Latest news with #homecooks
Washington Post
a day ago
- Lifestyle
- Washington Post
Honeydew and goat cheese level-up these no-cook chicken wraps
Like many busy home cooks, I lean on the same core grocery list each week. With life's dizzying pace, it's unrealistic to constantly reinvent the home menu. But I manage to stay out of a rut by applying a simple principle to everyday meals and snacks: add one unexpected element. Often, that's all that it takes to keep things fresh and interesting. I'll add a few mint leaves to the usual lettuce and tomato on a sandwich, sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds on a spread of hummus, toss a handful of blueberries into a basic green salad — you get the idea. Get the recipe: Chicken Wraps With Honeydew and Goat Cheese This recipe started accordingly, as a basic wrap with chicken simply seasoned with salt, pepper and lemon juice and a handful of mixed greens. The unexpected element — juicy slices of honeydew melon. But the sandwich evolved from there to ultimately have multiple intriguing layers. (Sometimes I can't stop at just one.) The sweet melon begged for a creamy counterpoint, so I added a schmear of fresh goat cheese stirred with a touch of honey, some lemon zest and enough milk to render it smooth and spreadable. Then, I elevated the greens with a few basil leaves, adding a floral, summery essence. The resulting sandwich is not much more of a lift than a run-of-the-mill chicken wrap, but with layers of exciting flavors it's infinitely more crave-worthy. Get the recipe: Chicken Wraps With Honeydew and Goat Cheese
CNET
a day ago
- General
- CNET
Use This 2-Minute Hack to Clean Your Microwave With Ease
Now that it's summer, you might not be using your microwave as much as you were, but you still need to keep it clean. And because it's so often overlooked when doing kitchen cleanups, it's easy for meals to leave behind a hardened mess that can be a nightmare to clean. Don't worry if this all sounds a little too familiar because you definitely aren't alone. And it doesn't have to be this way. Plenty of home cooks run into this problem and turn to forums like Reddit to get tips on the best ways to rid their microwaves of stubborn, caked-on food. The solution? It's easier than you might think. We asked cleaning experts for their favorite tricks and go-to methods so you can get your microwave spotless with minimal effort. Why it's important to clean your microwave Keeping your microwave clean is important for more than aesthetic your microwave clean isn't just for impressing the in-laws, but can have an effect on your appliance's utility. "A clean microwave prevents cross-contamination of flavors and avoids buildup of bacteria from food splatters," says Galia Ivanova, CEO of Cleaning Estimate, a UK-based cleaning service. "I've seen microwaves where old residues not only cause unpleasant odors, but also affect the appliance's efficiency. Regular cleaning ensures your food tastes as it should and your microwave lasts longer." Bacterial buildup from splatter can be a serious hygiene issue. "Considering the microwave is one of the most used kitchen appliances, if it's dirty it can be a haven for bacteria and food-borne illnesses," says Delah Gomasi, Managing Director and CEO of MaidForYou, who adds that microwave cleaning is one of the first training modules that cleaners at MaidForYou must undergo, as it correlates directly to overall client satisfaction. Try to keep your microwave clean in the first place A microwave needs cleaning just like everything else in the kitchen. David Watsky/CNET Regular -- and quick -- attention to your microwave can help it stay in such a condition that you don't have to fear it or clean it very often. "The best way to keep your microwave clean is to use a microwave safe food cover," says Gomasi. "This means any spillage will not penetrate the microwave in its entirety and only dirty the food cover itself, which can be easily washed." A damp paper towel can also act as a barrier for splatters if you're heating something in a standard bowl or plate. If splatter does occur, "I recommend wiping down the microwave after any spills immediately," says Ivanova. This is much more easily done with spillage that is still fresh before it has an opportunity to dry and adhere to the walls of your appliance. Read more: Skip the Microwave: Expert Tips for Reheating Your Leftovers The easiest 2-minute hack for cleaning a microwave Cleaning your microwave is as simple as using your microwave, no speciality products or supplies needed. You're basically giving it a steam bath. "I've found the easiest way to clean a microwave without the use of harmful chemicals or cleaning products is to microwave vinegar and water in a microwave safe bowl for two minutes," says Gomasi. A tablespoon or two of white or distilled vinegar with a cup of water is enough. You'll just need to nuke it long enough to boil and steam. Using vinegar is an effective and natural way to clean your microwave. Pamela Vachon/CNET "Once that's done, allow another two minutes before using a damp cloth to wipe down the interior of the microwave," he says. "It may take multiple passes but this is the most effective way to clean your microwave." The acid in the vinegar steam can break down and soften particles, making them easy to wipe away. "It's eco-friendly, simple, and effective at removing pent up food spills" says Gomasi. You can use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down your microwave after using the vinegar. Pamela Vachon/CNET Lemon juice or lemon rinds can also be used in this way for a fresher scent or for another take, "One of my favorite methods is using herbal steam," says Ivanova, who recommends fresh mint, rosemary, thyme or other aromatic herbs in place of vinegar in the steam bath. The steam will still help to break down bits without the acid, and the essential oils will leave your kitchen with a pleasant smell. The glass turntable plate in your microwave can be put in the dishwasher or hand washed. How often should you clean your microwave? If you're doing the above after each use of the microwave or when spills occur, you shouldn't have to give it the steam bath treatment more than once a month. If you're more haphazard about covering your items, though, "we typically