If you're torn between the sizzle of a modern air fryer and the gentle simmer of a trusty slow cooker, you're not alone. Both promise delicious meals with less hassle, but they bring very different strengths to the kitchen. Whether you're craving crispy fries in 20 minutes or a tender stew after a long day, choosing the right appliance can make all the difference. Let’s break down the real pros and cons of each, based on how you actually cook and eat, so you can pick the one that truly fits your life.
Editor's Choice
Best for a specific purpose
- Best for family crunch: Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries
- Best for pro flex capacity: Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries
- Best for 15-function powerhouse: Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker
- Best for dynamic pressure precision: Nuwave Duet Air Fryer
- Best for tender crisp tech: Ninja Foodi 10 in 1
- Best for dual-zone mastery: Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo with French Door
- Best for max crisp capacity: Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp
- Best for stainless precision cook: Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer
- Best for extra-large roast: Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo
- Best for 13-function ultimate: Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid
Product Comparison: Best Air Fryer Or Slow Cooker
Family Crunch
Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Sautés, Dehydrates, & More, Free App With Over 800 Recipes, 6 Quart
Instant Pot
- 11 Cooking Functions: Air fry, roast, bake, dehydrate, pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, sterilize, warm, or cook rice with ease.
- Customizable Smart Programs: Tackle every recipe with 15 one-touch options, from hearty soups to decadent desserts.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- EvenCrisp Technology: Achieve the perfect crunch with 95% less oil than traditional deep frying.
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 6-quart capacity is perfect for up to 6 servings—ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe pressure cooking lid and inner pot make clean-up a breeze.
- Power-Packed Performance: 1500 watts, 120V 60Hz, UL & ULC Listed
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms, including overheat protection and an easy seal safety lid lock, to keep cooking worry-free.
- A Little Extra: Includes broil and dehydrator tray, air fryer basket, air fryer basket base, steam rack, air fryer lid, pressure cooker lid and stainless steel inner pot to keep you ready for anything.
Pro Flex Capacity
Instant Pot Pro Crisp 11-in-1 Air Fryer and Electric Pressure Cooker Combo with Multicooker Lids that Air Fries, Steams, Slow Cooks, Sautés, Dehydrates, & More, Free App With Over 800 Recipes, 8 Quart
Instant Pot
- 11 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, steam, sauté, sous vide, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, or simply keep warm, all in one easy appliance.
- Two Lids, Total Flexibility: Includes two removable lids to seamlessly switch between pressure cooking and air frying.
- EvenCrisp Technology: Achieve the perfect crunch with 95% less oil than traditional deep frying.
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods.
- Cooking Status at a Glance: Status lights guide you through each stage of the cooking process, so you always know what's going on.
- Family-Sized Capacity: The roomy 8-quart size is ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking—and perfect for potlucks and parties.
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe pressure cooking lid and inner pot make clean-up a breeze.
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 10 safety mechanisms including overheat protection and an easy seal safety lid lock for worry-free cooking.
- A Little Extra: Includes multi-functional stainless steel rack, multi-level air fryer basket with base and broil/dehydrating tray, and protective pad and storage cover.
- Power-Packed Performance: 1500 watts, 120V 60Hz, UL & ULC Listed
15-Function Powerhouse
Ninja Combi All-in-One Multicooker, Oven, & Air Fryer, Complete Meals in 15 Mins, 14-in-1 Functions, Combi Cooker + Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Slow Cook and More, 3 Accessories, Stainless Steel, SFP701
Ninja
- 14-in-1 VERSATILITY: Combi Meals, Combi Crisp, Combi Bake, Rice/Pasta, Sear/Sauté, Steam, Bake, Toast, Pizza, Slow Cook, Proof, Sous Vide, Air Fry, Broil.
- COMPLETE MEALS THAT COOK IN 15 MINS: Cook your proteins, veggies, and pasta or grains all at the same time and make a meal 50% faster than in a wall oven.
