How to Use the Instant Pot Air Fryer? Easy Instructions

Introduction

If you’ve ever wondered How to Use the Instant Pot Air Fryer? to make crispy fries, tender pulled pork, or perfectly roasted vegetables without heating up your full-sized oven, you’re in the right place. The Instant Pot Air Fryer is a versatile multi-cooker that combines the fast, moist cooking of a traditional Instant Pot pressure cooker with the crisp, golden browning of a standalone air fryer – all in one compact countertop appliance. For many home cooks, the array of buttons, lids, and cooking modes can feel overwhelming at first, but once you learn the basics, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it. This guide walks you through every step of setup, core functions, pro tips, and troubleshooting to help you master your appliance in no time, whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced home chef looking to expand your cooking repertoire.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What Is an Instant Pot Air Fryer?
• Unboxing and First-Time Setup
• Key Parts and Controls Explained
• Preheating Your Instant Pot Air Fryer
• Basic Air Frying Techniques for Beginners
• Step-by-Step: Air Frying Frozen Foods
• Step-by-Step: Air Frying Fresh Ingredients
• Using the Pressure Cooking Function
• Combining Air Fry and Pressure Cook Modes
• Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
• Troubleshooting Common Issues
• Best Practices for Perfect Results Every Time
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

What Is an Instant Pot Air Fryer?

Unlike a standalone air fryer, which only uses hot air to cook food, the Instant Pot Air Fryer also functions as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, sauté pan, steamer, and warmer, depending on the lid and settings you use. This makes it a space-saving alternative to buying five or six separate small appliances, which is ideal for small kitchens, apartments, or RVs. The combo air fry and pressure cook mode is the feature that sets it apart from both regular Instant Pots and standalone air fryers: you can pressure cook a pork shoulder for 45 minutes to make it tender enough to shred, then switch to air fry mode for 5 minutes to crisp the exterior, all without taking the food out of the pot. This eliminates the need to transfer hot, messy food between appliances, and cuts down on cleanup time. Popular models that include this functionality include the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 6-quart, Instant Pot Pro Crisp 8-quart, and Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer, which is a standalone version if you don’t need pressure cooking functionality.

Unboxing and First-Time Setup

Setting up your Instant Pot Air Fryer for the first time is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps to get started safely:

1. Unbox and inspect all parts: When you first unbox your appliance, check that all included parts are present: the inner stainless steel pot, pressure cooking lid, air fryer lid, crisper basket, trivet, sealing ring, user manual, and any extra accessories (like a baking tray or silicone mitts). Look for any visible damage before proceeding.
2. Wash all removable parts: Before first use, wash the inner pot, crisper basket, trivet, and sealing ring with warm, soapy water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. This removes any dust or manufacturing residues from the parts. Some models also come with extra accessories like a silicone air fryer liner or a recipe book with pre-programmed settings – organize these parts so you know where everything is when you start cooking.
3. Install the sealing ring correctly: The silicone sealing ring fits around the rim of the inner pot to create an airtight seal for pressure cooking. Make sure it’s properly seated in the groove, with no twists or gaps, to avoid steam leaks during use. You can buy extra sealing rings in different colors to use for sweet and savory dishes separately, to avoid cross-contamination of flavors.
4. Run a first test cycle: To remove any leftover manufacturing smells, run the unit empty. Attach the air fryer lid, set it to air fry mode at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes with the crisper basket inside. Once done, let it cool, then wipe out the interior with a damp cloth. If you want to test the pressure cooking function, add 2 cups of water to the inner pot, attach the pressure lid, set to high pressure for 2 minutes, then do a quick release. This confirms the unit is sealing properly and functioning as expected.

