8 Best Slow Cooker Air Fryer Combos 2026

This game-changing combo brings together the power of pressure cooking and the crisp-perfect finish of air frying—without swapping lids. The single-switch Ultimate Lid is a masterstroke in kitchen engineering, eliminating the hassle of juggling attachments while delivering flawless transitions between slow cooking a stew and air frying chicken thighs to golden perfection. With 13 functions including sous vide, dehydrate, and proofing bread, it’s a culinary powerhouse that replaces half your countertop appliances and tackles meal prep with confidence.

In real-world testing, the 6.5-quart pot handled weeknight family dinners with ease—beef chili pressure-cooked in under 45 minutes, then seamlessly switched to slow cook mode for safe, all-day simmering. The EvenCrisp Technology consistently delivered crispy wings and roasted veggies using 95% less oil, though dense foods like whole potatoes needed extra time to crisp fully. While the 1500-watt heating system is robust, the single-lid design means you can’t pressure cook and air fry simultaneously—a trade-off for simplicity. Still, for batch cooking or weekday meals, it’s impressively efficient.

Compared to the Ninja Foodi OS300, this model offers more functions at a lower price, but lacks dual-lid convenience. It’s ideal for home cooks who want versatility without clutter, especially those already in the Instant Pot ecosystem. The built-in guided cooking and app integration make it more intuitive than basic models, though not as smart as its Wi-Fi-enabled sibling. For balanced performance, safety, and value, it beats the base Duo Crisp while falling short of the Pro Crisp’s capacity—a sweet spot for small to mid-sized households.

When speed meets full-meal mastery, the Ninja Combi steps up with hyper-responsive HyperSteam and cyclonic air frying that cooks proteins, grains, and veggies in one shot—no layering, no multiple pans. This 14-in-1 beast doesn’t just air fry and slow cook; it combi-cooks, using simultaneous steam and air flow to deliver juicy chicken and crisp-tender broccoli in under 20 minutes. For time-starved families or meal-preppers, it’s a kitchen revelation, solving the “what’s for dinner?” panic with real efficiency.

In testing, the 30-minute frozen-to-table meals were a standout—frozen chicken breasts emerged fully cooked with a golden crust, while a full 4 cups of rice and veggies cooked evenly in the Combi Cooker Pan. The 6.5-quart capacity handled large roasts and 10-inch pizzas with room to spare, though air frying large batches required rotating food for even crisp. While the slow cook function worked reliably, it lacked the low-and-slow depth of a dedicated crockpot. Still, the one-pot convenience drastically cut cleanup, even with sticky sauces.

Against the Instant Pot Pro Crisp, the Ninja trades some precision for raw speed and multitasking—it’s better for throwing together full meals fast, while the Instant Pot excels in sous vide and pressure control. It’s perfect for busy parents, entertainers, or anyone tired of juggling appliances, offering a true oven-in-a-pot alternative. With broader cooking flexibility than most combos, it justifies its premium over budget models—delivering restaurant-style results without the wait.

For budget-savvy cooks who refuse to sacrifice performance, the Instant Pot Duo Crisp 6 Quart is a no-nonsense workhorse that delivers on the essentials. It pressure-cooks 70% faster than stovetop methods and finishes with crisp results via EvenCrisp Technology, making it a weeknight hero for shredded pork tacos or crispy salmon. The dual-lid system—switching between pressure and air fry modes—is intuitive, and the 6-quart pot fits meals for four to six, perfect for small families or meal preppers.

Real-world use showed consistent slow cooking with excellent braise depth, while air frying produced evenly browned fries and chicken with just a light oil spray. The 15 one-touch programs simplified cooking, though manual adjustments were sometimes needed for optimal crisp. Unlike Wi-Fi models, it lacks app connectivity, but the free recipe app access still offers solid guidance. The 1500-watt power ensures strong heating, though the air fry function isn’t as aggressive as higher-end Ninjas.

Next to the Ninja Combi SFP701, it’s less versatile but half the price, making it a smarter pick for those who prioritize core functions over bells and whistles. It’s ideal for first-time multi-cooker users or minimalists who want pressure cooking and air frying without clutter. While it doesn’t dehydrate as fast as standalone units, it holds its own—offering unmatched value for under $100.

If you’re feeding a crowd or love batch cooking, the 8-quart Instant Pot Duo Crisp is a juggernaut of efficiency with pro-grade stainless steel construction that can go from stovetop sear to oven roasting. The triple-thick 18/8 pot resists warping and handles high-heat searing like a skillet, while the 8-quart capacity easily fits a 5-lb whole chicken or 2 lbs of fries—ideal for meal prep or Sunday roasts. With 11 functions and customizable air fry temps up to 450°F, it’s a true kitchen anchor for serious home cooks.

During testing, the slow cook function maintained even heat over 8 hours, perfect for pulled pork, while the air fry lid delivered consistent crisp on wings and fries—though dense foods took longer to brown. The removable drip tray and dishwasher-safe accessories made cleanup easy, even after greasy meals. While the control panel is less intuitive than newer models, the 240 memory slots and 300 presets (on the Nuwave Duet) offer more automation. Still, this model excels in durability and capacity without breaking the bank.

