Instant Vortex Plus 6QT Air Fryer User Manual

Safety Instructions

AWARNING: Before using your new Vortex Plus, read all instructions, including the Safety Instructions and the Warranty. Failure to follow the safeguards and instructions may result in personal injury and/or property damage.

Important Safeguards

Placement

• DO place the appliance on a countertop only. Always operate the appliance on a stable, non-combustible, level surface.
• DO NOT place the appliance on or close to a hot gas or electric burner, or a heated oven.
• DO NOT use the appliance near water or flame.
• DO NOT use outdoors. Keep out of direct sunlight.
• DO NOT place on anything that may block the vents on the appliance.
• DO make sure all parts are dry and free of food debris before use.

General Use

• DO NOT touch the appliance's hot surfaces, or any accessories during or immediately after cooking because they will be hot.
• DO use the appliance's handles and knobs.
• DO use oven mitts when removing accessories.
• DO place hot accessories on a heat-resistant surface or cooking plate.
• DO NOT cover the crumb tray or any part of the oven with foil. This will cause the oven to overheat.
• DO NOT move the appliance while it is in use.

User Safety

• DO NOT allow children or persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities to operate this appliance. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used near children and individuals with reduced capabilities. Children should not play with this appliance.
• DO NOT use the appliance for anything other than household use. It is not intended for commercial use.
• DO NOT leave the appliance unattended while in use.
• DO NOT use the appliance for more than 60 minutes in a 2-hour period.

Air Frying Cautions

• When the air fryer is in operation, hot air is released through the air vents. Keep your hands and face at a safe distance from the air vents and take extreme caution when removing hot accessories from the appliance. Failure to do so may result in personal injury or property damage.
• While cooking, the internal temperature of the appliance reaches several hundred degrees. To avoid personal injury, never place unprotected hands inside the appliance until it has cooled to room temperature.
• DO NOT use a ceramic-coated or stoneware pot (such as CorningWare® stoneware) for air frying.
• DO NOT block the vents on the air fryer. Leave at least 5 in / 13 cm of space around the air fryer when in use.
• DO NOT place the appliance on a hot stove.
• DO NOT operate the appliance on or near combustible materials such as tablecloths and curtains.
• DO NOT cover the air vents while the air fryer is in operation. Doing so will prevent even cooking and may cause damage to the appliance.

Additional Safety Precautions

• DO NOT overfill the air fryer. Overfilling may cause food to contact the heating element, which may result in personal injury, fire, and/or property damage.
• DO NOT pour oil into the cooking container. If needed, spray food lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Using cooking oil could result in personal injury and/or property damage.
• DO use caution with cooking containers made of materials other than metal or glass. Failure to do so may result in fire, personal injury, fire and/or property damage.
• Should the unit emit black smoke during use, press Cancel and unplug the appliance immediately. Wait for smoking to stop before opening the door/basket, then clean thoroughly. For further information refer to ‘Troubleshooting’ in this User Manual.
• DO use extreme caution when moving the appliance containing oils or other hot liquids.
• DO use extreme caution when removing the tray or disposing of hot grease.
• DO NOT use this appliance for deep frying foods.

Accessories

• DO use only accessories or attachments authorized by Instant Brands LLC. The use of parts, accessories or attachments not recommended by the manufacturer may cause a risk of electric shock or other personal injury, fire, and/or property damage.
• DO NOT use the included accessories in a microwave, toaster oven, convection or conventional oven, or on a ceramic cooktop, electric coil, gas range or outdoor grill.

Care and Storage

• DO let the appliance cool to room temperature before cleaning or storage.
• DO NOT store any materials in the appliance when not in use.
• DO NOT place any combustible materials in the appliance, such as paper, cardboard, plastic, Styrofoam or wood.
• DO NOT clean the appliance with metal scouring pads or steel wool. Pieces can break off and touch the electrical parts, causing a risk of electric shock, burns or other personal injury.

Power Cord

• A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce the hazards resulting from grabbing, entanglement and tripping. This appliance has a 3-prong grounding plug. To reduce the risk of electric shock:
• ONLY plug the power cord into a grounded electrical outlet.
• DO NOT remove ground.
• DO NOT let the power cord hang over edges of tables or counters, or touch hot surfaces or open flame, including the stovetop.
• DO NOT use below-counter power outlets.
• DO NOT use with extension cords, power converters or adapters, timer switches or separate remote-control systems.

Electrical Cautions

The appliance contains electrical components that are an electrical shock hazard. Failure to follow these instructions may result in electric shock and/or death.

To Avoid Electrical Shock:

• To disconnect, select Cancel, then remove plug from power source.
• Always unplug when not in use, as well as before adding or removing parts or accessories, and before cleaning. To unplug, grasp the plug and pull from the outlet. Never pull from the power cord.

