Why Instant Pot Air Fryer Recipes Shine

Hello, culinary adventurers! At Mangoes and Palm Trees, the Mayerhoffer family—Oliver, Natalia, and Victor—presents our Instant Pot Air Fryer Recipes, crafted from our travels across 50+ countries. In Thailand (2016–2018), Oliver mastered Coconut Chicken, while Natalia’s Siberian roots inspired hearty dishes like Pork Chops. Victor, our 8-year-old taste tester, gave his seal of approval to Mozzarella Sticks in Vietnam (2022–present). These recipes leverage the Instant Pot’s air fryer lid for quick, crispy, and budget-friendly meals. Explore more at our Healthy Meal Plans.

Why Use an Instant Pot Air Fryer?

The Instant Pot Air Fryer combines pressure cooking and air frying for versatile, time-saving meals, perfect for busy families, as discovered in our global kitchens (Thailand, 2016–2018). Per Instant Pot’s official Duo Crisp recipes, this method delivers crispy textures without excess oil, ideal for everything from BBQ Wings to Cheesecake Bites.

Key Benefits

  • Dual Functionality: Pressure cook or air fry for maximum versatility, per Instant Pot product manuals.
  • Quick Cooking: Meals ready in under 20 minutes, ideal for weeknights.
  • Healthier: Minimal oil for crispy results, supporting healthy diets.
  • Space-Saving: One appliance for multiple cooking methods.


15 Best Instant Pot Air Fryer Recipes

🍗 Instant Pot Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings

Crispy, tangy wings from Gulf Coast inspirations (2010–2014), a Victor favorite.

IngredientQuantity
Chicken wings2 lbs
Olive oil1 tbsp
Sugar-free BBQ sauce½ cup
Garlic powder1 tsp
Smoked paprika1 tsp
Salt & pepperTo taste

⏱ Prep: 5 min | 🍳 Cook: 20 min | Servings: 4

Nutrition: 320 kcal, 25g protein, 20g fat, 2g net carbs

🥒 Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Fries

Cheesy, crispy fries, a kid-approved snack from Vietnam (2022–present).

IngredientQuantity
Zucchini, cut into strips2 medium
Egg, beaten1 large
Almond flour½ cup
Parmesan cheese, grated½ cup
Italian seasoning1 tsp

⏱ Prep: 10 min | 🍳 Cook: 12 min | Servings: 4

Nutrition: 200 kcal, 10g protein, 15g fat, 3g net carbs

🥥 Instant Pot Air Fryer Coconut Chicken

Crispy, tropical chicken inspired by Thailand (2016–2018).

IngredientQuantity
Chicken breast, cut into strips1 lb
Coconut flour½ cup
Unsweetened shredded coconut½ cup
Egg, beaten1 large
Coconut oil, melted1 tbsp

⏱ Prep: 10 min | 🍳 Cook: 15 min | Servings: 4

Nutrition: 280 kcal, 25g protein, 18g fat, 3g net carbs

🥦 Cheesy Cauliflower Tots

Crispy, cheesy tots, a sneaky veggie hit from Vietnam (2022–present).

IngredientQuantity
Riced cauliflower2 cups
Cheddar cheese, shredded1 cup
Egg, beaten1 large
Almond flour¼ cup
Garlic powder1 tsp

⏱ Prep: 10 min | 🍳 Cook: 12 min | Servings: 4

Nutrition: 220 kcal, 12g protein, 16g fat, 4g net carbs

🧅 Crispy Instant Pot Air Fryer Onion Rings

Low-carb onion rings with a crunchy pork rind coating.

IngredientQuantity
Onion, sliced into rings1 large
Almond flour½ cup
Pork rinds, crushed½ cup
Egg, beaten1 large
Garlic powder1 tsp

⏱ Prep: 10 min | 🍳 Cook: 10 min | Servings: 4

Nutrition: 190 kcal, 8g protein, 14g fat, 4g net carbs

🐟 Garlic Butter Instant Pot Air Fryer Salmon

Flaky salmon with a rich garlic butter glaze, inspired by coastal cuisines.