recommend that our clients clean their microwave at least twice a week, especially if they're not using a microwavable food cover to prevent spills" says Gomasi. "You'd be surprised at just how many people don't do this." For lingering microwave odor, try this Is there anything baking soda can't do? Angela Lang/CNET If you've given your microwave the vinegar steam bath a few times, and you still have stuck-on stains or lingering odor, you might need some more metaphorical muscle, but major scrubbing still isn't necessary. "For a deep clean, I make a natural paste using equal parts baking soda and coconut oil," says Ivanova. "Apply this paste to the interior surfaces, especially on stubborn stains, and let it sit for 15 minutes. The baking soda acts as a gentle abrasive, while the coconut oil breaks down grease," she says. "Afterward, wipe it off with a warm, damp cloth," which should leave your microwave clean and subtly scented. Ivanova also has a hack for keeping odors down continually. "Place a small bowl filled with dry coffee grounds at the back of your microwave when it's not in use," she says. "The coffee grounds absorb lingering odors and moisture, keeping the interior fresh. Just remember to remove the bowl before you use the microwave." Read more: Home Cleaning Guide: A Step-by-Step Cheat Sheet To Deep Clean Your Home Don't forget to disinfect Finally, while vinegar is a useful cleaning agent, it doesn't meet the standard to be considered a disinfectant by the Environmental Protection Agency, so for a final reassurance you'll want to give your microwave a wipe down with an actual disinfectant. Disinfecting your microwave will keep it from becoming home to mold and germs. Pamela Vachon/CNET "Be sure to use a toxin-free disinfectant to keep germs at bay," says Lana Tkachenko, Eco-Friendly Cleaning Expert and Marketing Director at Force of Nature. "Your microwave comes in contact with the foods you eat so you don't want to use anything to clean it that you don't want to also put in your mouth." Read more: How Often Should You Clean Your Oven? The Answer Might Surprise You
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
The Retro Appetizer Our Readers Still Can't Stop Making In 2025
It really is the little things in life. And by little things, we mean the handheld, bite-sized bites waiting for you at the kitchen counter when you arrive at the party. From pontoon dip to pulled pork sliders, we've cranked out plenty of new appetizers in 2025. But one thing about our readers: 'in with the new' never means 'out with the old.' Some of our most popular recipes are the ones that have been around the longest. And one, named oh-so appropriately, keeps finding its way back to the top of the list. This year, make room on the table for Cheese Dreams. Get The Recipe What Are Cheese Dreams? Cheese dreams are pillowy bites of bread slathered in butter, topped with a generous layer of sharp Cheddar cheese, and toasted to golden, crispy perfection. You can think of them as an open-faced grilled cheese or a twist on the classic Southern cheese straw. And just like the cheese straw, cheese dreams have endless variations. Many of our readers grew up enjoying and making their own versions of this classic Southern dish, and the recipe is just as flexible as it is flavorful. Cheese Dream Ingredients In our recipe, we use freshly grated sharp Cheddar to achieve that indulgently cheesy flavor, but don't be afraid to experiment with different types of Cheddar (an aged white Cheddar would work wonders here). The flavor of our cheese mixture is further elevated by a touch of Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and ground red pepper. Everything comes together with the use of white bread, cut into attractive bite-sized sandwich squares. They're the perfect starter for any gathering. Whip up a batch and pair them with one of our favorite party drinks for a minimal-effort Lose A Recipe Again With MyRecipes, your personal recipe box, you can save and organize all of your Southern Living favorites and thousands more in one Reviewers Are Saying When our recipes take off, we have our readers to thank. Here is what home cooks had to say about this nostalgic appetizer: 'I made these for my first catering gig, and they flew off the trays! I used tramezzini bread and buttered each whole piece before stacking and cutting into smaller pieces. I served them with a chipotle scallion crema, but they would have gone in an instant despite this. It just made them slightly more decadent.' 'I made these as an addition to a small bites table for my daughter's high school graduation. By far, this was the most requested recipe! Such a surprise as it was the simplest dish to make of them all! Very delicate and moist, not to mention easy! I will definitely make these again in a pinch!' 'I love this recipe! When I have a free evening, I'll make a batch or two of cheese dreams to freeze. I just pop them in the oven while I'm mixing up drinks for company.' Read the original article on Southern Living Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Air Fryer Hacks You'll Wish You Knew Sooner
If you have an air fryer, chances are it's already revolutionized the way you cook. After all, this popular appliance that took the world by storm has pretty much everything going for it: Air fryers are affordable, incredibly easy to use, capable of heating food easily and quickly, and -- for the most part -- the recipes you can make with an air fryer are much healthier than their traditionally-fried counterparts. But you might be surprised to learn that air fryers aren't just for making delicious homemade french fries or the easiest Korean-style salmon you've ever had the pleasure of cooking. From previously-unthought-of uses like home-roasting your own coffee beans to practical tricks like how to keep greasy meats from smoking, there are a few hacks that any self-respecting air fryer owner should know to get the most out of their beloved appliance. We've scoured the depths of the internet and consulted with all the air fryer experts in our life to figure out the best air fryer hacks you'll wish you knew sooner. Read more: The 11 Best Electric Smokers, According To Reviews Embrace Preheating Your Air Fryer One of the strongest selling points for air fryers -- if not the biggest