Can an Air Fryer Be Used as a Slow Cooker Discover the Truth

No, an air fryer cannot effectively replace a slow cooker due to fundamental differences in cooking methods—air fryers use rapid hot air circulation for crisping, while slow cookers rely on low, steady heat over hours. However, some modern air fryers with multi-function settings offer a “slow cook” mode, allowing limited versatility, though results may lack the tenderness and depth of flavor achieved in a dedicated slow cooker.

Key Takeaways

• Air fryers cannot replace slow cookers for low-and-slow cooking methods.
• Use air fryers for crispy results—not tender, slow-cooked textures.
• Convert slow cooker recipes carefully by reducing time and increasing temperature.
• Smaller cuts of meat work best to avoid drying out in air fryers.
• Liquids evaporate faster in air fryers—add moisture to prevent burning.
• Air fryers excel at reheating leftovers from slow-cooked meals, not replacing them.

Why You Might Be Wondering If an Air Fryer Can Replace a Slow Cooker

Let’s be honest—kitchen space is precious. Between blenders, toasters, and that waffle maker you used once, countertops fill up fast. So, it’s no surprise that many of us wonder: can an air fryer be used as a slow cooker? After all, both appliances promise convenience and healthier meals, just in different ways. I remember standing in my kitchen, staring at my air fryer, and thinking, “Surely this thing can do more than crisp up chicken wings and reheat fries.”

Air fryers have exploded in popularity for their ability to deliver crispy, golden results with little to no oil. Meanwhile, slow cookers are beloved for turning tough cuts of meat into tender, fall-off-the-bone perfection after hours of gentle cooking. But can one replace the other? That’s the million-dollar question—especially if you’re trying to simplify your kitchen without sacrificing flavor or variety. In this post, I’ll walk you through the truth, the myths, and the practical realities of using an air fryer as a slow cooker. No hype, just honest insights.

Understanding How Air Fryers and Slow Cookers Work Differently

The Science Behind Air Frying

Air fryers work by circulating hot air at high speeds around food using a powerful fan and a heating element. This method mimics deep frying by creating a Maillard reaction (that’s the science behind the golden crust) with minimal oil. The result? Crispy outsides and juicy insides in a fraction of the time it takes to fry or bake.

Think of it like a mini convection oven. It’s fast, efficient, and great for foods that benefit from high heat and air circulation—like potatoes, chicken tenders, or even reheating leftovers. But here’s the catch: it’s not designed for low-and-slow cooking. The air fryer’s goal is to dry out the surface of food quickly, not to simmer it gently for hours.

How Slow Cookers Do Their Magic

Slow cookers, on the other hand, are all about patience. They use low, steady heat—usually between 170°F and 280°F (77°C–138°C)—to cook food slowly over several hours. This gentle heat breaks down collagen in meats, softens beans, and allows flavors to meld beautifully. It’s why a pot roast tastes so much richer after 8 hours than it does after 30 minutes in the oven.

Slow cookers also trap moisture. The lid seals in steam, creating a humid environment that keeps food tender and prevents drying. That’s crucial for dishes like pulled pork, stews, or chili, where moisture and time are key ingredients.

The Core Difference: Heat and Moisture Control

The fundamental difference lies in heat intensity and moisture retention. Air fryers are hot, fast, and dry. Slow cookers are cool, slow, and wet. Trying to use an air fryer like a slow cooker is like asking a sprinter to run a marathon at the same pace—it’s just not built for it. But that doesn’t mean there’s no overlap. With some creativity and caution, you *can* adapt certain slow-cooked recipes for the air fryer. Let’s explore how.

Can You Actually Slow Cook in an Air Fryer? The Short Answer

Yes, But With Major Caveats

So, can an air fryer be used as a slow cooker? The short answer is: kind of, but not really in the traditional sense. Most standard air fryers don’t have a “low-and-slow” setting that mimics a slow cooker’s 6–8 hour cook time. However, many newer models—especially air fryer ovens or multi-cookers—come with a “slow cook” or “braise” function. These use lower temperatures and longer durations, which *can* replicate some slow-cooked dishes.

For example, my Ninja Foodi DualZone has a “Slow Cook” mode. It lets me set the temperature and time, just like a regular slow cooker. But here’s the catch: it doesn’t hold moisture the same way. Without a tight seal, steam escapes, and food can dry out. So, you need to adjust your approach.

