The holiday season is upon us, and with it, the time-honored tradition of preparing extravagant holiday meals. Yet, for many home cooks, the stress of cooking Christmas dinner can overshadow the joy of the festivities. Enter the air fryer—this kitchen gadget is quickly becoming the star of holiday cooking, promising to ease the pressures of time and space constraints.
One notable advocate of air fryer cooking is Beverley Jarvis, a 75-year-old cookery writer from Ashford, Kent. Jarvis, who affectionately calls herself an "air fryer bore," plans to prepare her entire Christmas dinner using five air fryers. Serving 14 of her loved ones, she is firmly committed to forgoing the traditional oven for her air fryers, highlighting their speed and energy efficiency. "They are 20 percent faster than using the oven," she affirms. "It costs just 7p to cook two portions of chips in the air fryer compared to 21p using the oven. It’s cheaper and healthier!"
Indeed, the appliance has become increasingly popular during the cost-of-living crisis, with the BBC's Sliced Bread program highlighting how air fryers can cut energy costs by up to half compared to conventional ovens. Air fryers operate by circulating hot air around the food, allowing for rapid cooking and achieving crispy textures without the need for excessive oil.
So, how can home cooks leverage this trend to create their holiday feast? Jarvis took to the airwaves on BBC Radio Kent to share her secrets. For the centerpiece of her meal, she recommends using turkey breast roll, which takes only 55 minutes to cook at 180°C. And don't forget the roast potatoes! Jarvis says they can be added during the last half-hour of cooking to achieve delightful crispiness by simply adjusting the air fryer to 190°C.
Not just limited to traditional fare, the air fryer can whip up delightful side dishes and snacks. From pigs in blankets taking just 10 minutes to prepare at 190°C to crispy sausage rolls ready in 15 minutes, the appliance proves its versatility. What's more, Jarvis shares her favorite festive dessert, describing how to create delicious caramelized fruit with nectarines, pears, and plums.
For those new to air frying, the range of settings can be confusing. Air fryers typically feature options like Air Fry, Roast, Reheat, and even Bake, allowing cooks to experiment with not just meats but also vegetables and desserts. It can be shocking to learn air fryers can handle much more than just crispy fries and chicken! Jarvis and other culinary experts suggest common recipes include baked tofu, flaky salmon, and even cakes!
Further enhancing the experience, air fryers also allow for quick reheats. Using the "Reheat" setting to warm up pre-prepared dishes ensures everything arrives at the table at the ideal temperature, avoiding soggy Brussels sprouts or cold potatoes.
Despite its growing popularity, many people remain hesitant to fully embrace the air fryer. Concerns about maintenance, cooking techniques, and recipe compatibility often deter potential users. But as those who've made the leap can attest, once you get accustomed to this gadget, it becomes second nature. Many suggest starting with simple adaptations of favorite oven recipes, adjusting temperatures down 25°F and reducing cook time by approximately 20%. The results can be delectable!
For those concerned about using oil, it's typically not necessary for air frying. Experts suggest using it sparingly when cooking proteins or vegetables as it enhances flavor without drowning the food. And air fryer liners can simplify cleanup, catching residual crumbs and grease, making maintenance less arduous.
Air fryer fans like Lydia, the Kitchen Appliances Editor at Homes & Gardens, are also spreading the word about the basic functionalities of air fryers, simplifying their use. They demystify what to press and how to cook certain foods, making it easier for anyone to embrace the air frying method during the holidays.
This year, instead of the traditional oven, let the air fryer take on the burdens of holiday cooking, allowing for creativity without the chaos. Beverley Jarvis's approach shows how this versatile appliance is more than just another kitchen gadget; it’s quickly becoming the go-to for effortlessly delicious holiday meals. Who knows? Next year, Christmas dinner may very well be synonymous with air frying!