altogether -- is how unbelievably easy the appliance makes it to prepare a vast array of foods. At its easiest, just press a few buttons, wait a few minutes, and voila! And while you can certainly take the simplest approach with just about anything you can fit into your air fryer's basket, you might want to consider preheating the appliance for certain recipes. As with conventional ovens, preheating an air fryer serves the purpose of having the cooking process start out at a higher temperature, which will ultimately decrease cooking time and increase the quality of some foods. While preheating isn't necessary for every single thing you cook in an air fryer, it can be an especially good idea for freezer foods and recipes that are meant to have a crispy or crunchy texture. Some models automatically preheat, while others require the user to manually start the process. Either way, it's worth a quick recipe check or a flip through your model's manual to be sure. Use The Right Oil Traditionally deep-fried foods are popular for a reason: they're undeniably delicious. But they also pack an unhealthy punch of excess oil, grease, and fat that's downright unappetizing, especially if you're actively monitoring your health. Enter the air fryer, capable of delivering the same delicious fried foods but at a fraction of the health cost. However, even then, most air fryer recipes do call for a relatively small amount of fat or oil in order to achieve the right consistency and quality. The thing is, it's actually quite important that you choose the correct oil for this particular cooking process, as the extreme heat inside an air fryer can break down oils with a lower smoke point, releasing chemicals that can cause an undesirable burnt or even bitter flavor in your food. Instead, look for oils with a higher smoke point, like canola, sunflower, or plain vegetable oil. Remember to beware of aerosolized oils and cooking sprays, which can ruin air fryers, as some contain additives like soy lecithin, which can bind to the interior of your appliance causing a grimy residue that is extremely difficult to clean and can ultimately harm the longevity of your air fryer. Alternatively, opt to apply oil to your food with a basting brush or another safer method. Parchment Paper Is Your Non-Stick Friend One of the few annoyances when it comes to using an air fryer is the sticking problem: Whether you simply forget to add a bit of oil, underestimate the amount needed, or take all the necessary precautions anyway, sooner or later, you're going to encounter food that just doesn't want to be parted from your favorite countertop appliance once the cooking cycle is done. And sometimes, there's only so much that cooking oil can do to prevent this. With that scenario in mind, it's our pleasure to point out the wonderfully heat-resistant hack that is parchment paper. Commonly used to line baking sheets, parchment paper can handle temperatures well over 400 Fahrenheit as well as prevent sticking and make clean-up that much easier. Many times, you can even find specially shaped parchment paper liners specifically made to line air fryers. While it may be tempting to use aluminum foil for the same purpose, always use caution to ensure that said foil can't be blown loose inside the air fryer -- if it touches the heating mechanisms, it can be a major fire hazard. Parchment paper is a far safer solution. Don't Overstuff The Fryer It's all too tempting when you're busy and need to get dinner on the table to just dump food into the air fryer and walk away. Unfortunately, this isn't the best way to get good results. (Also, you should follow the filling instructions faithfully, as some air fryers have been recalled due to fire danger.) Air fryers are generally quite tolerant. However, the appliance does not take well to overcrowding. Air fryers work by circulating hot air evenly around food. This is why you can get a nice crisp without oil, although a light toss of oil across the surface of your foods can make them crispier. Either way, if you pile your fries, chicken cutlets, or veggies all together, the air can't get in. This can lead it to become soggy or, in the case of meat, it can even come out undercooked and it's therefore dangerous. You can overwork your air fryer and cause it to break, too. Instead of taking any risk, arrange your food in a single layer and work in batches. Some sources say you can safely load your basket up with fries or veggies, neither of which will make you sick if undercooked. This will raise the cooking time, though, and it will likely lead to a less crunchy and satisfying result. If you want to cook for a large family, it's probably better to buy an air fryer with a multi-level basket. Pay Attention To Proper Cleaning Methods Though it may seem a bit obvious to be counted as a hack, taking a small amount of time to consider the proper cleaning methods for your particular model of air fryer can save you quite a bit of time and effort, and it can also prolong the lifespan of your appliance altogether. Though there are lots of different air fryer models on the market, there are several tips that can apply universally to all models. To start with, always try to clean your air fryer shortly after use, but wait for all the components to cool down first. If you can't get to it right away, it's okay to soak your air fryer's pan and inner basket in warm soapy water for a little while. You can even make a paste out of water and baking soda to help dissolve especially tough grime. Perhaps most importantly though, you should never use sharp utensils or abrasive sponges or brushes in the cleaning process, as many air fryers have a protective nonstick coating that can be damaged if you don't stick to a gentler means of cleaning. Remember to wipe the interior chamber of the main unit with a damp towel too, as crumbs and oil can and will accumulate there. And while some air fryers have components that are dishwasher safe, for longevity's sake it's usually a good idea to hand wash or at least confirm the best cleaning method with your model's manual. Reheat Leftovers To Restaurant-Ready Perfection Air fryers aren't just for freezer foods and nifty from-scratch recipes. Whether you're reheating last night's takeout or making the most out of that giant meal you prepared