Air Fryer Slow Cooking: Is It Possible?

Air fryers have become a trendy kitchen appliance, but can they be used for slow cooking? Air fryers are known for their ability to efficiently circulate hot air to achieve a 'fried finish' without the need for excessive oil. They are commonly used for cooking potato-based dishes, meat, and even desserts. While air fryers are typically associated with high temperatures and short cooking times, some models offer additional features such as slow cooking, roasting, and pressure cooking. These multi-cookers provide a convenient all-in-one solution for various cooking methods, including slow cooking. However, it's important to note that air fryers may not be suitable for all types of recipes, especially those with wet batters.

Slow-cooking in an air fryer vs. a convection oven

Slow cooking in an air fryer is possible, and some people have reported delicious results when making dishes like roast chicken. However, when comparing slow cooking in an air fryer to a convection oven, there are some key differences to consider.

Air fryers and convection ovens are similar in that they both use fans to circulate hot air around the food, resulting in even cooking. However, air fryers are much smaller than convection ovens, which limits the amount of food that can be cooked at once. For example, when cooking vegetables like broccoli, an air fryer may only be able to cook about a third of the amount that a full-size oven can handle. This means that if you're cooking for a larger group or want leftovers, a convection oven may be a better option.

Another difference is in the cooking method. Many air fryers cook from the top down and do not have a bottom heating element, while convection ovens typically have multiple heating elements, including one at the bottom, to distribute heat more evenly throughout the oven cavity. This can result in different recipe results, with air fryers being particularly good at creating a crunchy, crisp exterior on foods, similar to traditional frying. Convection ovens, on the other hand, are better suited for roasting and baking, and they can handle larger items like a whole roast or whole chicken, which an air fryer cannot.

Additionally, air fryers often have preset cooking modes and adjustable temperatures and times to suit specific recipes. They also tend to preheat faster than convection ovens due to their smaller size. However, when it comes to actual cooking time, convection ovens may have a slight edge, especially for larger quantities of food.

In terms of versatility, a convection oven may offer more options. Many modern convection ovens come with an air fry setting, allowing you to air fry, bake, roast, and more, all in one appliance. On the other hand, an air fryer may be a good choice if you're specifically looking for crispy, fried results with minimal oil and faster cooking times for smaller portions.

Air fryer slow-cooked chicken recipes

Slow cooking in an air fryer is a great way to prepare tender and flavourful chicken. Here are some recipes to get you started:

Slow Cooker Roast Chicken

This recipe by Clare Andrews, author of 'The Ultimate Slow Cooker Cookbook', involves first slow-cooking a whole chicken stuffed with onion, garlic, and rosemary. After slow cooking the chicken for four hours, you can then use the air fryer to cook potatoes and carrots to serve alongside the chicken. The gravy, infused with the flavours of garlic, rosemary, and chicken juices, is the perfect finishing touch to this comforting meal.

Keep a Man Chicken

This recipe involves brining chicken pieces in a large airtight container. You can then cook the chicken in an air fryer for 10 minutes, flip it, and cook for another 10 minutes. The air fryer will give the chicken a perfect texture and flavour. You can also use the air fryer lid to crisp up the chicken if desired.

Air Fryer Chicken Breasts

For a simple and delicious air fryer chicken breast recipe, start by spraying the air fryer basket with oil. Place the chicken fillets in a single layer and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway. The cooking time will depend on the size and shape of the chicken breasts, so it's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 74°C.

Air Fryer Chicken Legs

For a slow-cooked option, rub chicken legs with spices and let them rest. Then, coat them lightly in oil and air fry at 120°C for 45 minutes. Finish the chicken legs in a cast-iron pan to get a nice sear, resulting in tender meat and crispy skin.

With these recipes, you can enjoy the convenience and flavour of slow-cooked chicken prepared in your air fryer.

Air fryer multi-cookers

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, often used as a healthier alternative to deep frying. They can cook a variety of foods, from meat and potatoes to more complex dishes like doughnuts and pasta bakes. However, they are not suitable for all recipes, particularly those with wet batter, which can make a mess of your air fryer.

Some air fryers are also multi-cookers, with additional functions such as pressure cooking, roasting, and slow cooking. These multi-cookers are perfect for those who want to save time and effort in the kitchen, as they offer multiple cooking functions in one appliance. For example, the Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker offers pressure cooking, slow cooking, and air frying capabilities, with additional features such as a digital display screen and an easy-access door.

