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Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid Review

Instant pot Air Fryer Lid with title

I have to be honest with you guys - my family loves fries! The kids love them, the wife loves them (although she tries to stay as far away from them as possible), and I would be lying if I didn’t say I love them as well.

Instant pot Air Fryer Lid with title

But we all know how fast-food fries are not the ideal treat, especially for young kids. Not to mention that, whenever I make fries the old-fashion way or order them when we eat out, my wife gives me “the look” (you married guys know what I’m talking about).

So, being the inventive and resourceful guy that I am, I did a bit of research on how to have both the deliciousness and crispiness of the fries and keep them healthy. And I was lucky enough to find a fantastic solution right in the Instant Pot family!

The Instant Pot Air Fryer lid is a great product for fans of the brand and today I’m going to tell you all about it, so make sure to keep reading.

What is an Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid?

As the name says, this is a lid, produced by Instant Pot, that turns any compatible 6 quart pressure cooker into an air fryer. And, it’s important to highlight the word compatible here, because not all 6 quart Instant Pot pressure cookers are a good fit. The lid only works with multicookers that come with a stainless steel inner pot, so the ones that have a ceramic inner pot (such as Smart WiFi 60, Duo Evo Plus 60, Duo Evo Plus 60, Duo SV 60 or Max 60) are not a good match.

The stainless steel inner pot is the only one that can withstand the high temperatures generated by the heating element of the lid.

Now, if you’ve already read my Mealthy CrispLid review, you may think the Air Fryer lid is quite similar in features. And you wouldn’t be wrong - it is, after all, a product that works as a lid with a built-in heating element. But there are some differences as well, especially when it comes to the functionalities of the Air Fryer lid.

First, the Instant Pot product is designed with EvenCrisp technology that guarantees perfect results every single time. Also, the lid has a series of pre-set functions such as Air Fry, Broil, Bake, Roast, Reheat and Dehydrate (not available on the Mealthy product).

How To Use It?

First, it’s important to know that the lid turns your pressure cooker into an air fryer with additional functionalities. So, to use it, all you have to do is place it over a 6 quart Instant Pot cooker, with a stainless steel inner pot and set it for what you want it to do.

Making Fries with the Air Fryer Lid 

For instance, to make fries, I start by putting the frying basket (which is smaller than the inner pot and has some tiny legs) in the pressure cooker. Next, I like to preheat the pot and the basket (before tossing the fries in), so I place the lid over the pot. When it makes a small ding sound, you know it’s locked in place.

Now, it’s time to get to set stuff up. Press the Air Fry button on the lid and adjust the time (for the whole frying cycle) and temperature. You’ll notice the temperature and time are already pre-set, but you can change the values by pressing the plus and minus buttons for Temp and Time.

For me, it takes about 13 to 15 minutes at 360F to make a batch of golden, crispy fries that melt in your mouth. When you’re happy with the settings, press the Start button. You’ll notice the display only says On - this is the preheating section of the cycle and when it’s done, it will display the temperature and make a noise.

Once the preheating is over, I use the handle on the lid to pick it up and place it (carefully) on the provided heat-resistant pan. Next, I add the fries inside the basket (you can add spices here and maybe a drop of oil) and place the lid back on - the air frying process will resume.

YouTube video

One of the reasons I love this lid so much is that it notifies me when I should turn the fries (or whatever you are cooking). It does this by pausing the air frying process and displaying a “turn food” message (with the familiar beeping). So, to do this, I will take the lid off and arm myself with a pair of heat-resistant mittens to pull out the frying basket and shake the fries. This lets the air move better through the food and ensures the fries will be golden on both sides.

Finally, to complete the process, I place the lid back on and resume the frying until the cycle is finished. The lid will display the message “cool”, which means I have to wait for it to cool down a bit, and when it’s done it will say “Off”. Now, I can take the lid off, and (still using mittens) get the basket out and put the fries on a plate. Next, it’s time to enjoy some crispy goodness without feeling guilty!

Why Do We Need It? 

chicken wings in a blue bowl

I mostly use it to fry things. Besides fries, I also like to cook chicken (to give it that golden brown color and crispy skin), vegetables, and even baked potatoes.

If you want to check out yourself, I have a full list of Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid recipes.

Basically, you can use the functions of the pressure cooker to bring a chicken or vegetables to tender goodness and finish everything off with a bit of air frying. And you can do everything in one pot, only by switching lids!