earlier in the week, it's time to give your microwave a break and discover a better way to reheat. The key to our favorite countertop appliance's expertise with leftovers lies in the basic way that it functions: All air fryers work by using a high-powered fan to circulate hot air throughout its interior. When food is suspended in the air fryer's basket, the hot air is able to cook everything evenly all at once, resulting in the delightfully crispy texture that we know and love. When it comes to leftovers, the usual reheating methods -- by way of a microwave or a conventional oven -- tend to leave some foods soggy. But due to its method of air circulation to achieve an even cooking temperature and texture, air fryers leave even the saddest leftovers with a fresh crunchiness that will never fail to satisfy. From pizza to egg rolls and beyond, you're really missing out if you haven't already tried this incredibly simple hack. Place A Slice Of Bread In The Drip Pan To Soak Up Excess Grease There are multiple reasons why you might, on occasion, notice smoke coming from your air fryer. Maybe a piece of food has fallen through the basket into the drip pan, or maybe you've just got too many items in the basket and the appliance is struggling to keep up. Either way, you're more likely to see smoke coming from your air fryer if the foods you're cooking are on the greasy side, like burgers or even bacon. And while even a small plume of smoke can be alarming, there is an easy solution to prevent your air fryer from smoking due to greasy foods. The immediate answer is to place a small amount of water, think a couple of tablespoons, in your air fryer's drip pan. The interior heat will quickly turn the water into steam and take care of the smoke problem. On the other hand, if you know ahead of time that something you're cooking is on the greasy side and likely to smoke, try placing a slice of bread in the drip pan. The bread will soak up any excess grease that drips into the pan, ultimately preventing that dreaded cloud of smoke from hovering over your kitchen. Explore Air Fryer Accessories We've already established that the number of things you can do with an air fryer is nearly endless. From chicken wings to tasty falafel, there isn't much that you can't make with an air fryer, and with the countless number of accessories available on the market, that list is growing ever smaller by the day. So if you find yourself making the same old recipes over and over, it might be time to start exploring what kind of extras could potentially breathe new life into your kitchen. Now bear in mind that not all air fryer accessories are universal -- you'll definitely want to double-check whether an attachment is compatible with your particular model before purchasing. But all in all, if you have an air fryer, we can pretty much guarantee you'll be able to find plenty of gadgets to work with it. Something as simple as silicone baking cups can open the door to all kinds of delectable recipes, from muffins to frittata. Other popular air fryer additions include racks and special pans that will allow you to "grill" certain food items, as well as cake and pizza pans, and even refillable oil sprayers. Small Oven-Safe Baking Dishes Are Also Air Fryer-Safe Shopping for air fryer accessories is certainly fun, but for the budget-conscious, it can be a little pricey. After all, the number of accompanying pans, racks, and other products on the market is practically limitless. Thankfully, you likely already have plenty of dishes that can take the place of those accessories. After all, any oven-safe dish is also air fryer-safe! Of course, depending on the size of your air fryer, you're going to be limited as to which dishes you can actually use. But any small -- and some medium-sized -- dish that you can put in the oven can also stand up to the heat in an air fryer. This can make some recipes vastly easier to achieve with little or even no cleanup required -- especially if your oven-safe, air fryer-safe dish is also compatible with your dishwasher. As always, double-check to make sure that the dish you're using is up to the task. While most glass baking dishes are totally fine to go in an air fryer, that doesn't mean that they all are. Contact The Manufacturer Before Replacing A Broken Air Fryer It's true, you can do just about anything with an air fryer. However, they can still have issues, just like any other appliance. But before you conclude that your trusty kitchen buddy is a lost cause and spend the money to replace it, it might be worth contacting the manufacturer. Best case scenario, some models come with a warranty that could get you a brand new air fryer for little or no extra money. On the other hand, the problem might be as simple as a broken component. Many companies offer replacement parts to purchase, and some might even fix the appliance for you. Either way, solving the problem is better for the environment than simply chucking the malfunctioning air fryer in the garbage -- and not to mention, better for your wallet than replacing the entire appliance. Give Your Toaster The Day Off Since before the days of the Crockpot, it's seemingly been a competition to see which popular new kitchen appliance can do more than the last. Some have even become obsolete along the way. And while we don't think the toaster is going to go extinct anytime sooner, the advent of the air fryer is certainly giving it a run for its money. Turns out, your air fryer's signature crispiness is exactly what your morning toast has been looking for all along! Simple as it seems, it still might take a couple of tries to figure out exactly which setting you prefer, since cooking time for a simple slice or two of bread is, expectedly, quick. But this function of your air fryer goes beyond toast too. Things like bagels, waffles, and other large or thick-sliced breads may not be able to fit in your average toaster, but your air fryer can handle them no problem, and they'll likely be even tastier. Not only that, but it might enable you to declutter your kitchen countertop a bit. What's not to love? Try Roasting Your Own Coffee Beans This one's for all the coffee lovers out there. When you think of all the wonderful, mouthwatering things you can make with an air fryer, coffee likely isn't one of them. And