Cooking

Convert Recipes for an Air Fryer, Crockpot, or Instant Pot

Make the most out of your air fryer, crockpot, or Instant Pot.

Converting recipes for different cooking appliances can open up a whole new world of possibilities in your kitchen. Whether you're using an Air Fryer, Crockpot, or Instant Pot, here are some tips to help you successfully adapt any recipe to these appliances:

Air Fryer Conversions

Adjust cook time and temperature: Air fryers are known for their ability to quickly cook food by circulating hot air to give food a fried-like crispness without added oils. To adapt a recipe for an air fryer, reduce the cooking time by approximately 20-30% compared to traditional methods. For example, if a recipe calls for baking chicken breast at 400°F for 30 minutes, you can try air frying it at 400°F for 20-24 minutes, or until cooked through. 

Consider the size and quantity: Air fryers typically have limited cooking space, so it's important to adjust the quantity and size of the food accordingly. If a recipe calls for baking a large batch of chicken tenders, you may need to cook them in multiple batches in the air fryer to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can prevent proper air circulation, resulting in less crispy and unevenly cooked food.

Use the right equipment: When using an air fryer, it's recommended to use non-stick or oven-safe dishes. These can be used to cook certain recipes that may require more liquid, like casseroles or baked pastas. Additionally, it's best to avoid using metal utensils when working with the air fryer basket to prevent scratching the non-stick coating. Instead, opt for silicone or wood utensils.

Crockpot Conversions

Adjust cook time: Crockpots, also known as slow cookers, excel at low and slow cooking. If you're converting a recipe to a crockpot, you'll need to adjust the cook time accordingly. For example, if a recipe calls for baking a pot roast in the oven at 350°F for 2 hours, you can try cooking it in a crockpot on high heat for approximately 4-6 hours or on low heat for 8-10 hours. It's important to keep in mind that the exact timing may vary depending on your specific Crockpot model and the recipe itself.

Cut ingredients evenly: To ensure even cooking, be sure to cut the ingredients in similar-sized pieces. For example, if you're making a vegetable stew, chop the vegetables into uniform chunks to ensure they cook evenly throughout the cooking process.

Use less liquid: Crockpots are designed to retain moisture, so you generally need less liquid compared to other cooking methods. When adapting a recipe for a crockpot, you can reduce the amount of liquid by about 25-30%. This is because the slow cooking process allows the ingredients to release their natural juices, resulting in a flavorful and tender dish without excess liquid.

Instant Pot Conversions

Adjust cook time: The Instant Pot is a versatile kitchen appliance that functions as a pressure cooker, significantly reducing cooking time. When converting a recipe for the Instant Pot, it's common to decrease the cook time by approximately 25-30% compared to traditional methods. For example, if a recipe requires simmering a soup on the stovetop for 1 hour, you can try pressure cooking it in the Instant Pot for about 40-45 minutes. However, it's essential to consider the specific ingredients and their cooking requirements when determining the adjusted cook time.

Select the right pressure setting: Most recipes for the Instant Pot utilize the high-pressure setting, but it's crucial to follow the instructions in the recipe you're converting. Some recipes may specify the use of low pressure for more delicate ingredients or specific cooking techniques. Familiarize yourself with the pressure settings available on your Instant Pot and choose the appropriate one for each recipe.

Release pressure correctly: The Instant Pot offers two main pressure release methods: natural release and quick release. Natural release allows the pressure to drop on its own over time, which is ideal for recipes that benefit from additional cooking and melding of flavors. Quick release involves manually venting the pressure using the release valve. Be sure to follow the recipe's instructions to determine the correct pressure release method to maintain the desired texture and taste of the dish.

Know your appliance

Each brand and model of the air fryer, crockpot, and Instant Pot may have specific features and functionalities. Consult the instruction manual provided with your appliance to understand its specific cooking times, pressure settings, and safety guidelines. Familiarizing yourself with your particular appliance will help achieve consistent results. With practice and experimentation, you'll be able to convert all kinds of recipes for your air fryer, crockpot, or Instant Pot to create delicious meals

Try these tips on these popular Season recipes:

Air Fryer 
Crispy Parmesan Fish Sticks with Lemony Green Beans
Spicy Crunchy Buffalo Chickpeas

Crock Pot
Pork Stew with Poblano and Orange
Parsnip, Apple, and Chicken Stew with Ginger

Instant Pot
Chili Con Carne with Beans
Loaded Baked Potato Soup