General Safety Reminders

• DO allow unit to cool before adding or removing parts or accessories.
• DO regularly inspect the appliance and power cord.
• DO NOT operate the appliance if the power cord or plug is damaged, or after the appliance malfunctions or is dropped or damaged in any manner. For assistance, contact Customer Care by email at support@instanthome.com.
• DO NOT attempt to dislodge food while the appliance is plugged into an electrical outlet, as this may cause electric shock, burns, or other personal injury, and/or property damage.
• DO NOT attempt to repair, replace or modify components of the appliance, as this may cause electric shock or other personal injury, fire and/or property damage, and will void the warranty.
• DO NOT tamper with any of the safety mechanisms, as this may result in personal injury and/or property damage.
• DO NOT immerse power cord, plug or the appliance in water or other liquid.
• DO NOT rinse the appliance under tap.
• DO NOT use the appliance in electrical systems other than 120 V ~ 60 Hz for North America.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

What's in the Box

Air Fryer Components:

The air fryer unit includes:

• Control panel: The interface for operating the appliance.
• Light (inside): Illuminates the cooking chamber.
• Heating element (inside): Heats the air for cooking.
• OdorErase™ filter housing (removable): Houses the OdorErase™ filter.
• Power cord (rear): Connects the appliance to the power outlet.
• Air vent (rear): Allows hot air to escape.

Included Accessories:

The following accessories are included:

• Cooking tray: Perforated tray for air circulation.
• Air frying basket with ClearCook™ window: Basket for holding food, with a clear window to view cooking progress.
• 2x OdorErase™ filter (pre-installed, inside): Filters to reduce cooking odors.

Illustrations are for reference only and may differ from the actual product.

Remember to recycle! We designed this packaging with sustainability in mind. Please recycle everything that can be recycled where you live. Be sure to keep this Guide, along with the Safety and Warranty insert for reference.

Using Your Vortex™ Plus

Control Panel Overview

The control panel is designed to be simple to use and easy to read. It features:

• 1. Time/Temperature: Displays and allows adjustment of cooking time and temperature.
• 2. LCD message bar: Shows cooking status and reminder messages.
• 3. Smart Programs: Preset cooking modes including Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat, Broil, and Dehydrate.
• 4. Control Dial: Used to select time and temperature.
• 5. Temperature and time display: Shows current temperature and time settings.
• 6. Cancel: Stops the current cooking program.
• 7. Light: Turns the internal cooking light on or off.
• 8. Start: Initiates the cooking program.

Basic Operations

Turning Cooking Light On/Off

• To turn the light on, press the 'Light' button.
• To turn the light off, press the 'Light' button again. The cooking light cannot be turned off in the last 60 seconds of a cooking program.

Replace Filter Indicator

When it's time to replace the OdorErase™ filter, the display will show "Change Filter". Refer to page 21 for replacement instructions.

Turning Sound On/Off

While in Standby mode, press and hold the 'Temp/Time' and 'Light' buttons for 5 seconds. The display will show "Sound Off" or "Sound On". Audible safety alerts (beeps) cannot be turned off.

Choosing Temperature Unit

You can choose to display temperature in Fahrenheit (°F) or Celsius (°C).

• While in Standby mode, press and hold 'Temp/Time' for 5 seconds until the display shows °F or °C.

Save Custom Settings

You can set and save custom time and temperature settings for any of the six Smart Programs:

1. Select the desired Smart Program.
2. Press the 'Temp/Time' button and use the Control Dial to change the temperature or time.
3. Press the 'Start' button to confirm the change.

The next time you use that Smart Program, the new temperature or time will be used. Adjustments made after cooking begins are not saved.

Resetting Smart Programs

Reset Individual Smart Programs

With the cooker in Standby mode, press and hold one of the Smart Program buttons until the cooker returns to Standby.

Reset All Smart Programs

With the cooker in Standby mode, press and hold the Control Dial until the cooker beeps. All Smart Program cooking times and temperatures are restored to the factory default setting.

Cancel Active Cooking Program

You can cancel any cooking program at any time.

• While in Standby, Preheating, or an active cooking program, press 'Cancel'. Depending on the temperature of the unit, the internal fan may keep running to cool the unit.

Initial Setup

Unpack

1. Remove your new Vortex™ Plus from the box.
2. Remove all packaging material from in and around the air fryer.
3. Make sure to remove all accessories from inside the cooking chamber.
4. Do not remove the safety warning stickers or the rating label from the air fryer.

Clean Before Use

1. Wipe the interior with a damp cloth. Use a clean, soft cloth to dry.
2. Wash the accessories with hot water and dish soap. Rinse with warm, clear water and use a soft cloth to dry.

