COOKING By Anna Snyder
The Air Fryer That Thing You Never Knew You Always Needed
I
f you know anything about current parent culture, you’re probably at least vaguely aware of a counter-top convection oven-esque device affectionately re-branded and marketed as “The Air Fryer.” Parents the world over are passionately devoted to this small appliance. What makes the air fryer so addicting and so indispensable to modern American parents, who are constantly pressed for time yet desperately attempting to prepare nourishing, tasty food for their families? The air fryer uses a mechanism that circulates hot air – very similar to a convection oven – and yet fits nicely in that small space between your coffee maker and the stand mixer perched reclusively in the corner of your kitchen counter, collecting dust. The circulating heat creates a delicious caramelization such that food gets crispy on the outside and cooked evenly on the inside – in short, baked food that tastes fried. And, guess what else? This otherworldly, magical process is almost instantaneous in comparison to the odious, prosaic tasks of preheating, baking, or (audible sigh of disgust) stovetop frying. With various sizes available at an array of price points, what’s not to love? I began my passionate affair with the air fryer in October 2019 when Costco offered a rather large-sized one for $30 off, a feel-good deal so attractive, it would have been irresponsible not to buy it. And to me, the air fryer embodies
*That Thing* I never knew I always needed. I hope you love your air fryer as much as I do! Please send me all your best recipes. In case you’re wondering, I’m never not using the air fryer. So, without further ado, enjoy these recipes and tips!
Delicious Chicken Nuggets (recipe adapted from skinnytaste.com)
Crispy Zucchini Curly Fries (recipe courtesy of allrecipes.com)
2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces 2 teaspoons olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste 6 tablespoons breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons panko 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1-2 medium zucchinis 1 egg, beaten 1 cup panko ½ cup Parmesan cheese 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cut zucchini into spirals using a spiralizer tool. Beat egg in a shallow dish. Combine panko, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning Stir prepared chicken pieces with olive oil and sprinkle with salt in a 1-gallon zippered plastic bag. In batches, dip the zucchini in and pepper. Combine remaining ingredients in a zippered 1-gallon the egg mixture, and then place it into the breadcrumb mixture. plastic bag. Add the prepared chicken pieces to the plastic bag and Shake up all of the zucchini in the mixture. Air fry in batches shake to coat. Place chicken pieces on the basket – do not overat 400 degrees for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. crowd. Air fry the chicken for 8 minutes at 400 degrees, flipping Transfer the fries to a paper towel-lined plate and serve with ranch Visit www.covenantnaples.com/Moms-Morning-Out the pieces halfway through cooking. dressing. 42
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NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2020
