The instant pot air fryer lid is a popular accessory that allows you to air fry foods in your instant pot. It conveniently transforms your instant pot into an air fryer so you can make crispy fried foods with little to no oil. But an important question many wonder is – does the air fryer lid work with any instant pot model? Let’s take a closer look at the compatibility to find out.
Air Fryer Lid Models
Instant Pot offers air fryer lids for most of their popular instant pot models. Here are the main air fryer lid models currently available:
| Air Fryer Lid Model | Compatible Instant Pot Models |
|---|---|
| Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid 6 in 1 | Duo, Duo Plus, Duo Evo Plus, Lux 6-in-1, Ultra 6-in-1 |
| Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid | Duo Crisp, Duo Crisp + Air Fryer |
| Instant Pot Pro Crisp Air Fryer Lid | Pro Crisp |
As you can see, Instant Pot offers air fryer lids specifically designed for their most popular models like the Duo, Lux, Ultra, Crisp and Pro Crisp. The lids are tailored to fit the exact size and dimensions of each instant pot model.
Key Factors for Compatibility
There are a few key factors that determine whether an air fryer lid will be compatible with a particular instant pot model:
Size of the Inner Pot
The air fryer lid has to fit properly onto the top of the stainless steel inner pot. Inner pots come in different diameters like 6 qt, 8 qt etc. The lid has to match the same size inner pot or it won’t seal properly.
Location of Controls
Many instant pots have control panels on the front. The air fryer lid has to be designed so the controls are accessible and not blocked when the lid is installed.
Rims and Edges
The rim of the inner pot and outer edges of the instant pot have to align properly with the grooves on the bottom of the air fryer lid. Even small differences in the shape and size of rims can prevent a secure fit.
Venting System
The venting system for releasing pressure/steam needs to be compatible with the lid. If the vent location and steam release valve don’t align properly, the air fryer lid won’t work safely.
Is the Air Fryer Lid Interchangeable Between Models?
Based on the compatibility factors above, in most cases the air fryer lids are NOT interchangeable between different instant pot models. The lids are precision-designed for specific models only.
For example, you cannot use a 6-in-1 air fryer lid designed for a 6 qt Duo on an 8 qt Ultra model. Even though both are 6-in-1 multi-cookers, the inner pot dimensions, control panel layouts, and venting systems differ between the models and prevents interchangeability.
You need to match the correct air fryer lid to the right instant pot model. Mixing and matching lids and pots that aren’t designed for each other can lead to a poor fit, suboptimal performance, and potential safety issues.
Are Third-Party Air Fryer Lids Compatible with Instant Pots?
In addition to the official Instant Pot air fryer lids, there are also many third-party air fryer lid accessories sold by other brands that claim compatibility with instant pots. However, most third-party lids have received mixed reviews when it comes to truly working well with instant pots.
There are a few disadvantages that come with using a third-party air fryer lid:
- The fit may not be precise due to slight differences in dimensions.
- The voltage and wattage of the heating element may not align properly with Instant Pot models resulting in uneven cooking.
- The venting system and steam release may differ causing safety issues.
- Temperature regulation and overall performance may be subpar.
While some third-party lids work decently well for basic air frying in an instant pot, most people report the official Instant Pot air fryer lids perform far better in terms of fit, efficiency, results, and safety. The official lids are engineered specifically for each Instant Pot model.
Do All Instant Pots Work with an Air Fryer Lid?
Based on the criteria above, the short answer is no – not all instant pots are compatible with the air fryer lids. As we discussed, the lids are designed for specific models.
Here is a quick summary of which common instant pot models are NOT currently compatible with any air fryer lids:
- Lux Mini and Lux Mini V3 – These smaller 3 qt models have inner pots that are too small to fit an air fryer lid.
- Smart Bluetooth – This WiFi enabled model has a control panel layout that does not work with the current lid designs.
- Accu Slim – The oblong shape of this instant pot does not allow the round air fryer lid to sit properly on top.
- Duo SV – The specialized sous vide lid takes up the entire top of this model.
So unless Instant Pot releases new air fryer lid designs tailored for these models, they will not work. Be sure to double check your specific instant pot model number before ordering an air fryer lid.
Which Instant Pot Models Have Air Frying Built-In?
In addition to being compatible with the air fryer lids, there are also some instant pot models that have air frying capabilities built-in:
- Duo Crisp + Air Fryer – This model comes with a crisp plate and air fryer basket to crisp and air fry right in the inner pot.
- Duo Crisp – The predecessor to the Duo Crisp + Air Fryer with 11 pre-sets for air frying.
- Pro Crisp – Instant Pot’s high-end model with an air fryer function built-in.
These all-in-one models allow you to pressure cook and air fry without the need for any additional accessories. However, they are more expensive than basic instant pot models.
Best Instant Pots for Use with Air Fryer Lids
Most people looking for air fryer capabilities go with a standard instant pot model plus an air fryer lid accessory. Based on compatibility, these are the best instant pot models to use with air fryer lids:
- Duo 6 & 8 Qt – The 6 and 8 qt Duo models are the most popular and work with the 6-in-1 and 8-in-1 air fryer lids.
- Lux 6 & 8 Qt – Very similar in design to Duo models, just fewer features. But fully compatible with air fryer lids.
- Ultra 6 & 8 Qt – Slightly more advanced with added preset programs. Works great with air fryer lids.
- Duo Evo Plus 6 & 8 Qt – Latest enhancement of Duo line. Compatible with air fryer lids.
- Duo Nova 6 & 8 Qt – Square-shaped design but still fits air fryer lids.
These top-selling instant pots have the right size inner pots, control panel layouts, and edges to securely fit the official air fryer lids from Instant Pot.
Tips for Using an Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
Here are some handy tips for those using an Instant Pot with an air fryer lid:
- Make sure you have the correctly sized lid for your pot. Using the wrong size air fryer lid will not work well and can cause accidents.
- Be aware that cooking capacity is reduced by about 25% when using the air fryer lid. Don’t overfill the pot.
- Preheat the empty pot for 3-5 minutes before adding food to allow the air fryer to come up to temperature.
- Spray a thin coating of oil on foods for even browning and crisping.
- Shake or toss air fried ingredients halfway during cooking for best results.
- For crisper results, air fry in smaller batches rather than overcrowding.
- Check cooking progress frequently and adjust time up or down as needed.
- Use cooking liners or foil slings to more easily remove smaller items like fries.
Following these tips will help you get the most out of using an air fryer lid with your instant pot.
Conclusion
The instant pot air fryer lids allow you to give fried favorites a healthy makeover in your pressure cooker. But it is important to purchase the correct lid designed specifically for your instant pot model. While interchangeability between lids and pots is very limited, buying the right air fryer accessory can give fantastic results. With a compatible instant pot, you’ll be air frying crispy veggies, wings, fries and more in no time!