In the kitchen, slow cookers are a godsend since they make excellent, filling meals with very little work on your part. There are several options available, ranging from stews and soups to roasts and sweets. However, did you know that you can make surprising meals like air fryer baked oats? Learning new tips and techniques will up your slow cooker game, simplifying your life and making food preparation a breeze.

Use Slow Cooker Liners

Using slow cooker liners can help you save time and work while cleaning up. To make cleanup easier, just put a liner in your slow cooker before adding ingredients and remove it when done.

Prepare items in Advance

On hectic days, preparing items in advance might help you save a lot of time. To simplify cooking, prepare the veggies, cut the meat, and measure out the seasonings ahead of time. All you need to do is toss everything into the slow cooker.

Arrange the Ingredients

Use caution when layering ingredients in the slow cooker to avoid mushiness and to guarantee even cooking. Layer in the following order: meat or protein on the bottom, root vegetables or other harder ingredients; cheese or herbs on top; and so on.

Use Frozen Ingredients

You don’t need to thaw frozen meat or veggies before using them in a slow cooker. Just remember that frozen ingredients may take longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time appropriately.

Add Fresh Herbs at the End

Add fresh herbs to your dish in the last hour of cooking to preserve their flavor and scent. This will guarantee that their brightness and freshness are maintained.

Prepare Overnight Oats

Use your slow cooker to prepare overnight oats for a tasty meal in the morning. Just put the oats, milk, and preferred toppings in the slow cooker before going to bed, and in the morning, enjoy a hot and filling breakfast.

Prepare Beans from Scratch

 By preparing dried beans from scratch in a slow cooker, you can cut costs and sodium. Just soak the beans for the entire night, then cook them till tender in the slow cooker with water and spices.

Prepare Yogurt

The slow cooker is a viable tool for preparing yogurt. To add yogurt culture, simply heat the milk in the slow cooker and let it cool somewhat. After letting it ferment for the entire night in a warm slow cooker, strain it to the desired thickness.

Use It as a Food Warmer

You may use your slow cooker as a food warmer to keep food warm for parties or get-togethers. To maintain the ideal temperature for foods like meatballs, dips, or chili, turn the temperature down to the lowest setting.

Make Desserts

Add cakes, cobblers, and even baked oats from an air fryer to your slow cooker arsenal. Try out several recipes and savor the ease of making dessert without touching it.

Infuse Flavors

Before putting food in the slow cooker, add aromatics like garlic, onions, or spices to liquids like broth, wine, or vinegar to enhance the flavor of your food.

Use It for Meal Prep

Make your meal prep routine easier by cooking big quantities of soups, grains, or protein in the slow cooker. These meals can be portioned out and consumed over the course of the week.

In conclusion

You can make the most out of your slow cooker and streamline your kitchen life with these 12 tips. You can do everything with a slow cooker, from easy meal prep to delectable treats like baked oats from an air fryer. So gather your ingredients, brush out your slow cooker, and get ready to appreciate this kitchen essential’s versatility and ease of use.