Placement

1. Place your Vortex Plus on a stable, level surface, away from combustible material and external heat sources. Do not place your Vortex Plus on top of another appliance.
2. Make sure to leave at least 5 in / 13 cm of space above and around all sides of the appliance to allow for sufficient air flow.

Test Run

Before using your new Vortex™ Plus for the first time, perform a test run to ensure everything is working correctly.

To Perform a Test Run:

1. Follow the instructions for cooking on page 15.
2. Insert the cooking basket, but do not add food.
3. Select the 'Air Fry' program.
4. Select the default cooking temperature (400°F / 205°C).
5. Select the default cooking time (18 minutes).
6. When the display shows "Add Food", remove and reinsert the cooking basket (do not add any food).
7. When the display shows "Turn Food", wait 10 seconds for the program to resume.
8. After the cooking program ends, allow the unit to cool down.

Now you're ready to cook a meal in your Instant Vortex Plus!

Cooking

The Vortex™ Plus uses rapid air circulation to crisp or cook food, giving your meals all the rich, crispy flavor of deep frying, with little to no oil.

AWARNING: HOT SURFACES

The air fryer oven will be hot during and after cooking. Always exercise extreme caution when removing food from the hot cooking chamber. Touching hot surfaces may result in personal injury, and/or property damage.

MUST ALLOW AIR FLOW

To prevent personal injury, and/or property damage, do not block air intake or air vents.

What to Cook In

The cooking basket with cooking tray is perforated to allow air to flow under and around your food, and should be used for most foods, like wings and cauliflower bites. For the Baking program only, you can use a metal or glass baking dish to hold things like batter for cakes and dough for breads. Place the baking dish inside the cooking basket for baking.

You can place food right on the cooking tray, without using foil or other coverings.

Prep

Cut, chop, season, marinate or batter your ingredients according to your recipe.

Cook

1. Insert the air frying basket into the cooker. When the air frying basket is inserted securely, the front of the basket is flush with the front of the cooker.
2. Press 'Air Fry'.
3. Press 'Temp/Time' to adjust the temperature and cooking time.
4. Press 'Start' to begin. The display shows "Preheating" to indicate that the cooking program has started. See page 17 to adjust Smart Program settings.

Add Food

1. When the cooker passes the preheating phase, the display shows "Add Food".
2. Remove the basket, and carefully insert your food into the basket.
3. Reinsert the air frying basket into the cooker and the cooking countdown timer starts.

Turn Food

1. Part way through the cooking cycle, the display shows "Turn Food".
2. Remove the air frying basket from the unit and carefully turn, flip, or rotate your food. If you do not remove the basket after "Turn Food" displays, cooking will proceed after 10 seconds.
3. Insert the air frying basket into the cooker. Cooking continues.

Finish

• When the Smart Program completes, the appliance beeps, and the display shows "End".
• The “Food-Ready” beep will come up 1 minute later after "End" (10 beeps in 10 minutes total) if the basket/door is not open.

Smart Programs

Air Fry

You can air fry foods like fries, cauliflower bites, wings, nuggets and more.

To Air Fry:

• Follow the basic instructions for Air Frying.
• Select "Air Fry" as the Smart Program.

Roast

You can roast foods like beef, lamb, pork, poultry, vegetables and scalloped potatoes, for a deliciously tender inside and browned outside.

To Roast:

• Follow the basic instructions for Cooking.
• Select "Roast" as the Smart Program.

Bake

You can bake foods like breads, cakes, pastries and buns, with the Vortex™ Plus as your own “mini oven”.

To Bake:

• Follow the basic instructions for Cooking.
• Select "Bake" as the Smart Program.
• There is no need to turn the food partway through cooking. Leave approximately 1 in / 2.5 cm of space around all sides of the baking dish to allow heat to circulate evenly.

Broil

Broiling cooks using direct top-down heating, perfect for melting cheese on French onion soup, and nachos.

To Broil:

• Follow the basic instructions in Cooking.
• Select "Broil" as the Smart Program.
• There is no need to turn the food partway through cooking.

Dehydrate

Dehydrating uses low heat over a long period of time to safely dry out food items, like dried fruit, jerky and dried veggies.

To Dehydrate:

• Follow the basic instructions in Cooking.
• Select "Dehydrate" as the Smart Program.
• There is no need to turn the food partway through cooking.

Reheat

Bring the crisp and crunch back to leftover fries, pizza and stale bread, in just a few minutes.

To Reheat:

• Follow the basic instructions for Cooking.
• Select "Reheat" as the Smart Program.
• Once this Smart Cooking function starts, the display will show the target temperature and cooking time immediately; there's no preheating time.

Cleaning

Clean your Vortex™ Plus after each use. Always unplug the unit and let all parts cool to room temperature before cleaning. Before use or storing, make sure all surfaces are dry.

