This week’s episode is brought to you by KiwiCo and Breyers® CarbSmart
One of the questions we get asked most is whether busy home cooks need an air fryer? If you’re an air fryer fan, of course you’ll say, “Yes! You need this!” But, really, do we? Even if we have a high-quality toaster oven or a convection oven? This week, Meghan chats with air fryer aficionado Jess Dang about whether the air fryer is for certain cooks only, or all of them, and how anyone can optimize their air fryer for easier meals all day long.
This post contains affiliate links, we may make a small percentage on products we recommend.
Not A Healthier Deep Fryer!
It turns out, the air fryer is different than a “healthier” deep fryer. While you’ll still want a deep fryer (or big pot of hot oil) for your fried chicken, an air fryer will give you the kind of crispy edged, caramelized deliciousness that you’d get from a convection oven in a handy-dandy countertop appliance.
From making sandwich melts to “roasting” vegetables, crispy tofu to zoodles without any sogginess, an air fryer can do so much more than you might expect. If you think about an air fryer in the right way — and we’re here to help with that! — it’s an indispensable tool of convenience.
Listen to this week’s episode to get all the cooking ideas, techniques, and buying tips, if you’re sold.
Links from this week’s conversation include:
Jessica’s meal planning service, Cook Smarts — tons of diet options (especially helpful for families with mixed diets) and a focus on reducing food waste
Instant Pot Vortex Plus 10 Quart 7-in-1 Multi-Use Air Fryer, Rotisserie, Roast, Broil, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate (Meghan has this model!)
Philips Air Fryer (analog interface; Meghan also has this one!)
The latest Philips Air Fryer (digital interface; regular capacity)
Philips Digital Twin Air Fryer XXL (this is the bigger one that Jess has)
The “Air Fryer” highlights on @cooksmarts on Instagram
About Our Guest: Jess Dang
Jess Dang is the founder of Cook Smarts, an online meal planning service voted #1 on Lifehacker. She started Cook Smarts in 2012 to help families live healthier lives, feel empowered and inspired in the kitchen, and lighten the mental load of meal planning.
Prior to starting Cook Smarts (which you can also find on Instagram, btw, as @cooksmarts), Jess was a contestant on a Food Network cooking show and taught in-home cooking lessons around the Bay Area. She is a mother of three and host of the “In the Kitchen With Cook Smarts” podcast.
Get Social With Us!
Be sure to join our private Listener’s Group on Facebook (our favorite cocktail is WHISKEY — you’ll understand when you try to join). This week, we’ll be collecting all of your favorite air fryer recipes and techniques too!
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You can find us at @didntijustfeed you on Instagram, Facebook at large and Pinterest. And if you happen to love us as much as we love you (because y’all are very real), you can find Meghan as @meghan_splawn and Stacie as @staciebillis on Instagram.
We Love Our Sponsors!
KiwiCo
Let’s be honest: This summer is particularly intense, with parents grappling with and balancing more than ever. Playing camp counselor for weeks on end is not in the cards, which is why we LOVE and DEEPLY appreciate KiwiCo.
KiwiCo creates super cool, hands-on art and science projects that kids can do from home (without you, parents!). Each KiwiCo box is delivered monthly and comes with ALL the supplies needed for that month’s project.
That’s everything you need to make art & science seriously fun, delivered to your doorstep, with options for kids ranging from pre-school to teens.
Get your first month free on select KiwiCo crates at kiwico.com/didntijustfeedyou! Trust us: just like no-cook dinners, KiwiCo crates are a lifesaver.
Breyers® CarbSmart
This summer especially, we’re all about ALL THE FROZEN TREATS. Among our favorites are bars and tubs from Breyers CarbSmart. You can stock up knowing that you’re grabbing a treat that has only has 3 to 5 grams net carbs per serving for you and that’s super delicious for all.
Breyers CarbSmart comes in tons of flavors in both tubs (vanilla, chocolate and peanut butter) and bars (almond, vanilla, fudge, mint fudge and caramel swirl). It’s PERFECT for your next sweets craving.
Listen to this week’s episode for a savings on your next purchase of Breyers CarbSmart at any major retailer, including Amazon Fresh.
Other DIJFY Episodes You’ll Love
If you loved this episode, we think you’ll also love these past episode. Binge listen, activate!
