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    Home » Blog » Food from scratch

    How to use an instant pot air fryer

    Categories: Food from scratch Author: Emily Date Updated: May 16, 2023

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    Graphic with text 'how to use an instant pot air fryer' and image of the air fryer unit

    In this blog I'm sharing how to use an Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer to create wholesome and delicious meals the whole family will enjoy with less mess. Learn how to assemble the unit, use the controls, my top tips and the features I love the most.

    Instant pot air fryer in the kitchen
    Jump to:
    • Why I love my Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
    • My favourite Instant Pot air fryer recipes
    • How to use an Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer
    • Recommended Instant Pot Air Fryer Accessories
    • Using the Instant Pot Air Fryer Safely
    • Instant Pot Air Fryer cooking times guide
    • FAQ
    • Related
    • Comments

    I love using my Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer available from Amazon.com.au (AU readers) and Amazon.com (USA and other readers) because I can simply set the program and dinner is on the table in no time. It makes from-scratch cooking quick and easy.

    And I'm not the only one. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer was recently voted in the top 9 air fryers by The Spruce Eats.

    I am not exaggerating when I say this is a life-changing appliance. I love how this one appliance can do it all; air fry, pressure cook, slow cook, make yogurt, dehydrate and more.

    The best thing about air frying is that all the mess is contained in one unit, plus all the parts can go straight into the dishwasher for easy wash up.

    Emily with the instant pot air fryer

    Why I love my Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer

    • I don't have to stand over a hot stove or grill while I cook. I can keep an eye on the kids and prepare side dishes at the same time.
    • When I'm cooking meat I love how the inner pot captures all the drippings and delicious pan juices, so when I'm done I can switch to sauté mode and create a quick and easy sauce or gravy without dirtying any more dishes.
    • It's bigger than other air fryers with dual level cooking so I can fit more in.
    • It doesn't smoke or drip fat onto the kitchen counter like other air fryers I've used.
    • It's simple silver and black aesthetic is sleek and minimal.
    • With the aid of the Instant Pot Mesh Steamer Baskets I am able to air fry with stainless steel and avoid non-stick cookware.
    the control panel on the instant pot air fryer

    My favourite Instant Pot air fryer recipes

    Don't let its name deceive you, air frying is a great way to cook anything normally bake, roast or fry. Try these wholesome air fryer dishes:

    • Whole chicken
    • Chicken drumsticks
    • Sausages
    • Ribeye Steak
    • Pork steaks
    • Lamb cutlets
    • Lamb chops
    Image of cooked air fryer chicken drumsticks layed out on a tray with fresh herbs

    How to use an Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer

    Option 1: Cooking with Multi-Level Air Fryer Basket - best for fries and larger roasts

    Place the Inner Pot in the Cooker Base.

    Inner pot assembled in the unit

    Place the Multi-Level Air Fry Basket on the Air Fryer Basket Base and place both parts in the Inner Pot. Tip: Lightly spray with olive oil to avoid sticking.

    air fry basket assembled in the inner pot

    Add a single layer of ingredients.

    Place the Air Fryer Lid on the Cooker Base.

    Air fryer lid assembled on unit

    Select the Air Fry Smart Program and set the cooking temperature and time using the '+' and '-' buttons. Note: the unit will default to the previous cook settings, adjust accordingly.

    Selecting the temperature on the control panel

    Press Start. Note: Lifting the lid during cooking pauses cooking, which resumes when the lid is replaced.

    Halfway through cooking the unit will beep and tell you to turn the food. If you do not want to turn the food, ignore the beep and cooking will continue. If you do choose to turn the food, cooking will automatically recommence once you replace the Air Fryer Lid. When cooking fries, give the basket a good shake or stir to avoid sticking.

    Once the cooking program is completed, the unit will beep.

    Place the Air Fryer Lid on the Protective Pad and remove the food.

    Option 2: Cooking with Multi-Level Air Fryer Basket and Broiling Tray - best for meat chops and multi-level cooking

    Place the Inner Pot in the Cooker Base.

    Inner pot assembled in the unit

    Place the Multi-Level Air Fryer Basket on the Air Fryer Basket Base and place both parts in the Inner Pot. Tip: Lightly spray with olive oil to avoid sticking.

    air fry basket assembled in the inner pot

    Add a single layer of ingredients.

    Add the Broil/Dehydrating Tray. Tip: Lightly spray with olive oil to avoid sticking.

    broiling tray assembled in the air fryer basket

    Add the remaining ingredients. Note: If cooking meat chops in a single layer, place the ingredients on the Broil/Dehydrating Tray for best results.

    Place the Air Fryer Lid on the Cooker Base.

    Air fryer lid assembled on unit

    Select the Air Fry Smart Program and set the required cooking temperature and time using the '+' and '-' buttons. Note: the unit will default to the previous cook setting, adjust accordingly.

    Selecting the temperature on the control panel

    Press Start. Note: Lifting the lid during cooking pauses cooking, which resumes when the lid is replaced.

    Halfway through cooking the unit will beep and tell you to turn the food. For best results, switch the ingredients from the bottom layer to the top layer to ensure even cooking. Cooking will automatically recommence once you replace the Air Fryer Lid.

