The Instant Pot Duo Plus is one of the most popular electric pressure cooker models from Instant Brands. With its versatility and convenience, it has become a staple in many home kitchens. One common question that arises is whether the Duo Plus model is compatible with the Instant Pot air fryer lid accessory.
TLDR
Yes, the Instant Pot Duo Plus is compatible with the Instant Pot air fryer lid. The 6 quart and 8 quart Duo Plus models can both be used with the air fryer lid to enable air frying and air crisp cooking functions.
Instant Pot Duo Plus Overview
The Instant Pot Duo Plus is a 9-in-1 multi-cooker that offers the following cooking functions:
- Pressure Cooker
- Slow Cooker
- Rice Cooker
- Yogurt Maker
- Steamer
- Sauté Pan
- Food Warmer
- Sous Vide
- Sterilizer
It comes in 3, 6, and 8 quart sizes. The 6 and 8 quart models are the most popular options for most households. The Duo Plus has 1500 watts of power and generates up to 15 PSI of pressure for faster cooking times.
Some key features and specs of the Duo Plus include:
- Microprocessor technology for monitoring pressure, temperature, and adjusting heat intensity
- Up to 240 minutes pressure cook time
- 24-hour start timer for delayed cooking
- Automatic keep warm setting
- 3 temperatures in sauté for browning, simmering, and thickening
- Steam release reset button for quick pressure release
- Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior
Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid is an accessory that is designed to work with select Instant Pot pressure cooker models. It transforms the Instant Pot into an air fryer, giving it the ability to make fried foods like french fries, chicken wings, and fish sticks with little to no oil.
The air fryer lid has a built in heating element and powerful fan to circulate hot air around food to produce crispy, golden-brown texture akin to deep frying. It has preset programs for air frying, baking, roasting, broiling, dehydrating, and reheating.
Some key specs and features of the air fryer lid include:
- Compatible with 6 quart and 8 quart Instant Pot models
- Temperature range from 170°F to 400°F
- Dishwasher safe parts
- 1700 watts of power
- Air Fry, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate presets
- Adjustable time up to 60 minutes
Is the Duo Plus Compatible?
Yes, the Instant Pot Duo Plus 6 quart and 8 quart models are both compatible with the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid accessory.
According to the official Instant Pot website and user manual, the air fryer lid is designed to be compatible with the following Instant Pot models:
- Duo Plus 60
- Duo Plus 80
- Duo 60
- Duo 80
- Lux 60
- Lux 80
- Smart WiFi 60
- Smart WiFi 80
The Duo Plus is specifically listed among the compatible models. So you can use the air fryer lid with a 6 quart or 8 quart Duo Plus and take advantage of the extra air frying functionality.
Benefits of Using Air Fryer Lid with Duo Plus
Here are some of the benefits of using the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid with your Duo Plus:
- Get air fryer capabilities without needing a separate appliance
- Make golden brown and crispy fried foods with little to no oil
- Preset programs make air frying easier – just press a button
- Fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat leftovers
- Saves counter space over having two separate appliances
- The lid converts the Duo Plus into an air fryer in seconds
- More versatility from your pressure cooker
- Can air fry then pressure cook in the same pot
- Dishwasher safe lid and basket for easy cleanup
Having the ability to air fry opens up a whole new range of recipes and cooking techniques beyond just pressure cooking. You can make crispy french fries, chicken wings, roasted vegetables, cakes, and more, all without having to use another appliance.
How to Use Air Fryer Lid with Duo Plus
Using the air fryer lid with the Instant Pot Duo Plus is simple:
- Make sure the Duo Plus inner pot is completely dry before inserting into unit.
- Place food to be air fried in air fryer basket.
- Insert air fryer basket into the Instant Pot inner pot.
- Put the air fryer lid on top of the Instant Pot instead of the regular pressure lid.
- Select the appropriate air fry preset and adjust cooking time if needed.
- Press start and allow air fryer to preheat before cooking begins.
- Food is ready when cooking time is complete.
- Use oven mitts to remove air fryer lid and basket when finished.
Be sure to refer to the official manual for complete safety instructions. User reviews indicate the air fryer lid works as expected with the Duo Plus models. Follow air frying recipes and adjust times as needed to get your favorite crisp, fried results.
Recommended Air Fryer Accessories
Here are some recommended accessories to further enhance your air frying experience with the Duo Plus:
Extra Air Fryer Baskets
Having an additional air fry basket lets you cook multiple batches or different foods simultaneously. The extra basket is convenient if you air fry frequently.
Silicone Pot Holder
A silicone pot holder protects your counter from the hot air fryer lid after cooking. It gives you a safe place to rest the lid.
Stainless Steel Inner Pot
A stainless steel inner pot makes cleanup easier if food gets stuck to the pot surface after air frying. The stainless steel does not retain stains or odors.
Air Fryer Cookbook
An air fryer recipe book provides creative ideas tailored specifically to air frying rather than just pressure cooking. More recipe inspiration can help you get the most from your Duo Plus.
Tips for Best Results
Here are some top tips for achieving the best air fryer results with your Duo Plus:
- Brush or spray a light coating of oil on foods for crispier texture
- Preheat for 5 minutes before adding food
- Flip or shake foods halfway during cooking time
- Space out foods in basket so air circulates evenly
- Add a couple minutes extra cook time for fresher, moist foods
- Pat moist foods dry beforehand for crispier crust
- Spray basket with nonstick spray before adding sticky batters or doughs
- Consider investing in more than 1 air fry basket
With some experimenting, you’ll find which times and temperatures work best for your favorite fried foods. The Duo Plus and air fryer lid offer versatility for all-in-one cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Instant Pot air fryer lid worth it?
The air fryer lid is worth it for Duo Plus owners who want to add air frying functionality without buying a separate air fryer appliance. It saves counter space, adds versatility to your pressure cooker, and lets you air fry up to 2-3 lbs of food at once.
What’s the difference between the Duo and Duo Plus?
The Duo Plus has all the same core functions as the Duo but also includes an additional Sous Vide and Sterilize program. The controls are slightly different with a central dial and LED display on the Duo Plus rather than separate buttons.
Can all Instant Pot models use the air fryer lid?
No, check the product description and manual to confirm compatibility. Only certain similarly-sized Instant Pot models can use the air fryer lid. The Duo and Duo Plus in 6 qt and 8 qt sizes are compatible.
Is air frying healthier than deep frying?
Yes, air frying is generally healthier than deep frying because it uses little to no oil. Air frying cuts calories from oil and has less greasy results. With air frying, foods come out crispy on the outside with a moist interior.
What’s the best oil to use for air frying?
The best oils for air frying are light, high smoke point oils like avocado, grapeseed, peanut, or refined coconut oil. Avoid olive or sesame oil as their smoke points are too low for air frying heat.
Conclusion
The Instant Pot Duo Plus 6 quart and 8 quart models are compatible with the air fryer lid attachment. Adding the air fryer lid unlocks a whole new set of functions like air frying, roasting, broiling, baking, dehydrating, and more. While the Duo Plus works great for pressure cooking on its own, the air fryer lid expands its capabilities even further without requiring any extra appliance. If you own a Duo Plus and want to add air frying to the mix, the air fryer lid is an excellent accessory to consider.