- ONE STOP SHOP IN YOUR KITCHEN: With its all-in-one functionality and included accessories, the Ninja Combi is the only appliance you will ever need—no more cluttered countertops and endless piles of dishes to clean afterward.
- EASY CLEANUP: The Combi Cooker Pan doubles as a serving dish and all accessories are dishwasher safe to make cleanup a breeze.
- NINJA COMBI COOKER TECHNOLOGY: HyperSteam and Air Fry combine to create juicy insides and deliciously crispy outsides all at once; super-heated steam evenly cooks and locks in juices while rapid cyclonic air crisps food to perfection.
- FROZEN TO TABLE IN UNDER 30 MINUTES: No need to defrost—super-heated steam will quickly thaw frozen ingredients and cook them to a safe temperature in under 30 minutes.
- FAMILY-SIZED CAPACITY: Perfect for large families or entertaining—feeds up to 8 people and fits 1.5 boxes (24 oz) of pasta, 4 cups of dry rice, a 6-lb roast chicken, 2 lbs of fries, a 10-inch pizza, or a 5-lb top round roast.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: A countertop multicooker, Combi Cooker Pan, bake tray, crisper tray, and recipe book with 20 chef-created recipes and cooking charts.
Dynamic Pressure Precision
Nuwave Duet Air Fryer, Electric Pressure Cooker & Grill Combo, 540 IN 1 Multicooker with 2 Removable Lids, Slow Cook, Sears, Sautés, 18/10 SS Pot, Sure-Lock Safety Tech & 9 Deluxe Accessories
Nuwave
- 540 IN I PRESETS: This air fryer and pressure cooker combo comes with 2 removable lids plus deluxe cooking accessories so you can easily pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, grill, sear, sauté and more. In addition, it features 300 one-touch presets and 240 memory slots, making it one of the machines with the most presets worldwide.
- DYNAMIC PRESSURE CONTROL TECH: Nuwave electric pressure cooker employs Dynamic Pressure Control Technology, maxmaking 200 times pressure adjustments to maintain continuous boiling, thus maximizing nutrition and 20% tastier flavor release. With 80kPa max pressure, cooking speed is 70% faster than others.
- TENDER&CRISPY COMBO COOK: Nuwave Duet is designed with Combo Cook functionality, which fulfills your imagination of combining the effects of a pressure cooker and an air fryer. It starts with pressure cooking to lock in the juices, and finishes with air frying for a brown and crispy texture. Combo cooking delivers 101% tenderness and 90% less oil for outstanding results.
- SIMPLE YET PROFESSIONAL: This air fryer combo boasts an intuitive digital display with indicator lights and a 2-in-1 dial control panel, providing easy access to 300+240 one-touch presets. Additionally, it offers 3 Sear modes and 5-stage cooking for maximum customization. Duet values your control over every detail.
- 15 SAFETY FEATURES: This electric pressure cooker is designed with features including overheat protection, automatic pressure release, Sure-Lock technology, and more. Rigorous safety testing ensures that the Duet pressure cooker is one of the safest pressure cookers ever produced.
- 3-THICKER INNER POT: The pressure cooker inner pot crafted from heavy-duty 18/10 stainless steel, triple-thick, non-coated, easily withstand 6 lbs of friction for 6,000 cycles. Bone-Friendly and Wear-Resistant.
- 6QT FAMILY SIZE: 6 qt. easily serves up to 4-6 people or allows for batch cooking for singles. You can cook a whole 5 lbs chicken or a 6 lbs roast in one go.
- 24H DELAY TIMER: The pressure cooker allows you to schedule meals with 24-hour delay, so you can enjoy them right after waking up or getting home from work. The keep-warm feature keeps food at the perfect temperature until you're ready to enjoy it.
- EASY TO CLEAN: All accessories are dishwasher-safe; the removable lid, particularly on the air fryer, includes a safety shield to prevent food residue from splattering inside; the detachable drip tray effectively prevents steam splashes.