When It Works (and When It Doesn’t)

• Works well: Dishes with high moisture content, like tomato-based stews, soups, or braised dishes with added liquid (broth, wine, sauce). The air fryer’s fan can actually help reduce sauces faster, giving stews a richer, thicker texture.
• Works okay with adjustments: Meats like chicken thighs or pork shoulder, if you add extra liquid and cook in a covered dish (like an oven-safe pot or foil-covered tray).
• Doesn’t work: Dry or lean meats (like chicken breasts), dishes that need constant moisture (like risotto), or recipes that rely on hours of undisturbed cooking (like overnight oats).

I tried making pulled pork in my air fryer once. I used a covered cast-iron pot with broth and set it to “Slow Cook” at 250°F for 6 hours. The result? Tender, flavorful meat—but the sauce was a bit thinner than usual, and I had to baste it halfway through to prevent drying. So, it worked, but it took more attention than tossing everything in a slow cooker and forgetting about it for a day.

Key Takeaway

You can use an air fryer as a slow cooker if:

• It has a dedicated slow cook function.
• You use a moisture-trapping container (like a Dutch oven or covered casserole dish).
• You’re okay with checking and adjusting the food during cooking.
• You’re making recipes that benefit from slightly faster cooking (e.g., 4 hours instead of 8).

Best Recipes to Try (And Which to Avoid)

Top 3 Slow-Cooked Dishes That Work in an Air Fryer

If you’re ready to experiment, here are some recipes that translate surprisingly well:

1. Tomato-Based Stews (Beef, Chicken, or Vegetable): The air fryer’s heat helps thicken sauces faster. Just use a covered pot and stir occasionally. I make a killer lentil stew this way—ready in 3.5 hours instead of 6.
2. Braised Short Ribs or Lamb Shanks: Sear the meat first (in the air fryer or a pan), then cook in a covered dish with wine, broth, and veggies. The low-and-slow setting gives you fall-off-the-bone tenderness.
3. Pulled Chicken or Pork: Use thighs or shoulder, add liquid, and cook in a covered container. I use a 6-quart Dutch oven inside my air fryer oven. After 4–5 hours, shred with forks—delicious!

3 Recipes That Just Won’t Work (And Why)

1. Overnight Oats or Porridge: Air fryers don’t hold moisture well, and the fan can dry out oats. Plus, most models aren’t safe for unattended overnight cooking.
2. Lean Meats (Chicken Breasts, Turkey): These dry out fast in the air fryer’s dry heat. Even with liquid, they’ll likely turn tough or rubbery.
3. Dishes Needing Constant Moisture (Like Risotto or Creamy Casseroles): The fan blows hot, dry air—not ideal for creamy textures. You’ll end up with a crusty top and undercooked bottom.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use a covered, oven-safe dish: A cast-iron pot, ceramic casserole, or even a foil-covered tray helps trap steam.
• Add extra liquid: Start with 1.5x the liquid you’d use in a slow cooker. You can always reduce it at the end.
• Check and stir every 1–2 hours: This prevents drying and ensures even cooking.
• Pre-sear meats: It adds depth and helps lock in juices. Use the air fryer’s “roast” or “sear” setting first.
• Don’t overcrowd: Leave space around the dish for air to circulate. This keeps the temperature even.

Last winter, I made a beef bourguignon in my air fryer. I seared the beef cubes, added red wine, carrots, and mushrooms in a covered Dutch oven, and cooked it at 275°F for 5 hours. It was rich, tender, and the sauce was thick—almost like it had been slow-cooked all day. The only difference? I had to stir it once and add a splash of broth halfway through.

What the Data Says: A Comparison Table

To help you decide, here’s a quick comparison of how air fryers and slow cookers stack up for “slow cooking” tasks:

Feature	Air Fryer (with slow cook function)	Traditional Slow Cooker
Cooking Time	3–6 hours (faster due to higher heat)	6–12 hours (low, steady heat)
Moisture Retention	Moderate (depends on dish cover; can dry out)	High (lid traps steam)
Energy Use	Higher (faster cooking = more energy per hour)	Lower (uses less power over time)
Ease of Use	Moderate (requires monitoring and adjustments)	High (set it and forget it)
Best For	Stews, braises, pulled meats (with liquid)	Pulled meats, soups, beans, overnight dishes
Space Efficiency	High (one appliance, multiple functions)	Low (dedicated appliance)
Risk of Drying Out	High (fan circulates dry air)	Low (moist environment)

This table shows that while air fryers *can* handle some slow-cooked dishes, they’re not a perfect substitute. The slow cooker wins on convenience, moisture, and reliability. But if you’re short on space or want to cook faster, the air fryer can be a solid backup.

