Can an Instant Pot Be Used as an Air Fryer Find Out Here

Yes, your Instant Pot can double as an air fryer—if you have the right lid or attachment. With the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid or a compatible crisping lid, you can achieve crispy, golden results using convection-style heat, all without needing a separate appliance. It’s a game-changing way to save space and simplify your cooking routine.

Key Takeaways

• Instant Pots can air fry with the right lid or attachment.
• Air fryer lids are sold separately for most Instant Pot models.
• Temperature control is key for crisp, even cooking results.
• Not all models are compatible—check your Instant Pot’s specs first.
• Air frying is faster than baking but uses similar techniques.
• Use minimal oil to achieve crispy textures without excess grease.

Can an Instant Pot Be Used as an Air Fryer? Find Out Here

Let’s be real—kitchen space is precious. Between the toaster, the blender, the coffee maker, and that waffle iron you use twice a year, countertops can feel like a battlefield. That’s why multi-functional appliances like the Instant Pot have become such a hit. But here’s a question I’ve heard more and more lately: can an Instant Pot be used as an air fryer? It’s a smart one. After all, both devices promise to cook food quickly, with less oil, and deliver that satisfying crunch we all love. And if you already own an Instant Pot, you’re probably wondering if you can skip buying a separate air fryer.

I’ve been there. I bought my first Instant Pot during a Black Friday sale, lured by the idea of one-pot meals, pressure cooking, and slow cooking all in one. A few months later, I got curious about air frying—crispy chicken wings, golden fries, even roasted veggies with that perfect texture. But another appliance? On my already crowded counter? No thanks. So I started digging. Could my Instant Pot do the job? After testing, researching, and even a few kitchen mishaps, I’ve got the lowdown. In this post, I’ll walk you through whether your Instant Pot can truly replace an air fryer, what works, what doesn’t, and how to get the best results—without breaking a sweat.

Understanding the Instant Pot and Air Fryer: How They Work

What Makes an Instant Pot Different?

The Instant Pot is essentially a smart electric pressure cooker. It uses steam and high pressure to cook food rapidly—think soups in 20 minutes, tough cuts of meat falling apart in under an hour. But modern models (like the Duo Crisp, Max, and Pro) come with multiple functions: pressure cooking, slow cooking, sautéing, steaming, yogurt making, and—crucially—air frying. Yes, some models have a dedicated air fryer lid or a built-in crisp function. But here’s the catch: not all Instant Pots are created equal.

For example, the classic Instant Pot Duo doesn’t have air frying capabilities at all. But the Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer comes with a special lid that transforms it into an air fryer. This lid uses a heating element and a fan to circulate hot air, mimicking the process of a standalone air fryer. So if you’re asking “can an Instant Pot be used as an air fryer,” the answer depends on which model you own.

How Air Fryers Work: The Science of Crispy Goodness

Air fryers use convection technology. A heating element at the top warms the air, and a powerful fan circulates it rapidly around the food. This creates a crispy outer layer—almost like deep frying—but with little to no oil. The key is rapid air circulation, which allows moisture to escape while browning the surface. Most air fryers have a basket design, letting hot air reach food from all sides.

Now, here’s where things get interesting: the air fryer lid for the Instant Pot uses a similar convection method, but the design differs. Instead of a basket, you place food on a tray or in a basket inside the main pot. The lid sits on top, and hot air circulates down and around. It’s not identical to a traditional air fryer, but the principle is close.

So, can your Instant Pot do the job? If it has an air fryer lid or a crisp function, yes—with some caveats. If it doesn’t, you’re out of luck unless you buy an add-on lid (more on that later).

Which Instant Pot Models Can Air Fry?

Instant Pot Models with Built-in Air Frying

Not all Instant Pots can air fry. But several models come with air frying capabilities. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main ones:

• Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer: This is the most popular air-frying model. It includes a special air fryer lid with a heating element and fan. You can air fry, broil, dehydrate, and even bake. It’s essentially two appliances in one.
• Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer: A premium version of the Duo Crisp. It has more cooking functions, a larger display, and better temperature control. The air frying performance is slightly more consistent due to improved airflow.
• Instant Pot Max: While it doesn’t have a dedicated air fryer lid, it includes a “crisp” function that uses the inner pot with a special tray. It’s more limited than the Duo Crisp but can still achieve decent browning and crisping.
• Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid (sold separately): This is a game-changer. If you have a standard Instant Pot (like the Duo or Lux), you can buy this lid to add air frying. It works with 6-quart and 8-quart models.

Models That Can’t Air Fry (and Why)

If you own an older Instant Pot—like the Duo, Lux, or Ultra—without a crisp function or air fryer lid, you cannot air fry using the base unit alone. Why? Because air frying requires a heating element and fan at the top, which standard lids don’t have. The pressure cooking lid is designed to seal in steam, not circulate hot air.

