Yes, I tested it in my own machine (M1 Air 2021). I used a USB A to USB C 5v 2A charger and it worked, just slower.
Apple does not officially support this, advertising a minimum supported wattage of 20w. On different hardware your mileage could vary.
It behaved exactly how I’d expect an iPad to, supporting any low power charger in addition to higher wattage PD up to 45W.
On a higher 100WH MacBook Pro, even if it works it could take 10 full hours to reach a charge and lose battery during use. However, in a pinch, it could work (MacBook Pro untested)
Answer from Jacob Waters on Stack ExchangeCan a MacBook be charged with an iPhone charger?
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It shouldn't damage anything, but it might not be powerful enough to keep up.
The Macbook Air charger is 30w, which is about 6A.
Amps are "pulled" by the computer rather than "pushed" by the power supply [which is the opposite to voltage; this is why voltage has to match but amperage doesn't] however, your charger will be incapable of supplying all the Mac is asking.
This will just make charging slower. If you're lucky, it might just keep up, otherwise the battery might still lose charge slowly while the Mac is in use, even with the charger connected.
I didn't think it would... but the ubiquitous Apple 12W USB-A iPad/iPhone charger
works fine for me when my M1 MacBook Air is shut down. The battery life is good enough to handle moderate use (take measures to minimize drain!) and then I just plug it in when I'm not using the laptop, shut it down and it charges slowly. (USB A to C cable needed) Definitely needs extra time but is usually charged in a couple/few hours.
I guess the only question I have about this would be - is there anything wrong with leaving that setup (12W USB-A charger, USB A to C cable, M1 MacBook Air) plugged in while I'm working on the computer? I have heard that it's best to not drain and charge at the same time. So I guess more generally I need to research the entire question of charging while using.