We have 4 different size air fryers including an air fryer oven, and have had our mini (luckily found a light blue version here in California!) for 4 years and love it! So handy, easy to use and everything comes out delicious. Extra-convenient for when you have smaller meals to make, and don’t need to use a full-size air fryer,
Oh wow, amazing! Oh yes, I loved those little coloured ones but they disappeared from sale so quickly here. I have one of those versazone air fryers at the moment and use it for everything. If it wasn't for occasional sourdough making phases and pizza, I don't think i'd need an oven at all. Thanks so much for sharing 👍😊
I bought the mini last year & I love it. My daughter uses it all the time to make fries, chicken & a whole bunch of other stiff. It's truly perfect for one. We loved it so much, I bought one for my brother. He's thrilled as well. Obviously, you can't make a whole chicken in it but 2 to 3 pieces fit well. I also use silicon cupcake mold (s) for individual sweets, mac & cheese etc. Cute, fun & versatile air fryer. Hope your sis enjoys it as much as we do. Be well.
Ah that's a great review Millie - yes my sis loves it and it's so quick. Our energy costs have skyrocketed here in the uk right now so it's such a bonus to not have to put the big oven on to heat. Thanks for sharing - pinning your comment 👍
SO HELPFUL! have been trawling youtube all day to figure out what size/model is best for me and your vid nailed it in five mins (wish i'd found it earlier!). I was keen on the duo crisp for the multi-functionality but have realised that that beast is just way too big for my needs. thanks so much :)
Thank you so much! I was looking for exactly the info re: capacity and you've done a beautiful job in showing that. I believe I'll order this mini airfryer right now. Thanks again!
Thank you SO much for this video. I have been looking for a small, simple one-person air fryer for my elderly aunt and have been bamboozled by the options. Your comparisons have been very helpful.
Couldnt sleep this morning. 3 am theres me trawling all through the reviews on air fryers. You see they weren't on my list of must haves but my friend recently purchased the small Ninja and was raving about it, apart from sending me pics of frazzled bacon etc until she got jist and timing of it. Anyways bleary eyed and totally tired I came across the Instant vortex mini! Could this be the answer to a 2 person household? Hmm! Still undecided as worried when family came. Hubby by this time was awake , me full of enthusiasm plonked said images in front of him. Why do we need a big one, its 90 % used by just 2..... So after much deliberation looking reviewing reading etc , decided on the Instant Vortex mini. So pleased I made this choice, it is perfect. Does the job so well, for me theres not enough superlatives for this little beauty. One happy bunny. 😊 Thank you for this video, as it was the deciding factor.
Thank you so much and oh I so know that review fever :) I'm really pleased it's worked out for you. It's such a natty little machine and my sister loves hers too. It's going to be super efficient on energy too at that size. I was really surprised how big the tray is. They should big (little) it up more ;)
You’re welcome Cassia, I’ve been trying to fix the links further down the description so they work everywhere, but sounds like they are still not right. Appreciate the thought all the same and no worries at all 😊
Thank you so much for this video! I'll be cooking for one and was nervous this would not be big enough for some of the recipes I've saved as they are for 5-6 qts! Especially for the cakes and baked goods recipes, now I know to just buy a smaller cake pan. So helpful thank you! Ordering mine tomorrow!
Yes, get it home and measure it exactly so you have the right size pan. It's the height that it really cuts down on so watch our for deeper cakes as they might burn on the top - to avoid this put foil over the top and secure it as a cover) for part of the baking time. I'd also expect you can can scale down those recipes if they are huge. The time and cost saving is big so if you're cooking for one, I'd definitely see if this will work for you.
I am grateful for this: the air fryer I just received is quite similar in construction & size and most videos are all about the larger ones. I'm going to see if you have more hints on your Channel. Thank you from California!
Great to hear! Thank you. My sis still has the fryer and loves it. I made a short recently on making a fish parcel in there for one which worked really well 😊
Glad to be of help Judith. Yes I think it's big enough for 1 or even 2 dependent on size of chip portions you like :) The only other thing to think about is that the tray is too shallow to cook bulky (tall) bits of meat or a whole chicken. Fine for chicken portions etc. Something I forgot to mention in the video: If you are cooking something and it starts to brown too early, just tuck a bit of foil over it to stop the browning while continuing the cooking. Works great! (same for all air fryers to be honest) Good luck - it's a really fun appliance 😊
Thank you so much! I'm looking at one and was curious about the capacity as it looks small. Also I think I'd get some great use out of it instead of heating the house baking with the stove oven, especially at our near 100° summer we're having.
