Should I buy an air fryer or an Instant Pot?
Air fryers and Instant Pots are both popular kitchen appliances that have been gaining popularity in recent years. Each appliance offers unique benefits and can be useful for different cooking tasks, so the choice between the two depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user.
Air fryers are designed for quick and convenient frying of foods without the need for large amounts of oil. They use hot air to cook food and create a crispy exterior, which can be great for making French fries, chicken wings, and other popular fried foods. Air fryers are also compact and easy to store, making them a good choice for people with limited kitchen space.
On the other hand, Instant Pots are multi-functional cooking appliances that can pressure cook, slow cook, sauté, steam, and more. They are great for cooking dishes that typically take a long time to prepare, such as soups, stews, and beans, and they allow you to cook meals quickly and easily without having to attend to the pot. Instant Pots are also great for meal prepping as they allow you to cook large batches of food that can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
Whether you should buy an air fryer or an Instant Pot depends on your cooking needs and preferences. If you're looking for a quick and easy way to fry food, an air fryer may be the best choice for you. If you're looking for a multi-functional appliance that can help you prepare meals quickly and easily, an Instant Pot may be the better option. Ultimately, both air fryers and Instant Pots have their benefits, so choose the appliance that best fits your lifestyle and cooking habits.
The 10 best things you can make with an Instant Pot
1. French fries - Air fryers are great for creating crispy French fries without the need for a lot of oil.
2. Chicken wings - You can achieve crispy, restaurant-style chicken wings in the air fryer.
3. Veggies - Roast or steam vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or brussels sprouts for a healthy side dish.
4. Fish - Air fryer fish is juicy and flaky on the inside with a crispy exterior.
5. Pork chops - Cook perfectly cooked pork chops in the air fryer with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
6. Bacon - Air fryer bacon is crispy and delicious and can be made in large quantities.
7. Mozzarella sticks - Air fryer mozzarella sticks are crispy and gooey, and they cook quickly and easily.
8. Chicken tenders - Air fryer chicken tenders are crispy and delicious and cook in just a few minutes.
9. Fried pickles - This classic pub food can be made in the air fryer for a healthier version.
10. Desserts - Air fryers can be used to make sweet treats like apple chips, cinnamon rolls, and more.
The 10 best things you can make with an Instant Pot
1. Rice - Cooking rice in the Instant Pot is quick and easy, and it always turns out perfectly.
2. Soups and stews - The Instant Pot is perfect for making hearty soups and stews as it can cook them quickly and evenly.
3. Beans - Cooking dried beans in the Instant Pot is a game changer, as they cook evenly and come out perfectly every time.
4. Pot roast - The Instant Pot is great for making tender and juicy pot roasts in a fraction of the time it takes to make them in the oven.
5. Chicken - Cooking chicken in the Instant Pot results in juicy, tender meat that can be used in a variety of dishes.
6. Pasta - The Instant Pot is perfect for cooking pasta as it can cook it evenly and quickly, resulting in perfectly cooked pasta every time.
7. Hard-boiled eggs - Cooking hard-boiled eggs in the Instant Pot is quick, easy, and results in perfectly cooked eggs every time.
8. Yogurt - Making yogurt in the Instant Pot is a breeze, and it's a great way to save money and control the ingredients in your yogurt.
9. Applesauce - The Instant Pot can be used to make delicious applesauce in a fraction of the time it takes to make it on the stove.
10. Baby food - The Instant Pot can be used to make baby food, as it is able to cook soft and delicate ingredients quickly and evenly.
Here are some tips for using an air fryer
1. Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer is crucial for getting the best results, as it helps to ensure that food is cooked evenly.
2. Coat food evenly: For best results, make sure that food is coated evenly with oil or a cooking spray before placing it in the air fryer.
3. Use a basket or tray: When cooking in an air fryer, it's important to use the basket or tray provided, as this helps to ensure that food is cooked evenly.
4. Avoid overcrowding: Overcrowding the air fryer basket can result in uneven cooking, so it's important to cook food in batches if necessary.
5. Shake the basket: Shaking the basket occasionally during cooking can help to ensure that food is cooked evenly and that it doesn't stick to the basket.
6. Check food frequently: As air fryers cook food quickly, it's important to check food frequently to prevent over-cooking and to ensure that it is cooked to your liking.
7. Experiment with different settings: Air fryers have different settings for different types of food, so it's important to experiment with different settings to find what works best for the food you're cooking.
8. Use a thermometer: A meat thermometer can be useful for checking the internal temperature of meat, poultry, and fish, to ensure that it is cooked to a safe temperature.
9. Clean the air fryer regularly: Regular cleaning of the air fryer is important to ensure that it continues to work effectively and that food doesn't stick to the basket or tray.
10. Follow the manufacturer's instructions: It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using an air fryer, as different models may have different features and cooking instructions.
Here are some tips for using an Instant Pot
1. Read the manual thoroughly before using the Instant Pot to familiarize yourself with its features and functions.
2. Always check the sealing ring and make sure it's properly in place before cooking.
3. Use the right amount of liquid in your recipe. The Instant Pot requires a minimum of 1 cup of liquid to function properly.
4. Avoid over-filling the pot. The Instant Pot should never be more than 2/3 full.
5. Always use the correct cooking time and pressure settings for your recipe.
6. When cooking foods that foam or froth, such as oatmeal or beans, be sure to release pressure naturally, as a quick release may result in foamy mess.
7. When sautéing, use a small amount of oil to prevent food from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
8. When cooking frozen food, it may take longer for the Instant Pot to come to pressure, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
9. To prevent scorching, use the "sauté" function to brown meat before pressure cooking.
10. Clean your Instant Pot regularly to maintain its performance and ensure food safety.
Thanks for reading and good luck with your purchase (whatever it may be!)
