Is Instant Pot Air Fryer Good for Healthy Cooking?
Is Instant Pot Air Fryer Good?
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid Multi-Cooker + Air Fryer is decent, but it is recommended to get a separate air fryer for optimal performance and safety.
Tests on frozen French fries, Brussels sprouts, and chicken wings showed concerns about even cooking and food falling off the cooking rack.
The lid, while convenient for pressure cooking, is large, heavy, and has an exposed heating element that poses safety risks.
Therefore, occasional air frying is suitable with the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, but a dedicated air fryer is recommended for frequent use.
Key Points:
- While the Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid Multi-Cooker + Air Fryer is decent, it is recommended to get a separate air fryer for optimal performance and safety.
- Tests showed concerns about even cooking and food falling off the cooking rack when using the Instant Pot Duo Crisp.
- The lid of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp is large, heavy, and has an exposed heating element that poses safety risks.
- Occasional air frying is suitable with the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, but a dedicated air fryer is recommended for frequent use.
- Frozen French fries, Brussels sprouts, and chicken wings were used for testing the Instant Pot Duo Crisp.
- The Instant Pot Duo Crisp’s lid is convenient for pressure cooking but not ideal for air frying.
Did You Know?
1. Contrary to popular belief, the Instant Pot is not just a pressure cooker but also has an air frying function. This makes it a versatile and multi-functional appliance that can handle different cooking methods.
2. One of the advantages of using the Instant Pot as an air fryer is its ability to cook food using up to 95% less oil than traditional deep frying methods. This means you can enjoy healthier versions of your favorite crispy dishes without sacrificing taste.
3. The Instant Pot’s air frying function utilizes a convection fan that circulates hot air rapidly around the food, resulting in a crispy and golden exterior without the need for excessive oil. This cooking method is known to be more efficient and faster than conventional ovens.
4. Apart from air frying, the Instant Pot can also perform other cooking techniques such as pressure cooking, slow cooking, steaming, sautéing, and even yogurt making. Its versatility makes it a popular and space-saving kitchen appliance.
5. When using the Instant Pot as an air fryer, it’s important to note that the cooking capacity may be slightly smaller compared to standalone air fryers. However, the Instant Pot’s ability to handle multiple cooking functions makes it a convenient choice for those looking to save valuable kitchen counter space.
Decent Air Frying Function Of Instant Pot Duo Crisp
The Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid Multi-Cooker + Air Fryer is a popular kitchen appliance that combines the functionalities of both a pressure cooker and an air fryer.
When it comes to its air frying function, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp performs decently. It is capable of producing crispy and delicious results, but it may not match the performance of a dedicated air fryer.
- Bullet point 1: Combines pressure cooker and air fryer functionalities
- Bullet point 2: Decent performance in air frying, producing crispy and delicious results
- Bullet point 3: Not as powerful as a dedicated air fryer
Separate Air Fryer And Instant Pot For Optimal Performance
To achieve optimal performance and safety, it is recommended to have a separate air fryer alongside your Instant Pot Duo Crisp. While the Duo Crisp offers convenience by combining multiple functions in one appliance, having a dedicated air fryer can provide better air circulation and more consistent cooking results. Additionally, using a separate air fryer reduces the risk of cross-contamination of flavors between different dishes.
Testing Frozen French Fries, Brussels Sprouts, And Chicken Wings
To evaluate the air frying capabilities of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp, tests were conducted on three food items: frozen French fries, quartered Brussels sprouts, and chicken wings. The results varied for each item.
- The French fries turned out crisp and golden, closely resembling the texture of deep-fried fries.
- The Brussels sprouts were evenly cooked, with a nice crispy exterior.
- However, the chicken wings did not cook as evenly, with some parts being undercooked.
This inconsistency in cooking could possibly be attributed to the design of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp.
- Frozen French fries: turned out crisp and golden.
- Quartered Brussels sprouts: evenly cooked with a nice crispy exterior.
