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!