Air Fryers

[tod2]

Bixa - I will gladly expose my experience with my newly acquired Airfyer, by donation from my son. This is how it started.: My son was ordering seafood from a Rep and asked me if a wanted any calamari ( already coated in seasoning) .
He raved about it saying he would give me his Phillips Airfyer to prepare the calamari as it was awesome.
So this what I did except I didi not like the calamari. Its still had the "elastic bands" inside the tubes/rings.
So here I sat with a machine for one use only, UNTIL, I discovered its the best tool for making crispy bacon as it heats from top and bottom. The best baked potato maker, the best mushroom griller, and any other vegetable, and an all round superb fast grilling machine. I have the small version but am aiming to get another- maybe not Phillips - Airfyer.
Those were the pro's. Now the cons. The basket mesh is a bit hard to clean. The vents at the back leak residue onto the counter top. Apart from that I love my fast efficient machine which does loads of stuff I have not tried yet.

[bixaorellana]

Tod, thank you so much! I keep seeing references to airfryers, but thought they could just be another gimmick claiming to do something in a new, unnecessary way. But to hear your enthusiasm, especially since you're a real, from-scratch cook, makes me intrigued with the air fryer. I don't have enough counter or kitchen storage space, so I have to think really hard about acquiring any kitchen doo-dad.
Whether or not you use Amazon, it's a really good place to look for reviews from people who've bought & used the item in question. Always good to know the good, the bad, &/or the ugly before plunking down money, right?

[kerouac2]

I am assming that this device is the same one that is called "friteuse sans huile" in France since making frites is the most important function here.

[bixaorellana]

You are correct. I know because I went to Amazon France and looked it up. This, after spending a stupid amount of time earlier today on Amazon US after reading Tod's post.

I picked out the one I like, which is not available in Mexico. Probably just as well.

[bjd]

My son-in-law makes fries using one, with very little oil. I make mine in the oven with very little oil too. But he is a gadget-buyer and I am not (or no longer since I got rid of all the gadgets I never used).

[tod2]

Bixa - You are right about counter space because although I can switch it around to a different place in my kitchen I don't do that too often as its blimming heavy! The motor in it must be a sturdy one hence the weight. Also it needs an open window or door or both sometimes when grilling burger patties or other meat. It tends to smoke for a few minutes as the fat under the basket gets to a high point.
The size I've got is ideal for one or two persons but no good for a family unless you are prepared to cook in batches.
Since having the Airfyer I don't wince at the request for cooked bacon which on my stove top spattered and needed careful watching. Now I can dump the entire packet (strips pulled apart) and leave the process of grilling crispy, or not , to the machine. Its great for warming food up as a small glass bowl fits into the basket and away you go.
I am hoping a new big one will come my way so that I can do quite a nice size roast lamb/beef/pork belly……Mmmmm now that would be good!

[bixaorellana]

Tod, I found out that Phillips is one of the most expensive brands of air fryers. I probably mentioned somewhere else that I avoid fried foods for all the obvious reasons, but everything you say about the air fryer is making me think I could enjoy things like french fries more often. One of the things that most impressed me as I went through reviews, etc. of air fryers, was a video where a woman made crumb-coated zucchini slices in the air fryer, with her early-adolescent son giving them a big thumbs-up.

[kerouac2]

French fries with almost no oil is definitely the top selling point in France.

[bixaorellana]

Tod can correct me, but the impression I got is that it's better to have one of the larger models for making french fries for a family. That's because the food items need to be spread in one layer for maximum crispness.

This is the model I would like to have if I were to actually get one of these things. That thing of pulling a whole roasted chicken out of a drawer is pretty compelling. Do watch the video, though, as the large size of this small model is quite apparent next to the presenter. Marie, the presenter, at the beginning seems to be auditioning for something like lap dancer, but eventually settles down and cuts up some raw chicken.

