Air Fried croutons are crispy yet tender! Perfect Caesar salad!
My air fryer sat in its box for quite a while….Okay, it sat in its box for a few months. I just didn’t think I could handle learning anything else! And I wasn’t sure I wanted another appliance. And I was afraid I wouldn’t use it often enough to justify buying it. And…and…and….
When I finally got it out of the box, I realize that all of my fears were unfounded. It is truly amazing!
My husband and I eat at home most evenings–and we eat fairly healthfully. However, I have four grown sons and two sons-in-laws, and when they stop in, I often make them an “appetizer platter” from store bought frozen appetizers (mozarella sticks, taquitos, fish sticks…nothing healthy! lol). Seriously, they pick what they want out of my freezer bag of “appetizers for kids” and in fifteen minutes, they have a platter! (I’ve used it four times this week alone for them!)
Appetizers for my sons are super easy in the air fryer!
Then there’s my homemade breaded chicken tenders or fish planks. Amazing and fast.
Just bread and “fry”! Perfect chicken thighs. They look and taste like pan fried without the greasy taste or feel!
Or my weekly potato stand by–fingerlings, red, white wedges. Clean, put in the air fryer basket, spray with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook for 15 minutes or so. Perfection! No need to purchase pre-bagged potatoes at all when AIR FRIED homemade ones turn out this perfect.
But what do I use it for the most? Believe it or not, it is for perfect, low carb, crispy and yummy croutons! Oh they make our daily greens so wonderful! (Recipe below.)
Here are a few air fryer tips (many more coming!):
1) Get the biggest one you can afford.
I could barely cook for two in the first smallest, cheapest one I got. Now that I have upgraded to 9.4 quart one, I can cook a full meal for two at one time–in fifteen or twenty minutes!
2) Don’t be afraid to experiment.
Most things you can order at a restaurant are perfect homemade in the air fryer–grilled cheese, French fries, appetizers (store bought), quesadillas, hamaramas, chimichangas…oh the things you can make!
Love making all kinds of roasted potatoes in the air fryer!
3) Try veggies!
If you only need a small amount, the air fryer is the perfect place for those oven roasted veggies, Parmesan green beans, potato wedges, sweet potato fries, and more!
Love my 9.8 quart air fryer from Evine! Pretty and functional!
4) Try a smaller one first?
I have mixed ideas about this advice. I did it…..but then wanted a bigger one right away! My bigger, new one is Todd English 9.8 quart, but it is my second one after trying a smaller/less pricey one for a while first to be sure I would really use it. Mine came from a place called Evine.
As empty nesters, we have clean counters (and a clean kitchen!) for the first time ever. However, I still leave out my beloved air fryer!
Below are links to the ingredients and items I use in this recipe. I am an affiliate for Amazon.com. If you click on the links below I will earn a small commission. Thank you for your support of this blog!
5) Here are top rated ones from Amazon:
Or here’s the link for the top rated ones all on one page
I would love to hear how families are using air fryers. I don’t see how a family of over four could efficiently use one–so send me your experience with this!
I love making croutons out of my Low Carb Sprouted Bread!
- 2 large slices of bread (I use store bought low carb or my Sprouted Low Carb Dough mini loaves)
- 1 TBSP olive oil
- Chop your slices of bread into medium chunks and place them in the Air Fryer.
- Spray or brush with olive oil and cook for 4 minutes on 400 degrees. (May mix herbs or garlic into your olive oil if desired.)
- Toss and cook longer if needed.
I love my air fryer and your recipes! I would love to see more recipes and tips on using my air frier.