I finally caved. I’ve been telling myself I didn’t need an air fryer but I finally gave in. I ordered the Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Air Fryer, Toaster Oven, Rotisserie Oven that bakes, broils, dehydrates, roasts, and even has a rotisserie feature! I’m so excited! This appliance is from the Instant Pot family. I have lots of research to do to find out how to use an air fryer.

I look forward to cooking dishes in this appliance. This air fryer doesn’t add another appliance to my kitchen. It will replace my old toaster oven that I used quite regularly. I’m happy that the oven has a 10 quart capacity with two cooking trays. I was always hesitant to get the other air fryers since it seemed like the capacity was on the smaller side.

On a recent weekend, I was trying to decide what to cook for dinner. I had shrimp with shells on in the freezer and thought I might try to make a garlic shrimp that is similar to those you get from the food trucks.

I defrosted about a pound and a half of shrimp and tossed it with flour, paprika, salt and pepper and then covered it with a mixture of butter, olive oil, and lots of garlic and let it sit for a about 30 minutes. I laid the shrimp out on two trays and I put it in the air fryer at 360 degrees for about 8 minutes. It wasn’t quite as good as the kind I get from the food truck but I’d experiment again. But maybe it just needs to be fried in lots of butter. I also air fried some broccoli and frozen gyoza as side dishes on this evening. What an easy dinner!

I’ve been using the Vortex Plus quite frequently. I have used it to cook chicken wings, vegetables, tofu, steak, salmon and have no regrets about buying this appliance. Do you have tips on what to cook in an air fryer? What are your favorites? I want ideas! Living Hilo Style.