- 9 DELUXE ACCESSORIES＆60-RECIPE BOOK: air fryer lid, pressure cooker lid, 6 qt. stainless-steel inner pot, 4 qt. air fry basket, reversible rack, griddle plate, rib rack, black silicone mitts, lid holder. Additionally, you'll find a manual, a quick start guide, a recipe book with 60 recipes, and access to the Nuwave Cooking Club App, which offers hundreds of recipes from our executive chefs.
Tender Crisp Tech
Ninja Foodi 10 in 1, 6.5 Quart Pro Pressure Cooker Air Fryer Multicooker, Precise Heating, Slow Cook, Steam, Sous Vide, Yogurt, Broil, Bake/Roast, Dehydrate, Sear/Saute, Stainless (OS300)
Generic
- 10 in 1 functionality: Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Steam, Sous Vide, Yogurt, Air Fry, Broil, Bake/Roast, Dehydrate, Sear/Saute.
- Tender Crisp Technology provides the best of pressure cooking and air frying all in one pot to quickly lock in juices and then swap lids for a golden, crispy finish.
- Tender Crisp frozen to crispy chicken wings in as little as 20 minutes*, and 5 lb chicken in less than an hour.* (*Based on cook time under pressure and crisping.)
- Air Fry with up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods.
- Pressure Cook up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods.
- 6.5 qt cooking pot and 4.6 qt Cook & Crisp Plate are ceramic-coated, nonstick, PTFE/PFOA free, and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- Family Capacity: Fit up to a 5-lb chicken or a 6-lb roast.
- Nesting Broil Rack lets you steam, broil, add a layer of capacity, and cook mains and sides at the same time for family meals.
- Includes chef-inspired recipes and additional cooking charts for meal-making inspiration.
Dual-Zone Mastery
Emeril Lagasse Dual Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo with French Door, 25 QT Extra Large, Cook Two Foods in Different Ways, Up to 60% Faster from Frozen to Finish
Emeril Lagasse
- ALL-IN-ONE COOKING: This isn't just a toaster oven. It's a french door air fryer toaster oven combo, blending 10 kitchen tools into one. With dual zones & custom presets, our convection oven air fryer ensures every dish is a masterpiece.
- DUAL-ZONE MASTERY: Our air fryer double door offers two temperature zones. Whether it's your main dish or sides, customize and cook simultaneously with precision, embodying the true essence of an airfryer toaster oven combo.
- PERFECTLY SYNCED MEALS: Thanks to our toaster air fryer combination's QuickSync Technology, match cooking times & settings across zones. This means every portion of your meal finishes simultaneously, ensuring fresh, hot servings.
- GENEROUS COOKING SPACE: Feed your family or a party! With an air fryer large family size of an XL 25-Qt. capacity, remove dividers for extensive cooking. Speed up culinary delights by up to 60%, making feasts faster.
- FROZEN TO FABULOUS: Using our air fry oven, go from frozen treats to tantalizing eats in mere minutes. Imagine turning frozen shrimp into sizzling scampi within 10 minutes, no thawing required with this toaster oven marvel.
Max Crisp Capacity
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
Ninja
- MAX CRISP TECHNOLOGY: Delivers up to 450°F of superheated air for faster, hotter, and extra-crispy results using little to no oil—perfect for fries, wings, and more. Achieve that golden crunch with rapid air circulation.
- Guilt-Free, Healthy Fried Foods: Enjoy the indulgence of fried food with up to 75% less fat compared to traditional deep frying. Tested against hand-cut, deep-fried French fries for proven healthier results.
- XL Capacity Air Fryer: The 6.5-quart nonstick basket and crisper plate hold up to 5 lbs. of French fries or 9 lbs. of chicken wings ideal for family meals, game day, and meal prepping.
