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.
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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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Add a single layer of ingredients.
Place the Air Fryer Lid on the Cooker Base.
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.
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.
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.
Add a single layer of ingredients.
Add the Broil/Dehydrating Tray. Tip: Lightly spray with olive oil to avoid sticking.
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.
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.
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.
Place the large or small Steamer Basket in the Inner Pot. Tip: Lightly spray with olive oil to avoid sticking.
Use both baskets for dual layer cooking, or to bring your ingredients closer to the cooking element for best results eg. meat chops.
Add the ingredients.
Place the Air Fryer Lid on the Cooker Base.
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.
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.
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.
Instant Pot Air Fryer cooking times guide
| Units | Weight | Temperature | Time (minutes) | |
| Whole chicken | 1 | 1.8 kg/4 pounds | 200 C/400 F | 60 |
| Chicken drumsticks | 6 | 800 grams/1.3 pounds | 190 C/374 F | 40 |
| Lamb chops | 4 | 500 grams/1.1 pounds | 190 C/374 F | 15 |
| Lamb cutlets | 6-8 | 600 g/1.25 pounds | 190 C/374 F | 20 |
| Sausages | 8 | 700 g/1.5 pounds | 200 C/400 F | 17 |
| Steak (medium) | 2 | 600 g/1.25 pounds | 200 C/400 F | 16 |
| Pork steaks | 3 | 600 g/1.25 pounds | 200 C/400 F | 20 |
FAQ
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.
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.
Yes. The Inner Pot, Protective Pad, Air Fryer Basket Base, Broil/Dehydrating Tray, and Multi-level Air Fry Basket are dishwasher safe.
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.
Yes! I am happy with the results of the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid compared to other traditional air fryer models I have used.
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.
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.
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer has built-in preheating which commences when you press 'Start" and before the countdown timer begins.
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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