Tried to find one a couple of weeks ago, but with no success. Settled for the 2L Cosori instead. Gave it a trial run dry-searing some oxtails before they went into the Instant Pot to slow cook, (400F for 12 minutes) and it worked a treat. Evenly browned all over, and none of that tedious turning!
@@CookingandCalm quick update: sausages were great - so much quicker and less messy than the oven. Also baked rolls and fries. It's really easy to use and clean. Brilliant. Thanks again - they should have you on commission!
🤗Thank you for this video💝 We've just received our Instant Pot Vortex 4 (exactly 3,7) liter, so it's a bit bigger. We were searching for if the rubber parts on the baking sheet have to stay or not. Thanks to you ee do know now: yes, for cooking, baking reheating and so on the rubber parts have to stay.😊 Greetings from the Netherlands👋
Hi there from 🇬🇧 👋Glad it was helpful! Yes the rubber parts have to stay on while cooking. They get a bit ‘gummed up’ sometimes and are removable for washing when you need to
Have you seen or heard of the Sur La Table 5qt air fryer? I'm curious if it's as good quality as some of the more well-known brands, because that looks like a very compact way to get more volume for the basket.
Sorry but I haven't seen that one. I only really know the instant pot ones. Hopefully someone on youtube has had a look at them and can help. Good luck with it. 👍
So I got mine in light blue after seeing this amazing video ! I do have “your gadgets” to remove the tray in the instant pot duo. Best tip ever! Does your sister feel the need to remove the tray on this mini one? It goes in pretty tight. I have not been able to remove it once filled with something. Just dumping the food might not always be the solution as the oil would be dumped over the food also. Any thoughts ?❤
Sounds pretty! I use tongs a fair bit for removing food from my big one and only lift tray for washing. Sometimes I use a foil sling as suggested by America’s Teat Kitchen too
The mini really is very compact so may not be for you if want more space. It's really tricky with Airfryers as they are quite big , but also so good! Hope it works out for you.
I am from the US and I need to know what a cheesy bake is? I might need something like this in my life and have to find it in my country. I just ordered this for my son's college studio apt and I appreciate your video.
Hi Brandi! Oh they are sooo delicious. They are from Marks and Spencer's which is an upmarket store here (think they have in Canada but not US) - here's a link I hope you can see or search "m&s cheddar cheese and onion crisp bakes" www.ocado.com/products/m-s-2-cheddar-cheese-onion-crispbakes-516395011 I found someone recreating them here so might help you work out an equivalent. Nice quick food for the freezer : www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/homemade-cheese-and-onion-crisp-bakes/ Great idea for your son ! I'm sure he'll appreciate that
Thank you 🙏. I haven't tried it but I expect you can by buttering the outsides of the bread like you would a sandwich toaster maybe. Try searching airfryer channels - I bet someone has done it here (or on TikTok) and if it can be done in an Airfryer, I'm sure it will work in the Lil Crispy 😊
Thanks so much, I love your soothing voice and appreciate the demo. I'd be grateful if you'd let us know timing & temperatures of these tests. I'm just wondering if buying an air fryer is genuinely worth it for me xxx thanks and best wishes!
Hi there, Glad you found it helpful. I've added the timings to the description for you. I think it does depend what sort of things you'd like to cook and for how many. For one and to do things you'd normally put the oven for , I really do think they're amazing. If a large family, there is a reduced capacity to an oven so that needs thinking about. I'm sure a lot of energy is saved - the pre-heat is just seconds and in general I find I can reduce the temperature and timing for freezer style foods, oven chips etc. If there is something else you're wondering about do feel free to ask me- if i know, I'll help :)
I like yourself struggle with the size of kitchen equipment without some visual comparison/yardstick. Size of machine,footprint and capacity of the basket are essential for people with limited kitchen space, including single people, on very tight budgets,this with regard to the UK cost of energy as of October 2022. Many Thanks.
