As temperatures soar, many of us are reluctantly turning off the oven to avoid transforming our kitchens into sweltering saunas. But fear not—your trusty air fryer can step in to save the day! With its ability to whip up a variety of delicious dishes, the air fryer is not just for French fries; it can be the star of your summertime cooking. We’ve consulted culinary experts to bring you four creative ways to make the most of this versatile appliance.
A New Era of Cooking
After realising that my apartment was becoming a furnace, I made the bold decision to retire my oven for the summer. However, my cravings for easy sheet-pan dinners and perfectly roasted salmon were not so easily dismissed. Enter the air fryer—a gadget I’d heard great things about. To ensure I picked a top-notch model, I teamed up with scientists from the Drexel Food Lab, who rigorously tested ten air fryers by preparing chicken, vegetables, and everyone’s favourite: French fries.
Elevate Your Summer Veggies
One of the best features of an air fryer is its ability to enhance seasonal produce. Samantha Erb, the creator of the blog Everyday Family Cooking, swears by cooking corn on the cob in her air fryer. It’s quick and easy—perfect for warm summer nights. Meanwhile, Niki Webster, author of *The Vegan Air Fryer*, takes her air frying up a notch by roasting cherry tomatoes in a heatproof bowl. This method retains all those delicious juices that would otherwise escape, elevating the flavour of your dishes.
Ditch the Stovetop
Many home cooks underestimate the full potential of their air fryers. According to Webster, entire meals can be crafted in this compact appliance. She often prepares curries by first roasting onions and garlic, either in the basket or on the grill pan, before adding liquids. The secret? Using an air fryer with a solid base that can hold liquids—a must for successful cooking. Erb has her own favourite: chicken fajitas. She simply tosses chopped chicken, peppers, onions, and seasoning into the basket, resulting in minimal cleanup and a dish that the kids adore.
Sweet Treats Await
Let’s not forget about dessert! Erb has a delightful brownie recipe that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. She also makes fried Oreos that taste as indulgent as their carnival counterparts. Webster shares her love for baking in the air fryer too, with a recipe for chocolate chip pistachio cookies that’s bound to impress.
The Importance of Quality Ingredients
A common mistake is overlooking the role of good oil in cooking. Webster emphasises that quality oil can significantly enhance the taste of your dishes. She recommends brands like Good Phats and Honest Toil for their robust flavours. For those seeking options available in the US, consider Partanna and California Olive Ranch, both of which deliver exceptional flavour profiles. Erb agrees, noting that using oil is crucial to preventing dry chicken—a common complaint among air fryer enthusiasts.
Ideal Cooking Equipment
If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect air fryer, look no further than the Our Place Wonder Oven Pro. It recently received acclaim from the Drexel Food Lab as the best combination of air fryer and toaster oven. Its ability to make cookies with a delightful chew is just one of its many attributes. Right now, it’s featured in Nordstrom’s anniversary sale, making it an opportune time to invest in this versatile appliance.
Why it Matters
As we navigate the heat of summer, finding ways to cook delicious meals without overheating our homes is essential. The air fryer not only provides a solution for keeping cool but also opens up a world of culinary possibilities. With its versatility, it encourages creativity in the kitchen, allowing everyone—from novice cooks to seasoned chefs—to experiment with new recipes and flavours. So, embrace the air fryer this summer and transform your cooking experience into a refreshing adventure.