AWARNING: To prevent electric shock, unplug before cleaning.

DO NOT immerse power cord, plug or the appliance in water or other liquid, which may result in electric shock.

*Some discoloration may occur after machine washing, but this will not affect the cooker's safety or performance.

Replacing OdorErase™ Filters

Visit instanthome.com to purchase compatible filters, designed to work with your unit.

1. Unplug the Vortex™ Plus from the electrical outlet.
2. Lift the filter housing up, from the top of the unit.
3. Remove the old filters and dispose of them properly. The filters are not recyclable.
4. Remove two (2) new filters from packaging and insert them into the filter housing.
5. Insert the filter housing back into the unit and plug the cooker back into the electrical outlet.
6. Press the buttons "Bake" and "Reheat" together to reset the filter. The filter LED on the top panel of the machine will be off. Now you're ready to cook.
7. The OdorErase filters will automatically begin reducing odors while you cook.

Troubleshooting

Error Codes

If the control panel displays an error code from this list, there is an issue with the Vortex™ Plus. Here are the actions you should take to fix the problem.

Learn More

There's a whole world of Instant Air Fryer information and help just waiting for you. Here are some of the most helpful resources.

Register Your Product

Visit instanthome.com/register

Contact Consumer Care

In the Instant Brand Connect app

Visit instanthome.com/customer-care-center

Email: support@instanthome.com

Instant Brands Connect App with 1000+ Recipes

Visit instanthome.com

Available on iOS and Android app stores.

Cooking Charts and More Recipes

Visit instanthome.com

How-to Videos, Tips, and More

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Replacement Parts and Accessories

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Product Specifications

Warranty

One (1) Year Limited Warranty

This One (1) Year Limited Warranty applies to purchases made from authorized retailers of Instant Brands LLC (“Instant Brands") by the original appliance owner and is not transferable. Proof of original purchase date and, if requested by Instant Brands, return of your appliance, is required to obtain service under this Limited Warranty. Provided the appliance was used in accordance with the use & care instructions, Instant Brands will, in its sole and exclusive discretion, either: (i) repair defects in materials or workmanship; or (ii) replace the appliance. In the event that your appliance is replaced, the Limited Warranty on the replacement appliance will expire twelve (12) months from the date of receipt. Failure to register your product will not reduce your warranty rights. The liability of Instant Brands, if any, for any allegedly defective appliance or part will not exceed the purchase price of a comparable replacement appliance.

What is Not Covered by This Warranty?

• Products purchased, used, or operated outside of the United States and Canada.
• Products that have been modified or attempted to be modified.
• Damage resulting from accident, alteration, misuse, abuse, neglect, unreasonable use, use contrary to the operating instructions, normal wear and tear, commercial use, improper assembly, disassembly, failure to provide reasonable and necessary maintenance, fire, flood, acts of God, or repair by anyone unless directed by an Instant Brands representative.
• Use of unauthorized parts and accessories.
• Incidental and consequential damages.
• The cost of repair or replacement under these excluded circumstances.

EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED HEREIN AND TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, INSTANT BRANDS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS OR REPRESENTATIONS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, BY STATUTE, USAGE, CUSTOM OF TRADE OR OTHERWISE WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLIANCES OR PARTS COVERED BY THIS WARRANTY, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES, CONDITIONS, OR REPRESENTATIONS OF WORKMANSHIP, MERCHANTABILITY, MERCHANTABLE QUALITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR DURABILITY.

Some states or provinces do not allow for: (1) the exclusion of implied warranties of merchantability or fitness; (2) limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts; and/or (3) the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages; so these limitations may not apply to you. In these states and provinces, you have only the implied warranties that are expressly required to be provided in accordance with applicable law. The limitations of warranties, liability, and remedies apply to the maximum extent permitted by law. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state or province to province.

Product Registration

Please visit instanthome.com/register to register your new Instant Brands appliance. Failure to register your product will not diminish your warranty rights. You will be asked to provide the store name, date of purchase, model number (found on the back of your appliance) and serial number (found on the bottom of your appliance) along with your name and email address. The registration will enable us to keep you up to date with product developments, recipes and contact you in the unlikely event of a product safety notification. By registering, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the instructions for use, and warnings set forth in the accompanying instructions.

Warranty Service

To obtain warranty service, please contact our Consumer Care Department by email to support@instanthome.com. You can also create a support ticket online at www.instanthome.com. If we are unable to resolve the problem, you may be asked to send your appliance to the Service Department for quality inspection. Instant Brands is not responsible for shipping costs related to warranty service. When returning your appliance, please include your name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and proof of the original purchase date as well as a description of the problem you are encountering with the appliance.