Top 11 New Cookbooks for Air Fryers, Instant Pots, and Slow Cookers
Cooking at home has changed a lot in the past decade. Instead of spending hours over the stove, many home cooks are turning to three game-changing appliances: the air fryer, the Instant Pot, and the slow cooker. Each of these tools makes cooking easier, healthier, and more efficient, but what really unlocks their potential are the right recipes. That’s where spiral-bound cookbooks from Lay It Flat come in. Not only do these books open fully without the struggle of folding pages down, but they also provide step-by-step guidance that makes meal prep a breeze.
In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between air fryers, Instant Pots, and slow cookers, what to look for when buying one, and the reasons why people love them. Then, we’ll dive into the top 11 cookbooks that show you exactly how to make the most of each appliance.
Air Fryers vs. Instant Pots vs. Slow Cookers: What’s the Difference?
Before we dive into the cookbooks, let’s talk about the appliances themselves. Each one has its role in the kitchen, and understanding the differences helps explain why the right recipes matter so much.
Air Fryers
Air fryers have exploded in popularity for good reason. They give food that crisp, golden finish we all love, but with far less oil. Essentially, they are compact convection ovens that circulate hot air quickly. The result is fries that crunch, chicken that crackles, and even baked goods that come out light and fluffy. Cleanup is also simple, which makes them a favorite for weeknight meals.
Why people love them: Fast cooking time, healthier meals, and easy cleanup.
Instant Pots
Think of the Instant Pot as the multi-tasker of the kitchen. It can pressure-cook, slow-cook, steam, sauté, and even make yogurt. Many families rely on it because it transforms meals that typically take hours into dinners that are ready in under 30 minutes. It is also versatile enough to handle chili one night and tender roasts the next, without needing multiple machines cluttering your cabinets.
Why people love them: Speed, versatility, and the convenience of replacing several kitchen gadgets in one.
Slow Cookers
Slow cookers are the tried-and-true option. You can set them up in the morning, walk away, and return to a house filled with rich, comforting aromas. They shine when it comes to soups, stews, and hearty family meals that need time to develop deep flavor. While they are not flashy, they remain a reliable favorite in kitchens everywhere.
Why people love them: Convenience, budget-friendliness, and that home-cooked taste that comes from hours of gentle simmering.
What to Look for in Each Appliance
If you’re still deciding which appliance fits your cooking style, here are a few things to consider:
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Air Fryer: Look at capacity (single servings vs. family-sized meals), presets, and whether the basket is dishwasher-safe.
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Instant Pot: Check the size (3, 6, or 8 quarts), innovative programs, and advanced features like sous vide or air-fryer lids.
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Slow Cooker: Pay attention to size, timer functions, and whether the insert is stovetop- or oven-safe.
But remember: the appliance is only half the story. Without the right recipes, even the best gadget will end up gathering dust. That’s where these cookbooks shine.
How Cookbooks Maximize Your Appliance
You could scroll endlessly through online recipes, but curated cookbooks offer something different:
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Tested, reliable recipes that work every time.
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Clear instructions that guide beginners and challenge seasoned home cooks.
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Meal variety that helps your schedule, from weeknight dinners to weekend treats.
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Healthy swaps and tips for making meals family-friendly.
And with Lay It Flat’s spiral-bound editions, you don’t have to juggle a phone or fight a stiff paperback spine while cooking. Your book stays open, hands-free, on the counter.
The Top 11 Cookbooks for Air Fryers, Instant Pots & Slow Cookers
Here are eleven (11) cookbooks we think deserve a place on your counter.
1. Air Fryer Cookbook: 700 Effortless Air Fryer Recipes
With 700 recipes, this is the kind of cookbook that proves just how versatile an air fryer is. From perfectly crisp vegetables and juicy chicken to desserts you’d never expect to come out of a fryer, it gives you everything you need to keep your meals exciting. Think of it as the encyclopedia of air frying—there’s something here for every taste, mood, and occasion.
Why we love it: It’s a one-stop shop. If you’re ever stuck on what to make for dinner, you can open this book at random and find something doable. It’s also great for both beginners and seasoned home cooks since it balances simple recipes with more creative ideas.