Great....perfect timing,just had a msg saying this was on offer at Robert Dyas £50....I was considering buying the new Instant pot ultimate for an up grade,my old instant pot works fine,bt looking very tierd,rusty bits and all...like me Hahaha
Thanks Susan! My issue with my Duo Crisp is that I find it so difficult to clean - I do wish that all the pieces would be non-stick. I wonder if it would have been better to buy a separate air fryer. The pressure cook function is fantastic, however!
Yes, i know what you mean. I dishwash the stainless steel grill plate, and now put the basket straight into sink of soapy water when I've emptied it - I ruined the last one by dishwashing it. The search continues for the perfect set up :)
Thank you 😊. None of them seem to come with a proper recipe style manual anymore. This is the one that was in the box for us instantbrands.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Vortex-2-Quart-UK-ENG-Full-Manual-2022-06-10.pdf
Hi there, sorry about the delay. I've added the timings to the description for you. In general I find I can reduce both the temperature and the time it takes to cook for most things. But do keep opening the drawer and checking - when I first got one I was cooking everything on super high and I found it was sometimes burnt on the outside but not cooked inside.
Hi Georgina, I think this one would be too small for more than slice of pizza & too shallow for bread. You might be able to do a focaccia style bread in the slightly larger model. Fine for reheatng pizza but for cooking from scratch it only cooks from above so likely soggy. I haven't tried brownies.There is a cosori model that heats from below and above I saw on @prohomecooks channel and that might work better for baking I suspect. Maybe have a look at some air fryer vids on that channel as they do a lot of air fryer cooking from scratch. I hope that helps and happy camping!
@@CookingandCalm thanks for this. I’m now looking at the Ninja foodie mini which could do small loaves, cakes and pizza as well as pressure cooker and air fry
that sounds ideal - I wouldn't be without my Instant Pot for camping and similar thing but they don't really have a small Duo Crisp model so foodie sounds better for you. PS: If you like outdoor cooking, the Cobb is my favourite gadget! If it rains, you can just pick it up and shift it under cover, which is pretty useful here in the UK at least! :)
Don't know if it is only the one I bought, but even after 2 20 mins sessions, there is still an awful plastic smell with this thing!. When, if at all does this go?
Oh yuk. That didn't happen with ours. It's often the burning off of a plastic film companies seal products with to stop rust etc during storage - the only thing I can think of is to wash it all again (tray and drawer) in hot soapy water to make sure it's gone, and in case when you pull it out you see a bit of plastic or tape hiding in there. Otherwise I'd contact the instant pot people . I hope it resolves Bill . 👍
Yes you can but I tend to soak it , scrunch it and spread back out first as airfryer can get very hot so keep an eye until you’re used to it. If airfryer function, it is very ‘windy’ in there so be sure to really wrap tightly or secure in some way. Hope that helps
Yes I just have a habit of cleaning the tray and container straight away and this keeps it sparkling (I drop the removable bit into hot soapy water while we eat dinner, then a quick brush/wipe and it's sorted). I didn't notice that smell on my one, I've heard people talking about it. It is usually the coating that manufacturers put on anything metal to stop it rusting in storage that causes weird smells. Most will ask you to wash before first use if that is the case so that's always worth doing. I hope that helps!
@cudgee The manual for my Llivekit air fryer oven recommends running it empty for 15 minutes before the first use, to get rid of any chemical smells. I'd probably do the same with the Mini if (or rather, When!) I buy one.
Hi, does the instant pot 6qt take as much space as the instant vortex mini ? I'm asking because i already have this air fryer and i'm planing to buy an instant pot but i don't know if i should buy the 3qt or the 6qt, i just cook for myself. Thanks !!
Hi there, yes it does take a little more space - the one I get out and show against the airfryer in the video first is a 6 Qt Evo which is very similar to the 6Qt Duo so maybe flick back to that bit on the video to see. The Instant Pot is definitely a little bigger. Having said that, where the Instant Pot really helps is that you can batch cook and freeze in individual portions (if you have freezer) so it's worth considering the 6 quart even when cooking for one as it gives a lot more flexibility than the 3 qt. Most of the accessories I've seen always seem to be for the 6qt. My sis cooks for one too, and she is just learning pressure cooking with the 6Qt - she can cook batches of soups and stews then freeze in 1 cup silicone 'ice cube' trays - really great things. If there's anything else I can help with please do come back to me.
