My mom said she'd never use one of those 'newfangled air fryers' back in 2018

She called it a gimmick and stuck with her big oven for everything. I got her a basic one for her birthday last year just to try. Now she texts me pictures of her air fried Brussels sprouts at least twice a week, saying they're 'crispy without all the oil.' It made me realize how fast a tool can go from a weird novelty to a kitchen staple. Her whole cooking routine changed in under six months. What's the one recipe that made an air fryer feel essential for you?

3 comments

3 Comments

hill.andrew1mo ago

Oh man, I was the same way! Frozen fries went from soggy to perfect in minutes, and that totally sold me.

sean_johnson161mo ago

Ever notice how the best kitchen gadgets just solve one small problem really well? Like a garlic press that actually works, or a potato masher that doesn't bend. You don't realize how much you needed it until you use it, and then you can't go back. It's those little wins that make cooking less of a chore.

kelly.nora17d ago

You really think "solves one small problem really well" is a win? I'd argue that's exactly the problem with these gadgets. They solve one tiny thing and suddenly your counter is covered in single-use junk that you only reach for once a month. I still use my regular oven for everything, and I don't feel like I'm missing out on some magical crispy Brussels sprouts experience. There's something nice about the slow roast, you know? The patience of it. And honestly, the air fryer hype feels like another way to make people think they need a $100 appliance to make decent frozen food. I still don't own one and my fries come out just fine with a sheet pan and some patience.