[tod2]

Bixa, as my Phillips Airfryer was a gift, I was encouraged by my son to go for a Phillips again if I bought a larger one. I looked at other makes and only one caught my eye because the basket drawer looked nonstick - a burnished metal colour. That is the one gripe I have about mine - the basket gets food stuck in the mesh and as you can imagine also is so crisped up it sticks like glue. This requires a bit of pre-soaking and then a small brush to scrub the residue away.
In the video of the potstickers - I knew immediately the mistake she was making even if instructed to do so. The stickers should be brushed with oil all over and then laid in the basket with no foil. The air fryers beauty is that you do not turn anything. it crisps from both sides at the same temperature because of the airflow. If I had to turn the food over I would not bother with an Airfryer as the whole basket drawer must be pulled right out in order not to fiddle in the small space at the back.
What I LOVE about this small version is that it is basic to a tee. Just one dial to turn for how ever long you want to cook. If you have not set enough time you just turn the dial for a few more minutes.
The other mistake Potsticker lady made was, not pulling out the drawer completely and checking the cooking process…..for goodness sake that is the beauty of being able to pull the oven drawer out! No opening a big oven door and recoiling in a heatwave. Just pull the drawer out and shove it back. And as my favourite chef on YouTube says " Give it the 'ol shaker-shaker". Lurv Chef John!

[bixaorellana]

Jun 29, 2020 8:26:32 GMT tod2 said:

That is the one gripe I have about mine -

That's why I like reading reviews so much -- you find out what flaws a product might have before plunking down money for it.

What is the potsticker video?

[tod2]

The potsticker video came along with all the other reviews…..well on my computer anyway. Worth a watch to see how to screw up.

Ok - tonight I Airfried big-ish (6inches long) sardines. The best ever. As they are an oily fish you simply salt them and turn Airfryer onto 250 the max. 10min later they are crispy skin ready. Gosh I love this kitchen gadget!

[tod2]

Bixa - I need to know how the Robot vacuum cleaner is behaving. I would love to know the make and model please. I need one so bad.
And Cheery, you mentioned a cordless Dyson. Is that a vacuum cleaner because I need a machine that can mop floors….you said the steamer was a bit of a faff. Please give me a few details before I go out and buy the wrong thing,.

In the meantime the day of the giant Airfryer has dawned! My husband went for the.Midea. It's huge! As you can see it next to the Phillips. But it only cost less than R2,000-00 whereas the same size in Phillips was around R9,000-00. I think I will be very happy with my El-Cheapo as it takes the whole prime rib roast I want to cook tomorrow. And space for 6 medium potatoes.

[bixaorellana]

♪ ♩ Oh, ♫ To-od ~~~ Look what Bixa got: www.cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/toaster_ovens/toa-60/

I hold you completely responsible for this.

[onlyMark]

I think I may want one of those air fryer/toaster/grill oven things. A lot more economic than me baking one potato in my full size one.

[kerouac2]

I don't regret having a real oven now, but I sorely miss my unsophisticated Moulinex toaster oven which was so convenient for so many things. But there was just no room for it when my kitchen was redone.

[cheerypeabrain]

A thing of beauty indeed Bixa dear. Enjoy.

[casimira]

That looks so tempting!!! Where to put it is the question looming as I gaze about my tiny kitchen.

[kerouac2]

I have to confess that Bixa's model looks too complicated to me. I like devices with just two dials -- time and temperature. I was happy to buy a new microwave with just those two dials (obviously the cheapest available). Every other model seems to have at least 10 or 20 programmes. WTF?

[mich64]

Nov 21, 2020 17:06:26 GMT bixaorellana said:

♪ ♩ Oh, ♫ To-od ~~~ Look what Bixa got: www.cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/toaster_ovens/toa-60/

Oh my! I have never seen anything like that. We borrowed a traditional toaster oven when we renovated our kitchen which so helpful but this would have been fabulous. Maybe after I watch some of the videos I will be considering one as well!

Enjoy Bixa.

[tod2]

So happy for you Bixa! I was looking at those yesterday and again this morning. In the end we voted for an electric frying pan and a single plate Induction cooker. This is for the BnB's. Anything remotely multitasking would be damaged very soon. As it is, the guests staying in the Studio and Toolshed (both have gas cookers) nearly always burn something in the pots. too much heat too soon I guess but many of them have been brought up with their parents cooking on an old Primus stove and more lately Cadac gas cylinder cookers. So I don't know what the problem is.
Bixa, we want to know everything you try out!

