Air frying has become an incredibly popular cooking method in recent years. Air fryers use rapid air circulation and high heat to produce crispy, crunchy foods with significantly less oil than traditional deep frying. While air fryers are handy kitchen appliances, not everyone has the counter space for yet another single-use device. The good news is that you can still enjoy air fried foods even if you don’t own an air fryer – you just need an Instant Pot.
What is an Instant Pot?
Instant Pot is a brand name that has become synonymous with electric pressure cookers. Instant Pots allow you to cook foods very quickly using pressure. This speeds up cooking times substantially compared to traditional simmering or boiling. Instant Pots have a variety of settings including pressure cook, slow cook, rice cook, steam, sauté, yogurt, and more. The sauté function allows you to brown and cook foods, making it perfect for air frying.
Why air fry in an Instant Pot?
There are several advantages to using your Instant Pot for air frying:
- Saves space – No need for another countertop appliance
- Saves money – Instant Pots are multi-functional, unlike single-use air fryers
- Versatility – Instant Pot does more than just air fry
- Large capacity – Instant Pots come in larger sizes than most air fryers
- Uses less oil – Air frying requires little to no oil compared to deep frying
While air fryers circulate air more rapidly than Instant Pots, you can still get very good air frying results in an Instant Pot. It may take a little longer than a dedicated air fryer, but the benefits of versatility and capacity make air frying in an Instant Pot a great choice.
How to Air Fry in an Instant Pot
Air frying in an Instant Pot is simple, but there are a few tricks to get the best results.
1. Choose an Instant Pot model with air fryer lid
Some newer Instant Pot models like the Instant Pot Pro Crisp and Duo Crisp come with an air fryer lid attachment. This special lid has a fan that greatly improves air circulation to achieve extra crispy air fried foods. If you have one of these models, be sure to use the air fryer lid.
2. Use the sauté function
All Instant Pots have a sauté or browning function. This allows the inner pot to get hot enough to crisp and air fry foods. Make sure your inner pot is very hot before adding food – between 300-400°F if possible.
3. Don’t overcrowd
Just like in an air fryer, overcrowding will prevent proper air circulation and crisping. Cook foods in a single layer without overfilling the pot.
4. Toss or flip frequently
Move and turn food often while cooking for even browning and crisping on all sides.
5. Add a drizzle of oil
A small amount of oil will help facilitate browning and crisping. Use just a teaspoon or two – significantly less than deep frying.
6. Pat foods dry
Remove any excess moisture from foods before cooking. Damp or wet ingredients won’t crisp up properly.
7. Use a sling or trivet
A wire metal trivet or sling will allow air flow all around the food for better results. It also makes removing foods easier.
Best Foods to Air Fry in an Instant Pot
Almost any breaded or crispy food can be air fried in an Instant Pot. Here are some of the most popular options:
- Chicken wings and drumsticks
- Chicken nuggets
- Frozen chicken tenders or strips
- Fish fillets or fish sticks
- Shrimp
- French fries
- Tater tots
- Onion rings
- Zucchini sticks
- Egg rolls
- Wontons
- Pizza rolls or sliders
- Potstickers
- Brussel sprouts
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
The key is selecting foods that you want to make crispy on the outside. Lean proteins, vegetables, and breaded frozen foods all air fry beautifully.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips when air frying in your Instant Pot for crispy, crunchy foods:
- Let the pot heat fully before adding food
- Use the air fryer lid if available
- Coat foods lightly with oil
- Cook in batches for even crisping
- Stir, toss, or flip food midway
- Brush or spritz with oil if needed
- Adjust cook times as needed
- Let cooked foods drain on a rack
- Don’t overload the pot
It may take some trial and error to get the right times and temperatures for different foods. But once you get the hang of air frying in your Instant Pot, you’ll appreciate the convenience and versatility.
Air Fryer Accessories for Instant Pot
Using a few handy accessories can help maximize air frying results in an Instant Pot. Here are some must-have tools:
Wire Trivet or Sling
A wire metal trivet or stainless steel sling fits inside the Instant Pot inner pot. It allows air flow all around food for crisping on all sides. It also makes removal easier after cooking.
Air Fryer Lid
Specialized air fryer lids are available for many Instant Pot models. These lids have built-in fans to circulate hot air and promote browning.
Silicone Pot Holder Handles
Silicone handles that slide onto the side handles protect your hands when removing the hot inner pot. They allow safe handling after air frying.
Oil Sprayer
A mini oil sprayer lets you evenly mist a small amount of oil on foods before air frying. Even coverage means better browning.
Tongs
Long, sturdy tongs make tossing and flipping foods while air frying quick and easy.
| Accessory | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Wire trivet or sling | Allows air flow for crisping |
| Air fryer lid | Circulates air and promotes browning |
| Silicone pot holder handles | Protects hands when removing hot pot |
| Oil sprayer | Evenly distributes small amount of oil |
| Tongs | For tossing and flipping foods |
Air Fryer Instant Pot Recipes
Once you get the basics down, try out these delicious recipes made just for air frying in the Instant Pot:
Crispy Fried Chicken
This southern-style fried chicken with a crispy coating and juicy, tender meat is a breeze to make.
Air Fried Fish and Chips
Ditch the deep fryer and make your favorite pub food at home with crunchy “battered” cod and chips.
Coconut Shrimp
Plump shrimp come out perfectly crisped in a light, coconutty breading you’ll love.
Italian Chicken Nuggets
Kid-friendly chicken nuggets get a flavor punch from italian breadcrumbs and seasonings.
Sweet Potato Fries
Crisp, crunchy sweet potato fries make a healthier and delicious side to any meal.
Veggie Egg Rolls
Cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms give these egg rolls a flavorful veggie filling everyone will devour.
Air Fried Donuts
Fluffy homemade donuts in flavors like cinnamon sugar and glazed are easier than you think.
FAQs
What size Instant Pot is best for air frying?
Larger 8-quart Instant Pot models provide the most room for air frying. But you can air fry small batches of food successfully even in 3-quart or 6-quart versions.
How is air frying different than baking or roasting?
Air frying uses very high heat and constant circulating air to product a crispy exterior. Baking relies on ambient heat while roasting uses high heat but less air circulation.
Is air fried food healthy?
Compared to deep frying, air frying cuts way back on added oils. But any fried foods should still be enjoyed in moderation.
What oil should be used for air frying?
Any high heat oil like canola, vegetable, grapeseed or avocado oil works well for air frying. Nonstick sprays are also an option.
Do you need an air fryer basket for the Instant Pot?
No, you can air fry directly in the Instant Pot inner pot. A basket isn’t required but can help contain smaller foods.
Should Instant Pot be lined with foil when air frying?
No, foil will prevent proper air circulation. A sling or trivet is better if you want to protect the pot.
Can you put aluminum foil in an Instant Pot when air frying?
It’s not recommended as foil prevents air circulation. A metal trivet or stainless steel liner can be used instead if needed.
Conclusion
Air frying in your Instant Pot is simple once you learn the basics. Almost any breaded or crispy food can easily be made by using the sauté function and circulating hot air. A few handy accessories can maximize results but aren’t strictly necessary. Follow these tips and enjoy all of your fried favorites with a fraction of the oil and mess of deep frying. With the versatility to pressure cook, slow cook, and now air fry, the Instant Pot is one of the most useful and space-saving appliances in any home kitchen.