- Chicken wings: some parts were undercooked.
Note: The inconsistent cooking of the chicken wings may be due to the design of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp.
Usability And Clean-Up Testing
Apart from the cooking performance, usability and clean-up are important factors to consider when using the Instant Pot Duo Crisp as an air fryer. The lid of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid has an exposed heating element, making it less convenient compared to basket-style air fryers. Additionally, the lid is quite large, heavy, and takes up a significant amount of counter space. During cooking, there were concerns about food falling off the cooking rack and not cooking evenly.
- The Instant Pot Duo Crisp’s lid has an exposed heating element.
- The lid is large, heavy, and takes up counter space.
- There were concerns about food falling off the cooking rack.
- Food may not cook evenly.
Inconvenience Of Exposed Heating Element And Large Lid
The exposed heating element of the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid makes it less user-friendly than basket-style air fryers. Not only does it increase the risk of accidentally touching the heating element and getting burned, but it also hampers the cooking process. Without a protective basket, the food can easily fall off the cooking rack and not cook evenly. The large and heavy lid also makes it cumbersome to handle and store.
Safety Concerns And Recommendations For Use
It is important to emphasize the safety concerns associated with the Instant Pot Duo Crisp. The exposed heating element can pose a risk of burns when handling the lid, especially when it is hot. This makes it essential to exercise caution and use protective gloves or mitts to avoid potential accidents. Due to these safety concerns and the inconvenience of the design, it is recommended to use the Instant Pot Duo Crisp primarily as a pressure cooker rather than solely relying on its air frying function.
Considering the price point of $230 for the Instant Pot Duo Crisp with Ultimate Lid, it may be a significant investment for some users. Thus, it is recommended to use it for occasional air frying needs and invest in a dedicated air fryer for frequent use. By doing so, you can ensure optimal performance and safety in your healthy cooking endeavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can an Instant Pot air fryer do?
The Instant Pot air fryer lid is a versatile accessory that expands the capabilities of your Instant Pot. With this lid, you can conveniently transform your Instant Pot into a compact convection oven, allowing you to enjoy air frying, roasting, baking, broiling, reheating, and dehydrating functions. Whether you want to enjoy crispy fries, roast a chicken, bake cookies, or dehydrate fruits, this add-on lid provides a convenient and efficient solution for a variety of cooking needs. With its multi-functionality, the Instant Pot air fryer lid is a must-have accessory for any Instant Pot owner seeking to explore new and delicious possibilities in the kitchen.
Is an Instant Pot air fryer better than a convection oven?
While both an instant pot air fryer and a convection oven use the same principle of circulating hot air, the smaller size and design of the air fryer allows for faster and more efficient circulation. The fan placement in the air fryer at the top, with the food tray beneath it, ensures that the hot air is directed directly towards the food, resulting in a faster and crispier cooking process. On the other hand, convection ovens have a larger cooking area, which may lead to slightly slower air circulation and potentially less evenly cooked food. Therefore, if speed and crispiness are priorities, an instant pot air fryer may be a better choice.
What is the disadvantage of Instant Pot?
One potential disadvantage of the Instant Pot is that certain recipes may not be as “instant” as advertised. While the pressure cooking feature can significantly reduce cooking time for some dishes, it is important to account for the time it takes for the pressure to build up and release. Therefore, in some cases, the cooking process may actually take longer compared to traditional methods. Consequently, users should be aware of this aspect and plan accordingly to avoid disappointment or time constraints when using the Instant Pot.
What is better an air fryer or Instant Pot?
Both the air fryer and Instant Pot offer unique advantages depending on your cooking preferences. An air fryer excels at creating irresistibly crunchy and healthier meals, while an Instant Pot is a go-to for hearty soups, stews, and broths. With its delayed start timer, the Instant Pot allows for convenient meal prep while you’re away. Ultimately, the better choice depends on whether you crave crispy delights or comforting soups, and your need for flexibility in cooking times.