while you're definitely going to need to defer to your preferred method of brewing for your average morning cup of joe, air fryers can make that cup so much fresher if you can just get your hands on some green coffee beans. That's right — you can roast your own coffee beans right at home in your air fryer. This process is one that you'll want to preheat your appliance for, but altogether, it should take less than an hour from start to finish. Ideally, the beans should be in a single layer so that each one ends up being evenly roasted. The length of time you'll air fry your beans depends on whether you prefer light, medium, or dark roasts. Once they're done and you've allowed the beans to sit for a while to cool, you can store them or grind them immediately for the freshest cup of coffee you've ever had. Dehydrate Fruits, Veggies, And Meats Interestingly enough, dehydrators already work much like an air fryer, just without the high temperatures. So it really isn't a surprise that, with the right settings, your air fryer can also double as a dehydrator. Those settings will vary according to what you're trying to dehydrate, but a quick recipe check should be all you need to get on your way. By setting your air fryer at a relatively low temperature for a period of time (but still usually less time than it takes for a dehydrator to work), you'll be able to make all kinds of delicious snacks -- think fruit chips, "sun"-dried tomatoes, fruit leather, jerky, spices, and even homemade dog biscuits for the pet in your life! The key is to choose the right temperature for the food you're making, which can vary, so be sure to have a game plan before you start throwing ingredients together. Don't Thaw Frozen Vegetables Before Air Frying Them Up front, it's a simple question: should you thaw out your frozen vegetables before popping them in the air fryer? It's no secret that the process of air frying is one of the tastiest ways you can prepare your daily intake of veggies, but how can you ensure that they don't end up soggy nonetheless? The answer is that it depends, but most of the time, you should air fry your frozen veggies as they are without thawing them out beforehand. This is also another food that you'll want to preheat your appliance for. When frozen vegetables are defrosted, they begin to release the moisture trapped by those low temperatures in your freezer, so they can start to get soggy. Putting them straight into a blazing hot air fryer doesn't give that moisture a chance to soak into the veggies. That being said, some vegetables like bell peppers, cauliflower, and broccoli hold up to the freezing process better, so if you're just dying to thaw your veggies beforehand, it isn't going to hurt these varieties. Even so, it saves time and effort to simply pop them in, press a button, and give it a few minutes. Use A Toothpick To Keep Things Together Here's the thing about air fryers: it's a magical thing how you can simply pop your food into the basket, let the hot air circulation do its thing, and enjoy something yummy just a few minutes later. But when it comes to recipes that involve stacked ingredients, think sandwiches or anything that involves a slice of cheese on top, that rapidly-circulating air can make a bit of a mess. While the process isn't likely to blow apart your entire meal, some ingredients may need to be a little more secured to ensure that they come out in perfect condition. Thankfully, the solution couldn't be simpler: just stick a toothpick in your sandwich or stacked food, making sure to secure the ingredients you're worried about, and you're done! That being said, only use wood or reusable metal toothpicks for this hack, never plastic. Some Air Fryers Allow You To Proof And Bake Bread This we know: air fryers are absolutely not the same thing as bread makers. And if making homemade bread is your favorite hobby, chances are you already have the equipment you need. But for the rest of us who are relatively new to the process and might want to try our hand at making fresh bread before going out and buying all the necessary paraphernalia, an air fryer can be a great way to experiment. Not every air fryer is made to handle bread making. But those that are do massively simplify the process. Proofing is the step in which dough is allowed to rest and rise one final time before being baked -- the dark, draft-free interior of an air fryer is a perfect place for this. For the final baking step, you'll want to defer to your chosen recipe. Roast Garlic Roasted garlic is delicious and versatile. You can use it in countless ways, from mixing it into your mashed potatoes to using it for the best garlic bread you've ever had. Stews, roasted veggies, ground meat, butter, hummus, and gravy all do well with an addition of sweet, caramelized garlic. Best of all, you can make roasted garlic in an air fryer. Start by preheating your air fryer to 380 Fahrenheit (some sources advise 400 Fahrenheit, so feel free to experiment with your machine). Cut the top off of a head of garlic just enough that the cloves beneath are exposed, but no more. All you need is an entry point for salt, oil, and heat. Use about 1 teaspoon of oil per head and ¼ teaspoon of salt if desired. You can also cook without salt if you prefer, as it won't measurably change the consistency of the results. Once prepped, wrap the whole head in tin foil and pop it in the air fryer. Depending on your device, it may be done in 16-20 minutes, or you may need to wait more like 25. Start checking at the 16-minute mark the first time you do it and you should be safe. Make Hard Boiled Eggs Hard boiled eggs are great. They're healthy, require no extra fat, and lend themselves to a variety of dishes, from egg salad to green salad. They also work well as a pre- or post-workout snack or an easy addition to a lunchbox. The only problem? They're kind of a pain to make, which is where the air fryer comes in. In the air fryer, you can cook a batch of four eggs (some air fryers can accommodate more) without waiting for water to boil, after which you can dump them into cold water to cool, the same as you would with a stovetop approach. Preheat your machine to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, arrange the eggs across the basket, and cook for 13 minutes for soft boiled and 17 for