But don’t despair. The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid (sold separately) is a cost-effective solution. It’s around $80–$100, much cheaper than buying a standalone air fryer. It attaches to your existing pot and gives you air frying, roasting, broiling, and dehydrating functions. I tested it on my old Duo, and while it’s not as powerful as a dedicated air fryer, it works surprisingly well for most everyday meals.

Pro tip: Always check the model number. The Air Fryer Lid only fits 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pots with a flat rim. It won’t work with the 3-quart or older models with a curved edge.

Performance Comparison: Instant Pot Air Frying vs. Standalone Air Fryers

Cooking Speed and Capacity

Let’s talk real-world performance. I tested both my Instant Pot Duo Crisp and my Ninja Air Fryer (4-quart) side by side with the same foods: frozen french fries, chicken wings, and roasted Brussels sprouts.

Food	Instant Pot Duo Crisp	Ninja Air Fryer	Notes
Frozen French Fries (1 lb)	18 minutes (400°F, shake halfway)	12 minutes (400°F, no shake needed)	Ninja cooked faster and more evenly. Fries in the Instant Pot were slightly softer on the bottom.
Chicken Wings (8 pcs)	22 minutes (400°F, flip halfway)	15 minutes (400°F, flip halfway)	Wings in the Ninja were crispier. Instant Pot wings were juicy but less golden.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts	15 minutes (400°F, toss halfway)	10 minutes (400°F, toss halfway)	Both were delicious. Instant Pot sprouts had a slightly softer texture.

The Ninja air fryer won on speed and crispiness. But here’s the thing: the Instant Pot still produced great results. The fries were hot, flavorful, and only slightly less crispy. The wings were tender and well-cooked, just not as golden. And the sprouts? Perfectly roasted.

Capacity: The Instant Pot’s inner pot is deeper, so you can fit more food vertically. But the air fryer lid’s airflow is less efficient than a dedicated air fryer’s basket design. This means you often need to cook in batches or shake the food more frequently to avoid steaming.

Texture and Crispiness: The Real Test

Air frying is all about texture. And here’s where the design difference matters most. Standalone air fryers have a perforated basket that allows hot air to circulate underneath and around the food. The Instant Pot uses a tray or basket inside the pot, which limits airflow from below. This means the bottom layer of food often steams instead of crisping.

My fix: I now use a silicone mat with holes or a metal trivet to lift the food off the tray. This improves airflow. I also spray the food with a light oil (like avocado or olive oil) to enhance browning. And I always shake or flip halfway through cooking.

For example, with chicken wings, I preheat the pot for 5 minutes, spray the wings with oil, and cook in a single layer. After 10 minutes, I flip them and cook another 10–12 minutes. The result? Wings that are juicy inside and crispy outside—just not quite as crispy as a Ninja, but close enough for weeknight dinners.

Best Foods to Cook in an Instant Pot with Air Fryer Lid

Foods That Shine (and Why)

Not all foods are created equal when it comes to air frying in an Instant Pot. Some work beautifully. Others? Not so much. Here’s what I’ve found works best:

• Frozen foods: French fries, tater tots, mozzarella sticks, and chicken nuggets. These are pre-cooked, so they just need reheating and crisping. The Instant Pot does a solid job, especially with a light oil spray.
• Chicken wings and drumsticks: Juicy, flavorful, and crispy enough. I marinate them first (soy sauce, garlic, ginger) for extra taste.
• Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, and zucchini roast beautifully. Toss with oil, salt, and pepper, and cook at 400°F for 10–15 minutes.
• Reheating leftovers: Pizza, fried chicken, and even samosas. The Instant Pot restores crispiness better than a microwave.
• Dehydrating: The air fryer lid has a dehydrate function. I’ve made dried fruit, kale chips, and beef jerky. It works, but it’s slower than a dedicated dehydrator.

Foods to Approach with Caution (or Skip)

Some foods just don’t work well in the Instant Pot’s air frying mode:

• Battered foods: Tempura, beer-battered fish, or onion rings. The batter can drip into the pot, creating smoke or sticking to the tray. I tried onion rings once—messy and uneven.
• Very oily foods: Bacon, sausages, or greasy meats. Excess oil can pool at the bottom, leading to steaming instead of crisping. If you cook these, use a rack to lift them and pour off oil mid-cook.
• Small, light foods: Popcorn or delicate herbs. The fan can blow them around or dry them out too much.
• Large whole foods: Whole chickens or roasts. The pot isn’t deep enough, and airflow is limited. Stick to smaller cuts.

