It’s been over 2 months since I got my air fryer and I am still using it regularly. I usually get bored with gadgets very quickly so I think it’s time to write up my thoughts on air fryers, in general, and the Gormia 7 quart digital air fryer, in particular.
One thing that kept me from getting an air fryer was I didn’t know if I would use it enough to make it worth the money. I was so surprised at how versatile it actually is. I have made everything from chicken wings and pizza to muffins in it. Yep, you can really bake in the air fryer. My most favorite thing to do in the air fryer is to toss a bunch of random vegetables in it and roast them. I don’t know what happens but they always turn out damn delicious. This will be especially useful on my next Whole 30.
The air fryer I bought is the Gourmia 7 quart digital model. I bought it for several reasons. I have heard good things about Gourmia as a brand. At 7 quarts it has the biggest basket capacity I have seen. It was also on sale when I happened to be ready to buy, always a plus.
What I Like:
1. The Gourmia air fryer really does what it says it does. So many times when you buy a gadget, you have wasted your money because they don’t perform as advertised. I don’t feel I have wasted my money with my air fryer. It really does make things crisp without all the oil.
2. When the basket is removed, the timer stops. When the basket is put back the timer resumes so there is no guessing how long the food has left to go.
3. The basket is square instead of round. 99 percent of bakeware is square or rectangular. Its almost impossible to fit those pieces in a round basket.
4. It’s easy to clean, except for that indent. See what I don’t like. On the whole, the Gourmia is easy to clean. A quick 5 minute soak and a sponge removes the tough, stuck on stuff off the crisper tray and basket. Hot, soapy water and a dish cloth cleans the outside of the unit.
What I Don’t like:
1. I only have one complaint about my air fryer. In the middle of the crisper tray there is a indent with a bar across it. I get it’s there so you can get the crisper tray out with your fingers or tongs. It is difficult to clean all the grease and other gunk out from beneath the bar, however.
All in all, I am very satisfied with my air fryer. Like every gadget, there Is a bit of a learning curve while you are trying to figure out the time and temperature you need to cook at to get things done to your liking. If you are willing to do that, I think an air fryer could become a daily part of your kitchen life.
Taco Meatballs
From the Air Fryer Revolution
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup Mexican shredded cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup finely minced onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 TBS taco seasoning
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup salsa
1-2 tsp of your favorite hot sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, cheese, egg, cilantro, garlic, taco seasoning, salt and pepper. Using your hands, mix the ingredients until well incorporated, about 2-3 minutes.
Form the meat mixture into 12 meatballs, using 1 1/2 tablespoons meat per meatball. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set the air fryer for 400 degrees and cook for 10 minutes.
While the meatballs are cooking, combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
A Cuppa And Conversation 