Air Fryer After 6 Months: What I’ve Learned
I’ve had my air fryer for about 6 months now, and I’ve been using it pretty regularly for meal prep. As we head into Spring, I’ve been experimenting with new recipes that are perfect for outdoor eating or Easter gatherings. In this post, I’ll share my thoughts on what the air fryer is good for and what it’s not.
What it’s Good For
I’ve found that the air fryer is great for cooking a variety of foods quickly and with minimal cleanup. Some of my favorite things to make in it include chicken wings, roasted vegetables, and even homemade fries. I’ve also been using it to reheat leftovers, which is a huge timesaver. For example, I can reheat a frozen burrito in about 5 minutes, which is way faster than using the oven or microwave.
- Chicken wings: 20-25 minutes, $3-4 per pound
- Roasted vegetables: 10-15 minutes, $1-2 per serving
- Homemade fries: 15-20 minutes, $1-2 per serving
I’ve also noticed that the air fryer is really good at crisping up foods, which is something that can be tricky to achieve in the oven. I’ve been using it to make crispy Brussels sprouts and broccoli, which are perfect as a side dish or added to salads.
What it’s Not Good For
While the air fryer is great for many things, there are some foods that just don’t turn out as well. For example, I’ve tried to make pancakes and eggs in it, but they end up overcooked and dry. I’ve also had mixed results with cooking frozen meals, like pizza rolls or chicken nuggets. Sometimes they turn out okay, but other times they’re overcooked or burnt.
Another thing that can be annoying is the size of the air fryer basket. It’s not very large, so I can only cook a few servings at a time. This can be a pain if I’m trying to meal prep for the week, as I have to do multiple batches. However, I’ve found that it’s worth the extra effort, as the food always turns out better than when I use the oven or microwave.
Tips and Tricks
One thing I’ve learned is to always pat dry foods before cooking them in the air fryer. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from steaming instead of browning. I’ve also found that it’s a good idea to shake the basket halfway through cooking, which helps distribute the food and ensures that everything is cooked evenly.
I’ve also been experimenting with different seasonings and marinades, which can add a lot of flavor to the food. For example, I’ve been making a lemon pepper seasoning that’s perfect for chicken and fish. I just mix together some lemon zest, black pepper, and garlic powder, and then sprinkle it on the food before cooking.
In conclusion, I’m really happy with my air fryer and I think it’s a great addition to my meal prep routine. It’s not perfect, but it’s been a game-changer for me in terms of convenience and flavor.
What do you use your air fryer for?
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