Instant Vortex 5 Quart ClearCook Air Fryer User Manual
- June 16, 2024
- Instant
Table of Contents
- Instant Vortex 5 Quart ClearCook Air Fryer User Manual
- Welcome
- Get started with your Vortex air fryer!
- IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX
- USING YOUR VORTEX
- INITIAL SETUP
- COOKING
- SMART PROGRAMS
- CLEANING
- TROUBLESHOOTING
- ERROR CODES
- LEARN MORE
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
- WARRANTY
- DOWNLOAD
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
Instant Vortex 5 Quart ClearCook Air Fryer User Manual
INSTANT® VORTEX™ 5 QT
AIR FRYER WITH CLEARCOOK™
USER MANUAL
Welcome
To your new Instant® Vortex™ air fryer!
This Instant Vortex Air Fryer with ClearCook™ can help you cook delicious
meals with less oil and less hassle. We hope you fall in love with Instant air
frying and enjoy it in your kitchen for years to come!
Get started with your Vortex air fryer!
WARNING
Before using your new Vortex, read all instructions, including the Safety and Warranty document. Failure to follow the safeguards and instructions may result in personal injury and/or property damage.
IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS
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.
- 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 and/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.
-
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.
- 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
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.
USING YOUR VORTEX
Control panel
We’ve designed the control panel to be simple to use and easy to read.
1. Time/Temperature
• Cooking time
• Cooking temperature
2. Smart Programs
• Air Fry
• Roast
• Bake
• Reheat
3. Temperature
4. Time
5. Cancel
6. Light
• Turn on or off the internal cooking light
7. Start
8. LCD message bar
• Reminders and cooking status
Turning cooking light On/Off
- To turn the light on, press .
- To turn the light off, press again. The cooking light cannot be turned off in the last 60 seconds of a cooking program.
Turning sound On/Off
- While in Ready mode, press and hold “up” + “down” Time arrows for 5+ seconds, until the display shows Sound Off or Sound On.
Audible safety alerts (beeps) cannot be turned off.
Choosing temperature unit
Choose which cooking temperature unit you would like to use, Fahrenheit or Celsius.
- While in Ready mode, press and hold “up” + “down” Temp arrows for 5+ seconds, until display shows °F or °C.
Save custom settings
You can set and save custom time and temperature settings for any of the four
Smart Programs.
1. Select the Smart Program you want to set.
2. Press “up” and “down” arrow of Time or Temp button to change the time and
temperature.
3. Press Start Button to confirm change.
The next time you use that Smart Program the new temperature or time is used.
Adjustments made after cooking begins are not saved.
Reset Smart Programs to original settings
Reset individual Smart Programs
- With the cooker in Ready mode, press and hold one of the Smart Program buttons until the cooker returns to Ready.
Reset all Smart Programs
- In Ready mode, press and hold “up” arrows for Time and Temp for over 3 seconds to reset device to its factory setting.
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 Ready mode, Preheating or 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 air fryer from the box.
2. Remove all the packaging material from in and around the air fryer.
3. Make sure to remove all the accessories from inside the cooking chamber.
4. Don’t 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 air fryer on a stable, level surface, away from
combustible material and external heat sources. Do not place your air fryer 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 air fryer for the first time, you must perform a test run to ensure everything is working correctly.
To perform a test run:
1. Plug the air fryer into an electrical outlet. The display will show Ready
2. Insert the cooking basket, but do not add food.
3. Select the Air Fry program.
4. Select the cooking temperature (400°F / 205°C).
5. Select the cooking time (18 minutes).
6. When the display shows Add Food, just 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 air fryer!
COOKING
The Vortex air fryer 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.
WARNING
HOT SURFACES
The air fryer 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, do not block air intake or air vents.
What to cook in
The air frying 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 an oven-safe metal or glass baking
dish to hold things like batter for cakes and dough for breads. Place the
baking dish inside the air frying 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. Make sure the empty air frying basket is inserted 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 10 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
1. Part way through the cooking cycle the display shows Turn Food.
2. Remove the air fryer 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 (and will beep each minute for 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.
Setting | Default | Minimum | Maximum |
---|---|---|---|
Temperature | 400°F / 205°C | 180°F / 82°C | 400°F / 205°C |
Cooking Time | 15 minutes | ||
(00:15) | 1 minute | ||
(00:01) | 1 hour |
(01:00)
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.
Setting | Default | Minimum | Maximum |
---|---|---|---|
Temperature | 380°F / 193°C | 180°F / 82°C | 400°F / 205°C |
Cooking Time | 20 minutes | ||
(00:20) | 1 minute | ||
(00:01) | 1 hour |
(01:00)
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 as your own “mini oven”.