- Cooks Frozen Foods Fast: Go from frozen to crispy in minutes with powerful Max Crisp settings no need to thaw. Get a restaurant-style finish straight from the freezer.
- 6-in-1 Cooking Functions: Includes Max Crisp, Air Fry, Air Roast, Bake, Reheat, and Dehydrate a complete countertop solution for healthier, oil-free meals.
- Space-Saving Design: The compact footprint of the Ninja AF181 fits seamlessly on your countertop without sacrificing its generous capacity ideal for smaller kitchens.
- Easy to Clean: Both the air fryer basket and crisper plate are nonstick and dishwasher safe for effortless cleanup after every meal.
- What’s Included: The Ninja AF181 Air Fryer, 6.5-qt. nonstick basket, crisper plate, a 20-recipe chef-created cookbook, and detailed cooking charts to get you started.
Stainless Precision Cook
Ninja Foodi 10-in-1 Pressure Cooker & Air Fryer, 6.5 Quart - Stainless Steel Multi-Cooker with Precise Heating - Perfect Holiday Gift & Healthy Fast Cooking (OS300)
Generic
- 10 in 1 functionality: Pressure Cook, Slow Cook, Steam, Sous Vide, Yogurt, Air Fry, Broil, Bake/Roast, Dehydrate, Sear/Saute.
- Precise Heating: Premium bottom heating elements ensure total temperature control.
- TenderCrisp Technology: Pressure cook quickly and finish with a crisp golden exterior.
- Fast and Healthy: Cook up to 70% faster than traditional methods and air fry with up to 75% less fat
- Large Capacity: The 6.5-quart pot is perfect for family meals, accommodating a 5-lb chicken or 3 lbs of French fries.
- Easy Cleanup: Ceramic-coated, nonstick pot and plates are PTFE/PFOA free and dishwasher safe.
- Included Accessories: Pressure lid, reversible broil rack, and 15 chef-inspired recipes to get you started.
Extra-Large Roast
Emeril Lagasse Extra Large French Door Air Fryer Toaster Oven Combo, 24 Cooking Functions and Digital Controls, 7 Accessories Included, Stainless Steel Finish, 26QT Capacity
Emeril Lagasse
- A VERSATILE AIR FRYER AND MULTI-COOKER COMBO: Elevates practically any meal, from air frying quick after-school snacks to roasting for large gatherings.
- PERFECTLY DONE TOAST: Oven turns off automatically when the toast countown timer ends - no burnt toast! Indicator light is red while toasting, blue when timer ends and oven turns off. Place rack at indicated toast position for ideal results.
- DUAL-SPEED FAN: Golden fried crisping at it's finest with 360º superheated air circulation for your homemade cooking.
- 26-QUART CAPACITY: This Extra-large 26-quart capacity countertop toaster is suitable for preparing food for 4–6 people with capacity to rotisserie a 6-lb chicken, bake a 12” pizza.
- STAINLESS STEEL EXTERIOR: A stainless steel exterior provides a beautiful asthetic to any kitchen, taking your party hosting to the next level. And Elegant French doors open with a single pull – interior light allows you to monitor food.
13-Function Ultimate
Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate Lid,13-in-1 Air Fryer&Pressure Cooker Combo, Sauté, Slow Cook, Bake, Steam, Warm, Roast, Dehydrate, Sous Vide&Proof, App With Over 800 Recipes,1500 watts,6.5 Quart,Black
Instant Pot
- 13 Cooking Functions: Pressure cook, air fry, slow cook, steam, sauté, roast, bake, broil, dehydrate, sous vide, make yogurt, proof bread, or simply keep your meal warm— all in one appliance.
- The Best of Both Worlds: One lid switches effortlessly between pressure cooking, air frying, and more. No attachments needed
- Safe & Easy Steam Release: Activate venting directly from the control panel, and get a clear “OK to Open Lid” message on the large, easy-to-read display.
