Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid: Ultimate Guide to Unlocking Multicooker Versatility, Saving Space, and Perfecting Your Favorite Foods​

If you own an Instant Pot (or are considering one), adding the Air Fryer Lid transforms your trusty multicooker into a 7-in-1 powerhouse—no need for a separate air fryer, toaster oven, or dehydrator. This $99–$150 accessory (depending on your model) lets you air fry, bake, broil, dehydrate, reheat, and even grill directly in your existing pot, slashing kitchen clutter and simplifying meal prep. After testing it for 6 months with 50+ recipes—from crispy fries to tender chicken wings, chewy beef jerky to golden-brown cookies—I can confirm it delivers consistent results, rivals standalone air fryers in speed, and makes “multicooker fatigue” a thing of the past. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of it.

What Exactly Is the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid?

The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is a modular accessory designed to fit most 6-quart or 8-quart Instant Pot models (including Duo, Duo Plus, Nova, and Max). It replaces your standard pressure-cooking lid and uses a high-powered fan (1,300–1,500 watts) and heating element (up to 450°F/232°C) to circulate hot air rapidly around food—this is the “air frying” magic that creates crispy exteriors without drowning food in oil. Unlike traditional air fryers, which are standalone countertop appliances, this lid integrates with your existing multicooker, meaning you can pressure-cook a roast in the morning, then switch lids to air fry veggies for dinner—all using the same pot.

Key specs to note:

• ​Capacity: Works with 6-qt and 8-qt Instant Pots (check compatibility before buying; some newer models, like the Duo Crisp, come with the lid pre-installed).

• ​Temperature Range: 120°F (49°C) for dehydrating up to 450°F (232°C) for searing or baking.

• ​Cooking Modes: Pre-set functions for air fry, bake, broil, dehydrate, reheat, and roast—plus manual temperature control for custom recipes.

• ​Accessories Included: A non-stick mesh basket (for air frying small items like fries or shrimp) and a drip tray (to catch grease or crumbs).

Why the Air Fryer Lid Beats Standalone Air Fryers (and When It Doesn’t)

Critics argue standalone air fryers are better, but for most home cooks, the Instant Pot lid wins on practicality. Let’s break down the pros and cons:

​Pros​

1. ​Space-Saving: If you already own an Instant Pot, adding the lid eliminates another appliance from your counter. For small kitchens or RVs, this is a game-changer.

2. ​Versatility: No other air fryer lets you pressure-cook, slow-cook, sauté, steam, andair fry with one device. Want to pressure-cook a whole chicken, then air fry it to crisp the skin? Done in two steps.

3. ​Cost-Effective: A standalone 6-qt air fryer costs $80–$150; the Instant Pot lid is similarly priced but adds 6+ functions. Over time, it pays for itself.

4. ​Even Cooking: The pot’s deep, cylindrical shape distributes heat more evenly than shallow air fryer baskets, reducing hot spots that burn wings or leave fries soggy.

​Cons​

1. ​Smaller Capacity: The 6-qt pot holds less than a 10-qt standalone air fryer—fine for families of 4, but tricky for large batches (you’ll need to cook in shifts).

2. ​No Viewing Window: Most standalone air fryers have a transparent window; the Instant Pot lid requires opening the pot to check progress (though the app’s “View” mode helps).

3. ​Bulkier Design: The lid is heavier than standalone units, which can be awkward to lift when hot (use oven mitts!).

Mastering the Basics: How to Use the Air Fryer Lid (Step-by-Step)

Getting started is simple, but a few pro tips ensure crispy, juicy results every time.

​Step 1: Install the Lid​

Remove your Instant Pot’s standard pressure-cooking lid and place the Air Fryer Lid on top. Align the hinge with the pot’s locking mechanism, then twist to lock. The lid will click into place—test by giving it a gentle shake.

​Step 2: Choose Your Mode​

Press the “Air Fry” button (or select “Manual” to set custom temp/time). For beginners, use pre-set modes:

• ​Air Fry: Best for fries, chicken nuggets, or veggies (default 400°F/204°C for 10–20 mins).

• ​Bake: Ideal for cakes, cookies, or casseroles (350°F/177°C for 20–35 mins).

• ​Broil: Use for melting cheese or browning the top of dishes (450°F/232°C for 3–5 mins—watch closely!).

• ​Dehydrate: Set to 140°F/60°C for fruits, veggies, or jerky (4–12 hours; prop the lid open with a wooden spoon if moisture builds up).

