Brands | Official Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid | 4.4 / 5 stars | $89.99 |
| Ninja Foodi | Pressure Cooker Air Fryer Lid | 4.6 / 5 stars | $159.99 |
| Yedi Houseware | Deluxe Air Fryer Lid | 4.5 / 5 stars | $99.95 |
| Cosori | Dual Blaze Air Fryer Lid | 4.4 / 5 stars | $119.99 |
| Maxkon | Air Fryer Lid for Instant Pot | 4.3 / 5 stars | $69.99 |
These top rated air fryer lids are known for their ease of use, compatibility, and ability to produce crispy air fried results in the Instant Pot. The Instant Brands and Ninja Foodi lids tend to be the most popular.
How to use an Instant Pot air fryer lid
Using an air fryer lid with your Instant Pot takes a few extra steps compared to pressure cooking:
- Make sure food is prepared – Cut into similar sized pieces and coat or season as desired.
- Preheat air fryer lid for 3-5 minutes as directed.
- Add prepared food to Instant Pot inner pot in an even layer.
- Attach grease filter or use oil liner if needed to minimize mess.
- Lock air fryer lid in place and select temperature and time.
- Air fry food, shaking or flipping halfway if needed.
- Check food for doneness and adjust time if needed.
- Carefully remove lid when finished and serve.
Make sure to refer to manufacturer instructions as times and temperatures will vary. The preheating step helps ensure food browns and crisps properly.
Tips for the best results
Here are some tips and tricks to get the best air frying results with an Instant Pot lid:
- Don’t overcrowd – Leave space between food for air flow.
- Flip or shake food midway – This ensures even browning.
- Brush or spray oil – For crispy texture on foods like fries.
- Get the right time & temp – Adjust as needed for doneness.
- Use parchment or liner – Minimizes mess and sticking.
- Let pressure release – Before removing lid after pressure cooking.
- Clean after each use – Grease buildup affects performance.
It may take some trial and error to get used to air frying in your pressure cooker. Have fun experimenting!
Common problems and solutions
Here are some common issues people encounter when using an Instant Pot air fryer lid and how to troubleshoot them:
| Problem | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| Food not crispy |
|
| Food burnt on outside, undercooked inside |
|
| Lid won’t close properly |
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| Lid is stuck/won’t open |
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As with any air fryer, it may take some practice to get the right settings and cook times for different foods. Refer to the product manual for troubleshooting tips too.
Conclusion
An air fryer lid is a handy accessory that transforms your Instant Pot into an air fryer for making crispy wings, fries, and more. The convenience of pressure cooking and air frying in one appliance makes it a worthwhile investment for Instant Pot owners who also want to air fry.
Choose an air fryer lid made specifically for your Instant Pot size and model for the best compatibility. While results may vary compared to standalone air fryers, a quality air fryer lid can deliver crunch and crispiness with less oil. Follow cooking guidelines and tips to get the most out of using your Instant Pot as an air fryer.