Crispy french fries that rival fast food. Golden-brown chicken wings with crackling skin. Roasted vegetables with caramelized edges—all without sacrificing precious counter space. If you own a 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot, you’re one accessory away from authentic air-frying performance. Forget buying a separate appliance gathering dust; this guide reveals exactly how to transform your pressure cooker into a full-powered air fryer using either an affordable snap-on lid or Instant Pot’s all-in-one Duo Crisp model. You’ll discover which method saves you $100+ while delivering restaurant-quality crunch, how to achieve perfect results on your first attempt, and why this conversion eliminates the #1 frustration of standalone air fryers: limited capacity for family meals.
Stop juggling multiple appliances when your Instant Pot already handles 90% of the work. The secret lies in leveraging convection technology that circulates superheated air at 500°F—identical to premium standalone units—using either a clever aftermarket lid or Instant Pot’s factory-designed solution. Within minutes of setup, you’ll be air-frying everything from frozen snacks to whole chickens with zero learning curve. Whether you’re a solo cook minimizing clutter or feeding a hungry family, this conversion unlocks true versatility in a single footprint. Let’s turn your workhorse pressure cooker into the most-used appliance in your kitchen tonight.
Mealthy CrispLid vs. Duo Crisp: Which Air-Fry Conversion Fits Your Kitchen?
Why the CrispLid Saves Counter Space for Solo Cooks
Already own a 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot? The $50–$70 Mealthy CrispLid snaps onto your existing unit like a puzzle piece. This hinged lid houses a 500°F heating element and high-speed fan that locks securely over your stainless inner pot. Critical detail: It only works with standard 6- or 8-quart models (not Mini or Lux series). The magic happens when you place the included raised trivet inside, set food in the fry basket, and lower the lid—you’re air-frying within 60 seconds. Solo cooks and couples win here: the compact basket handles 1–2 servings perfectly, stores in a drawer, and avoids buying a whole new appliance. Just unplug the CrispLid when done—no extra counter footprint.
When the Duo Crisp Wins for Family-Sized Air Frying
Starting fresh? Instant Pot’s $150–$200 Duo Crisp + Air Fryer model ships with two lids: your standard pressure-cooking lid plus a dedicated air-fry lid. This factory solution shines for families with its dual-layer capability—stack the non-stick basket over the broil tray to cook 2 lbs of wings or chops simultaneously. Pro tip: The built-in dehydrate function and one-touch programs (like “Air Fry” or “Broil”) eliminate guesswork. Unlike the CrispLid’s single-basket limit, the Duo Crisp accommodates larger batches with stainless-steel accessories that resist warping. If you pressure-cook weekly and air-fry 3+ times monthly, this pays for itself through saved time and consistent results.
CrispLid Setup: Transform Your Instant Pot in 1 Minute
Unbox These 6 Essential Parts for Air-Frying
Your Mealthy CrispLid kit contains everything needed: 1) The hinged lid with tempered-glass window, 2) Raised trivet (lifts food closer to the heating element), 3) Fry basket, 4) Stainless tongs, 5) Silicone heat mat, and 6) Recipe booklet. Critical check: Verify the handle clicks audibly when locked onto your Instant Pot—this safety feature prevents operation if unsecured. Never submerge the lid; moisture damages the internal fan. Store the cord loosely coiled to prevent wire fatigue, and always rest the hot lid on the silicone mat (included) to protect countertops.
First Cook: Crispy French Fries in 18 Minutes
Skip preheating—just add 1 lb frozen fries to the basket, spritz with avocado oil, and set 400°F for 18 minutes. At the 9-minute mark, the unit auto-pauses when you lift the lid. Shake the basket vigorously (use included tongs!), re-spray oil, then replace the lid to resume. Pro tip: For extra crunch, add 2–3 minutes if fries look pale after the first cycle. The result? Crisp exteriors with fluffy interiors rivaling deep-fried versions. Cleanup takes 3 minutes: basket and trivet go straight to the dishwasher’s top rack while you wipe the lid exterior with a damp cloth.
Duo Crisp Air-Fry Setup: Pressure Cook Then Crisp in One Pot
Cook Chicken Wings with Dual-Layer Browning
Insert the stainless inner pot, stack the basket base and basket, then arrange 2 lbs wings in a single layer. Lightly oil the skin, seat the air-fry lid, and select Air Fry at 400°F for 25 minutes. The unit auto-preheats before counting down. At the mid-cycle beep, shake the basket—cooking pauses automatically when you lift the lid. Family shortcut: Place the broil tray under the basket for a second layer of wings or veggies. Swap tiers halfway for even browning across 4+ servings. This dual-layer trick solves the #1 pain point of standalone air fryers: cooking for more than two people.