    Once the cooking program is completed, the unit will beep.

    Place the Air Fryer Lid on the Protective Pad and remove the food.

    Option 3: Using the stainless steel Steamer Baskets* for air frying - best for avoiding non-stick cookware

    Place the Inner Pot in the Cooker Base.

    Inner pot assembled in the unit

    Place the large or small Steamer Basket in the Inner Pot. Tip: Lightly spray with olive oil to avoid sticking.

    Mesh basket in the air fryer

    Use both baskets for dual layer cooking, or to bring your ingredients closer to the cooking element for best results eg. meat chops.

    mesh baskets being placed in the air fryer

    Add the ingredients.

    Place the Air Fryer Lid on the Cooker Base.

    Air fryer lid assembled on unit

    Select the Air Fry Smart Program and set the required cooking temperature and time using the '+' and '-' buttons. Note: the unit will default to the previous cook setting, adjust accordingly.

    Selecting the temperature on the control panel

    Press Start.

    Half way through cooking the unit will beep and remind you to turn the food. For dual layer cooking, switch the ingredients from the bottom layer to the top layer to ensure even cooking. Cooking will automatically recommence once you replace the Air Fryer Lid. If you do not want to turn the food, ignore the alarm and cooking will continue.

    Once the cooking program is completed, the unit will beep.

    Place the Air Fryer Lid on the Protective Pad and remove the food.

    *Mesh Steamer Baskets are an optional accessory not supplied with the standard unit.

    Refer to the Instant Pot user manual for more information.

    Recommended Instant Pot Air Fryer Accessories

    Mesh Steamer Baskets - I love how these baskets are made completely of stainless steel, meaning I can cook without potentially harmful non-stick cookware.

    Kitchen Thermometer - The easiest way to check if your air fried meats are cooked is to use this handy kitchen thermometer.

    Stainless Steel Inner Cooking Pot - I know you'll love cooking with your Instant Pot so much, it makes sense to have a second inner cooking pot on hand, so you can start new recipes while your Instant Pot is still in use.

    Group of Instant pot air fryer equipment

    Using the Instant Pot Air Fryer Safely

    During and after cooking, the air fryer components will be really hot. Take care and use oven mitts to handle the parts.

    The air fryer lid also becomes very hot underneath. Use the heat proof Protective Pad and keep away from children.

    Air fryer lid for instant pot

    Instant Pot Air Fryer cooking times guide

    UnitsWeightTemperatureTime
    (minutes)
    Whole chicken11.8 kg/4 pounds200 C/400 F60
    Chicken drumsticks6800 grams/1.3 pounds190 C/374 F40
    Lamb chops4500 grams/1.1 pounds190 C/374 F15
    Lamb cutlets6-8600 g/1.25 pounds190 C/374 F20
    Sausages8700 g/1.5 pounds200 C/400 F17
    Steak (medium)2600 g/1.25 pounds200 C/400 F16
    Pork steaks3600 g/1.25 pounds200 C/400 F20
    A pork steak is sliced open on a plate

    FAQ

    Is the instant pot air fryer dishwasher safe?

    The Inner Pot, Protective Pad, Air Fryer Basket Base, Broil/Dehydrating Tray, Multi-level Air Fry Basket and Mesh Steamer Baskets are dishwasher safe.

    The Cooker Base and Air Fryer Lid cannot go in the dishwasher. Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth.

    Is the instant pot air fryer lid worth it?

    I chose to purchase the Instant Pot model with an air fryer lid because I don't have a lot of space to store multiple appliances, so for me the air fryer lid is worth it as a space saver.

    Can the instant pot air fryer basket go in dishwasher?

    Yes. The Inner Pot, Protective Pad, Air Fryer Basket Base, Broil/Dehydrating Tray, and Multi-level Air Fry Basket are dishwasher safe.

    Does the instant pot air fryer have teflon?

    The Multi-level Air Fry Basket has a non-stick coating, however you can substitute this with any oven-safe cookware such as the stainless steel Mesh Steamer Baskets.

    Does the instant pot air fryer lid work?

    Yes! I am happy with the results of the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid compared to other traditional air fryer models I have used.

    Can you use the instant pot air fryer lid without the basket?

    Yes, you can use the stainless steel inner pot without the basket, or with any other oven-safe cookware.

    For best results you should use a basket or trivet to allow air to circulate effectively around the ingredients, and raise the food closer to the heating element.

    How does the instant pot air fryer work?

    Air fryers work by circulating hot air to cook the food (convection heat).

    In the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer, the heating element is in the lid, and the food is placed in a vessel below.

    How to preheat the instant pot air fryer

    The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer has built-in preheating which commences when you press 'Start" and before the countdown timer begins.

    How to clean the instant pot air fryer

    The Inner Pot, Protective Pad, Air Fryer Basket Base, Broil/Dehydrating Tray, Multi-level Air Fry Basket and Mesh Steamer Baskets are dishwasher safe or can be hand washed with normal dishwashing detergent.

    The Cooker Base and Air Fryer Lid cannot go in water. Simply wipe clean with a damp cloth.

    Related

    Looking for air fryer recipes? Try these:

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