Choosing between an air fryer and a multicooker is a task faced by many who want to simplify the cooking process and save time in the kitchen. Both appliances promise to speed up cooking and save space, but each has its own quirks. But what to choose? To understand which appliance is best for your needs, it is important to understand how they differ and what dishes you cook most often.
While the air fryer is ideal for quick frying and crispy cooking, the slow cooker offers a variety of functions, from soups to stews.
Below is a comparison table that clearly shows the functionality of the devices, thanks to which you can choose your favorite.
| Parameter |
Air fryer |
Multicooker |
| 1. Operating principle |
Cooking due to powerful circulation of hot air (convection) – similar to a mini-oven, creates a crispy crust without a lot of oil. |
Automatic heat treatment with a closed bowl – boiling, stewing, baking, simmering, sometimes under pressure (pressure cooker). |
| 2. Type of dishes |
Baking, frying, grilling, crispy dishes, light snacks. |
Soups, cereals, stews, stews, yoghurts, cereals, stewed dishes. |
| 3. Cooking speed |
Fast – especially small portions. |
Slower often takes longer, especially in slow modes. |
| 4. Crust/fry |
Excellent, bright and crispy. |
Almost none – the dishes turn out soft, without a pronounced crust.
|
| 5. Mass and volume |
Most often compact, but the camera can be small. |
Usually larger in bowl volume, suitable for large portions. |
| 6. Multifunctionality |
The main function is heating and air circulation; additional modes are possible, but limited. |
Very high: cooking different types of dishes, automatic programs, sometimes a pressure cooker or steamer. |
| 7. Texture of food |
Fried/baked with a dry crust and less oil. |
Stewed, soft and juicy, retain moisture and aromas. |
| 8. Convenience and participation |
Requires time/temperature control less often, but cooks quickly. |
“Set it and forget it” – automation, long-term languor without participation. |
| 9. Limitations |
Not suitable for first courses (soups), liquid dishes, large volumes.
|
It can take a long time to cook, does not produce a bright crust, and some dishes are worse than in the oven. |
| 10. Energy consumption |
May be higher if used frequently, but cooks faster. |
Often more economical by cooking slowly and retaining heat. |
| Total by tasks |
Best for quick, crispy, oil-free stir fry for 1-3 servings. |
The best choice for family menus, soups, cereals, stews and complex dishes. |
So, if you need to cook small portions quickly with a crispy crust and minimal oil, an air fryer is a great choice. It is ideal for roasting meats, potatoes and snacks. If you often cook for your family, love a variety of dishes – soups, cereals, stews – and want an appliance that will do all the work itself, a multicooker will be a more versatile and convenient option. Both devices are useful, and the choice depends on what exactly you cook most often and how much time you are willing to devote to the process.