Key Parts and Controls Explained

Before you start cooking, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the main components of your Instant Pot Air Fryer, as each plays a specific role in different cooking modes:

• Inner stainless steel pot: The removable pot that holds food and liquid for pressure cooking, slow cooking, and sautéing. It’s dishwasher safe and scratch-resistant, and comes in 4-quart, 6-quart, or 8-quart sizes depending on the model.
• Pressure cooking lid: The standard lid with a silicone sealing ring and pressure release valve, used for all pressure-based cooking modes. It locks into place to build pressure inside the pot, and has a float valve that pops up when the unit is fully pressurized.
• Air fryer lid: The specialized lid with a built-in heating element and fan that circulates hot air to crisp and brown food. It attaches to the top of the inner pot and has its own control panel for air fry settings, including temperature and timer adjustments.
• Crisper basket: A perforated basket that fits inside the inner pot during air frying, allowing hot air to circulate around food for even crisping. It also drains excess grease from fried foods, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying.
• Trivet: A raised metal rack that sits inside the inner pot, used to elevate food during pressure cooking so it doesn’t sit directly in liquid. It’s perfect for cooking whole chickens, roasts, or vegetables that you don’t want to boil in cooking liquid.
• Sealing ring: A removable silicone ring that fits around the rim of the inner pot to create an airtight seal for pressure cooking. It’s available in multiple colors to help you distinguish between savory and sweet cooking uses, and should be replaced every 6-12 months if it becomes cracked or loses its elasticity.

To help you understand how the Instant Pot Air Fryer’s core modes perform for common cooking tasks, here’s a quick comparison of air fry only, pressure cook only, and the signature combo mode:

Preheating Your Instant Pot Air Fryer

Just like a traditional oven or standalone air fryer, preheating your Instant Pot Air Fryer is a key step for even cooking and maximum crispiness. Preheating brings the cooking chamber to the target temperature before you add food, so food starts cooking immediately instead of slowly heating up the air inside the unit. Skipping preheating can lead to soggy, unevenly cooked food, so it’s a step you don’t want to skip. Here’s how to preheat your appliance correctly:

1. Attach the air fryer lid to the inner pot, and make sure the crisper basket is inside if you’re air frying.
2. Select the Air Fry mode on the control panel, then set your desired temperature using the temperature adjustment buttons. Most air frying tasks use temperatures between 350°F (175°C) and 425°F (220°C).
3. If your model has a dedicated Preheat button, press it now. If not, set the timer for 3-5 minutes and let the unit run empty.
4. Wait for the unit to beep to signal that preheating is complete, then add your food to the crisper basket. Avoid opening the lid during preheating, as this will let heat escape and extend preheat time.

Note that some newer Instant Pot Air Fryer models have a “smart preheat” feature that automatically preheats when you select air fry mode, so you don’t have to set a separate timer.

Basic Air Frying Techniques for Beginners

Air frying works by circulating superheated air around food at high speed to mimic the effect of deep frying, but with little to no oil. To get the best results, keep these core techniques in mind:

• Don’t overcrowd the basket: Air needs to flow freely around every piece of food to crisp it evenly. If you’re cooking for a crowd, cook in batches instead of piling food on top of each other.
• Pat food dry first: Excess moisture is the biggest culprit of soggy air-fried food. Pat meats, vegetables, and frozen items dry with paper towels before tossing them in oil and seasoning.
• Use a light coating of oil: While you can air fry food without oil, a light coating (1-2 teaspoons per pound of food) of high-smoke-point oil (like avocado, canola, or grapeseed oil) will help food crisp up faster and brown more evenly. You can use a cooking spray, brush, or toss the food in oil in a bowl before adding it to the basket.
• Shake or flip halfway through cooking: Halfway through the timer, open the lid (carefully, as the air inside is hot) and shake the basket or flip individual pieces of food to ensure even browning on all sides.
• Avoid wet batters: Traditional deep-fried batters (like beer batter or tempura) will drip through the crisper basket and burn against the heating element. For crispy coated foods, use dry breading (like panko or flour mixed with spices) or a light egg wash followed by breadcrumbs.

These basic rules will help you avoid common air frying mistakes and get perfectly crispy results every time, no matter what recipe you’re making.

