Two years ago, I was introduced to my air fryer. I was immediately captivated by its health benefits and flavor-enhancing abilities. This simple kitchen appliance quickly became a staple in my cooking routine, allowing me to prepare everything from crispy roasted vegetables with minimal oil to delightful air-fried desserts for my family. However, about a year ago, during a kitchen organization session, it was relegated to the pantry, collecting dust.
But that’s all about to change! Recently, I found new motivation after seeing Dr Clare Bailey Mosley share her enthusiasm for the air fryer on Instagram. She showcased an incredibly simple and healthy air fryer lunch bursting with gut-friendly vegetables.
“What I love about the air fryer is its simplicity,” she says. “Just toss everything in, give it a shake, and voila! Sausages paired with beetroot and broccoli… I adore the vibrant colors and all that fiber and protein. It makes for a delicious lunch!”
Dr. Clare emphasizes the numerous health benefits of using dark red vegetables like beetroot and red onions, which are rich in essential phytonutrients. “These are fantastic for your gut and microbiome. Dark red veggies provide numerous advantages due to compounds like anthocyanins and lycopenes, which are linked to improved heart and brain health and even boost immunity.” She encourages her followers to consider, “Are you including a variety of colors in your meals?”
In her latest cookbook, The Fast 800 Favourites, Dr. Clare has incorporated over 30 recipes designed specifically for air fryers. “Less time. Less cleanup,” she mentioned on Facebook. “If you’re cooking after a long day, juggling school runs, or simply don’t want to face another complicated dinner, these are the go-to recipes for me.”
Considering giving your air fryer another chance? Here are some top tips from Good Housekeeping:
Shake the basket
Dr. Clare suggests shaking the air fryer basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking.
Use a single layer
Arrange your food in a single layer in the air fryer basket to prevent steaming, ensuring a crisp texture.
Avoid sauces
Cooking with wet or saucy foods can lead to drips that may burn at the bottom of the fryer.
Use foil liners
To minimize cleaning, consider lining your air fryer basket with foil and replacing it with each use.
With the renewed interest in using my air fryer, I look forward to rediscovering this versatile kitchen tool. Its potential for creating quick, nutritious meals is unmatched, and incorporating some of Dr. Clare Bailey Mosley’s insightful recipes could prove beneficial on my culinary journey. Embracing the air fryer once more opens up a world of healthy and delicious possibilities in my kitchen.
