I bought my first air fryer about 3 years ago and it's been a game changer ever since. If you aren't familiar with what an air fryer exactly does, let me tell you! It's a countertop convection oven designed to simulate deep frying without submerging the food in oil. A fan circulates hot air at a high speed producing a crisp layer via browning reactions.
I have the Instant Pot Vortex which is the oven style air-fryer with pull out racks. It came with two accessories that allow you to have a rotisserie chicken cook inside as well as a french fry basket which allows even cooking. I haven't used those but my fries always turn out perfect when they cook just on the trays. Recently, I was given a second air fryer from someone who no longer wanted it, which was incredibly generous. The second air fryer is a basket style which I actually find myself using primarily these days. On occasion, I do run both air fryers at the same time which is extremely helpful in the kitchen. I cook large batch meals so it saves time when let's say chicken tenders and roasted potatoes can be done at the exact same time.
I'd say I use my air fryer (either one or both) at least once a day, everyday. They are incredibly handy and produce delicious results. My family enjoys when I make hand-breaded chicken tenders in them as well as chicken wings among other favorites. There's generally nothing it can't do, just think of whatever you'd make in your oven, it can also be made in an air fryer. I have cooked mushrooms and broccoli in it which turned out wonderful as well. It's truly a brilliant kitchen applicance that you'll wonder how you ever lived without. When I make chicken tenders I spray the top with a little canola cooking spray just so the tops don't dry it. The chicken is perfectly crispy without all of the oil it would be made with if frying on the stove top.
You can also use the air fryer as a way of reheating takeout fries or pizza and it comes out like new. You'll never know those cold fridge fries were ever leftovers! I love to reheat dinner rolls or garlic bread slices in it too, just so fabulous.
Here are some things I've made recently in the air fryer:
Air-fried Reese's S'mores!
Fried porkchops
Roasted Potatoes
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Salmon
Chicken tenders
Steak bites in a garlic butter sauce
As you can see there is a big range of what you can produce in that magic little appliance!
There are small and large versions of the air fryer depending on what your needs are. If you're a single person, a small one would be ideal for you. If you have a large family, they have very spacious oven style ones with double doors. Those are beautiful but they take up a lot of counter space.
I love experimenting with new things to make in the air fryer. I recently upped my salmon game and made it in there, it definitely beats the oven. I brush melted butter on it and sprinkle some seafood magic seasoning on and let the air fryer do its thing. There is a crispy crust on the top of the salmon leaving it with an unbeatable taste. A few months ago I made breaded eggplant in it as well, then finished baking it in the oven when it was topped with sauce and cheese. Serve that with a side salad and some rolls and your family will be left saying yum yum.
I'm in a few different air fryer groups and I always love seeing what people post in there, it gives me inspiration. I've seen people make homebread bread, desserts, bagels, and so many other things you'd never think of! I'm always left drooling and hungry after surfing those groups.
I hope this given you an excellent perspective on the benefits and versatility of an airfryer. If you're on the fence about buying one, now is the time! They also make excellent gifts too.
Happy cooking!
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