@@CookingandCalm Hi, Thank you do much for taking the time and commenting back. Sadly i'm a college student i don't like leftovers or have the place to freeze them, i just like to cook every day something different (2 meals or 3). Do you think the 3qt is better in this case ? Thanks a lot
Ah I see - do you know I don’t know anyone with the 3Qt so it’s hard for me to say. I just had a look on the UK facebook group and people definitely like them on there, but the main issue is finding accessories for the little one and that’s mentioned a lot. So if you are mainly doing soups, stews, lentils etc that’s not a problem. If you want to get into ‘pot in pot’ cooking (where’s you cook the rice/potatoes etc in a 2nd layer above the main dish), you might find it hard to do that in the small pot. I really like ‘pot in pot’ as we eat a lot of rice and it saves money and washing up but it does depend on your own cooking preferences. I hope that helps.
@@CookingandCalm I don't live in the UK, but all the accessoires i want for the 3qt, i found them on Amazon for cheaper prices than the 3qt (maybe because they have a lot in stock since instant pot are not as trendy in France as in other countries), Also i don't see myself using the pot in pot method, so i think i will go with the 3qt 😅. Thank you a lot, this was so helpful.
Hi there Vibhor, this model will be too small to roast a chicken as it is very shallow. It would be more suitable for roasting chicken portions or if this is important, I'd definitely suggest one of the bigger models. Hope that helps and you find the one you need.
@@CookingandCalm wondering if i can fit two chicken breasts in that , I need a device for two people ideally !! And since i am constantly on move i was wondering if that is a good idea !
I heard instant pot have a new Airfryer model (I think it might be called 'slim') and this little step up could be worth looking at for two as a bit more flexible
@@CookingandCalm I just returned to watch video again and saw that I only managed to comment "Tha" although if your reply is anything to go by you did understand what I meant to say. lol After further investigations and your excellent post I have bought the Instant Pot Vortex 2l Mini Air Fryer and am eagerly awaiting its arrival. 😃😋
We have 4 different size air fryers including an air fryer oven, and have had our mini (luckily found a light blue version here in California!) for 4 years and love it! So handy, easy to use and everything comes out delicious. Extra-convenient for when you have smaller meals to make, and don’t need to use a full-size air fryer,
Oh wow, amazing! Oh yes, I loved those little coloured ones but they disappeared from sale so quickly here. I have one of those versazone air fryers at the moment and use it for everything. If it wasn't for occasional sourdough making phases and pizza, I don't think i'd need an oven at all. Thanks so much for sharing 👍😊
I bought the mini last year & I love it. My daughter uses it all the time to make fries, chicken & a whole bunch of other stiff. It's truly perfect for one. We loved it so much, I bought one for my brother. He's thrilled as well. Obviously, you can't make a whole chicken in it but 2 to 3 pieces fit well. I also use silicon cupcake mold (s) for individual sweets, mac & cheese etc. Cute, fun & versatile air fryer. Hope your sis enjoys it as much as we do. Be well.
Ah that's a great review Millie - yes my sis loves it and it's so quick. Our energy costs have skyrocketed here in the uk right now so it's such a bonus to not have to put the big oven on to heat. Thanks for sharing - pinning your comment 👍
SO HELPFUL! have been trawling youtube all day to figure out what size/model is best for me and your vid nailed it in five mins (wish i'd found it earlier!). I was keen on the duo crisp for the multi-functionality but have realised that that beast is just way too big for my needs. thanks so much :)
Glad to be of help Vee - yes I love my Duo Crisp - apart from the size! Hope you find the right option for you 😊
Thank you so much! I was looking for exactly the info re: capacity and you've done a beautiful job in showing that. I believe I'll order this mini airfryer right now. Thanks again!
You are really welcome. My sis loves hers
Thank you SO much for this video. I have been looking for a small, simple one-person air fryer for my elderly aunt and have been bamboozled by the options. Your comparisons have been very helpful.