[casimira]

I'll be curious too! I'm seriously thinking about getting one of those. I keep thinking of different places where I might be able to put it. Aside from not having much countertop space, there's also the issue of not having enough electrical outlets in my kitchen.
We are anticipating doing major renovations once our financial situation is secured and the kitchen is on the list of rooms we want to try and reconfigure and expand.
T. is pretty good about reimagining the use of spaces and during our last major renovation in 1995 came up with some brilliant ideas that we implemented.

[mich64]

Casimira have you shown it to T.? I will look forward to hearing in future what the two of you plan for your kitchen renovation!

I think I may consider putting it where my microwave is (I have a fairly large microwave!) which I rarely use and could move downstairs. That sounds inconvenient but for the amount of times I use it, I think not.

[bixaorellana]

Wow ~ it seems I was not the only person intrigued by this appliance. I can't do it right now, but I will post a complete review of it soon. So far, I can say I'm very pleased, knock wood.

[Biddy]

Bixaorellana- You lucky girl - talk about fancy!

[casimira]

Of all the people I know, I just know Bixa will use her new gift to herself to the max. I learned so many little culinary tips and techniques as well as recipes from her over the years I can't begin to tell you.
I'm anxiously awaiting what new and inspiring uses it will provide and the creations Bixa will surely put it to the test and share with us.
I really want to get one .To answer your question Mich, I haven't shared it with T. yet but, I will today. It was a hectic weekend here and I kept forgetting.

[bixaorellana]

Nov 22, 2020 14:11:31 GMT casimira said:

I'm seriously thinking about getting one of those. I keep thinking of different places where I might be able to put it. Aside from not having much countertop space, there's also the issue of not having enough electrical outlets in my kitchen.

Ever since you wrote that, I've been mentally trying to figure out where you could put the little oven. The problem is, I'm doubting my own memory of your kitchen. Does the fridge face the back door, or is there a tall cabinet in that spot with the fridge next to it? I am trying to think if it's possible for you to shift something in that area over toward the breakfast room in order to free up that spot for the little oven.

I remain quite happy with this purchase. On thing to consider if looking at it is that the digital version seems to have much more precise temperature and time settings. I mention this because in the reviews you will find people who love the toa-60 (non-digital version) so much that they gloss over the learning curve with the heat settings. Others reject it out of hand for that very reason. Admittedly, I would be happier if it were more accurate, but that's not a deal breaker.

I notice my kitchen stays cleaner because I find so many reasons to toss whatever it is I'm preparing into the ovenino.

That leads me to my new gadget. This kind of horrified me because I think of it as spending a bunch of money on a plastic bottle. But I researched as well as I could and, if the thing holds up, it was a good buy: evooilsprayers.com/

[casimira]

Bixa, there is absolutely no room in my kitchen for another thing on the limited counter space that I have.
The refrigerator has no shelf or anything next to it except some bins for recycling that get emptied when they get full.
That's it.
Just my pantry for storage and the breakfast room for the dishes and bowls and some other things I hardly ever use.
This will hopefully all change in the next year or however long it takes to get going on renovations which I am not so secretly dreading.

In addition to no space there aren't enough electrical outlets in the kitchen area to accommodate another electrical appliance.

[bixaorellana]

Well, outlets are easy enough to get installed, but there is no magic wand for space.

My kitchen has a really stupid layout. The only counter space built in is a little on the left side of the stove and a little more on the right side of the sink. Between the stove and the sink is a sliver of space which isn't as wide as my dinner plates. There is a hulking concrete breakfast bar thing thrust into the middle of the kitchen. I don't consider it a work surface because of its placement & the fact that the tiles on it were so poorly applied that I had to cover the whole thing with thick vinyl. My actual work space is a single table that's only a couple of feet wide. At least it has some cabinet space underneath it. There is one other table around the same size which was home to small appliances.

In order to make space for the toaster oven I did a real blitz of re-organizing which allowed me to put the oven on the small appliance table. That means I at least have the ugly breakfast bar as space to put things I take out of the oven. (I use an upside down oversized cast iron skillet as a trivet.)

I know what you mean about your kitchen. The counter space you have absolutely has to remain free as a work space.

[onlyMark]

How is that sprayer different to a window cleaner type sprayer?