I love kitchen appliances that make cooking easier, tastier, and healthier.
A few years back, I bought a 6 qt Instant Pot and it was life-changing! I still use the original pot at least twice a week. Three years ago, I bought a 3 qt mini Instant Pot to use in our motorhome. When we’re at home, I often use the two together – one for the entree and the other for the sides.
I had an ActiFry Air Fryer that my Mom had given me when she and Dad moved to Assisted Living in 2020, but I didn’t use it often because it was cumbersome, didn’t have a pre-heat function, and didn’t have temperature controls that most air fryer recipes call for. Also, the cooking basket was awkward for certain things I might have otherwise prepared in it.
This spring, when we returned from Texas, we purchased a more convenient air fryer with a more suitable basket and I found myself more apt to air fry on occasion.
Last month, hubs was looking at a sale flyer and was interested in a Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill. It was on sale for $125 off the regular price, so we bought it.
This baby grills, roasts, bakes, air fries, and dehydrates! I’ve tried all of the functions and absolutely love it! On the grill setting, it’s exactly like BBQ, and no smoke! Ive used the Ninja Grill for burgers and used the other air fryer at the same time for fries, in order to have everything ready at once.
My feature photo is of last night’s supper. I air fried the chicken leg quarters in the Ninja and did the cauliflower and beans together in the Instant Pot. It was all ready in 30 minutes (that includes prep time), and was cooked to delicious perfection.
I know that having all of these appliances may seem extreme, but the convenience of the many combinations I’m now able to do without messing up my oven and not heating up my kitchen is well worth it!
PS: I was up at 3am today and completed editing the categories and tags of all of my previous posts. I’m happy that job is done.
“I’m not a chef. But I’m passionate about food – the tradition of it, cooking it, and sharing it.”
Zac Posen
Radically Retired 
3 am! You are on it! Wow! Now as far as the food – The chicken looks delicious – and just like I make it in our air fryer. I don’t think all those appliances are too much. First, like you say, you don’t have to run the oven. I also think if you think of the cost of eating out, and if the appliance keeps you from eating out because it makes meal preparation easy – that saves money. And lots over time. And it likely saves calories. And maybe fat and sugar, too. I have (I think) 4 slow cookers and the air fryer. I kind of want another air fryer, but I’m holding off for now. 🙂 Plus, with all the time you save, you have more time to work on your blog – and your photography!
I say go for it! Enjoy those meals!
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I love your reasoning Betty! 😉 Thanks for reading and commenting and enjoy the rest of your day! Are you going directly to Yellowstone from Michigan?
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When planning, we had talked of going directly to Yellowstone – through South Dakota, but then we heard Sturgis was going on at the same time as we would have been there. So, we are going home for just 5 days. Have a great day!
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I’ve never been to Sturgis Bike Rally. Hubs was there (with his brother) several years ago when he bought a big touring bike. From his photos and his account of his adventures, I think I’d like to experience it “just once”. He doesn’t have his bike anymore, so if we went, it would be as tourists. Safe travels home, Betty!
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Thank you! We have a couple more days here. It will be a whirlwind when we get home!
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