Sometime contributor (and the person who edited all the video content from year one of this blog) Brianna Jean always seems to have the newest and neatest kitchen gadgets and appliances. Lately I’ve been seeing her on Instagram and Facebook Stories cooking up a storm with an air fryer, so I asked her to dish about it here.

Nino’s, Bettola, and Bee’s Thai Cuisine are some of the restaurants we (my husband and I) have been ordering from during this time.

We like the Tom Yum Soup, Mango Fresh Rolls, and Veg Pad Thai from Bee’s; the Argula Salad, Margherita Pizza (no garlic), and French fries from Bettola; and the Cheese Pizza (well done) with a side of Buffalo Sauce from Nino’s.

And as soon as we get the all clear to go about again, I want my husband to take me out to dinner at Al Forno and Capital Grille.

I’ve also making a lot of food with my new air fryer. I picked up the mini, before any of this started, from Crate & Barrel for a very reasonable $50 because I had a coupon.

This air fryer is a must purchase!

It cooks things in half the time and makes everything super crispy — like a fryer, except that nothing is soaking in oil. (This is a healthier way to enjoy fries more often while we’re all stuck at home.)

All you need are some fresh vegetables (or a piece of chicken) and a flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture.

Things I like to cook:

• Eggplant (and eggplant frites…photo below)

• Chicken

• Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

• French fries

• Mozzarella sticks

PS ~ In addition to all the crunchy deliciousness, the mini air fryer won’t take up too much space on your counter.