Step-by-Step: Air Frying Frozen Foods

One of the most convenient features of the Instant Pot Air Fryer is its ability to cook frozen foods quickly and evenly, no thawing required. This is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have time to prep ingredients from scratch. Follow these steps for perfect frozen air-fried foods:

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to the temperature recommended on your frozen food package, usually between 375°F (190°C) and 400°F (200°C). Let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
2. Arrange food in a single layer: Place frozen fries, chicken nuggets, mozzarella sticks, or other items in the crisper basket in a single layer. Don’t stack or overcrowd the basket, as this will block air circulation and lead to uneven cooking.
3. Set the timer: Use the cook time listed on the food package as a starting point, but note that air frying may cook food slightly faster than a conventional oven. Start with the lower end of the recommended time range.
4. Shake or flip halfway through: Halfway through cooking, open the lid and shake the basket or flip individual pieces to ensure even browning.
5. Check for doneness: For meats like frozen chicken nuggets or wings, use a food thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For fries or other sides, cook until golden and crispy to your liking.

Common frozen foods that work great in the Instant Pot Air Fryer include french fries, tater tots, chicken tenders, fish sticks, and even frozen dumplings.

Step-by-Step: Air Frying Fresh Ingredients

Air frying fresh ingredients is a great way to make healthy, flavorful meals with minimal oil. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked fresh air-fried foods:

1. Prep and dry the food: Wash and cut your ingredients into uniform pieces (so they cook at the same rate). Pat them completely dry with paper towels – this is the most important step for getting a crispy exterior. For example, if you’re making potato wedges, cut them into even 1-inch pieces and dry them thoroughly.
2. Toss with oil and seasoning: Place the dried food in a large bowl, toss with 1-2 teaspoons of oil per pound of food, and season with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, or your favorite seasoning blend. Toss well to coat every piece evenly.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Set the air fryer to the recommended temperature for your ingredient. Most vegetables cook best at 375°F (190°C), while meats like chicken thighs or steak cook well at 400°F (200°C).
4. Arrange in the basket: Place the food in the crisper basket in a single layer. If you’re cooking delicate items like fish fillets or vegetable slices, you can line the basket with perforated parchment paper to prevent sticking.
5. Cook and flip: Set the timer according to your recipe, and shake or flip the food halfway through cooking. For example, Brussels sprouts usually take 12-15 minutes at 375°F, and shaking them halfway ensures they brown evenly on all sides.
6. Check for doneness: Use a food thermometer for meats to confirm they reach safe internal temperatures, and check that vegetables are tender and golden on the outside.

Popular fresh ingredients to air fry include potato wedges, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, salmon fillets, chicken thighs, and even whole apples for a healthy dessert.

Using the Pressure Cooking Function

The pressure cooking function is what makes the Instant Pot Air Fryer such a versatile workhorse. Pressure cooking uses steam and high pressure to cook food up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods, and it’s perfect for tenderizing tough cuts of meat, cooking beans from scratch, making stews, and more. Follow these steps for safe, successful pressure cooking:

1. Add liquid and food: Pressure cooking requires a minimum amount of liquid to create steam. Add at least 1 cup of water, broth, or other liquid to the inner pot. Place your food on the trivet if you don’t want it sitting directly in the liquid (for example, when cooking a whole chicken or a roast).
2. Seal the lid: Attach the pressure cooking lid to the inner pot, and turn the pressure release valve to the Sealing position. Make sure the lid is locked in place by pushing the handle down until it clicks.
3. Select settings: Use the control panel to select the Pressure Cook mode, then set the cook time and pressure level (high or low, depending on your recipe). High pressure is best for most meats, beans, and stews, while low pressure is ideal for delicate foods like fish or eggs.
4. Wait for pressure to build: The unit will take a few minutes to come to pressure. You’ll know it’s pressurized when the float valve (the small metal pin on the lid) pops up, and the timer will start counting down automatically.
5. Release pressure: When the timer ends, you can either do a natural pressure release (leave the valve in the sealing position for 10-20 minutes, which is best for tough cuts of meat to keep them moist) or a quick pressure release (turn the valve to Venting to release steam quickly, best for vegetables or foods that can get overcooked if left in hot liquid).
6. Open and serve: Once all the steam has released and the float valve has dropped down, carefully open the lid away from your face to avoid steam burns. Serve your food immediately.

Important safety note: Never force the lid open while the unit is pressurized, and always keep your face and hands away from the steam vent when releasing pressure.