Setting | Default | Minimum | Maximum |
---|---|---|---|
Temperature | 350°F / 177°C | 180°F / 82°C | 400°F / 205°C |
Cooking Time | 30 minutes | ||
(00:30) | 1 minute | ||
(00:01) | 1 hour |
(01:00)
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.
Reheat
Bring the crisp and crunch back to leftover fries and pizza in just a few minutes.
Setting | Default | Minimum | Maximum |
---|---|---|---|
Temperature | 280°F / 138°C | 120°F / 49°C | 360°F / 182°C |
Cooking Time | 10 minutes | ||
(00:10) | 1 minute | ||
(00:01) | 1 hour |
(01:00)
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 air fryer 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.
WARNING
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.
Part | Cleaning instructions |
---|---|
Cooking tray | • Dishwasher safe.* |
• The cooking trays have a non-stick coating. Avoid using metal utensils when
cleaning.
• Avoid using harsh cleaners.
Removable air fryer basket| • Dishwasher safe.*
• The basket has a non-stick coating. Avoid using metal utensils when
cleaning.
• Avoid using harsh cleaners.
Cooking chamber| • Clean with a damp cloth and mild dish soap.
• Always check the heating coil and cooking chamber walls for oil spatter and
food debris, and clean as needed.
• Ensure the heating coil is dry before turning on the air fryer.
• To remove baked-on grease and food residue from the cooking chamber, spray
with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar and wipe clean with damp cloth. For
stubborn stains, allow the mixture to sit on the affected area for several
minutes before scrubbing clean.
Power cord| • Clean with a soft, damp cloth or sponge. Wipe dry.
*Some discoloration may occur after machine washing, but this will not affect the cooker’s safety or performance.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem | Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
Air fryer will not turn on | The appliance is not properly plugged in. | • Make |
sure the power cord is plugged into the outlet firmly.
Outlet is not powered.| • Plug another appliance into the same outlet to test
the circuit.
The basket is not fully inserted.| • Make sure the basket is fully inserted.
Black smoke is coming from the
air fryer| Using an oil with a low smoke point.| • Cancel the Smart Program,
unplug the cooker and allow it to cool to room temperature.
• Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as Canola, Avocado,
Soybean, Safflower, or Rice Bran.
Food residue on the heating coil, in the cooking chamber or on the
accessories.| • Cancel the Smart Program, unplug the cooker and allow it to
cool to room temperature.
• Remove all accessories from the cooking chamber and clean the cooking
chamber and all accessories thoroughly.
Appliance malfunction.| • Contact Consumer Care.
White smoke is coming from the
air fryer| Cooking foods with a high fat content, such as bacon, sausage, and
hamburger| • Avoid air frying foods with a high fat content. Check the
cooking chamber for excess oil and/or fat and carefully remove as needed
before air frying.
Water is vaporizing, producing thick steam.| • Pat dry moist food ingredients
before air frying.
• Do not add water or other liquid to the cooking chamber when air frying.
Seasoning on food has blown into element| • Be mindful when seasoning food.
Spray vegetables and meats with oil before seasoning to help the seasoning
stick.
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.
Problem | Cause | Solution |
---|---|---|
E1 | Open circuit. | • Contact Consumer Care. |
E2 | Temperature sensor short circuit. | • Contact Consumer Care. |
LEARN MORE
There’s a whole world of Vortex Air Fryer information and help just waiting for you. Here are some of the most helpful resources.
Register your product
Instanthome.com/register
Contact Consumer Care
In the Instant Brand Connect app
Instanthome.com/customer-care-center
support@instanthome.com
Instant Brands® Connect App with 1000+ recipes
iOS and Android app stores
Cooking charts and more recipes
Instanthome.com
How-to videos, tips and more
Instanthome.com
Replacement parts and accessories
Instanthome.com
Join the community
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Model| Volume| Wattage| Power| Weight|
Dimensions
---|---|---|---|---|---
AFB5132BK| 5 Quarts
4.7 Litres| 1700 W| 120V/60Hz| 11.82 lb
5.36 kg| in: 14.76 L x
11.61 W x 12.99 H
cm: 37.5 L x
29.5 W x 33 H
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
www.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.
Distributed by Instant Brands LLC 3025 Highland Parkway, Suite 700 Downers
Grove, IL 60515 U.S.
instanthome.com
© 2022 Instant Brands LLC
140-3141-01
08/19/2022
INSTANT and INSTANT BRANDS are registered trademarks of Instant Brands
Holdings Inc.
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Instant Vortex 5 Quart ClearCook Air Fryer User Manual – [Download PDF]