- Should our household acquire an air fryer?
- Let’s discuss epilators, crystal hair erasers, and other non-razor options for shaving. Tell me what I need to know about brands, efficacy, and pain levels.
- What has been your best purchase under $50 this month/this year?
- If you could only recommend one recipe for me to make next month, what would it be?
Your turn – please see questions above!
Header Photo by Timon Studler on Unsplash
Beckett @ Birchwood Pie
You asked we answer!
We use our air fryer almost every day. Tofu, fish, french toast, french fries, chicken nuggets, blah blah blah blah. Anything that can go in an oven can go in an air fryer and come out faster and better. Note to self: I should document every time we use the air fryer in a week just for funsies.
I’ve been using an epilator for underarms and bikini area for a decade and will never ever go back. I tried a few models in my journey before settling on the Emjoi Epi Slim Epilator. There is a learning curve, and no you can’t go for weeks without using it because each hair grows on its own cycle, but once you’re used to it it is painless and very quick. I still use a razor on my legs because that’s too big an area and it would take forever.
Elisabeth
Painless, you say?!
That sounds like a lot of great air fryer use…
Jenny
Well- I hardly ever use my air fryer, but I think I just need to start getting it out more. It takes me a while to get used to new things! One thing I’ll say is, it’s kind of small so if you were say, cooking french fries for the entire family you would have to do it in batches, which seems like too much of a hassle for me. I think I need Birchwood to give me an air fryer lesson.
Hmm, one recipe? That’s a tough one. The buffalo mac n cheese from Nora Cooks is delicious, but it’s not exactly healthy. I’ll have to check back on this comment section later to see what other people say- I’m curious!
I used an epilady years and years ago. It hurt and took forever (I used it on my legs.) I would imagine there are better versions out there now though.
Best purchase? Well for my birthday I bought $50 worth of books, and it was totally worth it.
Elisabeth
Love that you got a nice haul of books (and are already reading them)!
I wondered about capacity for the air fryer. If I can’t do it all at once, it feels like it’s going to eat into the efficiency of using it? Agreed – we need Birchie to weigh in with specifics here 🙂
Suzanne
Yes to the air fryer. I use ours all the time for a huge variety of things, from reheating fries to making chicken or roasting cinnamon apples. So useful. The only negatives (in my experience) are that it takes up significant counter/cupboard space and that the one we have is too small to make a lot of recipes that sound wonderful.
Elisabeth
I do have limited counter space and not a lot of space in cupboards so the footprint is definitely what has been holding me back. And if it’s that large but STILL too small? I’m not sure I could use it for a family of 4 very well?
NGS
1) We don’t have an air fryer. We don’t have a food processor. I cannot speak to whether or not it would benefit your family. (I suspect not.)
2) I still shave with a razor and pluck my eyebrow and chin (!) hairs with a tweezer. I am of no help here.
3) Best purchase: Greeting cards. I love to buy greeting cards.
4) The easiest, most customizable recipe I have is for a frittata. 8-10 eggs, whatever green veg you have on hand (broccoli, asparagus, kale, chard), some cheese, maybe a carb (we do a lot of potatoes), and you’re done. It’s easy, it’s delicious, it uses things you need to use.
Elisabeth
I do the same – plucking and shaving I just kinda hate it, even though I have a) low standards and b) don’t nick myself easily. I’m impossible to please.
I know you love greeting cards and love that was your answer <3
Re. the frittata, do you bake it or pan-fry it? And are the veggies pre-cooked?
Lisa's Yarns
1. We use an air fryer very often but ours is a combination air fryer + toaster + toaster oven, etc etc etc. So we use it to make toast daily and to air fry fish sticks and dino chicken and tots. But our kids are such terrible eaters – it might not be such a clutch appliance depending on how you eat. We are probably underutilizing it, though.
2. I have no idea what products you are referencing because I live under a rock.
3. Maybe the caffeine eye treatment? I don’t know if it’s making a different but I use it twice/day and it’s kind of pushed me to have more of a regular face treatement routine.
4. Oof, I am coming up blank here because the recipes we make most often are not things I would want to eat for a month straight!!!
Elisabeth
I’m curious to hear your longer-term feedback on the eye treatment. It fascinates me.
We don’t have a lot of counter space so a combo air fryer would be a hard sell. So many people have been raving about them, I’m suckered in to wondering if it would revolutionize my cooking – haha. Probably not.
Kat
I have a big toaster oven with an air fryer function that I’ve used maybe 5 times in 2 years? I like to have the option but definitely would not recommend a separate appliance if you haven’t used it yet.
Elisabeth
Noted! It feels like people use it every day or never. And, since I would likely want to store it in a cupboard since we have limited counter space…I suspect the best answer is to NOT add another appliance to the mix. If I’ve survived this long without it, surely I can survive a little longer 🙂
J
1. I don’t have an air fryer, nor do I have room for 1 more appliance. Birchy makes me want to try one, though.
2. I bought an epilator a couple of years ago, and don’t use it. I’ve tried it a couple of times, but I don’t keep up with it, so it always hurts. I had no idea it wouldn’t hurt as much if I did it more often, so thank you for that knowledge, Birchy! I’ve only used it on my face.
