Yes, you can use the Ninja air fryer for slow cooking. The Ninja air fryers have a slow cook function that allows you to prepare dishes like stews, chilies, and roasts at low temperatures over longer periods of time. Here are some key things to know about using the Ninja air fryer for slow cooking:
How to Slow Cook in a Ninja Air Fryer
Using the slow cook function on a Ninja air fryer is easy. Just follow these basic steps:
- Prep your ingredients and place them in the Ninja air fryer cooking pot.
- Select the slow cook function, choose high or low temperature, and set the cook time.
- Let the air fryer slow cook until the cook time is complete.
- Stir periodically and add extra liquid if needed.
- When done, use oven mitts to remove the hot inner pot.
Slow Cook Temperature Settings
Most Ninja air fryer models have both a high and low slow cook temperature setting:
- Low – Typically around 200°F, best for longer cooking times.
- High – Typically around 300°F, best for shorter 3-4 hour recipes.
Slow Cook Times
Aim for the following slow cook times in the Ninja air fryer:
- High Setting: 3-4 hours
- Low Setting: 6-8 hours
The maximum slow cook time on most models is 8 hours. For longer recipes, use the low temperature setting. Check periodically and adjust cook time if needed.
Tips for Slow Cooking
Follow these tips when slow cooking in the Ninja air fryer:
- Cut ingredients into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Brown meats first for better flavor.
- Add enough liquid to keep food moist and help create sauce.
- Use a digital thermometer to check doneness of meats.
- Let pressure release before removing lid if cooking under pressure.
Slow Cooker Recipes
You can adapt many classic slow cooker recipes for the Ninja air fryer. Here are some recipes to try:
| Recipe | Cook Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Pot roast | 6-8 hours | Low |
| Beef stew | 6-8 hours | Low |
| Pulled pork | 3-4 hours | High |
| Chicken chili | 4-6 hours | Low |
Tips When Adapting Slow Cooker Recipes
Keep the following tips in mind when adapting traditional slow cooker recipes to the Ninja air fryer:
- Reduce liquids slightly since there is less evaporation.
- Cut food into smaller pieces to help it cook faster.
- Cook on low heat setting first if converting a long 8+ hour recipe.
- Check periodically and adjust time if needed.
- Use a thermometer to confirm meats reach safe minimum temperatures.
Common Questions
What size Ninja air fryer is best for slow cooking?
The larger 8-quart air fryer models work best, as they provide enough room for most slow cooking recipes. But you can still use smaller models for cooking for 1-2 people.
Can you use a slow cooker lid with the Ninja air fryer?
No, you should only use the original lid that came with your specific Ninja air fryer model. The lids are not interchangeable between different models.
Do you need to add water when slow cooking?
It depends on the recipe, but adding some liquid often helps food cook evenly and gives you a tasty sauce. Add about 1 cup of water or broth for a 3-4 hour high temp cook time. Use more for low temperature 6-8 hour recipes. Check and add more liquid as needed.
Conclusion
While the Ninja air fryers are best known for crispy frying, their slow cook function also makes them handy small slow cookers. You can make everything from tender roasts to flavorful chilies. Just adjust traditional slow cooker recipes by cutting ingredients smaller, reducing liquids slightly, and cooking for the recommended time based on high or low temperature setting. In no time, you’ll be whipping up amazing hands-off slow cooker meals with your Ninja air fryer.