Combining Air Fry and Pressure Cook Modes

The signature feature of the Instant Pot Air Fryer is its ability to combine pressure cooking and air frying in one seamless workflow, no need to transfer food between appliances. This combo mode is perfect for dishes that need both tender, juicy interiors and crispy, golden exteriors, like chicken wings, pork ribs, or roasted potatoes. Here’s how to use it:

1. Pressure cook first: Add your food and required liquid to the inner pot, attach the pressure cooking lid, and set the pressure cook time and level as you normally would. For example, to make crispy chicken thighs, you might pressure cook them on high for 10 minutes.
2. Release pressure: When the pressure cooking cycle ends, do the required release (natural or quick) per your recipe. Once the float valve drops, carefully remove the pressure cooking lid.
3. Attach the air fryer lid: Place the crisper basket inside the inner pot (if it’s not already there), then attach the air fryer lid to the top of the pot. Make sure it’s locked in place.
4. Air fry to crisp: Select the Air Fry mode, set the temperature (usually 400-425°F / 200-220°C for crisping) and timer (3-8 minutes, depending on how crispy you want the food).
5. Check and serve: Halfway through air frying, you can shake the basket or flip the food if needed. Once the exterior is golden and crispy to your liking, serve immediately.

This combo mode cuts down on cooking time and dirty dishes, and it’s perfect for making restaurant-quality crispy foods at home without the hassle of multiple appliances.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Proper cleaning and maintenance will keep your Instant Pot Air Fryer working like new for years, and prevent bad odors or grease buildup that can affect the taste of your food. Follow these tips after every use:

1. Let the unit cool completely: Never clean the Instant Pot Air Fryer while it’s still hot. Unplug it and let all parts cool to room temperature before handling.
2. Wash removable parts: The inner pot, crisper basket, trivet, and components of the air fryer lid (like the fan cover, if removable) are all dishwasher safe in most models. Check your user manual to confirm, then wash them with warm, soapy water or run them through the dishwasher after each use.
3. Wipe the exterior and heating element: Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the unit and the base of the lids. For the air fryer lid’s heating element, use a soft, dry brush to remove any stuck-on food or grease – never submerge the lid in water or use abrasive cleaners, as this can damage the heating element.
4. Clean the sealing ring: The silicone sealing ring can absorb odors from strong foods like curry or garlic. To clean it, wash it with warm, soapy water, or soak it in a mixture of water and vinegar for 30 minutes to remove stains and smells.
5. Deep clean monthly: Once a month, fill the inner pot with a mixture of warm water and vinegar, and run a 5-minute pressure cook cycle. This removes built-up mineral deposits and grease from the interior of the pot. Wipe out the pot and the interior of the air fryer lid after the cycle is done.
6. Replace parts as needed: The sealing ring should be replaced every 6-12 months if it becomes cracked, stained, or loses its elasticity. The air fryer lid’s fan filter should also be replaced periodically per the manufacturer’s instructions to maintain proper airflow.

Avoid using steel wool or abrasive cleaners on any parts, as these can scratch the stainless steel inner pot and damage non-stick coatings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with proper use, you may run into the occasional issue with your Instant Pot Air Fryer. Here are fixes for the most common problems:

• Food isn’t crispy: This is almost always caused by overcrowding the basket, skipping preheating, or excess moisture on the food. Pat food dry before cooking, use a light coating of oil, preheat the unit, and cook in batches if needed.
• Unit won’t turn on or start a cycle: First, check that the unit is plugged in and the outlet is working. Make sure the lid is properly seated and locked in place, and that the pressure release valve is in the correct position for the mode you selected (sealing for pressure cooking, open for air frying).
• Steam is leaking from the lid: Check that the sealing ring is properly installed in the groove around the inner pot, with no twists or tears. If the ring is damaged or worn out, replace it with a new one. Also make sure the lid is locked tightly in place before starting a pressure cooking cycle.
• Food is undercooked: Increase the cook time by 2-3 minutes, make sure food is arranged in a single layer, and check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. For pressure cooking, make sure you’re using enough liquid and the valve is in the sealing position.
• Burnt smell during first use: This is normal and comes from manufacturing residues on the heating element. Run the unit empty at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes with the air fryer lid attached, then wipe out the interior with a damp cloth. The smell should go away after 1-2 uses.
• Error code on the display: Check your user manual for the specific error code. Common codes include Burn (meaning there’s not enough liquid in the pot for pressure cooking) or Lid (meaning the lid is not properly locked).

