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buzzycrumbhunger

(1,398 posts)
8. I have an Instant Pot with an air fryer lid
Mon Jun 23, 2025, 08:10 PM
Jun 2025

I use that thing ALL the time, but only cooking for 1-2 at a time because that’s not a lot of space. Rarely, I’ve wondered if it would’ve been a good idea to also get a bigger square air fryer but it wouldn’t get used much these days.

I’ve jettisoned the old crock pots, rice steamer, and other infrequently used gadgets because this combo does it all—everything from sauté, slow cook, steam, steam under pressure, and air fry. Sadly, my air fryer lid is made by Mealthy, which went out of business a couple years back. There are quite a few others out there now.

I have the 6 qt and an 8” bamboo steamer basket fits perfectly inside the IP, so I can steam seitan and other goodies. I also have a two-level stainless basket that I use for things like beans in the bigger bottom half and rice in the upper, so I can have a dinner ready in maybe 15 minutes with minimal waste. You can also use it to bake cakes (recently did a pineapple upside-down cake that was awesome!) It also comes with a stand and a mesh thingie so you can do things like egg rolls, baked potatoes, etc. up closer to the heating element.

Regardless of what kind you have, I’d recommend you get a silicone mat to place the hot lid/pan on. (I think they’re good to like 600 degrees) so you don’t have to fumble around wondering where to sit the hot parts when you’re ready to serve the goodies.

Recommendations

2 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

What do you think about air fryers? [View all] babylonsister Jun 2025 OP
I use mine almost every day! SheltieLover Jun 2025 #1
Me too... use it almost every day. FalloutShelter Jun 2025 #26
Sure is! SheltieLover Jun 2025 #33
same here. The #1 thing we make is toast! Ours makes amazing toast, one or both of us uses it daily for that. yellowdogintexas Jun 2025 #29
My fav is frozen salmon & steak fries SheltieLover Jun 2025 #34
Love mine. Pork chops, fish, and potatoes all turn out great. rzemanfl Jun 2025 #2
I use it to make fried chicken dhol82 Jun 2025 #3
I love thighs, too. Sounds like baked chicken, but babylonsister Jun 2025 #17
It comes out with crispy skin. dhol82 Jun 2025 #42
air fryers and toasters are cockroach hotels around here. don't have either nt msongs Jun 2025 #4
??????? Never had snowybirdie Jun 2025 #11
my air guitar is better Tetrachloride Jun 2025 #5
Just bought one last month. Irish_Dem Jun 2025 #6
I use it more than my instant pot. Sneederbunk Jun 2025 #7
I have an Instant Pot with an air fryer lid buzzycrumbhunger Jun 2025 #8
They belong in the garbage, Jirel Jun 2025 #9
Thanks for your sunny optimism about my babylonsister Jun 2025 #13
I don't think I would use mine for reheating, but I would if I have leftover fries from McD or some other such place yellowdogintexas Jun 2025 #30
Use mine often snowybirdie Jun 2025 #10
Pinterest is your friend!! I use it for Instant Pot and Air Fryer recipes. yellowdogintexas Jun 2025 #32
It's not exactly potato chips... buzzycrumbhunger Jun 2025 #43
I like mine OK NewLarry Jun 2025 #12
I have a countertop oven with air fry function sorcrow Jun 2025 #14
I'm old enough to remember when air fryers... appmanga Jun 2025 #15
Love mine, which I've had for two or three years. greatauntoftriplets Jun 2025 #16
Grilled cheese sandwiches! progressoid Jun 2025 #18
You do grilled cheese sandwiches in the air fryer? radical noodle Jun 2025 #23
The idea happened when I re-heated a left-over rueben. progressoid Jun 2025 #38
I need to try this radical noodle Jun 2025 #39
We use ours everyday. Emile Jun 2025 #19
Meh Maninacan Jun 2025 #20
I have countertop multi-use air fryer/over LogDog75 Jun 2025 #21
Use it everyday Keepthesoulalive Jun 2025 #22
I have an Emerill's air fryer oven. love_katz Jun 2025 #24
Wow, sounds very babylonsister Jun 2025 #31
Glad to know you're not with your ancestors yet. Best wishes to you in your recovery! chia Jun 2025 #35
Yoiks. Glad you're still with us! marble falls Jun 2025 #37
Use mine all the time Freddie Jun 2025 #25
The one my dad got was back in the early days, was clear plastic and round, diameter about frozen pizza size ... marble falls Jun 2025 #27
Sounds like the old Nu Wave cooker. Emile Jun 2025 #28
Mighta been. Interesting how air fryers have evolved. From infomercial to high end units and even my oven has ... marble falls Jun 2025 #36
Just noticed upthread there stainless steel ones avaliable. dixiegrrrrl Jun 2025 #44
I use mine frequently. La Coliniere Jun 2025 #40
I've barely used my oven since I got mine tishaLA Jun 2025 #41
Late to the party, but I love mine. peacefreak2.0 Jun 2025 #45
Use It Sparingly ProfessorGAC Jun 2025 #46
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