For many neurodivergent people, cooking can feel overwhelming. Executive dysfunction, sensory sensitivities, and low-energy days can make even the simplest meal prep feel like climbing a mountain. But the good news? There are cooking tools that can help make the kitchen more accessible. And three of the best are the slow cooker, air fryer, and electric pressure cooker (like the Instant Pot).
These appliances aren’t just trendy. They’re genuinely supportive tools that can simplify cooking, reduce decision fatigue, and take some of the stress out of feeding yourself. Here’s how each one can be a game-changer for neurodivergent individuals.
Slow cookers: Set it and (almost) forget it
If you struggle with remembering multiple steps or get easily distracted, slow cookers are a neurodivergent-friendly dream.
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Why it helps: You toss in your ingredients, set it, and walk away. No standing over a hot stove, no watching timers. You can prep it in the morning when your energy is higher and have a warm, comforting meal ready by dinner.
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Low sensory overwhelm: It’s quiet, doesn’t produce a lot of steam or smell immediately, and cooks slowly, avoiding sudden sensory surprises.
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Great for batch cooking: Make a large batch and eat throughout the week to reduce the mental load of daily meal planning. I love doing this and freezing leftovers! These make the perfect, healthy “frozen dinners”.
Neurodivergent-friendly tip: Use pre-chopped veggies, frozen proteins, or spice blends to simplify the prep even further.
I will admit that I am a BIG fan of the slow cooker. I especially love “throw-and-go” recipes. They make cooking a healthy, tasty meal so much easier! I will be including lots of these recipes on the blog!
Air fryers: Quick, crispy, and minimal effort
For folks with ADHD or sensory issues, an air fryer can be a lifesaver. It delivers satisfying texture (hello, crispy fries!) without the mess or wait of traditional frying or baking.
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Why it helps: Many meals can be cooked in 10-20 minutes, and the process is simple: toss your food in, press a button, and it’s done. You can typically also use frozen meat, which is perfect for those times when you forgot to thaw something!
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Reduced cleanup: Most air fryer baskets are dishwasher-safe, and there’s no greasy mess to deal with.
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Perfect for single servings: Ideal for those living alone or who get overwhelmed cooking full meals. One of my favorite things to fix in my air fryer is chicken leg quarters. They are so easy to make!
Neurodivergent-friendly tip: Keep a list of your favorite go-to air fryer combos (like chicken tenders + sweet potato fries) taped to the fridge for easy meal decisions on low-spoon days.
Pressure cookers (Instant Pots): One-pot wonder machines
The electric pressure cooker may seem intimidating at first, but once you learn a few basics, it can be the ultimate spoon-saving tool.
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Why it helps: You can cook meals that normally take an hour in 15 minutes, with just one pot and very little supervision.
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Multi-functional: Sauté, pressure cook, steam, slow cook, even make yogurt—fewer appliances to manage means less chaos in the kitchen.
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Meal-prep friendly: It’s great for bulk cooking staples like rice, beans, soups, or shredded chicken for the week ahead.
Use pressure cookers on days when you have a little extra energy to meal prep. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re tired but still want nourishing food. I’ve got some great recipes that I use in my Instant Pot that I will be adding here. One of my favorites is hard-boiled eggs! They are so simple to make in the pressure cooker, and I always make a batch for quick meals throughout the week when I’m low on energy.
A more accessible kitchen
Cooking doesn’t have to be exhausting, confusing, or stressful. Using tools like slow cookers, air fryers, and pressure cookers can reduce decision fatigue. It can also simplify routines and make the process more enjoyable. These appliances do more than just cook food. They support autonomy, nourish your body, and create a sense of control over your environment.
Whether you’re navigating executive dysfunction, sensory overwhelm, or fluctuating energy levels, remember: using tools to make life easier isn’t cheating, it’s a smart, compassionate choice.
Want easy, neurodivergent-friendly recipes for your slow cooker or air fryer? Stay tuned, I’ll be sharing some soon that you can make with minimal effort and maximum comfort.