West SFV Lifestyle

Our weather out here in the West San Fernando Valley is a least on average 10 degrees warmer than the rest of Los Angeles, With the summer heat around the corner, think about investing in something that can save you not only time cooking but keep your house cool.

I had been hearing about cooking with an air fryer from my mom on quite a few conversations we had while commuting home from work. My mom was using for just about everything and was raving about how it saves her time. My mom also takes full advantage of her Instant Pot almost daily, however if you want something crispy, this is going to be small appliance that gives big results!

I received the Ninja Max XL Air Fryer for Christmas last year and finally took it out of the box to make brussel sprouts.  Typically I like to roast them, however that takes about 30-40 minutes in the oven.  I took out the Ninja Max XL and quickly read the instructions.

• Max Crisp
• Air Fry
• Air Roast
• Air Broil
• Bake
• Reheat
• Dehydrate

I placed about 16 oz brussel sprouts cut in half into a mixing bowl.  Poured some olive oil and put in a salt and pepper to taste and mixed them.  Turned on the air fryer to Air Roast and warmed up for 3 minutes and placed them inside.  The instructions said it would take 18 minutes, however they only took 9 minutes!  I checked on them a couple times as they were crisping up.  These were delicious and I’ve used this now a few times to make  these.

I had to work Super Bowl Sunday, so my husband went and got some hot links, hot dog buns, and some tater tots.  He threw those in with the “Max Crisp” plate provided and used the Max Crisp function as recommended and made the best tater tots that night.  No need to place them in the oven.  They turn out soggy in the oven. These were crispy and took no time at all.

Yesterday we went to Trader Joe’s to get a few things and I stumbled across their mini croissants in their frozen aisle.  I had purchased their chocolate frozen croissants before and they were delicious. I did recall they needed to be placed on a baking sheet overnight where they rise and then you can bake in the morning.  These are different and you can make one or as many at a time as you like making it easier for the two of us.

My husband took a couple out and turned on the Ninja Max XL air fryer and pressed the “Bake” function and tossed them in.  The packaging said it would take 18 minutes in a conventional oven, however these took half the time and were so delicious.  I highly recommend.

Our next adventure is to actually use the Air Roast function for steak.  Typically in the summer we grill a lot so this will come in handy now when we don’t grill so much we can still enjoy marinated roasted meat without making a mess in the kitchen and saving time.  I will update this post once I do this.

Based on 700+ (4.7 out of 5) reviews I have read on Amazon this is what people mostly say:

• Great for chicken wings
• Easy to clean
• Worth the money
• Price is better on Amazon vs. Ninja website
• “Thin steaks are cooked to juicy perfection in s 4 minutes”
• Get silicon tongs to avoid scratching the inside
• Find recipes on Ninja website
• Cooks fast

I found these cook books on Amazon that looked fun to try. (Click on image for more info).