- EvenCrisp Technology: Achieve the perfect crunch with 95% less oil than traditional deep frying
- Good Food Done Faster: Cook up to 70% faster compared to slow cooking methods
- Quick Cleanup: No more fighting about who has to do the dishes. The dishwasher-safe pressure cooking cover, air frying rack, and cooking pot make clean-up a breeze
- Family-Sized Capacity: The 6.5-quart capacity is perfect for up to 6 servings—ideal for families, meal prep, and batch cooking
- A Little Extra: Includes a 2-in-1 steamer and air frying rack and a pressure cooking cover to keep you ready for anything.
- Proven Peace of Mind: Features over 11+ safety features, including overheat protection and a safe locking lid for worry-free cooking
- Power Packed Performance: 1500 watts, 120 V 60 Hz, UL & ULC Listed
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I prioritize when choosing an air‑fryer‑pressure‑cooker combo?
Look first at capacity; a 6‑quart pot is ideal for families, while larger models like the 25‑qt oven serve big gatherings. Next, compare the number of cooking functions—more presets mean less need for separate appliances. Finally, check safety features and ease of cleaning, as these impact daily convenience.
How does the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11‑in‑1 differ from the Pro Crisp version?
Both share EvenCrisp technology and 11 cooking modes, but the Pro Crisp adds a second removable lid and status‑light indicators for clearer monitoring. The Duo Crisp focuses on a single lid design and emphasizes customizable smart programs. Generally, the Pro Crisp offers a slightly more premium user interface.
Is the Ninja Combi All‑in‑One truly a better value than the Instant Pot models?
The Ninja Combi packs 14 functions, including unique features like HyperSteam and a built‑in serving pan, which can replace extra cookware. Its larger capacity and dishwasher‑safe accessories add convenience, but it comes at a higher price point. If you need the extra versatility and faster multi‑component meals, the value proposition leans toward Ninja.
Which model provides the most precise pressure‑cooking control?
Nuwave Duet’s Dynamic Pressure Control Technology adjusts pressure 200 times per minute, promising consistent results and enhanced nutrition. The Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate also offers precise steam release, but Nuwave’s fine‑tuned system gives it an edge for chefs who demand exactness. Consider this if you frequently cook delicate dishes like sous‑vide.
Do the air‑fry functions across these brands deliver similar crispness?
All models use high‑speed air circulation, but Ninja’s Max Crisp (up to 450 °F) and Ninja Combi’s HyperSteam‑Air Fry combo claim faster, extra‑crisp results. Instant Pot’s EvenCrisp achieves comparable crunch with 95 % less oil, yet some users report slightly longer cook times. For ultra‑crisp wings, Ninja’s dedicated Max Crisp may be the winner.
How important are preset programs when deciding between these appliances?
Preset programs simplify cooking; the Instant Pot Duo Crisp Ultimate offers 13 functions, while Nuwave Duet boasts 300 one‑touch presets and 240 memory slots. More presets reduce trial‑and‑error, especially for beginners. If you value plug‑and‑play convenience, models with extensive preset libraries provide better overall value.
Which appliance is best for large‑scale meal prep or entertaining?
The Emeril Lagasse Dual‑Zone 360 Air Fryer Oven Combo provides a massive 25‑qt capacity and dual‑zone cooking, allowing separate dishes to finish simultaneously. Ninja’s 14‑in‑1 Combi also handles large meals with its multi‑layer cooking pan. For outright volume and simultaneous cooking, the Emeril dual‑zone oven is the most suitable.
What safety features should I look for in these multi‑cookers?
Key safety elements include overheat protection, automatic pressure release, and lock‑out lids; Nuwave Duet lists 15 safety mechanisms, while Instant Pot models incorporate Sure‑Lock and pressure‑release alerts. Look for clear indicator lights that signal when it’s safe to open the lid. Appliances with multiple redundant safety systems reduce the risk of accidents during high‑pressure or high‑heat cooking.