hard boiled. Although you'll have to work in smaller batches, the process is pretty hands-off and there's less cleanup. Plus, the timing is very precise and the eggs peel easily. The only note is that different air fryers cook differently, so when cooking a hard boiled egg this way, you might need to experiment. Start with 13 minutes at 250 and go from there. Have an ice water bath ready nearby and plunge the eggs into it as soon as they come out. Revive Stale Chips Nobody likes stale chips. Depressingly, an open bag of chips loses its crunch pretty quickly, even though they can safely last well after the best-by date as long as they're unopened. This freshness time boils down to moisture content. When snack foods absorb too much humidity, they get soggy, which is why so many of them come with a little absorbent packet inside. Now onto the good stuff: You can revive stale chips in the air fryer. While the microwave also works, and you can even make homemade chips using this appliance, the air fryer gives more reliable and enjoyable results. Just know that the temperature and timing will depend on the variety of snack food you're looking to raise from the dead. First, preheat your air fryer to 300 Fahrenheit. You can either rely on your machine to tell you when it's heated or wait three minutes or so. Once hot, heat thin potato chips for a minute and a half only. Cook thick potato and other kinds of chips for the same amount of time, and then check frequently as you continue to heat until done. For denser snack foods, such as Cheetos, tortilla chips, and baked chips, cook for two and a half minutes. This trick works for other snacks as well, but you may need to play with the amount of cooking time. Bake Small Batches Of Cookies Air fryers make light work of several baking tasks, but their ability to produce delicious cookies may be the sweetest. The batches these handy appliances can handle will be smaller, obviously, but the cookies will be second-to-none. Thanks to the convection style of heating, air fryers bake cookies super quickly, leaving you with gooey centers and crispy edges in the end. Basically, they give you the best of both worlds when it comes to achieving the ideal texture. Winning! Whether you are using store-bought cookie dough or making it from scratch, baking cookies in the air fryer at 300 degrees F for about five or six minutes should get the job done. You'll want to line the basket with parchment paper first, but it couldn't be easier. It won't heat up your kitchen like the oven, either. It'll take several rounds to make a full batch of cookies in your air fryer, but if you aren't looking to make more than a few, there really is no better way to accomplish the task. Make Your Hot Dogs Crispy Nothing says summer more than firing up the grill to make burgers and hot dogs. However, when you don't want to go all out, your air fryer is here for the win when it comes to making crispy hot dogs. Air-fried hot dogs won't have the same smoky flavor as when they are cooked on a grill, but air fryers get the texture pretty darn close. The rapid convection style of cooking ensures your hot dogs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside in a matter of minutes. You can go ahead and toss your hot dog buns in the air fryer for a quick toast as well. For a creative spin on the classic hot dog, you can also slice your wieners into ribbons and air fry them at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes. Like other air-fried foods, you'll want to flip them, maybe even a couple of times. When they come out of the basket, they'll be somewhere between jerky and bacon, and of course, they'll be crispy to the max. Then, you can put your hot dog ribbons on sandwiches, salads, or add them to your next breakfast plate. Conquer Fruits And Veggies With Ease Arguably, the easiest way to cook fruits and veggies is with an air fryer. It crisps and roasts them just as well as your oven -- maybe better -- and there's no doubt that it does it a heck of a lot quicker, too. You'll have to flip your produce at least once while it cooks, but other than that, you can basically set it and forget it. Of course, it doesn't require nearly as much oil, either, so it's generally considered a healthy alternative to traditional frying and roasting methods. Whether you aim air fry corn on the cob, brussels sprouts, zucchini, a variety of canned peach desserts, or something else, this handy appliance is ready and waiting to help get the job done. Just about anything you would put on the grill can be air fried, and that's just the beginning. Don't leave your air fryer out of the equation the next time you want to cook your favorite fruits and veggies quickly. Cook Chicken Without Defrosting It First If you don't have a deep fryer -- most of us don't -- your air fryer is the key to achieving restaurant-worthy chicken wings. Just like a deep fryer, but with way less oil, your air fryer's convection style of cooking creates beautifully crispy wings every time. Best of all, you can go ahead and toss frozen chicken wings straight into the basket and cook them up without taking the time to defrost them first. Talk about a game-changer. Simply cook your frozen chicken wings at 400 degrees F for about 20 minutes, and you're good to go. In addition to wings, you can also cook other kinds of frozen chicken in the air fryer without thawing it first. Nuggets and tenders are an obvious choice, but even frozen chicken breasts can go into the basket as-is. It may seem a bit counterintuitive, but give it a try and you'll be amazed at how easily it handles the task. The size of the chicken breast matters, but start by cooking your frozen chicken at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. After that, check the progress and either take it out or keep it in for a few more minutes until it's cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Get Crispy And Fluffy Potatoes For many of us, potatoes are the first thing that comes to mind when we think of an air fryer. After all, we've all seen the pictures of crispy fries coming out of the basket, and they look delicious. While air-fried french fries are a true delight, both in theory and practice, your appliance also has what it takes to cook other potato dishes -- and its ability to fluff and crisp them to perfection is uncanny. In addition to fries, your air fryer is arguably the best way to make a baked potato. It speeds up the process quite a bit and also helps you achieve the ideal crispy skin and fluffy interior that we all aim for. After pricking a few holes in the skin and rubbing it down with oil, set your air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook the potato for about 30 to 45 minutes. Really, though, baked, roasted, fried, whatever, your air fryer is all you need to whip up any kind of spud. All hail the mighty air-fried potato! Read the original article on Chowhound. 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CNET