The Ninja Foodi Multi-Cooker is an excellent option for those seeking convenience and versatility. It provides a faster and fuss-free way to cook family meals, utilising innovative technologies like HyperSteam and Air Frying. The multi-cooker also comes with a ceramic-coated cooking pot that is non-stick and dishwasher-safe, making clean-up a breeze. Additionally, the pressure cooking function helps to lock in flavours and moisture, resulting in delicious and efficient meals.

While air fryers are excellent for achieving a crispy, fried finish, they can also be used for slow cooking. By setting the temperature to a lower range, such as 80-120°C, you can slow cook meats and other dishes. This method can be especially useful for those who want to tenderise meat before finishing it off with a crisp sear.

Overall, air fryer multi-cookers offer a range of cooking functions that cater to various recipes and cooking styles. Whether you're looking for a quick midweek meal or a slow-cooked roast, these appliances provide a convenient and versatile solution for your kitchen.

Air fryer limitations

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, but they do have some limitations. Here are some of the key limitations of air fryers:

Limited Cooking Functions: While air fryers are great for frying, roasting, and reheating certain foods, they cannot be used for all types of cooking. For example, recipes that require boiling, steaming, or slow cooking are not suitable for air fryers. Some models offer additional functions like baking, slow cooking, and dehydrating, but these are not standard across all air fryers.

Limited Capacity: Air fryers typically have a smaller capacity compared to ovens or other cooking appliances. This can be a limitation when cooking for a large number of people or preparing family-sized meals.

Inability to Cook Wet-Battered Foods: Air fryers are not ideal for cooking foods with wet batter, such as traditional fried chicken. The lack of sufficient hot oil will cause the batter to drip and possibly burn, resulting in a messy and unevenly cooked dish. However, air fryers can handle frozen foods with wet batter since the batter sets during freezing.

Lack of Standardization: Air fryer settings and temperatures can vary significantly between different models and brands. This inconsistency means that recipes designed for one air fryer may not work as well in another, requiring adjustments and experimentation.

Limited Moisture Infusion: While air fryers can produce crispy and golden finishes, they may not be the best choice for dishes that require a significant amount of moisture. The circulating hot air can dry out certain foods, especially those with delicate textures.

In summary, while air fryers offer convenience and healthier frying options, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution for every cooking need. They excel at specific tasks, but it's important to be aware of their limitations to make the most of their capabilities and avoid potential cooking disasters.

Air fryer alternatives

Air fryers are a popular kitchen appliance, often used for their convenience and ability to create a ''fried finish' without the need for large amounts of oil. However, they are not suitable for cooking all types of food. For example, recipes that use a wet batter, such as fried chicken, are not recommended for air fryers as the batter may drip and burn.

If you are looking for alternatives to an air fryer, there are a few options to consider. Here are some suggestions:

Convection Oven

A convection oven is essentially a larger version of an air fryer. It uses a fan to circulate hot air, resulting in faster cooking times. Convection ovens are a good alternative if you want to cook larger quantities of food or if you need to cook something that won't fit in an air fryer. They are also suitable for low-temperature cooking, which is useful if you want to slow cook meals.

Ninja Multi-Cookers

Ninja offers a range of multi-cookers that can pressure cook, slow cook, air fry, roast, and more. These appliances offer multiple cooking functions in one unit, making them a versatile option for various recipes. Ninja multi-cookers are easy to use, cost-effective, and have dishwasher-safe, non-stick parts, making them a convenient choice for busy cooks.

Traditional Oven

A traditional oven is another alternative to an air fryer, especially if you are looking to slow cook meals. While it may take longer to heat up, an oven can accommodate larger dishes and is suitable for various cooking techniques, including roasting, baking, and slow cooking. Ovens are also ideal for recipes that require a wet batter, such as fried chicken, as they can handle the batter without the mess or burning issues that may occur in an air fryer.

Slow Cooker

A slow cooker is perfect for those who want a "set-it-and-forget-it" cooking experience. It is ideal for cooking meals while you are away or at work, as it slowly cooks your food over several hours, resulting in tender and flavourful dishes. Slow cookers are excellent for recipes like roast chicken, whole chicken, roast lamb, and more.

Frequently asked questions