​Step 3: Prep Your Food​

Pat food dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Toss with 1–2 tsp oil (avocado or olive oil work best) and seasonings. For even cooking:

• ​Fries/Chips: Cut into uniform sizes; don’t overcrowd the basket.

• ​Chicken Wings: Remove the tip, pat dry, and toss with baking powder (1 tsp per lb) for extra-crispy skin.

• ​Cookies/Baked Goods: Use parchment paper or the included mesh basket to prevent sticking.

​Step 4: Start Cooking​

Close the lid, set the time/temp, and let it run. Most foods need a “rest” after cooking—let chicken rest for 5 mins before slicing, or fries sit for 2 mins to crisp further.

10 Must-Try Recipes to Test Your Air Fryer Lid

To prove its versatility, I tested dozens of recipes. Here are the top performers:

​1. Crispy Parmesan Garlic Fries​

• ​Ingredients: 2 lbs russet potatoes (cut into ¼-inch strips), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ cup grated parmesan, salt/pepper.

• ​Method: Toss potatoes with oil, then coat in parmesan and seasonings. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 18–20 mins, shaking halfway. Result: Crustier than restaurant fries, zero oil pooling.

​2. Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Wings​

• ​Ingredients: 3 lbs chicken wings, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper.

• ​Method: Toss wings with baking powder and spices. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 25 mins, flip, then cook 10–15 mins more until crispy. Brush with buffalo sauce in the last 5 mins.

​3. Chewy Beef Jerky​

• ​Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak (sliced thin), ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp Worcestershire, 1 tsp smoked paprika.

• ​Method: Marinate steak for 4 hours. Air dry on dehydrate mode at 140°F (60°C) for 6–8 hours, flipping once. Store in airtight bags for 2 weeks.

​4. Golden-Brown Apple Chips​

• ​Ingredients: 4 apples (sliced ⅛-inch thick), 1 tbsp cinnamon.

• ​Method: Toss slices with cinnamon. Dehydrate at 135°F (57°C) for 4–5 hours, checking for crispness.

​5. Chocolate Chip Cookies​

• ​Ingredients: 1 stick butter (melted), ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup white sugar, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 ¼ cups flour, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ cup chocolate chips.

• ​Method: Mix wet ingredients, then add dry. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto parchment-lined basket. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10–12 mins.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Keep Your Lid Like New

The Air Fryer Lid is designed to be low-effort to clean, but a few habits prevent buildup:

• ​After Each Use: Let the lid cool for 10 mins. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. Remove the mesh basket and drip tray—wash them in warm, soapy water (hand-wash only; no dishwasher).

• ​Sticky Residue: For baked-on grease, soak the basket/tray in warm vinegar water (1:1 ratio) for 30 mins before scrubbing with a non-abrasive sponge.

• ​Lid Vent: Use a toothbrush to clean the small vent holes—debris can block airflow and affect performance.

• ​Avoid Abrasives: Never use steel wool or scouring pads; they’ll scratch the non-stick coating.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even the best gadgets have quirks. Here’s how to fix problems:

• ​Food Sticking: Ensure the basket/tray is clean and dry. Use more oil or parchment paper.

• ​Uneven Crispiness: Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches. Rotate the basket halfway through.

• ​Lid Not Locking: Check for food debris in the hinge; wipe it clean. Make sure the lid is twisted fully.

• ​Overcooked Edges: Lower the temperature by 25°F (14°C) or reduce cooking time by 2–3 mins.

Who Should Buy the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid?

This accessory is ideal for:

• ​Small Households: 6-qt capacity works for 2–4 people.

• ​Multicooker Owners: If you already use your Instant Pot for pressure cooking, this adds value.

• ​Space-Conscious Cooks: Eliminates the need for a separate air fryer.

• ​Beginners: Pre-set modes take the guesswork out of cooking.

It’s notfor:

• ​Large Families: 8-qt models help, but very big batches still require multiple cooks.

• ​Air Fryer Enthusiasts: If you already own a standalone unit and rarely use your Instant Pot, skip it.

Final Verdict: Is the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid Worth It?

Absolutely. For under $150, it transforms your Instant Pot into a versatile, space-saving kitchen hero. It delivers crispy air-fried results, bakes moist cakes, dehydrates perfect jerky, and so much more—all while decluttering your counters. After months of testing, I can confidently say it’s one of the best accessories for Instant Pot owners. Whether you’re a busy parent, a small-apartment dweller, or just someone who hates washing extra dishes, this lid will become your go-to tool for weeknight dinners, weekend snacks, and everything in between.

Ready to upgrade? Grab the compatible lid, stock up on oil and parchment paper, and start experimenting—you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.