What do you think about air fryers?

[buzzycrumbhunger]

8. I have an Instant Pot with an air fryer lid

I use that thing ALL the time, but only cooking for 1-2 at a time because that’s not a lot of space. Rarely, I’ve wondered if it would’ve been a good idea to also get a bigger square air fryer but it wouldn’t get used much these days.

I’ve jettisoned the old crock pots, rice steamer, and other infrequently used gadgets because this combo does it all—everything from sauté, slow cook, steam, steam under pressure, and air fry. Sadly, my air fryer lid is made by Mealthy, which went out of business a couple years back. There are quite a few others out there now.

I have the 6 qt and an 8” bamboo steamer basket fits perfectly inside the IP, so I can steam seitan and other goodies. I also have a two-level stainless basket that I use for things like beans in the bigger bottom half and rice in the upper, so I can have a dinner ready in maybe 15 minutes with minimal waste. You can also use it to bake cakes (recently did a pineapple upside-down cake that was awesome!) It also comes with a stand and a mesh thingie so you can do things like egg rolls, baked potatoes, etc. up closer to the heating element.

Regardless of what kind you have, I’d recommend you get a silicone mat to place the hot lid/pan on. (I think they’re good to like 600 degrees) so you don’t have to fumble around wondering where to sit the hot parts when you’re ready to serve the goodies.