With the rising popularity of air fryers for quick and easy cooking, many people wonder if their Instant Pot multi-cookers can also air fry. The short answer is no – standard Instant Pot models are pressure cookers and cannot air fry. However, Instant Brands has released the Instant Pot Pro Plus, a new model that includes air frying capabilities along with the traditional Instant Pot functions. This article will look at how the Pro Plus compares to a standard Instant Pot and whether it’s worth upgrading for the built-in air frying.
What is an Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is a popular electric multicooker that uses pressure cooking to prepare foods very quickly. It has been one of the top-selling small kitchen appliances since its launch in 2010. Instant Pots combine the functions of multiple countertop appliances into one device – it can pressure cook, slow cook, steam, saute, warm food, and more. The convenience and versatility of being able to make everything from soups to yogurt in one pot has made it a hit for busy home cooks.
Standard Instant Pot models include the Duo, Duo Plus, Duo Nova, Lux, Ultra and Max lines. These all operate as electric pressure cookers but cannot air fry. The inner pot reaches pressures of up to 11.6 psi to drastically reduce cook times. For example, dishes that would take hours to braise or stew on the stovetop can cook in minutes in the Instant Pot. The pressurized environment helps infuse foods with flavor and retain moisture.
Instant Pots are programmable with presets for common cooking tasks like browning meat, cooking beans, making rice, etc. Users simply add ingredients, close the lid, select a function, and press start. The Instant Pot does the work of building and maintaining pressure. It monitors temperature and cooking time automatically to give consistent results every time. This makes it easier for home cooks to prepare tasty meals with minimal effort.
What is air frying?
Air frying is a cooking method that uses super hot, rapidly circulating air to crisp foods. It produces results similar to deep frying with less oil. Air fryers have a heating element and fan that blow hot air around food at high speeds, essentially air-frying the outer surface. This makes foods like chicken wings, french fries, and veggies come out crispy on the outside while staying tender inside.
Compared to deep frying, air frying reduces the amount of oil needed by up to 80%, resulting in healthier versions of traditionally oily foods. The technology allows you to enjoy the flavor and texture of fried foods without all the extra calories from being dunked in fat. Air fryers are popular appliances for cooking crispy snacks and side dishes in a faster, easier way than baking.
Can Instant Pots also air fry?
Most standard Instant Pot models are not capable of air frying – they are electric pressure cookers without the necessary fan and heating elements. However, Instant Brands recently released the Instant Pot Pro Plus, the first Instant Pot model that can double as an air fryer.
The Instant Pot Pro Plus is essentially an Instant Pot Duo and air fryer rolled into one. It has the same pressure cooking, slow cooking, rice cooking, steaming, sauteing and warming functions as other Instant Pots. But it also has a built-in air fryer lid with an embedded heating coil and 1500W of power. The Pro Plus comes with a multi-level air fryer basket to make crisping large batches of food easier.
Having both appliances in one saves counter space. You can use the pot for pressure cooking or air frying in the same vessel. The Pro Plus even has a dehydrate function. This makes it possible to make beef jerky, dried fruits, veggie chips and more right in the Instant Pot. It provides extra versatility for preparing different recipes.
Instant Pot Pro Plus Air Fryer Features
Here are some key details about the new air frying capabilities of the Instant Pot Pro Plus:
- Temperature range is 105°F – 400°F
- Adjustable time up to 30 minutes
- Air Fryer lid has an embedded heating coil and fan
- 1500 watts of power for air frying
- 6 quart pot capacity (same as a 6-quart Instant Pot)
- Multi-level air fry basket with handles included
- Automatic presets for popular air fried foods
- Digital display shows air fry temp and time settings
These features allow the Pro Plus to work just as effectively as a standalone air fryer. The wide temp range lets you cook everything from frozen foods to wings, fries, and more at their optimal crispiness. You get full manual control as well as handy presets for commonly air fried items. The pot is large enough to make family-sized portions.
How to Use the Instant Pot Pro Plus as an Air Fryer
Using the Instant Pot Pro Plus for air frying is simple:
- Remove the pressure cooker lid and replace it with the air fryer lid.
- Add oil and food to the pot insert. Use oil lightly since air frying already reduces the amount needed.
- Insert the air fry basket in the pot if cooking a large batch.
- Select Air Fry mode and adjust the temperature and cook time as desired.
- Press Start. The Pro Plus will preheat then begin circulating hot air around the food.
- Food is air fried directly in the Instant Pot insert pot for quick crisp results.
- The Pro Plus automatically switches to Keep Warm when air frying is complete.
You can also take advantage of built-in smart programs to air fry specific foods like fries, wings, bacon, chicken, steak and more with the touch of a button.
Benefits of the Instant Pot Pro Plus Air Fryer
Here are some of the benefits of having an Instant Pot that can also air fry:
- Two appliances in one – Saves space and avoids needing to buy separate appliances
- Versatility – Pressure cook, air fry, and more all in one pot
- Large capacity – The 6 quart pot allows cooking for groups
- Faster, healthier frying – Get crispy results with up to 75% less oil than deep frying
- Even cooking – Foods cook evenly with hot air circulating on all sides
- Easy to use – Simple buttons and presets for quick air frying
- Dishwasher safe – Insert pot and basket go in the dishwasher for easy cleanup
The combination of pressure cooking and air frying in one appliance gives you the ability to prepare a wide range of recipes. The Pro Plus’s smart programs for air frying make it just as easy to use as a standalone air fryer but with enhanced functionality.