If you can’t resolve an issue, contact Instant Pot’s customer support for assistance, as the unit may need a professional repair.

Best Practices for Perfect Results Every Time

Follow these pro tips to get the most out of your Instant Pot Air Fryer and avoid common mistakes:

1. Always pat food dry before air frying: Excess moisture is the number one cause of soggy, unevenly cooked food. Use paper towels to dry meats, vegetables, and frozen items thoroughly before seasoning.
2. Use high-smoke-point oil: Oils like avocado, canola, or grapeseed oil have higher smoke points than olive oil, so they won’t burn at the high temperatures used for air frying. They also help food crisp up faster.
3. Cook in batches if needed: Overcrowding the basket blocks air circulation and leads to uneven cooking. If you’re cooking a large amount of food, split it into two batches for best results.
4. Use the combo mode for best texture: For dishes that need both tender interiors and crispy exteriors (like chicken wings, ribs, or roasted potatoes), use the pressure cook + air fry combo mode instead of air frying alone. This will keep the inside juicy while crisping the outside.
5. Invest in a good food thermometer: The only way to confirm that meats are cooked safely is to check their internal temperature. A digital instant-read thermometer will help you avoid undercooking or overcooking meats, especially when using the pressure cooking function.
6. Clean after every use: Grease and food debris can build up on the heating element and crisper basket, leading to bad odors and uneven cooking. Wipe out the interior and wash removable parts after each use to keep your unit in top shape.
7. Experiment with recipes: Don’t be afraid to try new recipes and adjust cook times and temperatures to your liking. The Instant Pot Air Fryer is versatile enough to make everything from breakfast burritos to desserts like air-fried donuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to preheat my Instant Pot Air Fryer?
   Yes, preheating is highly recommended for most air frying tasks. Preheating ensures even cooking and a crispier exterior. Most models take 3-5 minutes to preheat, and many have a dedicated preheat function to simplify the process.
2. Can I use aluminum foil or parchment paper in the Instant Pot Air Fryer?
   Yes, you can use small pieces of aluminum foil or perforated parchment paper in the crisper basket, as long as they don’t block the air vents. Avoid covering the entire basket, as this will prevent air circulation and lead to uneven cooking.
3. What’s the difference between the air fryer lid and the pressure cooking lid?
   The pressure cooking lid is designed to seal the pot to build pressure for fast, moist cooking. The air fryer lid has a fan and heating element that circulates hot air to crisp and brown food. You’ll use the pressure lid for pressure cooking, slow cooking, and sautéing, and the air fryer lid for air frying, roasting, and broiling.
4. Can I cook frozen food directly in the Instant Pot Air Fryer?
   Absolutely! One of the biggest perks of the Instant Pot Air Fryer is that you can cook frozen foods without thawing them first. Just be sure to arrange frozen items in a single layer and adjust cook times as needed, since frozen food takes slightly longer to cook than fresh.
5. How do I avoid soggy food when air frying?
   Sogginess usually happens when food has excess moisture or the basket is overcrowded. Pat food dry with paper towels before cooking, use a light coating of oil, and cook in batches if you’re making a large amount. You can also place a wire rack in the basket to elevate food and allow air to circulate underneath.
6. Is the Instant Pot Air Fryer dishwasher safe?
   Most removable parts, including the inner pot, crisper basket, and air fryer lid components, are dishwasher safe. Always check your model’s manual first, and avoid putting the main unit or the exterior of the lids in the dishwasher.

Conclusion

Now that you know How to Use the Instant Pot Air Fryer? to make everything from crispy frozen fries to tender, fall-apart pulled pork, you’re ready to take full advantage of this versatile kitchen appliance. The key to success is starting with the basics: preheating the unit, avoiding overcrowding the basket, and using the combo mode for dishes that need both moisture and crispiness. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different recipes, temperatures, and cook times to find what works best for your taste preferences. With a little practice, you’ll be able to cut down on cooking time, reduce the number of dirty dishes, and make restaurant-quality meals at home without heating up your full-sized oven. If you run into any issues, refer back to the troubleshooting section in this guide, or consult your user manual for model-specific instructions. Happy cooking!