Pro tip: Always preheat the Instant Pot for 3–5 minutes before adding food. This helps start the crisping process immediately. And use the “air fry” or “crisp” setting—don’t just use sauté mode.

Practical Tips and Tricks for Better Air Frying in Your Instant Pot

Maximize Crispiness: My Go-To Methods

After months of testing, I’ve learned a few tricks to get the best results from my Instant Pot air frying:

• Use a light oil spray: A quick spritz of oil (especially high-smoke-point oils like avocado or grapeseed) helps food brown and crisp. Don’t overdo it—too much oil can steam the food.
• Lift food off the tray: Use a trivet, silicone mat with holes, or even crumpled foil balls to create space under the food. This improves airflow.
• Don’t overcrowd: Cook in a single layer. If you have to stack, shake or flip halfway. Crowding leads to steaming.
• Preheat the pot: Set the air fryer to 400°F and let it run for 3–5 minutes before adding food. This mimics preheating in an oven.
• Shake or flip halfway: This ensures even cooking and crispiness on all sides.
• Use parchment paper (sparingly): It can help with cleanup, but make sure it doesn’t block airflow. Cut slits in it or use a liner with holes.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Keep It Running Smoothly

The air fryer lid can get greasy. Here’s how I clean mine:

• Let it cool: Never clean a hot lid.
• Wipe the heating element: Use a damp cloth—never submerge the lid in water. The fan and heating coil are sensitive.
• Wash the basket and tray: These are dishwasher-safe. I run them on the top rack.
• Check for residue: Grease can build up in the lid’s vents. Use a soft brush or toothpick to clear it.
• Store properly: Keep the lid dry and covered to prevent dust.

I’ve had my Duo Crisp for two years, and with regular cleaning, the air frying performance hasn’t declined at all.

So, Can an Instant Pot Be Used as an Air Fryer? The Final Verdict

Let’s circle back to the big question: can an Instant Pot be used as an air fryer? The answer is a qualified yes—but with conditions.

If you have a model with an air fryer lid (Duo Crisp, Pro Crisp, or the add-on lid), your Instant Pot can absolutely handle air frying tasks. It won’t match the speed or crispiness of a high-end standalone air fryer, but for everyday cooking—frozen snacks, roasted veggies, reheated leftovers—it’s more than capable. And the convenience of having two appliances in one? Huge win for small kitchens.

If your Instant Pot doesn’t have air frying capabilities, the add-on lid is a smart investment. At around $80–$100, it’s cheaper than buying a separate air fryer. Just remember: it’s not magic. You’ll need to adjust your expectations, preheat, flip food, and use a bit of oil for best results.

But here’s the real takeaway: multi-functionality is the future. Why clutter your kitchen with five appliances when one can do the job? The Instant Pot with air frying proves that you don’t have to choose between convenience and performance. You can have both—especially if you’re willing to tweak your technique a little.

So if you’re on the fence, ask yourself: Do I need restaurant-level crispiness, or is “really good” good enough? For most home cooks, “really good” is more than sufficient. And with the right model and a few simple tips, your Instant Pot can deliver just that.

In the end, the best kitchen tool isn’t the fanciest one—it’s the one you’ll actually use. And if your Instant Pot can handle pressure cooking, slow cooking, and air frying? That’s a win in my book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an Instant Pot be used as an air fryer?

Yes, certain Instant Pot models (like the Instant Pot Duo Crisp or Pro Crisp) come with an air fryer lid or dehydrator function, allowing you to air fry. However, standard Instant Pots without this feature cannot replicate true air frying.

What’s the difference between an Instant Pot and an air fryer?

An Instant Pot is primarily a pressure cooker/slow cooker, while an air fryer uses rapid hot air circulation for crispy results. Some Instant Pots now combine both functions with specialized lids or accessories.

Can I air fry in a regular Instant Pot without extra attachments?

No, a regular Instant Pot cannot air fry without an air fryer lid or compatible accessories. The air frying function requires a heating element and fan system, which only specialized models or add-ons provide.

Which Instant Pot models have air fryer capabilities?

Models like the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, Pro Crisp, and Duo Evo Plus include air fryer functions. These feature a built-in air fryer lid or a crisping lid for roasting, baking, and air frying.

Can an Instant Pot air fryer replace a traditional air fryer?

Yes, if you have a multi-functional Instant Pot with air frying, it can replace a standalone air fryer. Just ensure the pot’s basket or tray fits your cooking needs and recipes.

How do I use my Instant Pot as an air fryer?

Attach the air fryer lid (if included), place food in the air fryer basket, and select the air fry or crisp function. Adjust time and temperature settings similar to a traditional air fryer for best results.