Instant Pot Pro Plus vs Standard Instant Pot
Here is a comparison of some key specifications between the Instant Pot Pro Plus and standard Instant Pot models:
Feature | Instant Pot Pro Plus | Standard Instant Pot |
---|---|---|
Pressure Cooking | Yes | Yes |
Air Fryer | Yes | No |
Size | 6 quarts | 3, 6, 8 quarts available |
Power | 1500 watts | 1000-1200 watts |
Functions | Pressure Cook, Air Fry, Saute, Slow Cook, Steam, Warm, Yogurt, Rice/Porridge, Bake/Roast, Broth, Sterilize, Proof, Sous Vide, Food Processor | Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Saute, Steam, Warm, Yogurt, Rice/Porridge |
Price | Around $250 USD | Around $100 – $200 USD |
As you can see, the Pro Plus model has significant advantages thanks to the addition of air frying but comes at a higher price point. It also has more power and other extra cooking functions. The standard Instant Pot models are more budget-friendly and still offer the core pressure and slow cooking abilities.
Is the Instant Pot Pro Plus worth it?
Whether or not upgrading to the Instant Pot Pro Plus is worth it depends on your cooking needs:
- For those who already own an Instant Pot – You may not need or want to replace it, but the Pro Plus could be useful for adding air frying and extra features while saving space and consolidating into one appliance.
- For new owners – The Pro Plus would provide excellent versatility and functionality. But a standard model could meet your needs if you don’t air fry frequently or just want basic pressure cooking.
- For small households – A 3 or 6 quart standard Instant Pot is likely sufficient. The Pro Plus is best for larger families.
- For air frying fans – The ability to air fry and pressure cook in one pot is a major bonus. But you’d get comparable air frying from a dedicated air fryer for less money.
- For tight budgets – The Pro Plus is a splurge. A basic Instant Pot costs significantly less.
The Pro Plus is ideal for larger households that want maximum capability and don’t mind spending more for advanced features. For smaller households or budget-minded cooks, a standard Instant Pot will be the better choice.
Alternatives to the Instant Pot Pro Plus
Here are some alternatives to consider if you want air frying and pressure cooking capabilities:
- Ninja Foodi – Like the Pro Plus, the Foodi has pressure cooking and air frying in one appliance. It also sears and dehydrates. Sizes range from 6.5 to 8 quarts.
- Breville Fast Slow Pro – Combines pressure cooking with an air fryer lid. It pressure cooks, air fries, sautes, steams and reduces. The pot and basket are coated for stick-free cooking.
- Chefman Multifunctional Digital Pressure Cooker – Features 15+ cooking presets including air fry, pressure cook, slow cook, rice, stew, sauté and more. Its 6.5 quart capacity feeds 6+ people.
- Cookeo+ – This all-in-one cooker pressure cooks, air fries, browns, slow cooks, steams, sautés, sous vides, makes yogurt and more. It has over 200 pre-programmed recipes.
Each of these multi-cookers rival the Instant Pot Pro Plus in offering air frying and pressure cooking in one appliance. They come in similar sizes and power levels. Prices are comparable as well. Choosing between them comes down to extra features, smart programs, design preferences and brand reputation.
Instant Pot Accessories for Air Frying
The Pro Plus comes with an air fryer lid and multi-level basket for crispier cooking of larger batches. You may want to consider extra accessories like:
- Silicone air fryer liners – For easier cleanup, they prevent food sticking and catch drips.
- Extra air fryer pans/racks – For layering foods or cooking different items.
- Stainless steel inner pot – An additional insert to quickly cook multiple foods in a row.
- Oven mitts – For safe handling of the hot air fry lid and pot.
The right accessories can enhance your air frying results and take away hassles. Silicone liners are especially useful for minimizing cleanup of oil splatters. Extra pans or pots give you more room when cooking large meals. Oven mitts help prevent burns.
Tips for Using the Instant Pot Pro Plus Air Fryer
Here are some tips to get the most out of the Instant Pot Pro Plus’s air fryer function:
- Don’t overfill – Air frying works best with room for air circulation. Avoid overstuffing.
- Toss or flip halfway – Rotate or turn food during cooking for even browning.
- Brush with oil – Lightly coating food helps make it crispy, not soggy.
- Keep it separate – Use a liner or cooking pan to keep foods from sticking together.
- Be careful with batter – Thick batters like onion rings can be tricky. Thinly coat foods instead of dunking.
- Adjust cooking time – Increase time for frozen foods or thick cuts. Watch closely and adjust as needed.
- Use presets – Take advantage of built-in smart programs for air frying specific foods.
With some trial and error, you’ll find the right techniques and cook times for different dishes. Taking advantage of the Pro Plus’s settings for air frying favorites can help take the guesswork out of getting the perfect texture.
Best Instant Pot Pro Plus Air Fryer Recipes
You can adapt almost any air fryer recipe for the Pro Plus. And it opens up all kinds of shortcuts for making pressure cooker meals with built-in crispy elements. Some tasty recipes to try include:
- Air fried chicken wings
- Pressure cooked potato wedges finished with air frying
- Crispy fried fish
- Air fried pork chops
- Pressure cooked ribs with air fried crispy coating
- Crispy brussels sprouts
- Air fried orange chicken
- French fries
- Fried pickles
- Donuts
From hearty main dishes to appetizers and desserts, the options are practically endless for pressure cooking and air frying in the Pro Plus. You can quickly cook food through then add crispy, golden exteriors.
Conclusion
While standard Instant Pots don’t have air frying capabilities, the Instant Pot Pro Plus is specially designed to pressure cook and air fry in the same pot. It saves counter space and opens up options for making foods that are tender on the inside with crispy outer layers. The Pro Plus model is worth considering for larger households that do a lot of air frying or want maximum versatility in one appliance. For smaller homes or budgets, a regular Instant Pot likely meets most needs. But the Pro Plus certainly takes Instant Pot cooking to new levels with the addition of built-in air frying.