3. Best under $50 purchase. Hmmm. Probably the little wheels that fixed the squeaky drawers in my kitchen. Also some books.
4. I really liked this salad quite a bit: https://jellyjules.com/salad-with-avocado-and-pickled-onions/
Elisabeth
Yum, that salad look delicious!
Isn’t it lovely when little purchases – like the wheels for your drawers – solve a long-term pain point?
Lindsay
As someone who really appreciates crunchy food and texture, the air fryer is a game changer for me (quickly roasts vegetables, re-crunches leftovers, etc.) BUT even tho I have a big one, I don’t know if I would fully recommend it for someone cooking for a handful of people as the quickness and ease of it drops with larger amounts of food (batch cooking or less-than-desired crispness), if that makes sense?
I bought a new night face cream a couple of months ago by Mad Hippie which I am really loving; I wake feeling glowy and not dried out but it doesn’t feel greasy/too much when I’m going to bed.
Elisabeth
I do LOVE roasted veggies!
Glowy is what we’re all aiming for, right?!
Gigi
The Husband resisted an air fryer for YEARS…until he saw it in action. Then he needed one immediately. I can attest; he uses that darn thing every day.
No clue on razor-less options, unless you want to count Nair, which I use (rarely) on my bikini area.
Best purchases under $50? Can’t think of one thing…although I’m sure there is something….
Recipes? Hah! Have you met me? Although, I did stumble across a fabulous lemon poppy seed muffin recipe that I’ve made twice in the last three weeks…but that doesn’t count as a meal; does it?
Elisabeth
Mmmmm. I haven’t had lemon poppyseed anything in a long time, but used to make a fabulous cake and it was so good. Muffins would be even more practical!
Sara
Oh my gosh, YES to the air fryer ours was only $60 on Amazon, is not an eye sore, and has a great deal on prime day. We use it every single day.
If you buy one you could make these 😉
https://pin.it/4eUQ8LV4G
Which are DELISH. I used the air fryer instead of crockpot and holy delicious.
Elisabeth
Those look DELICIOUS!
Shelly
1. We have an air fryer, bought right before Christmas. I like it and we are starting to use it more regularly. We have a family of 4 with a couple of big appetites. You can do a good amount in them. It really depends on your recipes though if you would use it enough. We do fries, some veggies, nuggets, hash brown patties. . It does take a bit of space.
2. No idea! Razor over here
3. Best purchase under$50. A good cup of coffee in a cafe to just sit.
4. Best lentil soup by Cookie and Kate
Elisabeth
Shelly, I just love your “best purchase” answer. And I haven’t made a lentil soup in well over a month. I need to correct that in April!
Nicole MacPherson
I love my air fryer; I use it mostly for chicken. It saves me from actually…having to touch the chicken, and the guys say it tastes better than sauteed. I have the kind that has two baskets, and one of those baskets is reserved for vegetables, and one for meat. I don’t do many veggies in it though, but the ones I have done are amazing. The only thing is that it is HUGE. It’s okay now because I have a big pantry off of the kitchen where I store the lesser-used appliances, but I wouldn’t let it take up counter space.
As for non-razors, etc., I can’t help you here – I shave legs and underarms, and then I get my bikini line sugared. I do have a strong opinion though, sugaring is much more effective/ less painful/ lasts longer/ less grown in hair than waxing.
Best purchase under $50? I have no idea. I bought new bras, but I’m pretty sure they were over $50. However, I am a person who will wear an ill-fitting bra for years, so it was kind of life changing to have something good.
All my fave recipes have garlic and/ or ginger in them, so probably not for you. Oh, you didn’t specify a dinner recipe! Well then, why not bake a cake? One can never have enough cake in my opinion.
Elisabeth
Okay – I don’t think an air fryer is right for us now. Between having four people AND not having much shelf or cupboard space to spare, I think it should be a “maybe” for later.
I know you’ve talked about sugaring before so I will investigate this summer.
I also will wear an ill-fitting bra forever. It’s a gamechanger to have something that’s actually comfortable.
Why NOT bake a cake? Great question and I think I will put that on my April list. Just…”Make a cake.”
sarah
Should our household acquire an air fryer?: We only use ours to heat up frozen apps, so I say probably not. Our new oven also air fries, but I am not sure how that’s different than convection baking???
Let’s discuss epilators, crystal hair erasers, and other non-razor options for shaving. Tell me what I need to know about brands, efficacy, and pain levels. I shave in the shower every single day.
What has been your best purchase under $50 this month/this year? This game: https://www.veryspecialgames.com/products/ransom-notes-the-ridiculous-word-magnet-game
If you could only recommend one recipe for me to make next month, what would it be? Chicken parm from Natasha’s Kitchen
Elisabeth
Shaving every day – now THAT is dedication! I’m a once-a-week kind of gal.
I never make Chicken Parm and should!!!