IngredientQuantity
Salmon fillets4 (6 oz)
Butter, melted2 tbsp
Garlic, minced2 cloves
Lemon juice1 tbsp
Paprika1 tsp

⏱ Prep: 5 min | 🍳 Cook: 12 min | Servings: 4

Nutrition: 320 kcal, 30g protein, 22g fat, 1g net carbs

🥓 Instant Pot Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Elegant, crispy side dish from our family kitchen.

IngredientQuantity
Asparagus spears, trimmed1 lb
Bacon8 slices
Olive oil1 tbsp
Garlic powder1 tsp
Salt & pepperTo taste

⏱ Prep: 10 min | 🍳 Cook: 12 min | Servings: 4

Nutrition: 250 kcal, 10g protein, 20g fat, 3g net carbs

🧀 Instant Pot Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks

Gooey, cheesy sticks with a crunchy coating, a Victor favorite.

IngredientQuantity
Mozzarella sticks8
Egg, beaten1 large
Almond flour½ cup
Pork rinds, crushed½ cup
Italian seasoning1 tsp

⏱ Prep: 10 min | 🍳 Cook: 8 min | Servings: 4

Nutrition: 280 kcal, 14g protein, 22g fat, 3g net carbs

🌶️ Spicy Instant Pot Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Crispy, spicy tenders, a healthier fast-food alternative.

IngredientQuantity
Chicken tenders1 lb
Egg, beaten1 large
Almond flour½ cup
Pork rinds, crushed½ cup
Paprika1 tsp
Cayenne pepper½ tsp

⏱ Prep: 10 min | 🍳 Cook: 15 min | Servings: 4

Nutrition: 270 kcal, 25g protein, 18g fat, 2g net carbs

🦐 Instant Pot Air Fryer Shrimp Scampi

Light, garlicky shrimp scampi, inspired by coastal cuisines.

IngredientQuantity
Large shrimp, peeled1 lb
Butter, melted2 tbsp
Garlic, minced2 cloves
Lemon zest1 tsp
Parsley, chopped2 tbsp

⏱ Prep: 5 min | 🍳 Cook: 8 min | Servings: 4

Nutrition: 200 kcal, 24g protein, 10g fat, 2g net carbs

🌶️ Instant Pot Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Spicy, cheesy poppers with a Mexican-inspired twist (2010–2014).

IngredientQuantity
Jalapeños, halved8 large
Cream cheese, softened4 oz
Cheddar cheese, shredded½ cup
Bacon8 slices
Garlic powder1 tsp

⏱ Prep: 10 min | 🍳 Cook: 12 min | Servings: 4

Nutrition: 290 kcal, 12g protein, 25g fat, 3g net carbs

🍖 Instant Pot Air Fryer Meatballs

Juicy, crispy meatballs, perfect for zoodles or appetizers.

IngredientQuantity
Ground beef1 lb
Parmesan cheese, grated¼ cup
Egg1 large
Almond flour¼ cup
Italian seasoning1 tsp
Garlic powder1 tsp

⏱ Prep: 10 min | 🍳 Cook: 12 min | Servings: 4

Nutrition: 310 kcal, 25g protein, 22g fat, 2g net carbs

🥬 Instant Pot Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Crispy, caramelized sprouts with Parmesan, a family side dish.

IngredientQuantity
Brussels sprouts, halved1 lb
Olive oil1 tbsp
Parmesan cheese, grated¼ cup
Garlic powder1 tsp
Salt & pepperTo taste

⏱ Prep: 5 min | 🍳 Cook: 15 min | Servings: 4

Nutrition: 150 kcal, 6g protein, 8g fat, 5g net carbs

🥩 Instant Pot Air Fryer Pork Chops

Juicy pork chops with a crispy Parmesan crust, inspired by Natalia’s Siberian roots.