Compared to the Ninja Combi, it lacks combi-steam speed but wins on pot quality and oven compatibility. It’s best for large families, entertainers, or anyone upgrading from a 6-quart model. While pricier than the base Duo Crisp, it delivers premium build at a mid-tier cost—a rare combo of size, strength, and value.

The Nuwave Duet isn’t just a multi-cooker—it’s a programmable kitchen brain with 540 preset combinations, making it the most customizable slow cooker air fryer combo on the market. The triple-thick 18/10 stainless steel pot withstands stovetop searing and oven roasting, while the 3 removable lids (air fry, pressure, slow cook) allow true multi-function flexibility. Its Dynamic Pressure Control Tech adjusts pressure 200 times per second, locking in flavor and nutrients—resulting in noticeably juicier meats than standard models.

In action, the Combo Cook mode shined—pressure-cooking ribs, then air frying for a sticky, charred finish in one cycle. The 24-hour delay timer was perfect for scheduling meals, and the dehydrator lid produced crisp kale chips and jerky with precision. However, the learning curve is steep—navigating 300 presets takes time, and the air fry function is slightly slower than Ninja’s. Still, for meal preppers, keto cooks, or recipe hackers, the level of control is unmatched.

Against the Instant Pot Pro Crisp, it offers more presets and a superior pot, but lacks Wi-Fi and a sleek interface. It’s ideal for cooks who love fine-tuning every step, from sear levels to multi-stage cooking. While bulkier than rivals, it justifies its niche with pro-level customization—a powerhouse for those who want total command.

When frozen ingredients meet crispy perfection, the Ninja Foodi OS300 dominates with Tender Crisp Technology that pressure-thaws and air fries chicken wings in under 20 minutes. This 10-in-1 dynamo doesn’t just slow cook—it transforms frozen proteins into golden, juicy results without pre-thawing, making it a lifesaver for last-minute dinners. The 6.5-quart ceramic-coated pot is PTFE/PFOA-free and dishwasher-safe, while the nesting broil rack lets you cook mains and sides together—a game-changer for family meals.

Testing confirmed fast pressure builds and consistent slow cooking, though the dehydrate function ran cooler than competitors, extending drying times. Air frying was fast and even, but the smaller cook & crisp plate limited batch sizes. The lack of broil or bake presets meant more manual input, and the interface felt outdated next to app-connected models. Still, for busy households, the frozen-to-crispy speed is unmatched—no other combo does it faster.

Versus the Instant Pot Pro Crisp, it’s pricier but better for frozen foods and batch cooking. It’s perfect for parents, shift workers, or anyone who hates defrosting. While it lacks smart features, its raw performance justifies the cost—a top pick when speed trumps connectivity.

This Wi-Fi-enabled powerhouse redefines smart cooking with real-time app control and 2,000+ guided recipes that walk you through every step—from searing to crisping—all from your phone. The Instant Connect App lets you adjust pressure, monitor cooking stages, or switch to slow cook remotely, making it ideal for multitaskers or tech-forward cooks. With 13 functions and the signature Ultimate Lid, it combines precision, connectivity, and versatility in one sleek unit—no lid swapping, no guesswork.

In practice, the app-guided programs reduced errors and improved consistency, especially for sous vide and proofing bread. The EvenCrisp Technology delivered crispy results with minimal oil, and the 6.5-quart pot handled family meals with ease. However, Wi-Fi connectivity occasionally lagged, and the air fry function wasn’t as powerful as the Ninja Foodi’s. Still, for meal planning or remote cooking, the smart features add real value—especially for beginners.

Compared to the base Duo Crisp, it’s twice as smart but pricier—best for those who cook frequently and want automation. Against the Ninja Combi, it trades speed for precision and control. It’s perfect for smart home users, sous vide lovers, or anyone who wants hands-off cooking—a premium pick where tech meets taste.

The Instant Pot Pro Crisp 8 Quart stands as the undisputed champion of balance, merging pro-level capacity, dual-lid flexibility, and rugged build into one 8-quart titan. With two dedicated lids, you can pressure cook a pot roast in the morning and air fry salmon at night—no switching parts mid-cycle. The roomy 8-quart pot fits a 5-lb chicken or enough stew for a party, while the multi-level air fry basket lets you crisp wings and fries simultaneously—a rare feat in combo cookers.

Real-world tests showed fast pressure builds, even slow cooking, and consistent crisping—though dense foods needed a shake for full coverage. The status lights clearly showed cooking stages, a small but hugely helpful touch for beginners. While it lacks Wi-Fi, the free recipe app and 800+ guides still offer strong support. Compared to the Ninja Foodi OS300, it offers larger capacity and better build, though slightly slower frozen-to-crispy times.

It’s ideal for large families, entertainers, or serious home chefs who want maximum versatility without compromise. While it’s the most expensive Instant Pot combo, it delivers where it counts—size, durability, and dual-lid ease—making it the best overall slow cooker air fryer combo for those who demand it all.