Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid Review: Evaluating the Air Fryer Hybrid Performance

The Instant Pot has become something of a kitchen legend, a real game-changer in the world of countertop appliances. As a multi-cooker, it combines the power of electric pressure cooking with other nifty functions like slow cooking, sautéing, and even yogurt making. But let's be real—most people buy an Instant Pot primarily for pressure cooking. So when Instant Pot ventured into the air frying arena with the Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid, it raised some eyebrows. Is this hybrid appliance the jack-of-all-trades it claims to be, or is it trying to bite off more than it can chew?

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Testing Methodology

To put the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid through its paces, we conducted several rigorous tests focusing specifically on its air frying capabilities. Since we already know the Instant Pot excels at pressure cooking, we wanted to see if it could hold its own against dedicated air fryers.

Our Testing Protocol:

• Frozen French Fries Test: We air-fried one pound of frozen French fries for 25 minutes at 400°F, stirring halfway through

• Brussels Sprouts Test: Fresh quartered Brussels sprouts (one pound) cooked for 10 minutes at 400°F, stirred every 2-3 minutes

• Chicken Wings Test: Two pounds of chicken wings air-fried at 360°F for 20 minutes, then crisped at 400°F for 6 minutes

• Usability & Cleanup: Evaluated controls, convenience, and cleaning process after each test

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🔧 Design and Operation

What sets the Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid apart from earlier models is its single-lid design that handles all functions, unlike previous versions where you had to swap lids for air frying. The operation is straightforward but has some quirks:

1. Hinge Mechanism: The lid opens upward, attached to the main body

2. Inner Cover Removal: Press a red button to remove the inner lid cover (watch out—it falls off!)

3. Heating Element: Unlike basket-style air fryers, the heating unit is exposed when opened

4. Controls: Simple timer and temperature settings up to 400°F maximum

🍟 Performance Results

Cooking Quality:

Food Item	Result	Issues
French Fries	Mostly crispy and golden	25% fell through rack, inconsistent cooking
Brussels Sprouts	Good caramelization	33% ended up at pot bottom
Chicken Wings	Crispy skin, juicy meat	Required temperature adjustment

While the food that stayed on the rack cooked well—what we'd call "pretty darn good"—there was a significant issue with smaller pieces falling through the perforated rack. The rack's diameter being about 3/4-inch smaller than the inner pot created a recipe for disaster, literally.

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⚠️ Safety and Convenience Concerns

Major Drawbacks:

• 🤚 Exposed Heating Element: When opening the lid during cooking, the heating element points directly at you

• 👎 Awkward Stirring: No convenient basket-shaking mechanism like standalone air fryers

• 🏋️ Bulky Design: Weighs 24 pounds with significant counter space requirements

• 📏 Size Issues: 15.75" x 15.5" footprint, expands to 23" height when opened

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📊 Technical Specifications

Feature	Specification
Capacity	6.5 quarts
Functions	13 including air fry, pressure cook, sous vide
Dimensions	15.75" x 15.5" x 13" (closed)
Weight	24 pounds
Cleaning	Dishwasher-safe components

💭 The Bottom Line

While the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid offers the convenience of multiple cooking functions in one appliance, it falls short as a dedicated air fryer. The exposed heating element and awkward food-stirring process make it less user-friendly than basket-style air fryers.

Who Should Consider This Appliance:

• ✅ First-time Instant Pot buyers who want occasional air frying capability

• ✅ Those with limited counter space (but ample storage space)

• ✅ Users who prioritize multi-functionality over specialized performance

Better Alternatives:

• Dedicated air fryer for frequent air frying needs

• 🏆 Standard Instant Pot + separate air fryer for optimal performance

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At the end of the day, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid is a classic case of "jack of all trades, master of none." While it gets the job done, serious air frying enthusiasts will likely find themselves wanting more convenience and better performance from a dedicated appliance. For occasional users who value space-saving above all else, it might be worth considering—but with caution about the safety and usability compromises involved.