Does the Instant Pot Air Fryer? Feature Guide & Common FAQs

Introduction

If you’ve been scrolling through kitchen gadget reviews or standing bewildered in the appliance aisle, you’ve probably asked yourself one big question: does the Instant Pot air fryer? The short answer is yes — many Instant Pot models do air fry, but how they do it (and how well) varies quite a bit depending on which model you own or plan to buy.

Instant Pot has built an entire lineup of multicookers over the past decade, and “air frying” is one of the more recent cooking functions added to the family. Some models air fry with the lid closed using a built-in heating element, while others use a separate air fryer lid that swaps onto the same base. A few don’t air fry at all, and that’s where a lot of consumer confusion comes from.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how air frying works on different Instant Pot models, compare the most popular options, walk through how to use the air fry feature step by step, and answer the most common questions people ask. By the end, you’ll know whether your Instant Pot can air fry — and if not, what your best options are.

Table of Contents

• What Is Air Frying, and How Does It Work in an Instant Pot?
• Does Every Instant Pot Model Air Fry?
• Instant Pot Models That Air Fry (And How They Do It)
• Comparison Table: Instant Pot Air Fryer Models
• How to Air Fry in the Instant Pot Duo Crisp (Step-by-Step)
• How to Air Fry With the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
• What Can You Cook With the Instant Pot Air Fry Function?
• Tips and Best Practices for Air Frying in an Instant Pot
• Pros and Cons of Using an Instant Pot to Air Fry
• Instant Pot vs. a Dedicated Air Fryer: Which Is Better?
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

What Is Air Frying, and How Does It Work in an Instant Pot?

Air frying is a cooking method that circulates very hot air around food at high speed, producing a crispy, browned exterior that mimics deep frying — but with little to no oil. Traditional air fryers do this with a top-mounted heating element and a powerful fan inside a compact basket.

When it comes to “does the Instant Pot air fryer?” — the answer depends on the model. There are two main ways Instant Pot handles air frying:

1. Built-in air fry lid: Some newer Instant Pot models (like the Instant Pot Duo Crisp and Instant Pot Pro Crisp) come with two lids — a pressure cooking lid and an air fryer lid. You swap them depending on what you’re cooking.
2. Air fryer lid accessory: Older Instant Pot models (like the 6-quart Duo) can be upgraded with a separately purchased Air Fryer Lid that snaps on top of the cooker.

Both methods use a heating element at the top of the lid and a fan to circulate hot air down and around the food in the inner pot or air fry basket.

Does Every Instant Pot Model Air Fry?

No — and this is where most confusion happens. If you’re asking “does the Instant Pot air fryer?” because you own a basic Duo or Lux model, the answer is not out of the box. You’ll need to purchase the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid separately.

Here are a few quick rules of thumb:

• Original 6-quart Duo, Lux, and Smart models: Do not air fry unless you buy the Air Fryer Lid accessory.
• Duo Crisp, Pro Crisp, and Air Fryer Lid bundles: Yes — these ship with an air fry lid and can air fry right out of the box.
• Instant Vortex and Instant Vortex Plus: These are not Instant Pot pressure cookers — they’re dedicated air fryers sold under the same Instant Brands umbrella.

So when someone asks “does the Instant Pot air fryer?” they’re really asking one of two things: “Can my pressure cooker also air fry?” or “Does Instant Brands make an air fryer?” Both have a yes — but the device and process are different.

Instant Pot Models That Air Fry (And How They Do It)

Let’s look at the most popular Instant Pot models and how each one handles air frying.

Instant Pot Duo Crisp + Air Fryer

This is one of the most popular models that answers “does the Instant Pot air fryer?” with a confident yes. The Duo Crisp comes with two lids: a pressure cooking lid and an air fryer lid. You simply swap lids depending on the cooking function. The air fry lid has its own control panel, temperature dial, and cooking presets.

Instant Pot Pro Crisp + Air Fryer

A step up from the Duo Crisp, the Pro Crisp offers more cooking programs, a slightly more powerful air fry element, and even a dehydrate function. The air fry lid is a single-piece design that feels more solid than the older snap-on lids.

Instant Pot Duo (With Air Fryer Lid Accessory)

If you already own a 6-quart Instant Pot Duo, you can purchase the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid separately. It attaches to the top of the cooker and turns your pressure cooker into an air fryer. This is the most affordable way to add air frying to an existing Instant Pot.

Instant Pot Ultra, Max, and Smart WiFi

These models do not come with an air fry function out of the box and are not compatible with the official Air Fryer Lid accessory. If you want air frying on these, you’d need a separate countertop air fryer.

Instant Vortex and Vortex Plus

Technically not “Instant Pot” pressure cookers — these are Instant Brands air fryers. If your goal is dedicated air frying, these are worth considering, but they don’t pressure cook.

Comparison Table: Instant Pot Air Fryer Models

The table below compares the most common Instant Pot models people ask about when wondering, “does the Instant Pot air fryer?”

How to Air Fry in the Instant Pot Duo Crisp (Step-by-Step)

If you’ve got the Duo Crisp and you’re ready to air fry, here’s a simple step-by-step process.