JMH
This reading light. Now I can read real books in bed and not resort to Kindle! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PR1BTM7?maas=maas_adg_api_586375453529908506_static_9_129&ref_=aa_maas&tag=wclevanta-20&aa_campaignid=lv_GYCgoznPsboCmFsNc0&aa_adgroupid=lv_YqqiNntgZMqoIezf9i&aa_creativeid=lv_F1tgmQYxELksbiAGan&m=A20YKYNXP60WU4
This space heater. I’m always cold so I keep this on in the bathroom. Maybe my favorite household purchase ever. https://a.co/d/0IuiqHI
NYT Cooking Pressure Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken. We get a free subscription through my husband’s work and there are so many fantastic easy weekday recipes on here. Love everything about the app. This recipe is our favorite and on almost weekly rotation now. https://www.copymethat.com/r/xoq8zrsI4/slow-cooker-salsa-verde-chicken/
Elisabeth
We have a little space heater I now keep at my feet in our home office and it changes my life every day.
Tobia | craftaliciousme
I ordered an air fryer and returned without usage. The husband wanted one BUT didn’t want it as a gift. I refused to buy one just because… Some recipes look great but I am not willing to have a mother appliance that takes up space.
As for purchases I am trying to not buy anything. I guess the only great purchases were some pastries I’ve gotten when I was visiting my dad weekly after his surgery.
As for recipes I can only recommend my gavotte dish: https://www.craftaliciousme.com/boiled-potatoes-with-quark-and-linseed-oil-a-traditional-lusiatian-dish/ I eat probably every week.
Rachel
I am loving all the air frier info! I really miss having a toaster oven (they don’t seem to do them in the UK. do you use these in Canada?) and I wondered if an air frier would be similar to a toaster oven? However we don’t have counter space for either so I’ll keep using my regular oven to cook small-ish quantities of food I guess.
I don’t have anything to add because your crowd source questions are basically my crowd source questions! Thanks for posting at the perfect time 🙂
Elisabeth
Yup – lots of toaster ovens here. I find they’re really big and bulky and we don’t have much counter space, but my parents have and love their toaster at home; the place they rent over the winter has an air fryer + toaster oven and they were obsessed. My mom LOVED the air fryer capability. But I think I’d lose my mind if I had it on what’s left of my counter space.
Kate
We have a small air fryer and I never use it because we’d have to cook 3 batches of anything for it to be worthwhile. I have sometimes thought about pulling it out to reheat 1-2 servings of leftovers, but I do think it’s one of those things that you have to invest in the space for a large one for it to truly be useful in a family setting.
Best purchase under $50 would be a new work purse. My old one was literally falling apart after years of service. My new one was from Amazon and *looks* much more expensive than it was, and it makes me happy every time I see it!
One of our all-time favourite recipes is the crockpot chicken and wild rice soup from Damn Delicious: https://damndelicious.net/2016/12/09/slow-cooker-chicken-wild-rice-soup/
I have NEVER had a failed recipe from her site. Her shrimp scampi gnocchi and French chicken casserole are on heavy rotation in our house!
Elisabeth
That soup looks AMAZING. I must make this!
PE
I personally use the air fryer very frequently for cooking. We had a ninja fryer but this past Christmas got a stainless steel (non stick = chemicals released when cooking and I didn’t want that anymore) one that has many other functions. I primarily use the baking mode. I’ve cooked entire dinners in it from meatballs, cutlets, frozen appetizers to frozen French fries in it. It heats up a lot faster than my oven and even on bake mode cuts down on cook time vs my oven.
Elisabeth
I do love the idea of things cooking faster!!
Stephany
I have an air fryer. It takes up SO much space and I know I am under-utilizing it. But I do like how crunchy it makes veggies!
I’m just using a razor at this point, so I can’t help you there. I am intrigued by Nicole’s sugaring appointments!
Best purchase under $50 is chip clips. For the longest time, I didn’t have anything and it was so frustrating. So I just bought myself a bunch of magnetic clips so I can keep them on the fridge and grab when I need one. AMAZING.
Ooh, one of my fave recipes is barbeque cheddar mini meatloaves from Iowa Girl Eats. https://iowagirleats.com/mini-bbq-cheddar-meatloaves/
Elisabeth
I haven’t made meatloaf in YEARS. I looked at the ingredient list and think my kids would heartily approve.
I have a whole tote of chip clips at this point (my mom seems to give me a new set every few years for Christmas) and we use them like crazy. Cereal bags! Chips! Crackers! Everything!
The whole space thing with the air fryer is making me think twice, I will admit…
San
I have an air fryer (hand me down) and haven’t used it but everybody raves about it, so… yes to the air fryer.
I shave in the shower so I have no advice on epilators.
The best purchase under $50 in March: a new kitchen scale (with an 8kg capacity).
A recipe you should make, this salad. I could eat it every single day.
https://theinbetweenismine.com/2023/11/08/recipe-arugula-tuna-salad/
Elisabeth
I LOVE tuna. Thanks for linking. I haven’t made a good salad in a while, so this is just the reminder I needed 🙂