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As most of you who read my column probably know, I recently moved into my own apartment.
While I am still getting used to it, though I will say I am almost there, I have been living out of my refrigerator/freezer for meals.
However, in comes the air fryer, and it has been a life changing experience.
I bought a nicer one right before I moved in, but in the hassle of moving, it took me a while to get it unboxed and start to use it. All I could think was, “I should have done this sooner!”
I absolutely love the ease of use as well as the quickness with which it cooks my food.
I started off with a baked potato, which I know may be a funny way to start, but it is one of my favorite things to eat.
I did the usual routine, grease the potato (I use cooking oil with the air fryer), poke venting holes, etc. I placed it in the machine for about 20 minutes and I was astounded at the results. The air fryer gets the skin of the potato crispier than the oven ever would. The inside is soft though, just as if it were oven baked.
This led to me deciding to try my hand at my favorite potato dish, home fries.
I have always loved home fries, but with the somewhat extensive preparation needed to make them (bring out the fryer, change the oil, wash and cut the potatoes, etc.), they were relegated to an occasional dish.
Not anymore.
I cut the potatoes and drizzled them with a bit of oil to prevent them from drying out. I tossed them in the air fryer and mine actually has preset buttons for certain foods, fries being one of them. So I hit that button, which is equivalent to 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.
The results were amazing. The crispiness of the baked potato is amplified here, and the fries are golden brown and soft on the inside.
I have eaten these so many times in the last few weeks and I absolutely love it.
I haven’t really ventured outside of potatoes very much, though I have some.
I like chicken wings prepared in the air fryer as well. I already liked the wings, but prepared the new way, they are quite possibly even better.
They are not as greasy, and they are also crispier.
I will admit, the last dish I picked is not one I am a fan of, but my dad likes it. Everyone has an opinion on it one way or the other though … meatloaf.
I used to eat it when I was younger, but I grew out of it. I had never thought about it being made in an air fryer though. I am curious to see how it turns out, and I am sure that he will love it.
HOME FRIES
3 medium potatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 ½ tablespoons oil of choice
■ Wash the potatoes and pat them dry.
■ Slice the potatoes to the size fry you want and place in a bowl.
■ Toss in the oil, salt and pepper, and place in the air fryer.
■ Cook at 400 degrees for around 20 minutes (cooking time will vary based on the size of the fries).
■ Check the fries by poking them with a fork. If it goes through easily, they are done.
■ Move into a serving bowl and add extra salt/pepper if needed.
■ Serve and enjoy!
ROTISSERIE CHICKEN WINGS
Seasoning:
1 ½ teaspoons paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
Wings split at the joints and tips removed
■ Toss the wings in the seasoning mixture and place in the air fryer.
■ Cook at 400 degrees for around 8 minutes per side, 16 minutes total.
MEATLOAF
1 ½ pound lean ground beef
1 tablespoon dehydrated minced onion or ½ cup fresh minced onion
2 tablespoons water
3 eggs lightly beaten
1 ½ cups stuffing mix
¼ cup milk or cream
½ teaspoon salt
Sliced cheese (optional)
■ Place the stuffing mix, onion into a large bowl. Add the water and let sit for about five minutes.
■ Add the remaining ingredients (except for the cheese if you are using it).
■ Place a parchment sheet in the basket of the air fryer. To aid in removal, also put some strips of heavy aluminum foil to the bottom of the basket.
■ Shape the meat mixture onto a loaf and place it on top of the parchment paper and aluminum foil strips.
■ Set the air fryer to 325 degrees and cook for 30 minutes. Test the doneness with a meat thermometer. It should be at least 160 degrees for beef.
■ Place cheese on top if desired.
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