Step 1: Set Up the Air Fryer Lid

Make sure the pressure cooking lid is removed and the silicone seal is taken out of the base. Place the air fryer lid on top of the cooker base. You’ll hear it click into place.

Step 2: Insert the Air Fry Basket

Place the stainless steel air fry basket (or multi-level rack) inside the inner pot. For foods that drip (like chicken wings), it’s a good idea to place the drip tray underneath the basket.

Step 3: Preheat

Set the air fryer lid to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps food crisp up properly and prevents sticking.

Step 4: Add Your Food

Arrange food in a single layer when possible. Avoid overcrowding — air needs to circulate around each piece.

Step 5: Set Time and Temperature

Use the control panel on the air fryer lid to choose a temperature (usually between 300°F and 400°F) and time. Common times:

• Chicken wings: 18–22 minutes
• French fries: 14–18 minutes
• Mozzarella sticks: 6–8 minutes
• Salmon fillets: 10–12 minutes

Step 6: Flip or Shake Halfway

For even browning, flip food or shake the basket at the halfway point. The display on the lid will show a reminder on some models.

Step 7: Check Doneness and Serve

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperatures (165°F for poultry, 145°F for fish). Carefully remove the basket and serve immediately for the crispiest results.

How to Air Fry With the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid Accessory

For older Instant Pot models, the Air Fryer Lid accessory works similarly but has a few setup differences.

Step 1: Make Sure Your Model Is Compatible

The Air Fryer Lid is compatible with Instant Pot Duo 6-quart, Duo Plus 6-quart, and a few other 6-quart models. The lid will not fit 8-quart or 3-quart cookers.

Step 2: Remove the Pressure Lid

Take off the regular pressure cooking lid and remove the silicone sealing ring from the cooker base.

Step 3: Attach the Air Fryer Lid

Line up the air fryer lid with the base and twist or click it into place. The lid has its own handle and control dial.

Step 4: Insert the Basket or Rack

Use the provided air fry basket or multi-level rack. Place the drip tray at the bottom if needed.

Step 5: Set Temperature and Time

Turn the dial to your desired temperature (most go up to 400°F) and set the timer. Push the start button.

Step 6: Monitor and Flip

Like the Duo Crisp, you’ll want to flip or shake food at the halfway mark. The lid may have a transparent window so you can see your food as it cooks.

Step 7: Remove and Serve

Once the timer goes off, carefully lift the lid (steam and hot air will escape) and remove the basket using tongs or silicone mitts.

What Can You Cook With the Instant Pot Air Fry Function?

The air fry feature on an Instant Pot is surprisingly versatile. Here are some of the most popular foods to make:

• Chicken wings and drumsticks: Crispy skin without deep frying
• French fries and sweet potato fries: A healthier alternative to fast food
• Onion rings and mozzarella sticks: Great for game day snacks
• Salmon, cod, and other fish fillets: Quick weeknight dinners
• Pork chops and chicken breasts: Juicy inside, browned outside
• Roasted vegetables: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower
• Hard-boiled eggs (in the shell): 250°F for 15 minutes
• Apple chips and dehydrated fruit: On the Pro Crisp with the dehydrate function
• Reheating leftovers: Much better than the microwave for pizza, fried foods, and breaded items

You can also bake small items like cookies, muffins, and even small cakes in the air fry basket. It won’t replace your oven, but it’s handy for quick bakes.

Tips and Best Practices for Air Frying in an Instant Pot

To get the most out of your Instant Pot’s air fry function, follow these tried-and-true tips:

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Air needs to flow around the food. If you pack too much in, you’ll get steamed, soggy results. Cook in batches if needed.

2. Use a Light Coat of Oil

While air frying uses little to no oil, a quick spray of avocado or olive oil helps food crisp up and prevents sticking.

3. Always Preheat

Preheating the air fry lid for 3–5 minutes at your target temperature makes a big difference in texture, especially for breaded foods.

4. Flip or Shake Halfway

This ensures even browning and prevents one side from getting too dark.

5. Use the Drip Tray

Place it under the basket for greasy foods like wings or bacon. It keeps the inner pot cleaner and prevents smoke.

6. Pat Food Dry Before Cooking

Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Pat proteins and vegetables dry with a paper towel before seasoning.

7. Use Parchment Liners (With Holes)

Specially designed air fryer parchment liners make cleanup easier. Just make sure they have holes to allow airflow.

8. Clean the Heating Element

Over time, oil splatter can build up on the heating element inside the air fry lid. Wipe it down with a damp cloth after the lid cools completely.

9. Avoid Aerosol Cooking Sprays

Non-stick cooking sprays like PAM can damage the non-stick coating on your basket over time. Use an oil mister instead.

10. Adjust Times for Frozen Foods

Frozen foods may need an extra 2–4 minutes compared to fresh. Don’t thaw first — air fryers handle frozen foods beautifully.

Pros and Cons of Using an Instant Pot to Air Fry

Pros

• Saves counter space: One appliance does the work of two (or more).
• Cost-effective: Buying an Instant Pot with an air fry lid is cheaper than buying a separate pressure cooker and air fryer.
• Versatile: Pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, yogurt, dehydrate, and air fry in one device.
• Easy to use: Pre-programmed settings make it beginner-friendly.
• Healthier cooking: Air frying uses far less oil than traditional