Slow cookers and air fryers truly complement each other when it comes to creating delicious meals with minimal effort and energy. These handy kitchen gadgets are time-savers that also help cut down on costs, making them a perfect pairing. This slow cooker roast chicken with air fried potatoes and carrots recipe is a fantastic example of how both appliances work together to create an unforgettable family meal. The slow cooker ensures the chicken is cooked low and slow. Keeping it tender, juicy, and packed full of flavour. Meanwhile, the air fryer crisps up the potatoes and carrots to perfection. Which adds a satisfying crunch that perfectly contrasts with the soft and tender meat.
This easy meal is a sensory delight, offering an incredible combination of textures and flavours. The crispy, golden-brown edges of the potatoes add a delicious crunch. While the sweetness of the roasted carrots provides a lovely balance. And then there is the star of the show – the juicy, fall-apart tender chicken, which has been slow-cooked to absolute perfection. The flavours meld together in a way that feels indulgent and comforting. But it is surprisingly easy to prepare, especially with the help of the slow cooker and air fryer.
What is so great about this dish is that it is not only perfect for a Sunday family lunch, but it can also be enjoyed on any occasion, whether you are hosting a gathering or looking for a hassle-free weeknight dinner. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken is always tender, while the air fryer adds that extra touch of crispiness to the veggies. Once you try this recipe, it is sure to become a go-to meal in your weekly rotation!
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 4 hours
KIT you will need a slow cooker and air fryer
Ingredients for slow cooker roast chicken
Whole chicken
1 onion, peeled and chopped
1 clove of garlic
Rosemary
Instant gravy granules
1 carrot
Potatoes
Method
I started by stuffing my chicken with chopped onion, garlic, and fresh rosemary before placing it into my slow cooker on high for about 4 hours. The exact cooking time can vary depending on the size of your chicken, so it’s always good to check it with a meat thermometer or ensure the juices run clear when pierced.
To add extra flavour and make a rich gravy, I poured some gravy mix into the bottom of the slow cooker and added a chopped carrot along with a small sliced onion. These vegetables soak up all the delicious chicken juices while it cooks, creating a perfect base for your gravy later.
While the chicken slowly cooked away, I took the chance to relax and put my feet up, watching a film, and sipping on a glass of red wine. One of the best things about slow cooking is how hands-off it is, freeing you up to enjoy your time.
Meanwhile, I prepared some roast potatoes to go alongside. I parboiled them for 5 minutes to soften slightly, then gave them a little shake in the pan to roughen up the edges for extra crispiness. Next, I tossed them in a Pyrex dish with a little hot oil and cooked them in the air fryer at 195°C for 15 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.
Once the chicken was done, I rested it on a platter. I poured the cooking juices and vegetables into a saucepan, added some extra bisto gravy mix, and stirred until thickened.
The final result was a beautifully tender, succulent slow-cooked chicken paired with golden, crispy air-fried potatoes and sweet roasted carrots. The garlic and rosemary-infused gravy brought everything together for the ultimate comforting meal.
Tips for Slow Cooker Roast Chicken
1. Choose the right chicken
A whole chicken (around 1.5–2 kg) works best for slow cooking. Opt for organic or free-range for better flavour and texture.
2. Pat dry and season well
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up slightly. Rub salt, pepper, garlic, herbs (like thyme or rosemary), and lemon zest all over and inside the cavity.
3. Add aromatics
Place onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in the slow cooker base to create a flavourful bed for the chicken. This also helps keep the meat moist and adds depth to the juices.
4. Use a little liquid
Add a small amount of broth, water, or white wine to the slow cooker. This prevents drying out and creates tasty drippings for gravy.
5. Breast side down
Place the chicken breast-side down to keep the white meat moist while cooking. You can flip it breast-side up near the end if you want crisper skin.
6. Cook on low or high
Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, depending on your schedule. Slow and low heat results in tender, juicy chicken.
7. Check the internal temperature
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken is safe at 75°C (165°F). Avoid overcooking, which dries the meat.
8. Rest before carving
Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute for moist, flavourful meat.
9. Crisp the skin (optional)
If you want crispy skin, transfer the chicken to a hot oven or air fryer for 5–10 minutes after slow cooking.
10. Make use of the juices
Don’t waste the flavourful cooking liquid! Turn it into gravy by thickening it on the stove with flour or corn starch.
Follow these tips for tender and juicy slow cooker roast chicken
Similar recipes
If you love this easy slow cooker roast chicken you might also like my tasty slow cooker whole chicken, the slow cooker roast lamb or my air fryer roast pork recipe.
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