You are so welcome! I hope you find the right one for her - very good idea. Safe, light and easy to learn
Couldnt sleep this morning. 3 am theres me trawling all through the reviews on air fryers. You see they weren't on my list of must haves but my friend recently purchased the small Ninja and was raving about it, apart from sending me pics of frazzled bacon etc until she got jist and timing of it. Anyways bleary eyed and totally tired I came across the Instant vortex mini! Could this be the answer to a 2 person household? Hmm! Still undecided as worried when family came. Hubby by this time was awake , me full of enthusiasm plonked said images in front of him. Why do we need a big one, its 90 % used by just 2..... So after much deliberation looking reviewing reading etc , decided on the Instant Vortex mini. So pleased I made this choice, it is perfect. Does the job so well, for me theres not enough superlatives for this little beauty. One happy bunny. 😊
Thank you for this video, as it was the deciding factor.
Thank you so much and oh I so know that review fever :) I'm really pleased it's worked out for you. It's such a natty little machine and my sister loves hers too. It's going to be super efficient on energy too at that size. I was really surprised how big the tray is. They should big (little) it up more ;)
So happy to find another MINI lover
I was so impressed by it!
Not only the usual beat tips but also the best music !!!! Thanks
I appreciate that!thanks Cassia !
@@CookingandCalm ordering my mini today. Will let you know. Shame we can’t buy on your links from the USA. Thanks again
You’re welcome Cassia, I’ve been trying to fix the links further down the description so they work everywhere, but sounds like they are still not right. Appreciate the thought all the same and no worries at all 😊
You’re editing is so amazing.
Thank you so much Alissa! What a lovely thing to say :)
Thank you so much for this video! I'll be cooking for one and was nervous this would not be big enough for some of the recipes I've saved as they are for 5-6 qts! Especially for the cakes and baked goods recipes, now I know to just buy a smaller cake pan. So helpful thank you! Ordering mine tomorrow!
Yes, get it home and measure it exactly so you have the right size pan. It's the height that it really cuts down on so watch our for deeper cakes as they might burn on the top - to avoid this put foil over the top and secure it as a cover) for part of the baking time. I'd also expect you can can scale down those recipes if they are huge. The time and cost saving is big so if you're cooking for one, I'd definitely see if this will work for you.
I am grateful for this: the air fryer I just received is quite similar in construction & size and most videos are all about the larger ones. I'm going to see if you have more hints on your Channel. Thank you from California!
Great to hear! Thank you. My sis still has the fryer and loves it. I made a short recently on making a fish parcel in there for one which worked really well 😊
What a great video! Love your presentation style! Just found this Air Fryer at a thrift store for $8. It looks like it was only used once.
That is awesome! What a bargain
I love your editing and the vid was so helpful!
Thank you so much!!☺️
Thank you for this video! I was debating between this one and the 4qt.....i think this one will work perfectly 🥰
Glad to be of help Judith. Yes I think it's big enough for 1 or even 2 dependent on size of chip portions you like :)
The only other thing to think about is that the tray is too shallow to cook bulky (tall) bits of meat or a whole chicken. Fine for chicken portions etc. Something I forgot to mention in the video: If you are cooking something and it starts to brown too early, just tuck a bit of foil over it to stop the browning while continuing the cooking. Works great! (same for all air fryers to be honest) Good luck - it's a really fun appliance 😊
Thank you so much for this video! You made buying one a no brainer!
You are welcome Tharaha - glad it helped and enjoy your lil crispy 😊.
thank you good little film and very informative just what I was thinking about
Glad you found it useful Clyde!
Great video 🌸
Thank you Claire 😊
Thank you so much! I'm looking at one and was curious about the capacity as it looks small. Also I think I'd get some great use out of it instead of heating the house baking with the stove oven, especially at our near 100° summer we're having.
Thanks Angie - yes they're great for small scale cooking. Glad it was helpful for you
Are you in the U.S?
@@CookingandCalm yes ma'am Texas
Oh yes, very hot then. I hope it helps keep things cooler for you 😊👍
Tried to find one a couple of weeks ago, but with no success. Settled for the 2L Cosori instead.
Gave it a trial run dry-searing some oxtails before they went into the Instant Pot to slow cook, (400F for 12 minutes) and it worked a treat. Evenly browned all over, and none of that tedious turning!
yes I think they might not be making this model. Cosori is a great brand too and glad it worked out!
Thank you, just what I was looking for. (I just want to cook a pack of sausages with less mess or guilt over using the oven, so this looks ideal.)
Airfryers are SO perfect for sausages - no smoke filled kitchen !