2. The Complete Air Fryer Cookbook for Beginners: 800 Affordable Quick & Easy Recipes
This cookbook doesn’t just give you recipes, but it gives you a plan. With 800 recipes plus a 21-day meal plan, it’s perfect if you like structure but still want flexibility. From everyday family meals to creative takes on old favorites, it makes sure your air fryer doesn’t collect dust on the counter.
Why we love it: The built-in meal plan takes the guesswork out of weekly cooking. For anyone who gets stuck in the “what’s for dinner?” cycle, this book helps you get organized and saves mental energy.
3. Taste of Home: What Can I Cook in My…?
If you own multiple kitchen appliances but aren’t sure how to get the most out of them, this is your answer. Packed with family-tested recipes, it covers the Instant Pot, air fryer, waffle iron, and more. It’s a lifesaver for anyone with gadgets tucked away in cupboards who doesn’t know where to start.
Why we love it: It’s practical and family-friendly. Taste of Home recipes are known for being approachable and dependable, so you know you’re getting meals that real families have loved.
4. Hungry Girl: Sheet Pan Cookbook
Not every quick dinner needs to come from a fryer or pot. This cookbook celebrates the sheet pan as the ultimate kitchen hack. Toss a few ingredients together, let the oven do its job, and enjoy a home-cooked meal with minimal cleanup.
Why we love it: When you’re short on time, the last thing you want is a sink full of dishes. This book helps you create balanced, flavorful meals using just one pan, perfect for weeknights.
5. The Complete Slow Cooker
The slow cooker remains a timeless kitchen tool. This book covers it all: soups, stews, roasts, and even desserts. Whether you’re looking for all-day recipes that simmer while you work or comfort food classics, this book proves why slow cookers never go out of style.
Why we love it: There’s something cozy about walking into a house that smells like dinner after a long day. This book delivers that comfort while keeping things simple.
6. Ultimate Air Fryer Perfection
From the experts at America’s Test Kitchen, this book is all about reliability. Every recipe has been tested and perfected, so you know it will come out right the first time. It’s not just frozen fries and nuggets: it’s full meals that make the air fryer shine.
Why we love it: When you want foolproof results, this is the book to trust. America’s Test Kitchen never cuts corners, so every recipe is dependable and delicious.
7. Super Shortcut Instant Pot
This one is all about speed without sacrificing flavor. It’s full of recipes and shortcuts that get dinner on the table fast, making the most of your Instant Pot’s ability to cut cooking times in half.
Why we love it: It’s realistic. Not every night is a “cook from scratch” kind of night, and this book respects that by giving you quick, no-fuss options.
8. The Simple Comforts Cookbook
Comfort food is universal, and this cookbook leans into that with recipes that feel like a warm hug. From casseroles to baked favorites, it’s about making food that soothes the soul and brings people together.
Why we love it: It focuses on meals that make everyone happy, from picky kids to hungry adults. It’s also a great reminder that sometimes simple really is best.
9. Skinnytaste Air Fryer Dinners
Healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. Gina Homolka, the creator of the Skinnytaste brand, has built a following by creating recipes that balance flavor and nutrition. This air fryer-focused book shows you how to enjoy crispy, satisfying meals without the guilt.
Why we love it: It’s proof that healthy eating can be full of flavor. These recipes are approachable and family-friendly, making them perfect for everyday meals.
10. Keto Air Fryer
For anyone following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, this book is a game-changer. With 100 recipes, it helps you make meals that feel indulgent but stay on track with your goals. Think crunchy, cheesy, and satisfying: without the carbs.
Why we love it: It makes keto cooking easy and fun. Even if you’re not strictly keto, the recipes are great for anyone trying to cut back on carbs without giving up comfort foods.
11. Skinnytaste One & Done
This cookbook is all about efficiency. Each recipe is designed to be made in a single pot, pan, or appliance. From Instant Pots to air fryers to sheet pans, it’s about creating full meals without a mountain of dishes.
Why we love it: Less mess, less stress. It’s perfect for families or anyone who wants flavorful meals without hours of cleanup.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your partner, or a hungry family, air fryers, Instant Pots, and slow cookers make life easier. And with the right recipes at hand, you won’t just be making meals. You’ll be creating memories around the table.
Lay It Flat’s spiral-bound editions keep your kitchen stress-free, letting you focus on what matters most: good food and good company.
Ready to get started? Explore the full Air Fryer, Instant Pot & Slow Cooker collection here and find the cookbook that will change the way you cook forever.
