You finally have your new Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer and you are all set to make your first meal. Maybe it’s a frozen pizza? Or a pineapple upside down cake? Or some nice fresh green beans? The real question you ask yourself is….
WHAT MODE DO I USE????
Don’t panic! We have all been there and I promise the answer is easier than you think.
I thought the same thing when I first started using the Vortex Plus and it drove me nuts trying to figure out which mode to use and how each mode is different from the next. Does the fan run slower when it’s on “BAKE” vs “AIR FRY”? Does the “BROIL” mode heat up quicker? Why doesn’t the manual tell me?
My math brain doesn’t like unknowns, so I decided to contact Instant Pot customer service through email and ask them. First, I have to say they were super nice and helpful and though it took me a few times because I just couldn’t get it, they were happy to keep trying until I finally understood. Now I get it, and I’m going to pass along my wisdom to you. And here it is…..
There is no difference between the modes!
That’s right. The fan runs at the same speed and the heating element heats up exactly the same regardless of what mode you use. So why have different modes? Well, just like the Instant Pot, the Vortex has Smart Programs which are pre-programmed settings, to help you easily and quickly set the oven to the temperature and time that they consider to be the typical setting for each function. 
That means if you cook on “AIR FRY” mode at 350 degree for 10 mins, that is EXACTLY THE SAME as cooking on “BAKE” mode at 350 degrees for 10 mins.
Here are the pre-set/default time and temperatures for each function.
- Air Fry: 18 mins 400 degrees F
- Roast: 40 mins 380 degrees F
- Bake: 30 mins 365 degrees F
- Broil: 8 mins 400 degrees F
- Reheat: 10 mins 280 degrees F
- Dehydrate: 7 hours 120 degrees F
That said, there are a few differences between them you should know.
Let’s first look at the 3 functions you will probably use the most.
Air Fry
Roast
Bake
All three have the same time and temperature ranges,
180 – 400 degrees F and 1 – 60 mins
The difference between them (other than the default times they go to when you press the button) is the default setting for “ROTATE” when it comes to using the rotisserie spit/basket. 
- Air Fry: You have the option to “ROTATE”, but it won’t start turning automatically. You have to push the “ROTATE” button.
- Roast: It will automatically start rotating the rotisserie knob. You have to press “ROTATE” to stop it.
- Bake: The “ROTATE” button will not work in this mode.
As for the other modes, here is the low down on Reheat, Dehydrate, and Broil.
- Reheat: The time and temperature range is 120 – 360 degrees F and 1 – 60 mins.
This is a really great option for keeping food warm as well. Just make sure to place the food on the lower position and place an empty baking tray above it to keep it from browning.
- Dehydrate: The time and temperature range is 105 – 160 degrees F and 1 – 15 hrs.
Take note that Dehydrate time is in hours not minutes. You cannot cook for less than an hour unless you monitor the time yourself and just remove the food early.
- Broil: This does not have a temperature range. The default temperature is 400 degrees F and cannot be changed. The time range is 1 – 20 mins.
Buen Provecho and happy Vortexing from me and Daisy Mae!
This was the most amazing informative post on “All things” about the Vortex settings…Lana I am just floored at your concise outgoing professional yet inviting way you do everything…I don’t think I’ve ever like a channel more & I’m subscribed to hundreds and enjoy MANY…I didn’t even get my morning coffee once I saw the email telling me about what the settings mean and how they are all the same and your wisdom having figured that out…etc ! Thank you thank you thank you…this will be such a fear breaker for all who have the Vortex but haven’t ventured into… Read more »
Good morning my friend! You are too sweet. You know the funny thing is I used to hate cooking. My husband was the cook of the family and I just found it tedious and complicated. If I had been given the Vortex 3 years ago I probably would have been overwhelmed and thrown it away, lol. But I realized if I just went at it more as a fun hobby rather than something I had to do to feed the family, and used my mathematical side to figure things out, it actually became a stress reliever. I’m so glad my… Read more »
It’s nice to hear how this has become a passion & it’s easy to tell you enjoy! Something very drawing in what you’re doing…it’s like being a Tour Director was my passion & I guess I was made for it…. 🙂 (‘course that was a time ago…ha ha)…Best !
This is so informative. I thought about as much but you confirmed it. Thanks
Thank you. It was making me not knowing, lol.
Thank you so much for cracking the code! You are amazing and I so enjoy watching you cook! Excited to try to make some little pastelitos for my family. Thank you for inspiring us and breaking everything down into simple steps. What are some of your upcoming recipes going to be? Can you share? I’m trying to be good and not eat as much gluten for medical reasons, can you share any of your fabulous recipes and tweak them to be GF? Especially desserts. Thanks for all your hard work, we sure do enjoy you!
Awe thank you so much. I think doing GF recipes would be great. I’ll work on it. This week I will be adding a few more recipes. Have you ever heard of America’s Test Kitchen? They have a great GF cookbook.
Thanks for your post! I will print this out and post in in my kitchen on the wall with other Instant Pot cheat sheets I found on the IP Community!
That’s so great! You are very welcome.
Thanks, I also contacted customer services. Your explanation goes beyond what I got from them.
You are welcome. It took 3 emails before they really explained it in a way I understood.
Thank you so much. That was very helpful.
You are so welcome!❤😁
You are so welcome!
Thank you for your wonderful explanation. Thanks also for making it printable, so I can have your advice at hand and can read it all again whenever I need to refer to it. Much appreciated!.
You are so welcome! It took me a bit to figure out how to get that dang print button to show up. Lol
Do you have this information regarding the Omni?
Hi. Yes if you search int he menu there is a article called Instant Omni: Finding one, choosing the right mode, and getting started. That will help you. 🙂
At least with my new vortex plus 10 qt, broil does not prompt you to turn the food half way through. Excellent article – it would have been nice if they had actually published this information for those of us that do read the manuals!
I’ve seen all your great, very informative Vortex videos and still managed to learn something on this page too. lol I thought I had a new quirk with mine re the rotisserie starting by itself at times. You probably covered this in a video too, but it didn’t sink in until I read your explanation on this page. As always, many thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so glad you found my blog helpful. That really means a lot.
So glad you answered this question! It was really bothering me that nothing explained the differences and how to use each option. Thank you so much!
You are so welcome! Anytime.
Can I use tray to bake onion rings instead of air fry with basket
Absolutely! Just make sure to spray them so they don’t stick to the tray. I would also flip them when the oven says turn.
Thank you
this is very helpful information. I knew the functions were the same as to fan speed and heating up but not about the defaults, much less the rotisserie … I bought a basket air fryer, then decided to get one with rotisserie … I have yet to use the latter. It's April 27, I got it for Christmas … totally intimidated!
Hi. Don't be intimidated, you got this. PM me anyone with questions..:)