@@CookingandCalm quick update: sausages were great - so much quicker and less messy than the oven. Also baked rolls and fries. It's really easy to use and clean. Brilliant. Thanks again - they should have you on commission!
Oh I wish ! 😊 Great to hear that Toria. Thanks for sharing
Really useful video, thanks!
Glad it was helpful and you're very welcome 👍
🤗Thank you for this video💝 We've just received our Instant Pot Vortex 4 (exactly 3,7) liter, so it's a bit bigger. We were searching for if the rubber parts on the baking sheet have to stay or not. Thanks to you ee do know now: yes, for cooking, baking reheating and so on the rubber parts have to stay.😊 Greetings from the Netherlands👋
Hi there from 🇬🇧 👋Glad it was helpful! Yes the rubber parts have to stay on while cooking. They get a bit ‘gummed up’ sometimes and are removable for washing when you need to
@@CookingandCalm very helpful and kind ... You have new followers now😊
Thank you . And welcome 😊
Thank you so much for making this!!!
You're really welcome. Hope it helps your research
Have you seen or heard of the Sur La Table 5qt air fryer? I'm curious if it's as good quality as some of the more well-known brands, because that looks like a very compact way to get more volume for the basket.
Sorry but I haven't seen that one. I only really know the instant pot ones. Hopefully someone on youtube has had a look at them and can help. Good luck with it. 👍
I just bought a 4 qt Vortex plus and it’s perfect for two…
Sounds great!
So I got mine in light blue after seeing this amazing video !
I do have “your gadgets” to remove the tray in the instant pot duo. Best tip ever! Does your sister feel the need to remove the tray on this mini one? It goes in pretty tight. I have not been able to remove it once filled with something. Just dumping the food might not always be the solution as the oil would be dumped over the food also. Any thoughts ?❤
Sounds pretty! I use tongs a fair bit for removing food from my big one and only lift tray for washing. Sometimes I use a foil sling as suggested by America’s Teat Kitchen too
If you'd like to see more Instant Pot Reviews and testing, check out this playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLm6fPlrI_KbLIBBR1M9cJb_gEH0Q7Z870
Excellent review. Stuck between this mini or cosori 3.7. I like how small and compact the mini is but also want more cooking space
The mini really is very compact so may not be for you if want more space. It's really tricky with Airfryers as they are quite big , but also so good! Hope it works out for you.
I am from the US and I need to know what a cheesy bake is? I might need something like this in my life and have to find it in my country. I just ordered this for my son's college studio apt and I appreciate your video.
Hi Brandi! Oh they are sooo delicious. They are from Marks and Spencer's which is an upmarket store here (think they have in Canada but not US) - here's a link I hope you can see or search "m&s cheddar cheese and onion crisp bakes" www.ocado.com/products/m-s-2-cheddar-cheese-onion-crispbakes-516395011
I found someone recreating them here so might help you work out an equivalent. Nice quick food for the freezer : www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/homemade-cheese-and-onion-crisp-bakes/
Great idea for your son ! I'm sure he'll appreciate that
Can I do a cheese toastie in this please? Lovely video thank you!
Thank you 🙏. I haven't tried it but I expect you can by buttering the outsides of the bread like you would a sandwich toaster maybe. Try searching airfryer channels - I bet someone has done it here (or on TikTok) and if it can be done in an Airfryer, I'm sure it will work in the Lil Crispy 😊
Thanks so much, I love your soothing voice and appreciate the demo. I'd be grateful if you'd let us know timing & temperatures of these tests. I'm just wondering if buying an air fryer is genuinely worth it for me xxx thanks and best wishes!
Hi there, Glad you found it helpful. I've added the timings to the description for you.
I think it does depend what sort of things you'd like to cook and for how many. For one and to do things you'd normally put the oven for , I really do think they're amazing. If a large family, there is a reduced capacity to an oven so that needs thinking about. I'm sure a lot of energy is saved - the pre-heat is just seconds and in general I find I can reduce the temperature and timing for freezer style foods, oven chips etc. If there is something else you're wondering about do feel free to ask me- if i know, I'll help :)
@@CookingandCalm my Love thanks for your lovely detailed response. Very helpful indeed. Have a fabulous weekend! xx
You too 😊
I like yourself struggle with the size of kitchen equipment without some visual comparison/yardstick.
