Can an Instapot Be Used as an Air Fryer Find Out Here

Yes, your Instant Pot can double as an air fryer—with the right lid or attachment. While it won’t fully replace a dedicated air fryer’s speed or crispiness, the Instant Pot’s versatility lets you sauté, roast, and even crisp foods using accessories like air fryer lids or dehydrator trays. It’s a budget-friendly, space-saving hack for small kitchens or multi-cooking needs.

Key Takeaways

• Instant Pots can air fry with the right lid or attachment.
• Use the air fryer lid for crisp, even cooking results.
• Adjust cooking times—air frying is faster than pressure cooking.
• Preheat for best results to achieve a crispy texture.
• Not all models support air frying—check compatibility first.
• Clean accessories thoroughly to maintain performance and taste.

Can an Instapot Be Used as an Air Fryer? Find Out Here

You’re standing in your kitchen, staring at your Instant Pot—that magical 7-in-1 appliance you bought to save time, space, and sanity. Then you see your air fryer, sitting in the corner, looking a little lonely. It hits you: *Can an Instapot be used as an air fryer?* Maybe you’ve heard rumors. Maybe your cousin swears by it. Or maybe you’re just tired of buying one more gadget that’ll end up in the back of the pantry. Either way, you’re not alone. Thousands of home cooks are asking the same question, and the answer isn’t as simple as yes or no.

Let’s be real: we all want kitchen appliances that do more than one thing. The Instant Pot burst onto the scene promising to be a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more. But air frying? That’s a different beast. Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to crisp food from all sides—think golden French fries, crispy chicken wings, or even roasted veggies with that perfect crunch. The Instant Pot, on the other hand, is built for moist, high-pressure cooking. So can it *really* mimic that air-fried texture? In this post, we’ll break down exactly how the two appliances work, where they overlap, and when you’re better off using one over the other. No fluff, no hype—just honest, practical advice to help you decide if your Instant Pot can truly double as an air fryer.

How the Instant Pot and Air Fryer Work Differently

The Science Behind Pressure Cooking vs. Air Frying

To understand whether an Instant Pot can replace an air fryer, you first need to know how each appliance works. The Instant Pot is a pressure cooker at its core. It seals in steam, raises the internal pressure, and cooks food much faster than traditional methods. This is great for stews, soups, and tough cuts of meat. But pressure cooking creates a moist environment—exactly the opposite of what you need for crispy, golden results.

An air fryer, meanwhile, uses a heating element and a high-powered fan to circulate hot air around the food. This process, called convection, rapidly evaporates surface moisture and triggers the Maillard reaction—the browning effect that gives fried foods their flavor and texture. Think of it like a mini convection oven focused on crispiness. No oil? Minimal oil? Doesn’t matter—the air movement does the work.

Key Differences in Cooking Environment

Here’s where the gap becomes clear:

• Moisture Level: Instant Pots trap steam. Air fryers blow it away.
• Air Circulation: Air fryers have powerful fans. Instant Pots have none (unless you add an accessory).
• Cooking Time: Air fryers work fast—often 10–20 minutes. Instant Pots take longer due to pressure buildup and release.
• Texture Goal: Air fryers = crispy, crunchy, golden. Instant Pots = tender, juicy, fall-apart.

So, can an Instant Pot *be* an air fryer? Not in its default state. But with the right accessories and techniques, you can get close—sometimes very close. The key is understanding what each appliance is designed for and working *with* their strengths, not against them.

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lids: The Game Changer?

What Is an Air Fryer Lid?

Enter the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid—a retrofit lid that transforms your standard Instant Pot into an air fryer. It’s not magic, but it’s close. This lid replaces your regular lid and includes a heating element and fan, just like a standalone air fryer. You place the food in the stainless steel pot (or a basket insert), pop on the air fryer lid, and set the time and temperature. Suddenly, your Instant Pot is doing double duty.

I tried this with my own 6-quart Instant Pot Duo Crisp, which already came with the air fryer lid. First up: frozen French fries. I tossed them in a teaspoon of oil, placed them in the air fryer basket, and set it to 400°F for 12 minutes. The result? Crispy on the outside, soft inside—just like a real air fryer. Not *exactly* the same as my dedicated Ninja air fryer, but darn close. The fries were golden, with a satisfying crunch. My partner, who swears by air-fried food, didn’t notice the difference.

How Well Does It Perform?