Real Talk: When It’s Better to Just Use a Slow Cooker (And Vice Versa)

Stick With the Slow Cooker For:

• Weekday meals: Toss in ingredients in the morning, come home to a ready meal. Air fryers need more attention.
• Large batches: Slow cookers often have larger capacities (6–8 quarts). Most air fryers max out at 5–6 quarts, and you lose space if using a covered dish.
• Overnight cooking: Slow cookers are designed to run safely for 10+ hours. Air fryers aren’t always recommended for unattended use that long.
• Creamy or delicate textures: Think mac and cheese, creamy soups, or custards. The air fryer’s dry heat can ruin these.

Use the Air Fryer Instead For:

• Weekend cooking: When you’re home and can check on the food, the air fryer’s speed is a win.
• Smaller households: If you’re cooking for 1–3 people, an air fryer’s smaller size is more efficient.
• Dishes that benefit from faster cooking: Like stews that need reduced sauce, or meats that you want to crisp up at the end (e.g., sear after braising).
• Space-saving kitchens: If you can’t fit both appliances, the air fryer’s versatility (fry, bake, roast, slow cook) makes it a better all-in-one.

A Personal Note: My Kitchen Dilemma

I used to own both. My slow cooker was great for busy days, but it lived in a cabinet because my counter was too full. When I got my air fryer oven with a slow cook function, I thought I’d found the perfect solution. And for the most part, I have. But there are days—like when I’m hosting a party and need to make 8 quarts of chili—that I miss the slow cooker’s simplicity. So now, I keep the slow cooker for big events and use the air fryer for everyday meals. It’s about knowing your tools and using them right.

Final Thoughts: The Truth About Air Fryers as Slow Cookers

So, can an air fryer be used as a slow cooker? The truth is, it depends. If your air fryer has a true slow cook function and you’re willing to adapt your recipes, you can make some incredible dishes. But it’s not a one-to-one swap. The air fryer lacks the slow cooker’s ability to trap moisture, cook for hours without attention, and handle delicate textures.

Think of it this way: an air fryer is like a talented multitasker—great at many things, but not the *best* at any one. A slow cooker is a specialist. It excels at low-and-slow cooking, and no air fryer can fully replicate that magic. But if you’re tight on space, time, or both, the air fryer can definitely pinch-hit for a slow cooker in a pinch.

My advice? Don’t throw out your slow cooker just yet. But if you’re curious, give the air fryer’s slow cook function a try with a stew or braise. Use a covered dish, add extra liquid, and check it occasionally. You might be surprised by how close you can get to that slow-cooked flavor—just in a fraction of the time.

At the end of the day, the best appliance is the one that fits your life. Whether it’s a slow cooker that lets you walk away or an air fryer that gives you speed and versatility, it’s all about finding what works for you. Happy cooking—and don’t let kitchen clutter win!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an air fryer be used as a slow cooker for most recipes?

While air fryers and slow cookers both cook food, they use very different methods—air fryers circulate hot air for quick, crispy results, while slow cookers use low, steady heat over hours. You can adapt some recipes (like stews or roasts), but air fryers aren’t ideal for true “set-it-and-forget-it” slow cooking. For best results, check your air fryer’s manual for slow-cooking settings or workarounds.

What types of dishes can I make in an air fryer instead of a slow cooker?

You can make shredded meats, tender roasts, or even chili in an air fryer if you use lower temperatures (under 300°F) and extend cooking time. However, dishes requiring 6+ hours of moist heat (like pulled pork or bone broth) won’t replicate perfectly. Try batch-cooking or using a covered dish to retain moisture.

Is it safe to leave an air fryer unattended like a slow cooker?

No—air fryers require more frequent monitoring than slow cookers, especially for long cook times. Most models automatically shut off after 30–60 minutes, making them unsafe for true hands-off cooking. Always stay nearby to adjust settings or avoid overcooking.

Can an air fryer replace a slow cooker for meal prep?

Air fryers work for small-batch meal prep (e.g., roasted veggies, chicken thighs), but their compact size and shorter cook times limit large-scale prepping. For big batches, a slow cooker is more efficient, but an air fryer can supplement with faster-cooked components.

Do air fryers have a “slow cook” mode?

Some newer air fryer models include a “slow cook” or “simmer” setting, but these still use dry convection heat. They may mimic slow cooking for certain dishes, but results won’t match a traditional slow cooker’s moist, even warmth. Always test recipes first.

What are the pros and cons of using an air fryer as a slow cooker?

Pros: Faster cooking, crispier textures, and space-saving. Cons: Limited capacity, no true hands-off operation, and less moisture retention. It’s a decent alternative for some recipes, but not a full replacement for slow-cooked meals.