The Secret to Two-Tier Cooking with Broil Tray
For chops or thick-cut potatoes, oil both the basket and broil tray. Load the first layer on the basket, then place the broil tray directly on the food to create space for the second layer. At the mid-cycle beep, swap the trays—top becomes bottom—to ensure both layers crisp evenly. Critical tip: Never exceed ¾ full capacity or airflow gets blocked, causing soggy results. The Duo Crisp’s larger cavity (vs. most air fryers) handles this effortlessly, but overcrowding remains the top mistake even experienced users make.
Decode the Red Glow: Instant Pot Air-Fryer Indicator Lights Explained
What a Flashing Red Light Means for CrispLid Safety
A solid red glow means the heating element is active—normal operation. But if the light flashes rapidly? Immediate action required: The CrispLid handle isn’t fully locked. Lift the lid, reposition it squarely over the pot, and push the handle down until it clicks. Never force it; misalignment prevents proper sealing. If the light stays off when plugged in, check whether the unit is accidentally set to “Off” mode via the dial. This visual cue prevents dangerous operation with an unsecured lid.
Why Duo Crisp Won’t Start (And How to Fix It)
The Duo Crisp flashes red if the air-fry lid isn’t seated correctly on the base unit. Ensure the lid’s alignment arrows match the base, then rotate clockwise until it locks with a distinct thunk. Common oversight: Using the pressure-cooking lid by mistake—only the air-fry lid triggers convection mode. If the unit beeps but won’t start, unplug for 30 seconds to reset the control board. This solves 90% of “ghost error” issues reported by users.
Clean Air-Fry Components in Under 3 Minutes
CrispLid Basket and Trivet Dishwasher Hacks
All CrispLid accessories (basket, trivet, tongs) are top-rack dishwasher safe—no exceptions. For stuck-on residue like cheese or batter, sprinkle Bar Keepers Friend powder on the stainless pot, let sit 5 minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge. Never immerse the lid: Wipe exterior surfaces only with a damp microfiber cloth. Dry thoroughly before storage to prevent moisture buildup near electrical components.
Duo Crisp Lid Fan Cleaning for Longevity
The air-fry lid’s fan collects grease over time. After unplugging and cooling completely, use a soft-bristled brush (like a clean toothbrush) to dislodge debris from the fan guard. Wipe interior surfaces with a vinegar-dampened cloth to cut through oil buildup. Critical maintenance: Clean the fan monthly if air-frying daily—neglect causes reduced airflow and uneven cooking. The non-stick basket requires immediate post-cook soaking if food sticks; never use metal utensils that scratch the coating.
Avoid These 4 Instant Pot Air-Fryer Mistakes
Overcrowding Causes Soggy Fries (How to Prevent It)
Packing the basket beyond ½–⅔ capacity traps steam instead of circulating dry heat—guaranteeing limp results. Fix: Cook in batches for foods like fries or Brussels sprouts. Use the broil tray as a divider for small items (e.g., tater tots), leaving 1-inch gaps between pieces. For wings, arrange skin-side up in a single layer with space between each piece. When in doubt, underfill—the cooking time difference is minimal versus ruined texture.
Why Skipping Oil Leads to Sticking Disaster
Air fryers rely on minimal oil for browning and non-stick performance. Non-negotiable step: Lightly spray or brush all sides of food with high-smoke-point oil (avocado or canola). Skip this, and proteins like chicken or fish will weld themselves to the basket. For frozen items (fries, nuggets), a 1-second oil spritz before cooking prevents sticking without making food greasy. This 5-second step is the difference between effortless release and scraped coatings.
Tonight’s First Step: Turn Your Instant Pot into an Air Fryer
Check Your Model Size Before Ordering
Confirm you own a 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot (check the bottom label)—the CrispLid won’t fit smaller models. Duo Crisp buyers should note its 12.5″ width requires more counter depth than standard air fryers. For immediate success, try this foolproof wings recipe: Pat dry 2 lbs wings, toss with 1 tbsp baking powder (for extra crisp), arrange in basket, air-fry at 400°F for 25 minutes. Mid-cycle, flip wings and spritz with oil. Rest 5 minutes—you’ll get crackling skin without deep-frying.
Your Instant Pot already has the pot, controls, and safety systems needed for air frying—just add convection. Whether you choose the $60 CrispLid for minimal investment or the $180 Duo Crisp for family meals, you’re gaining a true air fryer without cluttering your kitchen. Start tonight with frozen fries or wings using the exact steps above, and experience why this conversion has 4.7-star reviews from 10,000+ users. The crunch is real, the cleanup is simple, and your counter space stays sacred.
