There is no denying that I love the Instant brand air fryer toaster ovens. The Omni/Omni Plus/Vortex Plus. I use one or all of them just about everyday. They all have a place of honor on my counter which for me is a big deal since one thing I detest is a cluttered kitchen. So if an appliance is front and center in my house, you know it’s loved.
That said, I recognize that not everyone has the space for an air fryer oven and even though many people love the Instant basket style air fryer, I have a healthy skepticism of basket air fryers based on experience. So when Instant Pot came out with their air fryer lids, I had my reservations but decided that if this was anything like their other products, it was worth a shot and I jumped online to get one and try it out. But as I was searching, I’m ashamed to admit that my eye began to wander and my Instant Pot loyalty was tested. The Mealthy Crisp Lid lead me astray. It just had too many features that were appealing to me…smaller size, ability to fit on any Instant Pot model, and that see thru lid! Seriously! I just kept coming back to it over and over online. I even watched videos and read reviews, trying to find a reason not to buy it. But then I realized, why not do a comparison? So that’s what I did and you just might find the results a bit…..scandalous.
**Make sure to read the entire manual on whichever one you buy. This is a comparison of the basic functions. It’s imperative to read the safety manual before cooking.**
Watch this video for more detailed information….
Air Fryer Lid Comparison and Review: Instant Pot vs Mealthy
These are the 2 Air Fryer Lids I purchased and compared. And when I say “I purchased” them, I mean just that, I used my own money. I am not sponsored by either company and so this review is completely unbiased and 100% my honest feedback.
Mealthy CrispLid vs Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid
Accessories
| Mealthy CrispLid | Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid |
|---|---|
| Round Shallow Air Fryer Basket | Deep Non-Stick 2 Layer Basket |
| 3″ High Trivet | Basket Clip-on Base |
| Small Tongs | Broiler/Dehydrating Tray for Second Layer |
| Silicon Resting Pad | Protective Pad |
| Instruction Manual and Recipe Book | Instruction and Safety Manual |
Time and Temperature Settings
| Mealthy CrispLid | Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid | |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature Range: | 300°F – 500°F or 113°F – 155°F | 105°F – 400°F (each Mode has different ranges) |
| Temperature Increments: | Upper Temps go by 25°F Lower Temps go by 10°F (except 113°F) | 5 °F |
| Time Range: | 1 – 60 min (300°F – 425°F) 1 – 20 min (450°F – 500°F) 1 hr – 24 hrs (113°F – 155°F) | 1 – 45 min (AirFry & Roast) 1 – 20 min (Broil) 1 – 60 min (Bake & Reheat) 1 – 72 hrs (Dehydrate) |
| Time Increments: | 1 min (300°F – 500°F) 10 min (113°F – 155°F) | 1 min 5 mins in Dehydrate mode |
| Countdown: | Counts by Seconds | Counts by Minutes until it gets down t the last minute, then counts by seconds |
Important Comparisons between Mealthy and Instant Pot
| Mealthy CrispLid | Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid |
|---|---|
| 4 3/4 inches tall | 6 inches tall |
| 3 lbs | 6 lbs |
| Can use on any model Instant Pot from 6 Qt to 8 Qt | Can only use on certain Instant Pot models *Make sure to check online that your IP is compatible* |
| See-thru Lid | No See-thru Lid |
| No Preheat/Cool Down Mode | Preheat and Cool Down Mode |
| Turn On and Off Sound (Hold the Pause Button for 3 sec) | Turn On and Off Sound (Hold + over Time for 3 sec) |
| Standard Cord | Safety Plug to stop you from plugging in Instant Pot. |
| Simple 6 Button configuration | Smart Program Buttons |
| All Stainless Steel | Basket & parts of Lid have Non-Stick Coating |
| Does not alert you to turn food | Displays “TURN FOOD” 1/2 way through cooking |
Important Safety Information
Even though I am going to have a separate post for more detailed information on how to use each of the Air Fryer Lids, I wanted to add some important safety tips. That said, whichever lid you choose make sure to read the safety manual before cooking.
- When using either air fryer lid, only use the Stainless Steel liner/insert pot that comes with the Instant Pot. DO NOT use a ceramic pot!
- NEVER use any air fryer lid while the Instant Pot is plugged in. You have to unplug the Instant Pot/Electric Pressure Cooker whenever using an air fryer lid.
- Always place the lid on the Protective Resting Pad that comes with it. NEVER place hot lid directly on the counter.
- DO NOT use the air fryer lid on an Instant Pot if it doesn’t fit correctly. The Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid does not fit all models of Instant Pots, so make sure you have a model that is compatible.
- DO NOT use parchment paper or non-oven safe materials when cooking with the Air Fryer Lid.
- DO NOT store the Air Fryer Lid on an Instant Pot when not in use.
thanx for the info. i would have picked the instapot lid. now my pick is the mealthy.
You are going to love it!
Question: Do I really need the Crisp lid if I have an Air Fryer oven?
Nope, lol. Not at all. 😁👍
I have a pressure cooker it does not have the liner that I see it has a ceramic interior wealthiest also work with that or will it damage it
HOnestly, I am not sure. I think they say specifically to use it with the metal liner. Can you by a metal liner online that will fit?
thank you for the information.
This was so helpful. I’ve been trying to decide between the two and I loved how you compared every aspect. Thank you and you are also a pleasure to watch!
Thank you so much!
Thanks for a very informative and helpful review of them. Thanks for stating that you were reviewing the Mealthy on the IP Max.
Here’s hoping that the lids like the Mealthy come out with a design that shows what the temperature is throughout the process and also adds a setting to where one doesn’t have to push the start button after flipping over food items.
INSTEAD OF DIRTYING UP MY INSTANT POT, I USE AN ORDINARY HEAVY STAINLESS POT – ABOUT "4-5" "DEEP". PUT IN A VERY LOW TRIVIT, SO THAT THE FOOD DOESN'T SIT ON THE BOTTOM. JUST MAKE SURE YOUR LID FITS THE POT. VOILA.
THAT WAY MY STOVE FAN PICKS UP ALL THAT EXCESS SMOKE, WHICH MAKES MY HUSBAND VERY HAPPY. WE LIVE IN AN APARTMENT, AND THAT SAVES HIM FROM OPENING THE DOOR FOR VENTILATION.
HALENA
I have the Crisp Lid which has been great BUT..Trying to make jerky at 180 degrees but the temp settings jump from 155 to 300. No adjusting, Yes, I can use it on my 6 &8 IP's.
Can you use the crisp one with the smart instant pot?
Yes it will fit it.
I have successfully used parchment paper rounds with both the CrispLid and the IP Air Fryer Lid. Just make sure you don’t put it in when preheating and always have food on top of it. Additional comment: I just discovered your website. My Omni Plus is coming tomorrow!
Hi you are going to love the Omni. I think we use it everyday. And I love those parchment rounds and the foil squares for the oven. And you are right about the food being on top, lol. I did that once with the foil and it flew everywhere like Dorothy's house in the tornado in The Wizard of Oz, lol.