Size of machine,footprint and capacity of the basket are essential for people with limited kitchen space, including single people, on very tight budgets,this with regard to the UK cost of energy as of October 2022. Many Thanks.
Thank you so much John
Thank you for this video. Can it be used for Chicken also?
Yes, definitely. It's too small for a whole one but great for chicken thighs - super crispy
@@CookingandCalmthank you for your reply. Really appreciate 😊👍
Great....perfect timing,just had a msg saying this was on offer at Robert Dyas £50....I was considering buying the new Instant pot ultimate for an up grade,my old instant pot works fine,bt looking very tierd,rusty bits and all...like me Hahaha
Ha ha- what a bargain - hope you enjoy it!
Thanks Susan! My issue with my Duo Crisp is that I find it so difficult to clean - I do wish that all the pieces would be non-stick. I wonder if it would have been better to buy a separate air fryer. The pressure cook function is fantastic, however!
Yes, i know what you mean. I dishwash the stainless steel grill plate, and now put the basket straight into sink of soapy water when I've emptied it - I ruined the last one by dishwashing it. The search continues for the perfect set up :)
Does anyone know the dimension of the basket? I am looking to buy a silicone mat as a present for someone getting this! Thanks 🙏
Hi Abby, if non-one gets back to you, give me a shout and I'll ask my Sis to get her measuring tape out :)
Well done. Does the MINI come with a cooking guide?
Thank you 😊. None of them seem to come with a proper recipe style manual anymore. This is the one that was in the box for us instantbrands.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Vortex-2-Quart-UK-ENG-Full-Manual-2022-06-10.pdf
Cool...
Thank you
Can you add how many minutes in what temperature you cooked the items at
Hi there, sorry about the delay. I've added the timings to the description for you. In general I find I can reduce both the temperature and the time it takes to cook for most things. But do keep opening the drawer and checking - when I first got one I was cooking everything on super high and I found it was sometimes burnt on the outside but not cooked inside.
Could you bake pizza, small load of bread or brownies in this do you think ? Looking for a mini oven sort of thing for a camper van.
Hi Georgina, I think this one would be too small for more than slice of pizza & too shallow for bread. You might be able to do a focaccia style bread in the slightly larger model. Fine for reheatng pizza but for cooking from scratch it only cooks from above so likely soggy. I haven't tried brownies.There is a cosori model that heats from below and above I saw on @prohomecooks channel and that might work better for baking I suspect. Maybe have a look at some air fryer vids on that channel as they do a lot of air fryer cooking from scratch. I hope that helps and happy camping!
@@CookingandCalm thanks for this. I’m now looking at the Ninja foodie mini which could do small loaves, cakes and pizza as well as pressure cooker and air fry
that sounds ideal - I wouldn't be without my Instant Pot for camping and similar thing but they don't really have a small Duo Crisp model so foodie sounds better for you. PS: If you like outdoor cooking, the Cobb is my favourite gadget! If it rains, you can just pick it up and shift it under cover, which is pretty useful here in the UK at least! :)
Don't know if it is only the one I bought, but even after 2 20 mins sessions, there is still an awful plastic smell with this thing!.
When, if at all does this go?
Oh yuk. That didn't happen with ours. It's often the burning off of a plastic film companies seal products with to stop rust etc during storage - the only thing I can think of is to wash it all again (tray and drawer) in hot soapy water to make sure it's gone, and in case when you pull it out you see a bit of plastic or tape hiding in there. Otherwise I'd contact the instant pot people . I hope it resolves Bill . 👍
Can you put parchment paper in there for easy cleaning like in an oven? I plan to cook fish in it.
Yes you can but I tend to soak it , scrunch it and spread back out first as airfryer can get very hot so keep an eye until you’re used to it. If airfryer function, it is very ‘windy’ in there so be sure to really wrap tightly or secure in some way. Hope that helps
@@CookingandCalm Thank you so much!
You’re welcome Catriona - that should have read ‘secure’ in some way. 😂
This is the 2q?
Yes it's the 2 litre version in uk but that will be equivalent to 2 Q. Hope that helps 👍
Is it easy to clean, and does it have that teflon coating smell out of the box and first use. Thanks.