IngredientQuantity
Bone-in pork chops4
Almond flour½ cup
Parmesan cheese, grated¼ cup
Paprika1 tsp
Garlic powder1 tsp

⏱ Prep: 10 min | 🍳 Cook: 15 min | Servings: 4

Nutrition: 350 kcal, 30g protein, 25g fat, 2g net carbs

🍰 Instant Pot Air Fryer Cheesecake Bites

Creamy, indulgent dessert bites with an almond crust, a sweet treat.

IngredientQuantity
Cream cheese, softened8 oz
Almond flour½ cup
Egg1 large
Erythritol¼ cup
Vanilla extract1 tsp

⏱ Prep: 10 min | 🍳 Cook: 12 min | Servings: 4

Nutrition: 280 kcal, 8g protein, 25g fat, 3g net carbs


Our Trusted Tools

Instant Pot Duo Crisp

Our go-to with 6-quart capacity and air fryer lid, perfect for all recipes. Per Instant Pot’s official recipes, this model offers exceptional versatility.

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid

Compact add-on for existing Instant Pot units. Product manuals confirm compatibility across multiple base models.


Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers based on 15+ years hospitality and 50+ countries culinary exploration

Can I use frozen ingredients in Instant Pot Air Fryer recipes?

Yes, add a few extra minutes for frozen items like chicken or shrimp, ensuring a single layer. Per Instant Pot product manuals, frozen items work well with minimal adjustments.

What are the best coatings for Instant Pot Air Fryer recipes?

Almond flour, pork rinds, and Parmesan create crispy crusts. Paint The Kitchen Red’s roundup and Pressure Cook Recipes confirm superior crispiness.

Do I need oil for Instant Pot Air Fryer recipes?

A light spritz of avocado or coconut oil enhances crispiness. Official Instant Pot manuals recommend light oiling, and Taste of Home’s guide confirms this reduces sticking.

How do I clean my Instant Pot Air Fryer after cheesy recipes?

Soak the warm basket in soapy water; most are dishwasher-safe. Product manuals recommend avoiding abrasive scrubbers to preserve coating.

Can I use the Instant Pot’s pressure cook function with these recipes?

Yes, pressure cook ingredients first, then air fry for crispiness. Official Instant Pot Duo Crisp recipes and Eat With Carmen’s collection extensively document this method.

Are these recipes kid-friendly?

Yes, Victor loves these recipes. Pressure Cook Recipes and InstantPotCooking feature many kid-approved options.

What’s the best Instant Pot Air Fryer model?

The Instant Pot Duo Crisp is our favorite. The official Instant Pot site recommends this model, and Kinda Healthy Recipes showcases its capabilities.

Can I double recipes in the Instant Pot Air Fryer?

Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding for best crispiness. Eat With Carmen’s guide emphasizes proper spacing, and Food & Wine’s techniques confirm single-layer cooking is key.


Conclusion: Your Instant Pot Air Fryer Adventure

These Instant Pot Air Fryer Recipes bring quick, crispy joy to your table, from BBQ Chicken Wings to Cheesecake Bites, inspired by our family’s 50+ country journey. Share your creations with #MangoesPalmTrees. Try our Keto Chicken Breast Recipes or Personality Quiz Hub for more. Bon appétit!

About Oliver & Natalia Mayerhoffer

Oliver Mayerhoffer, hospitality pro and world traveler

Oliver Mayerhoffer

Expert Recipe Developer

15+ years culinary expertise across 50+ countries. Specializes in appliance cooking and recipe development.

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Natalia Mayerhoffer, cultural navigator and culinary storyteller

Natalia Mayerhoffer

Food Writer & Culinary Editor

Published food journalist with expertise in international cuisine and recipe testing.

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Based in Austria, Thailand, UK, Vietnam & Mexico. Explored 50+ countries over 15+ years. Co-parents Victor Mayerhoffer (born 2016, Koh Samui). All recipes family-tested and approved.


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