I air dry only, but I get ill easily, my hair is mid back and thick, and I need to wet it at least twice a week. So it was a problem for me.
The only way I can do it is by air drying without product first. I come out of the shower with detangled rinsed hair, wear a microfiber towel or tshirt or proper towel for 20 min, then air dry in braids without any product. When my hair is dry (not long!) I then apply my leave ins, butters, oils or gels. In order to avoid frizz and for slip, it can happen that I may need to lightly re-spray my hair (or I use my homemade flaxseed gel which solves the problem). I spray lightly with distilled water or aloe juice or a mix of the 2 (aloe juice takes longer than water to dry). Then I style.Still, it is not like having to wait for my hair to dry for 48 hours and the process is much quicker/ I can wet my hair whenever I like without going crazy.
Funnily enough, hair that is drenched with water and product takes days. Hair that is dry, lightly sprayed and then styled takes a short time.
This video is why I had this idea:
http://youtu.be/s3QxVl6dp3s
Hope it helps!