Let’s be honest: the air fryer lid isn’t perfect. Here’s what you need to know:

• Capacity: The basket holds about 2–3 cups of food. Great for 2–3 people. For a family of five? You’ll be cooking in batches.
• Preheating: Unlike standalone air fryers, the Instant Pot lid doesn’t preheat automatically. You need to set a few extra minutes to heat the pot first—especially for frozen foods.
• Browning: It browns well, but not as evenly as a dedicated air fryer. Shaking the basket halfway through helps.
• Versatility: The lid also has settings for roasting, baking, and dehydrating—bonus features if you like experimenting.

Pro tip: Use a non-stick spray or a light oil mist on foods like chicken wings or veggies. It helps with browning and prevents sticking. Also, don’t overcrowd the basket. Air needs to circulate—otherwise, you’ll end up with steamed, not crispy, results.

Can You Air Fry Without the Air Fryer Lid?

The “Baking” and “Sauté” Workarounds

No air fryer lid? No problem. You can still get crispy results using your Instant Pot’s built-in functions. It won’t be *true* air frying, but with smart techniques, you can mimic the texture. Here’s how:

The Baking Method: Use the “Bake” or “Oven” setting (available on newer models like the Duo Crisp or Viva). Place food on a trivet or steamer basket, and set the time and temperature. For example, I baked chicken tenders at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway. They came out golden and crispy—thanks to a light breading and a quick spray of olive oil. Not as fast as an air fryer, but effective.

The Sauté + Bake Combo: For extra crispiness, start with a quick sauté to brown the surface, then finish with the bake setting. I did this with sweet potato fries: sautéed them for 2 minutes with oil, then baked at 400°F for 10 minutes. The result? Crispy edges, tender centers—perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Tips for Crispy Results Without an Air Fryer Lid

• Use a trivet or steamer basket: Elevate food to allow air to circulate underneath.
• Pat food dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Dry chicken, veggies, or tofu with a paper towel before cooking.
• Add oil or spray: A light coating helps with browning. Avocado oil or cooking spray works best.
• Flip or shake halfway: Ensures even browning on all sides.
• Don’t overcook: Baking in the Instant Pot can dry out food. Check early and often.

One reader told me she used this method to make “air-fried” tofu. She pressed the tofu, tossed it in cornstarch and soy sauce, sautéed it for 2 minutes, then baked at 375°F for 12 minutes. Her verdict? “Better than my old air fryer!” It’s not magic—but it’s smart, practical, and saves you from buying another appliance.

Best Foods to “Air Fry” in an Instant Pot

Foods That Work Well (With Examples)

Not all foods are created equal when it comes to “air frying” in an Instant Pot. Some thrive; others fall flat. Here’s a breakdown of what works—and how to do it right.

Frozen Foods: Fries, mozzarella sticks, chicken nuggets. These are your best bet. The pre-breaded coating crisps up nicely with a little oil. I made frozen tater tots using the air fryer lid: 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking once. Crispy, hot, and ready in under 15 minutes. No defrosting needed.

Chicken Wings: A classic. Toss with baking powder (for extra crispiness), a little oil, and seasoning. Air fry at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway. Serve with buffalo sauce. My husband said they were “almost as good as deep-fried.” High praise.

Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts. Toss with oil, salt, and pepper. Use the air fryer lid or bake setting. Roast at 375–400°F for 10–12 minutes. The edges get caramelized, the centers stay tender. Add a squeeze of lemon for freshness.

Reheating Leftovers: Pizza, fried chicken, even fries. The air fryer lid reheats without sogginess. I reheated last night’s takeout pizza—crispy crust, melty cheese. A total win.

Foods to Avoid (Or Approach with Caution)

• Battered foods (e.g., fish and chips): The batter can drip or fall off. Use a light coating instead.
• Wet batters (e.g., tempura): Stick to dry breading or panko.
• Large cuts of meat (e.g., whole chicken): Better suited for roasting or slow cooking. The air fryer lid is too small.
• Delicate foods (e.g., fish fillets): Can dry out. Use lower heat and shorter time.

One thing I learned the hard way: don’t try to “air fry” a whole bag of frozen shrimp. They clumped together, and only the outer layer got crispy. Lesson learned: small, single-layer portions work best.

Pros, Cons, and Real-World Trade-Offs

The Good: Why You Might Love It

Let’s start with the positives. Using your Instant Pot as an air fryer (with or without the lid) has real benefits:

• Space-saving: One appliance, multiple functions. Great for small kitchens.
• Cost-effective: No need to buy a second gadget. The air fryer lid costs $50–$80—less than a standalone air fryer.
• Versatility: You can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, *and* air fry—all in one pot.
• Energy-efficient: Uses less power than running two appliances.
• Easy cleanup: Fewer dishes to wash.