10-07-2025
- General
- CNET
My Air Fryer Safety Routine: Here's How to Keep Your Kitchen and Home Fire-Free
Air fryers are the new big home appliance and their well-earned popularity is because they can help you quickly whip up a delicious meal. Whether you need to make a quick back-to-school dinner or grab a bite in the middle of a hectic workday, an air fryer can help you get it done. However, it's easy to get an air fryer dirty. You need to clean the buildup of oil and food debris in the air fryer basket to avoid it from turning into a potential hazard. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, you risk not only inefficient cooking but also smoke, unpleasant odors and even dangerous grease fires. Regular care can make sure your air fryer stays safe, efficient and ready for every meal. Although a light wipe can be good enough after every use, there are some areas that users tend to ignore. One area that a lot of people admit to ignoring is the heating coils, which sit inside under the hull. Grease splatter and gunk buildup occur very easily in this area. Read on for my complete air fryer safety guide if you want to avoid malfunctions, prevent fires and preserve the quality of your food. Want the perfect air fryer recipes? Learn how to make crispy bacon, the perfect cheeseburger or a whole chicken in the air fryer. Key takeaways: Regular maintenance is important: Consistent cleaning of the air fryer basket after each use and cleaning the heating coils monthly is essential to prevent grease fires, unpleasant odors and maintain the appliance's efficiency. Consistent cleaning of the air fryer basket after each use and cleaning the heating coils monthly is essential to prevent grease fires, unpleasant odors and maintain the appliance's efficiency. Knowledge on grease fire safety is crucial: According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service, in the event of a grease fire, never use water. Instead, use a kitchen fire extinguisher or cover the fryer with a metal lid and immediately call 911. According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service, in the event of a grease fire, never use water. Instead, use a kitchen fire extinguisher or cover the fryer with a metal lid and immediately call 911. General safety precautions: Air fryers are generally safe but require proper use. Avoid using extension cords, use dedicated outlets, don't overcrowd the basket and never leave the air fryer unattended while in use. Best Air Fryers: Cheap vs. Expensive Best Air Fryers: Cheap vs. Expensive Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 19:24 Loaded : 1.04% 00:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 19:24 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Best Air Fryers: Cheap vs. Expensive Are air fryers dangerous? The potential risk of an air fryer should not overshadow the mighty countertop oven's many benefits. In fact, air fryers are generally safer than other cooking methods, including natural gas stoves, which have flammable gas flow and an open flame. Two alarming studies also show that gas stoves can leak toxic gas when not in use and may contribute to childhood asthma. When used properly, air fryers cut down on fat and calories compared to deep-frying or pan-frying and are an excellent conduit for eating more healthily. They can also save money on your energy bill if you use one instead of the wall oven, which takes more energy to heat and longer to cook food once heated. But the key to air fryer safety is taking care of your cookware. While these handy pieces of equipment are usually incredibly safe, it's important to keep them clean of any grime that might accumulate while you cook. Increased air fryer recalls since 2021 Consumer Product Safety Commission/ But that doesn't mean air fryers don't pose any risks. Faulty wiring or user error can cause air fryers to overheat, burn the food inside or melt the machine itself, leading to several reported cases of kitchen fires and burns. To date, no deaths have been reported. One of the reasons could be an influx of cheap air fryers, some as cheap as $20 or $30. A few of those cheaper brands have caused problems leading to consumer recalls. While you certainly don't have to spend more than $100 on an air fryer -- and probably shouldn't -- as with any product, going too cheap could spell trouble. If you're thinking of buying one, check out CNET's complete guide to air fryers, including how they work and what to consider when choosing a model. In this post, I'll explain the potential dangers of using an air fryer and how to mitigate the risk of an air fryer-related fire in your kitchen. My 5 air fryer maintenance and safety tips 1. Clean your air fryer basket after every use Wash the entire air fryer basket with soap and water after every use. Avoid the dishwasher, which can corrode the nonstick surface over time. David Watsky/CNET Air fryers are great for cooking chicken wings, mozzarella sticks (OK, not all air fryer food is healthy) and other crave-able snacks. If you don't add any cooking oil or spray, you might notice a pool of oil or film left in the basket when you lift out the food. That oil -- and any other food bits -- should be thoroughly cleaned after every use. Residual oil and small burnt bits of food will increase the chance of a fire inside the basket. The good news is that most air fryer baskets are nonstick, so all it takes is a few vigorous scrubs with a warm soapy sponge to get them ready for the next session. Some air fryer baskets are advertised as dishwasher-safe, but I suggest washing them by hand. The pummeling your basket will take inside the dishwasher