So, if you like convenient appliances and enjoy the idea of a ready-to-use air fryer that can be easily stashed away, you need it.  

Of course, there is also the alternative of the Instant Pot DUO Crisp, but if you already own a 6 quart Instant Pot, the Air Fryer lid makes a lot more sense.

Avocado slices on a white plate near a marinara sauce

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid Pros & Cons

Pros

  • You can use it on several 6 quart Instant Pot
  • It has 6 different pre-set programs
  • It is easy to use and clean
  • You can store it away when not in use
  • It’s very popular, so you gonna find a wide range of recipes.

Cons

  • It is a bit on the heavy side
  • That beeping sound (when the lid is off) can be annoying
  • You must handle it with extra care because of the extreme heat
  • Does not fit 8-quart pressure cookers (or bigger)
  • Does not fit 4-quart or pressure cookers (or smaller)

Should I Buy the IP Air Fryer Lid?

In my opinion, the Air Fryer lid is perfect for people who already own a 6 quart Instant Pot with a stainless steel inner pot. Furthermore, you can use it for other stuff such as broiling or dehydrating (among others), which is a very nice addition to any kitchen. Also, when you do fry stuff, you still eat healthier than if you would go to a restaurant or a fast-food chain.

Check Price

Similar products

If you want to learn more about the other options I mentioned in this article, check out these comparisons I made:

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid vs Mealthy CrispLid

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid vs Instant Pot Duo Crisp

Instant Pot Mealthy CrispLid vs Instant Pot Duo Crisp

23 thoughts on “Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid Review

  1. When I put the lid on, it does not lock into place even though it gives me the chime. Is it supposed to lock into place?

    1. No, it doesn't lock in place the same way as the pressure cooker lid. So as long as you hear the chime, that means it's on correctly 🙂

  2. Hi Corrie, sorry to bother you with what seems like something that should be obvious to me. I have a 6qt Instant Pot, and I purchased the Air Fryer lid for it. What I can’t figure out, which makes me feel like an idiot, is what BASKET should be used for it. Could you help me out and clue me in? Thanks for your help in advance, AND all the recipes; they’re great!!

    1. Most 6 qt air fryer lids should also come with an air fryer basket insert-- is this not the case with your model?

  3. Hi! I just watched your video. It was helpful, as I’m trying to figure out whether or not to keep my air fryer lid. I have successfully used it to crisp up a whole chicken cooked in the instant pot, but to make crispy vegetables I have had bad results so far. I have tried to use air fryer recipes out there for brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli. I toss them with a little oil and salt and in they go in the multilayer basket. But even if I lower the temp from the recipe (390) to 370 or so, I get bitter, dried out brown spots on the florets, yet interiors that aren’t soft enough. A little crispier than oven roasted but with this dry burnt taste. My oven roasted veggies are much tastier and properly cooked. Any ideas? Maybe mine is defective?

  4. My DIL got the instant pot with both lids. When unpacked the air fryer lid it sounded like something was loose. Is that normal?

    1. I think it might be, as there are many parts inside the air fryer lid. But I would refer to the manual to make sure.

  5. I have the 6 qt Duo Evo Plus, which has a stainless steel pot. The inside of the outer pot is a dark material that may be ceramic(?) but might be something else. Is there a air fryer lid that would work with that? I’m mostly looking to dehydrate, but might be tempted to air fry.

      1. I just purchase the 9 in 1 instant pot. I am not sure to keep it. I have a pressure cooker that i cook soup on the stove. I cant make my mind up that i will really use this or will it just become a white elephant.
        I cook on gas stove everyday. Please help me to make up my mind. Please

        1. In my opinion, I would keep the Instant Pot and get rid of the stovetop pressure cooker, since they do the same thing but you have many more options with the Instant Pot. It will also free up space on your stovetop so you can cook other things. Ultimately up to you of course, but hope that helps!

  6. Well I guess I can take my 8 qt. instant pot back to Wal-Mart seeing y'all don't have a air frier lid for this. I halfta purchase the other brand does air fry.

  7. Hi looking at buying an instapot. We are a family of four but the kids are away at school most of the time. Would you recommend the 6 quart with the air fryer lid bought separately or the 8 quart with the built in air fryer lid?

  8. Cutting up potatoes and making fries from scratch.
    But you can make the frozen ones as well, just follow the instructions on the pack since the cooking time may be a little different.

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