What can I do with an Instant Pot air fryer?

Instant Pots have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years. Known for their pressure cooking capabilities, Instant Pots can also be used as multi-cookers to sauté, steam, slow cook, and more. With the addition of an air fryer lid, Instant Pots can now air fry too!

Air frying is a cooking method that uses hot air circulated at high speed to cook food. This allows food to get crispy and browned without needing as much oil as deep frying. An Instant Pot air fryer lid provides a healthier cooking option to enjoy fried favorites.

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What foods can I make in an Instant Pot air fryer?

There are many delicious foods that you can make in an Instant Pot air fryer:

French fries – Get crispy fries with less oil than deep frying
Chicken wings and drums – Fry up juicy, tender chicken wings with crispy skin

Chicken nuggets – Make healthier homemade chicken nuggets
Fish sticks – Fry up deliciously crunchy fish sticks
Onion rings – Enjoy crispy onion rings with fewer calories

Potato chips – Fry thin, crunchy potato chips without deep frying
Zucchini fries – Fry up crispy breaded or battered zucchini fries
Egg rolls – Get restaurant-quality egg rolls at home

Pizza rolls – Make customizable pizza rolls stuffed with your favorite toppings

An Instant Pot air fryer can cook a wide variety of fried favorites with less oil for a healthier, crispier result. Almost anything that you would normally deep fry can be made in an air fryer instead.

What are the benefits of using an Instant Pot air fryer?

There are many benefits to using an Instant Pot air fryer:

Less oil needed – Air frying requires little to no oil compared to deep frying, resulting in healthier and lower fat meals.
Crispy texture – The high speed hot air circulating in the air fryer makes food incredibly crispy.
Even cooking – Air fryers cook food very evenly, avoiding undercooked or burnt spots.

Doesn’t heat up kitchen – Unlike using a pot of oil, air frying doesn’t make your kitchen overly hot.
Safer – There’s no risk of getting burned by hot grease like deep frying.
Easy cleanup – With little to no oil, air fryers are much easier to clean up after use.

Using an Instant Pot air fryer gives you all the flavor and texture of fried foods while being a healthier and more convenient cooking method.

What tips and tricks should I know?

Here are some handy tips and tricks for getting the best results when using an Instant Pot air fryer:

Preheat the air fryer before cooking for crisper results.

Use a little oil for flavor – a spray or brushing is all you need.
Flip or shake foods halfway during cooking for even browning.
Use a meat thermometer for cooked meat dishes to ensure food safety.

Space out foods in the air fryer basket to allow air flow.
Spritz a little water on starchy items like fries for extra crispness.
Brush or spray oil on foods instead of soaking for a lower fat dish.

Pat dry moist foods before air frying to improve texture and crispness.
Check food a few minutes early to avoid overcooking.

Following these simple tips will help you make the most of your Instant Pot air fryer for deliciously crispy results.

What accessories do I need?

Here are some helpful accessories to have on hand when using an Instant Pot air fryer:

Air fryer lid – This special lid replaces the regular Instant Pot lid to convert it into an air fryer. It attaches securely to the Instant Pot housing.
Basket – The air fryer comes with a basket that slides into the Instant Pot to hold your food while air frying. It allows optimal air circulation.

Tongs – Helpful for easily flipping and moving air fried foods.
Oil sprayer – Useful for lightly coating foods with oil before air frying.
Baking pans – Allow you to air fry items like fries, wings, and fish sticks.

Cooking thermometer – Ensures meats are fully cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Oven mitts – Protect your hands when handling the hot air fryer basket.

Having these accessories on hand makes air frying easier and more convenient.

What recipes should I try first?

Here are some delicious, easy recipes to try when first using an Instant Pot air fryer:

Air Fried Chicken Wings – Crispy, juicy wings in just 20 minutes!
Sweet Potato Fries – Healthier than regular fries but just as crispy.

Southwestern Beef Fajita Bowls – Quick one-pot meal with tender steak and veggies.
Air Fried Salmon – Flaky, flavorful salmon in 15 minutes flat.
Spicy Air Fried Cauliflower – Crisp, crunchy cauliflower with a kick.

Frozen Snack Mix – Zucchini fries, cheese sticks, pizza rolls – air fry it all!
Air Fried Donuts – Crisp outside and tender inside – in minutes.

Starting with simple foods like fries, wings, and snacks lets you get familiar with your air fryer. Then you can adapt almost any breaded, fried, or baked food to be air fried.

What mistakes should I avoid?

Here are some common mistakes when using an Instant Pot air fryer:

Not preheating – Preheating ensures the air fryer is hot enough for crisping.
Overcrowding – Too much food prevents proper air circulation.

Not flipping foods – Flip or shake foods for even browning.
Breading too thickly – Thick breading may steam versus getting crispy.
Not using a thermometer for meat – Always cook meat to a safe internal temperature.

Not tracking cook times – Write down times so you know them next time.
Not cleaning after each use – Clean after each use to avoid grease buildup.
Smothering in oil – Just a quick spray or brush of oil is all you need.

Not patting foods dry – Remove moisture from foods for optimal crisping.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will ensure you have the very best results when air frying.

Can I cook a whole meal in an Instant Pot air fryer?

It’s absolutely possible to cook an entire meal in the Instant Pot air fryer! Here are some tips:

Cook ingredients in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
Use the air fryer for crispy sides like fries, then use the Instant Pot itself for entrees.
Slow cook or pressure cook in your Instant Pot first, then air fry to finish.

Choose dishes that cook quickly like burgers, fish, chicken breasts, and simple sides.
Prepare any sauces, vegetables etc. on the stovetop while air frying the mains.

With the right mix of recipes, you can definitely make appetizers, mains, and sides for a whole meal in your Instant Pot air fryer.

Is an Instant Pot air fryer worth buying?

An Instant Pot air fryer is definitely worth the investment for people who enjoy fried foods but want a healthier cooking option. Benefits include:

Requires little to no oil for crispy, delicious results
Cooks food quickly with no preheating time

Allows you to make all your fried favorites
Provides a healthier alternative to deep frying
Doubles as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, and more

Saves space with its dual air fryer-Instant Pot functionality
Simple to operate with pre-set buttons
Easy to clean with dishwasher safe parts

Safer than cooking with hot oil

For crispier fried foods in your home kitchen, an Instant Pot air fryer is well worth the investment.

Conclusion

An Instant Pot air fryer is a versatile, healthy way to enjoy all your crispy fried favorites right at home. From french fries to chicken wings, fish, and even donuts, you can cook just about anything in an air fryer with deliciously crunchy results. Just add the special air fryer lid to your Instant Pot to get started. Follow these tips and recipe recommendations, while avoiding common mistakes, and you’ll be on your way to air fryer mastery in no time!