can erode the nonstick coating over time. 2. Clean the coils above the basket once a month Clean the coils above your air fryer cooking basket for a safer kitchen and better-tasting food. David Watsky/CNET A less obvious -- but equally important -- part of air fryer maintenance is cleaning the coils and the area around them inside the unit, just above the basket. During cooking, oil, sauce and even bits of food can spatter up and onto those coils. You likely won't notice this buildup unless you tilt the air fryer back or turn it upside down so it's worth spending a minute or two looking over your cookware to make sure it's in tip-top shape. When cleaning the inside of an air fryer, it's best to avoid the use of soap because residual soap could taint food the next time you cook. And saturating it with too much water could potentially damage the functionality of the coils. Instead, use a damp scrubby or the rough side of your sponge. If you do it often enough, it shouldn't be difficult to get those coils clean. Aside from lowering the risk of fire, cleaning this section will keep your air frying humming along and cooking with optimal power. 3. Give the air fryer its own outlet while in use and unplug it after The safest outlet is an empty one. Sarah Tew/CNET Air fryers draw a large current and have the potential to cause an electrical fire. It's always best to unplug them when not in use. Some air fryers are rather quiet so this also ensures the air fryer isn't still running or won't be accidentally turned on by a passing cat or the curious hand of a toddler. (Plus, this can save you some money over time, as appliances can still draw power even when they're turned off.) Kitchen appliances, including toasters, air fryers and microwaves, should also be plugged directly into an outlet rather than into an extension cord or outlet extender, as they add more resistance to the flow of electricity. You should avoid running your air fryer through an outlet with other appliances plugged in, especially those in use, as it can put stress on the circuits. In truth, any electrical appliance can cause a fire if there's a faulty electrical outlet or bad wiring. Call an electrician if you hear a crackling noise or see sparks. Speaking of damaged electrical outlets, try to position your air fryer so the hot air blowing out the back is not hitting an electrical outlet in your kitchen. Over time, this can cause problems. 4. Don't crowd the air fryer basket If you're struggling to get the basket in because food is piled high, it might be time for a larger air fryer. David Watsky/CNET One thing you don't want is food touching the hot coils during use or loads of grease and sauce splattering up toward the hot coils. To avoid this, don't overcrowd the cooking basket or pile food so high that you have to jostle or squish it to get the basket in. If you find yourself jamming food in to cook the amount you need for you or the family, it might be time to spring for a larger air fryer. 5. Don't leave the air fryer on and unattended Do make bacon in the air fryer but don't walk too far away while it's cooking. Getty Images Air fryers get hot and they get hot fast. As with any oven, you shouldn't walk too far away from it while it's in use. Monitor for smoke or unusual smells like burning food or plastic. And always adhere to the cooking instructions. Many ovens only suggest cooking on higher temps for 20 minutes or less at a time. Read your air fryer instructions carefully before diving in. Air fryer baskets and harmful chemicals or PFOAs Air fryer baskets are coated with the same chemicals as nonstick cookware. If you're trying to avoid nonstick altogether, you have plenty of options. David Watsky/CNET Most air fryer baskets are coated with a chemical nonstick surface. Depending on how old you are, you've probably heard about Teflon and may be wondering if it's safe. A chemical called PFOA used in the original Teflon was linked to cancer and banned in 2014. New and purportedly safer materials such as GenX are now used for nonstick-coated cookware and air fryer baskets. There is still some skepticism and ongoing debate about the safety of nonstick, but to date, no major studies have linked modern cookware use to negative health outcomes in those who use nonstick or Teflon cookware. GenX, however, when consumed in higher quantities and when found in drinking water, has been deemed toxic by the US Environmental Protection Agency. If you're trying to avoid nonstick altogether, there are options for air fryers without nonstick baskets, such as this model. Most toaster oven-style air fryers come with wire racks instead of baskets and present another good alternative to nonstick. For more on air fryers, read our beginner's guide to air fryers and find out how much cheaper an air fryer is to run than a big oven. Air fryer cleaning FAQs Is it safe to use a chemical nonstick air fryer basket? You may have heard of "Teflon flu," but it's generally safe to use chemical nonstick cookware nowadays. Teflon products created before 2014 contain a chemical called PFOA and that was what would get people sick. Still, it's best to make sure you're getting your cookware from reliable vendors. If you buy something from outside of the US, you run the risk of that product still containing PFOA. Why is it important to clean your air fryer after you cook? When you cook something with an air fryer, especially foods like chicken wings or mozzarella sticks, an oily film can get left behind on the air fryer's basket. If you don't clean that up, there's a small risk that your air fryer basket will catch fire when you cook more food. What's the easiest way to clean an air fryer? We recommend cleaning your air fryer in three steps. Start by soaking up the oil inside or around the appliance. Then, remove the pan and the basket and wash them with some dish soap. Once washed, let these dry and wipe the heating element inside the air fryer. How do I put out a grease fire? According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service, do not attempt to put it out with water. Water can cause the flaming oil to spread dangerously. The best ways to extinguish a grease fire are with a kitchen fire extinguisher or by covering the fryer with a metal lid. Call 911 immediately if a grease fire occurs.
