In a world dominated by air fryers, it's getting more difficult to find a model that caters to your every need. But Instant Pot begs to differ. It's one of the most recognizable brands in the air frying world.
Today, I'm going to test whether or not this brand lives up to the hype with the help of one of its best-selling models. Here's my Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid review.
Overview of the Air Fryer Lid
Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid on Amazon
The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is an accessory that allows you to turn your regular Instant Pot multicooker into an air fryer. It looks like an oversized lid that you can place on top of the cooker to air fry foods.
It's 10.7 inches long, 11.6 inches wide, and six inches tall, with a total weight of six pounds. It's compatible with several 6-quart air fryer models like the Instant Pot Duo series, Viva, Ultra, Lux, and Nova Plus.
In-Depth Review
After using this product for several weeks, here's a quick summary of my experience.
Performance and Food Taste
Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid on Amazon
The maximum temperature of the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is 400°F. While that's the appropriate temperature for several types of meat, some roasted vegetable recipes need 450°F.
Nonetheless, when I tried air-frying carrots and beans at its maximum temperature, there wasn't much difference from when I air fry them at 450° F.
Here's an Air Fryer Vegetables recipe you can try with this lid.
I particularly love that the lid allows me to dehydrate with a multicooker. However, the air fryer basket that comes with the package is relatively smaller than the usual 6-quart Instant Pots.
Nonetheless, it's big enough to fit five to six chicken wings or over a quarter bag of frozen French fries, so I don't mind.
Design and Features
Here are all the things you need to know about this air fryer lid.
Overall appearance and construction
One thing that surprised me the most about the Instant Pot Lid is its size. I was not expecting it to be huge. It's about ¾ the height of the cooker itself, and almost as tall when you unfold the handle.
But that's understandable since it has to fit the heating element and fan in such a small space.
Size and layout of the cooking surface
Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid on Amazon
One major concern I have with the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is the basket. Despite the lid being considerably huge, the basket is relatively small. It's almost an inch smaller than the diameter of the inner pot.
Its multi-layered cooking capability will allow you to maximize the basket, but if you regularly prepare food for several people, you might be able to fit more in the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid.
Ease of use
It's relatively easy to use since you just have to place it on top of the Instant Pot. The air fryer lid will automatically sense whether or not it's safe to start the fan and heating element.
It doesn't twist on top of the Instant Pot, which is probably why it doesn't have a "pressure cook" function. Pressure cooking will simply push the lid out of place.
The controls are very straightforward and include air fry, broil, bake, roast, reheat, and dehydrate. There are two sets of +/- settings (for Temp and Time), one on each side of the display screen.
Anyone who uses an air fryer will have no problems operating this lid since all the functions are already familiar.
Additional features
Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid on Amazon
I commend that despite being smaller than a basket-style air fryer, Instant Pot still made sure to include guided cooking prompts in its program.
When I air-fried chicken wings, the lid beeped and displayed "turn food" on the display screen, making sure I didn't overcook one side of the food. (Here's the Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipe I used.)
I also like that the package includes a protective pad, a frying basket, and a broil/dehydrate tray that doubles as an air fryer rack for multi-layered cooking.
Additionally, the tray has numerous holes to enhance air circulation inside the cooking chamber.
Price and Value
As of writing, the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is unavailable on Amazon, but its most recent price is $89.99. You may find a similar model at Walmart for the same cost.
It's significantly more expensive than other air fryer lids which often range from $30 to $60. Additionally, it's not difficult to find a standalone air fryer for the same price, maybe even cheaper.
Ergo, I believe the real value of this air fryer lid lies in people who simply wish to upgrade their Instant Pots and include an air fryer functionality.
How to Clean
All the accessories that come with the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid are dishwasher safe, so you can just toss them in for a convenient cleanup. Nonetheless, you can also scrub them with a sponge and dishwashing liquid.
Remember that the accessories do not come with nonstick coatings, so you want to let them sit in soapy water for a while to loosen baked-on grease.
On the other hand, you can use a damp cloth to clean the lid itself. Avoid getting it wet since liquids may damage its electronics.
To sum up, here are the things I liked and didn't like about this air fryer lid.
What I Like
- space-saving (since you don't need another appliance to air fry)
- compatible with several models
- includes dehydrate function
- multi-layered cooking capability
- easy to use
- guided cooking prompts
- multiple accessories
- easy cleanup
What I Didn't Like
- no nonstick coating
- bulky
- relatively pricey
- entire basket gets hot (use oven mitts when pulling out food!)
Alternatives
If the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is too pricey for you or it just doesn't suit your taste, here are some alternatives you may want to try.
Yedi Total Package Air Fryer Lid
Yedi Total Package Air Fryer Lid on Amazon
The Yedi Total Package Air Fryer Lid is one of the best Instant Pot Lid alternatives when it comes to versatility. It's compatible with 5-, 6-, and 8-quart Instant Pot models.
It also comes with a free recipe book, a silicone pad, and basic accessories like an air frying basket and a stainless steel rack.
Zavor 8-in-1 Air Fryer Lid
Zavor 8-in-1 Air Fryer Lid on Amazon
A 105°F to 400°F temperature range isn't bad at all. However, if you regularly use your air fryer to roast vegetables or cook recipes that require high heat, try the Zavor 8-in-1 Air Fryer Lid.
It's relatively cheaper than the Instant Pot Lid and has a higher maximum temperature of 455°F. However, its lowest temperature is 165°F and does not include a dehydrate function.
Nonetheless, I like that it comes with a recipe eBook, a basket, tongs, a silicone mat, and silicone grips. It's compatible with any 6- or 8-quart cooker.
1829 Carl Schmidt Sohn Air Fryer Lid
1829 Carl Schmidt Sohn Air Fryer Lid on Amazon
If the price tag is the only thing keeping you from trying out an air fryer lid, let me introduce you to the 1829 Carl Schmidt Sohn Air Fryer Lid. It's arguably the most affordable model in the market today.
The lid is compatible with 6- and 8-quart cookers. It's equipped with CrispyTop technology that allows you to air fry, bake, or broil all types of food.
However, its lowest temperature is still relatively high at 200°F, so you may be unable to dehydrate food with it. Nonetheless, a temperature range of 200°F to 420°F is just the right scale for your favorite foods.
Wrapping Up
That concludes my Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid review. Considering all its features, I'd say this model is a valuable accessory to have in the kitchen if you already own an Instant Pot.
To learn more about air fryers, air fryer accessories, and recipes you can try on them, feel free to browse Also The Crumbs, Please.
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