Yes I just have a habit of cleaning the tray and container straight away and this keeps it sparkling (I drop the removable bit into hot soapy water while we eat dinner, then a quick brush/wipe and it's sorted). I didn't notice that smell on my one, I've heard people talking about it. It is usually the coating that manufacturers put on anything metal to stop it rusting in storage that causes weird smells. Most will ask you to wash before first use if that is the case so that's always worth doing. I hope that helps!
@@CookingandCalm Thanks for your reply and help.😀
You're very welcome 😊
@cudgee The manual for my Llivekit air fryer oven recommends running it empty for 15 minutes before the first use, to get rid of any chemical smells. I'd probably do the same with the Mini if (or rather, When!) I buy one.
Hi, does the instant pot 6qt take as much space as the instant vortex mini ? I'm asking because i already have this air fryer and i'm planing to buy an instant pot but i don't know if i should buy the 3qt or the 6qt, i just cook for myself. Thanks !!
Hi there, yes it does take a little more space - the one I get out and show against the airfryer in the video first is a 6 Qt Evo which is very similar to the 6Qt Duo so maybe flick back to that bit on the video to see. The Instant Pot is definitely a little bigger.
Having said that, where the Instant Pot really helps is that you can batch cook and freeze in individual portions (if you have freezer) so it's worth considering the 6 quart even when cooking for one as it gives a lot more flexibility than the 3 qt. Most of the accessories I've seen always seem to be for the 6qt. My sis cooks for one too, and she is just learning pressure cooking with the 6Qt - she can cook batches of soups and stews then freeze in 1 cup silicone 'ice cube' trays - really great things. If there's anything else I can help with please do come back to me.
@@CookingandCalm Hi, Thank you do much for taking the time and commenting back. Sadly i'm a college student i don't like leftovers or have the place to freeze them, i just like to cook every day something different (2 meals or 3). Do you think the 3qt is better in this case ? Thanks a lot
Ah I see - do you know I don’t know anyone with the 3Qt so it’s hard for me to say. I just had a look on the UK facebook group and people definitely like them on there, but the main issue is finding accessories for the little one and that’s mentioned a lot. So if you are mainly doing soups, stews, lentils etc that’s not a problem. If you want to get into ‘pot in pot’ cooking (where’s you cook the rice/potatoes etc in a 2nd layer above the main dish), you might find it hard to do that in the small pot. I really like ‘pot in pot’ as we eat a lot of rice and it saves money and washing up but it does depend on your own cooking preferences. I hope that helps.
@@CookingandCalm I don't live in the UK, but all the accessoires i want for the 3qt, i found them on Amazon for cheaper prices than the 3qt (maybe because they have a lot in stock since instant pot are not as trendy in France as in other countries), Also i don't see myself using the pot in pot method, so i think i will go with the 3qt 😅. Thank you a lot, this was so helpful.
Perfect! Hope you enjoy it . Have a good weekend
I need to roast chicken in this , i wonder if this is goibg to be too small or would be fine ?
Hi there Vibhor, this model will be too small to roast a chicken as it is very shallow. It would be more suitable for roasting chicken portions or if this is important, I'd definitely suggest one of the bigger models. Hope that helps and you find the one you need.
@@CookingandCalm wondering if i can fit two chicken breasts in that , I need a device for two people ideally !! And since i am constantly on move i was wondering if that is a good idea !
Yes I do think they'd fit fine and airfryers cook chicken really well as so fast & less likely to dry out
I heard instant pot have a new Airfryer model (I think it might be called 'slim') and this little step up could be worth looking at for two as a bit more flexible
@@CookingandCalm thanks for ur help 🙂
What is capacity for vortex mini? Can you mention in litre?
Hi Amit- I think it's 2 litres
Thanks dear. Have a nice day
Are you saying, “ I stole my sister’s package from her porch “. Now let’s use it first! Some sister 🤨
Ok
Tha
you're welcome Marian 👍
@@CookingandCalm I just returned to watch video again and saw that I only managed to comment "Tha" although if your reply is anything to go by you did understand what I meant to say. lol After further investigations and your excellent post I have bought the Instant Pot Vortex 2l Mini Air Fryer and am eagerly awaiting its arrival. 😃😋
Yes I looked on the bright side and assumed it was a ‘thanks’ in the making! Enjoy your adventures when it arrives 👍😊
@@CookingandCalm I will, thank you