The instant pot air fryer lid is designed to be used with instant pot multi-cookers. It does not function as a stand-alone air fryer, but rather as an attachment that sits on top of an existing instant pot to provide air frying capabilities.
How the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid Works
The instant pot air fryer lid has a built-in heating element and fan that circulates hot air around food to crisp and brown it. This allows you to air fry foods like frozen fries, chicken wings, and more using your instant pot.
To use it, you simply remove the standard instant pot lid and place the air fryer lid on top of the stainless steel inner pot. The air fryer lid does not attach to the instant pot – it just sits on top. However, it forms a secure fit and good seal thanks to the locking mechanism.
You select the air fry setting on your instant pot and set the temperature and cook time as desired. The heating element and fan in the air fryer lid go to work circulating hot air and cooking the food. The fan and vents allow air to move freely in and out but keep the boiling action of the instant pot contained below.
Benefits of the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
There are several benefits to using the instant pot air fryer lid:
- Adds air frying capabilities to your instant pot – no need for a separate air fryer appliance
- More versatile – make meals with pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, and air frying in one pot
- Frees up counter space – no need for multiple appliances
- Budget friendly – costs much less than buying a separate air fryer
- Uses little to no oil for healthier air frying
- Produces crispy browned and crunchy results
- Heats up quickly thanks to instant pot’s power
- Easy to use – just press air fry, set time and temperature
What Foods Can You Make?
With the instant pot air fryer lid, you can air fry all of the classic air fried foods including:
- French fries – fresh or frozen
- Chicken wings and drumsticks
- Chicken nuggets – breaded or not
- Fish sticks and fish fillets
- Shrimp
- Vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.
- Root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc.
You can also reheat foods like pizza, fried chicken, and more. The options are virtually endless for quick and easy air fried meals.
Tips for Air Frying Success
Follow these tips when using the instant pot air fryer lid for best results:
- Use a thin coating of oil to help foods brown and make them crispy
- Cut larger foods like chicken breasts and potatoes into smaller pieces for even cooking
- Flip or shake foods halfway during cook time
- Spread items out into a single layer and don’t overcrowd for crisping
- Adjust cooking time as needed based on quantity – smaller batches may cook faster
- Let cooked foods rest 1-2 minutes before serving
- Consider liners or foil on pot insert for easier cleanup
Differences Between Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid Models
There are a few different models of the instant pot air fryer lid. The main differences are:
| Model | Compatible Instant Pot Sizes | Wattage |
|---|---|---|
| Air Fryer Lid 6 Quart | 3 quart, 6 quart | 1400W |
| Air Fryer Lid 8 Quart | 6 quart, 8 quart | 1500W |
As you can see, the 6 quart is compatible with 3 and 6 quart instant pot models. The 8 quart is compatible with 6 and 8 quart models. The 8 quart also has a slightly higher wattage for faster preheating.
The lids are not interchangeable between different sized pots. You need to match the lid size with the corresponding pot sizes for proper fit and function.
Instant Pot Models Compatible with Air Fryer Lids
The instant pot air fryer lids are compatible with most instant pot models, including:
- Lux 6-in-1
- Duo
- Smart WiFi
- Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
- Duo Nova
- Duo Plus
- Ultra
As long as your instant pot is a 3, 6, or 8 quart size, the corresponding air fryer lid will work. The lids are not designed for mini instant pots or larger 10 quart models. Check the product description for exact sizing compatibility if unsure.
Using the Air Fryer Lid with Other Brand Pressure Cookers
The instant pot air fryer lids are designed specifically for instant pot brand electric pressure cookers. They are not compatible with other brands like Ninja Foodi, CrockPot, Power Pressure Cooker, or Cosori.
These other brands have different pot shapes and sizes, so the instant pot lids will not properly fit or seal. You need an official instant pot multi-cooker to use the air fryer attachment.
Maintenance Tips
To keep your instant pot air fryer lid working its best, follow these maintenance tips:
- Wash lid with soap and water after each use
- Do not submerge heating element – wipe clean with damp cloth
- Remove and clean air fry basket/tray after use
- Clean vents and fan with brush or pipe cleaner
- Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing that can damage non-stick
- Check seals regularly and replace if cracked or damaged
With proper care and cleaning, your air fryer lid will provide great performance and crispy air fried meals.
Accessories to Enhance Air Frying
You can accessorize your air fryer lid with items like:
- Silicone liners or parchment paper – makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking
- Steamer basket – perfect for air frying veggies and fish fillets
- Additional air fryer trays – allows you to cook more food at once
- Oil brush bottle – evenly coats foods with thin layer of oil
Having extra trays and liners helps streamline the air frying process so you can cook meals more quickly. A silicone brush bottle makes it easy to lightly oil foods as needed.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you run into any problems using your instant pot air fryer lid, try these troubleshooting tips:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Food not crisping | Use small batches, coat with oil, increase temp/time, check vents for obstructions |
| Uneven cooking | Stir/flip food, don’t overcrowd, check position of tray |
| Lid won’t close/seal | Make sure inner pot is clean, check for obstructions, ensure proper size match between lid and pot |
| Lid is smoking | Avoid oil buildup causing smoke, wipeheating element clean after each use |
| Fan not working | Verify fan vent pathway is clear, contact support about replacement |
Following best practices for oil amount, batch size, prep, and cleanup will prevent most issues. Get in touch with instant pot customer service for troubleshooting help or warranty questions.
Conclusion
The instant pot air fryer lid is an easy way to add air frying functionality to your multi-cooker. It simply sits on top of the stainless steel pot to circulate hot air and crisp up foods with little to no oil. Matching the correct lid size to your 3, 6 or 8 quart instant pot ensures proper fitting and sealing. With a few accessories and tips for success, you can enjoy quick and easy air fried meals from your instant pot using this handy lid attachment.