I love that I can go from making chili in the morning to air-frying chicken wings for dinner—without switching appliances. It’s efficient, and it feels like a win.

The Bad: Where It Falls Short

Now for the reality check. The Instant Pot isn’t a perfect air fryer replacement. Here’s what you’ll miss:

• Speed: Air fryers preheat faster and cook more evenly. The Instant Pot lid takes longer to reach temperature.
• Capacity: The basket is small. Cooking for a crowd? You’ll be at it for a while.
• Even browning: Standalone air fryers have better air circulation. The Instant Pot can leave some spots undercooked.
• Noise: The fan in the air fryer lid is louder than a standalone unit.
• Learning curve: You’ll need to experiment with times and temps to get the texture right.

One friend told me she bought the air fryer lid, used it twice, then went back to her old air fryer. “It’s just easier,” she said. Fair point. If you cook air-fried food daily, a dedicated appliance might be worth it.

Data Table: Instant Pot vs. Air Fryer Comparison

Feature	Instant Pot (with Air Fryer Lid)	Dedicated Air Fryer
Cooking Capacity	2–3 cups (basket)	3–6 quarts (varies by model)
Preheat Time	3–5 minutes	2–3 minutes
Cooking Speed	10–20 minutes (similar to air fryer)	10–20 minutes
Texture Quality	Good (with oil and shaking)	Excellent (consistent browning)
Versatility	High (pressure, slow, sauté, bake, air fry)	Medium (air fry, roast, bake, reheat)
Price (Accessory)	$50–$80 (lid only)	$80–$200 (full unit)
Space Required	One appliance	One appliance
Best For	Small households, multi-taskers, budget-conscious cooks	Frequent air fryers, large families, crispy food lovers

Final Verdict: Can an Instapot Be Used as an Air Fryer?

So, can an Instapot be used as an air fryer? The answer is a qualified yes—but with caveats. If you already own an Instant Pot and want to try air frying, the air fryer lid is a solid investment. It delivers crispy, golden results for small batches of food, especially frozen items, veggies, and chicken wings. You’ll save money, space, and countertop clutter—and still get that satisfying crunch.

But if you’re a die-hard air fryer fan—someone who cooks crispy foods daily, for large groups, or with exacting standards—a dedicated air fryer might still be worth it. The Instant Pot can’t match the speed, capacity, or even browning of a standalone unit. It’s like comparing a Swiss Army knife to a chef’s knife: both are useful, but for different tasks.

For most home cooks, though, the Instant Pot’s versatility wins. You’re not just getting an air fryer—you’re getting a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and more. And with a little creativity, you can “air fry” most of your favorite foods. Just remember: pat dry, use oil, shake halfway, and don’t overcrowd. These simple tricks make all the difference.

In the end, your kitchen should work for *you*. If your Instant Pot helps you eat healthier, save time, and reduce clutter, then yes—it can absolutely be your air fryer, too. Not a perfect one, maybe, but a reliable, multi-talented one. And honestly? That’s pretty amazing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an Instapot be used as an air fryer?

While an Instant Pot excels at pressure cooking, slow cooking, and steaming, it cannot fully replace an air fryer. The core difference is that air fryers circulate hot air for crispy, fried textures, which traditional Instant Pots lack without an additional air fryer lid.

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

An Instant Pot uses moist heat (pressure cooking) or slow cooking, while an air fryer relies on rapid hot air circulation to crisp food. The cooking methods and results differ significantly, making them better suited for different recipes.

Can I turn my Instant Pot into an air fryer with an accessory?

Yes! Instant Pot offers an air fryer lid that fits select models, allowing you to achieve crispy results. This add-on mimics air frying by using a convection fan and heating element for browning and crisping.

Are Instant Pot air fryer lids worth it for crispy food?

If you already own a compatible Instant Pot, the air fryer lid is a cost-effective way to experiment with air frying. However, dedicated air fryers typically offer better airflow and larger baskets for consistent crisping.

Which Instant Pot models work with an air fryer lid?

Most 6-quart and 8-quart Instant Pot Duo Crisp, Pro Crisp, and Vortex Plus models support the air fryer lid. Check your model’s compatibility before purchasing to ensure it fits your Instant Pot air fryer setup.

Can I air fry frozen foods in an Instant Pot with an air fryer lid?

Yes, but adjust cooking times—frozen items often need 5–10 minutes longer than fresh ones. The air fryer lid works well for reheating fries, nuggets, or veggies, though preheating is recommended for optimal crispiness.