Latest news with #foodies
Daily Mail
a day ago
- General
- Daily Mail
The restaurant-quality hidden gems I always buy from Aldi Australia
Aussie foodies have uncovered a secret menu of sorts, but it's not at your local fine-dining hotspot. Instead, fans are raving about the tasty treats tucked away in the freezer aisles of their local Aldi. A recent foodie thread has unveiled what many budget-savvy Aussies are calling a 'secret menu' of restaurant-quality food - and they can all be found in the unassuming low-cost supermarket. From flaky beef pies that rival gourmet bakery favourites, to Greek-style spanakopita praised by actual Greeks, and buttery roti that's been declared 'better than any restaurant,' shoppers have taken to the Reddit page to spill the beans on Aldi's best-kept food secrets. The now-popular thread began with a simple question from a shopper praising the supermarket's frozen roti and once-stocked dumplings, asking others to share their own underrated finds. What followed was a flood of fan-favourite recommendations, tips and hot takes on the best-value, most delicious eats - many of which cost less than $7. 'I go to Aldi just for spanakopita more times than I care to admit,' one user confessed. While another said of the popular frozen pies, 'They're a dupe for the Herbert Adams pies - but half the price.' With Australia's cost-of-living crisis forcing many households to tighten their belts, it's no wonder this thread struck a chord. Shoppers are desperate for budget-friendly meals that don't taste like cardboard, and according to hundreds of Redditors, ALDI is quietly delivering restaurant-style flavour for a fraction of the cost. So, if you're tired of overpriced takeout or just want to upgrade your weeknight dinners without blowing the budget, this list might just change your grocery game. From spicy quesadillas to dangerously addictive Portuguese tarts, these are the cult ALDI products everyday Aussies can't stop raving about - and why you might want to stock up. First up were Aldi's Elmsbury Beef Peppercorn Pies ($6.49 for two) which have won major praise for their gourmet flavour at a budget price. 'I think the fancy frozen beef pies that are like $6 for two are actually super good,' one shopper wrote. 'Came here to say this! They are a dupe for the Herbert Adams pies which retail for $10. The Aldi ones are $6.49.' The only catch? Shoppers warn not to confuse them with ALDI's standard beef pies from the same brand, which didn't rate as highly. Next, shoppers listed the Urban Eats Spanakopita ($5.99), with some customers admitting they visit Aldi just to stock up. 'I go to Aldi just for spanakopita more times than I care to admit.' 'I'm Greek and I find their spanakopita to be excellent.' 'I keep them stocked in the work freezer, and bust them out in the sandwich press when I haven't brought in a proper lunch.' Other shoppers recommended pairing it with lemon juice, tzatziki or the chain's seasonal lamb koftas for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner. Described as 'elite' and 'better than any restaurant,' were their Urban Eats Roti Paratha ($4.99 8pack) on the other hand, with this flaky flatbread moonlighting as an Aldi MVP. 'The roti is amazing and same if not better than any restaurant I've been to,' one Redditor claimed. ''The roti is elite. We've been getting the pre-made Massaman [curry] from the fridge section and it's delicious with some jasmine rice and roti as an easy week night 'fakeaway'.' It's also vegan-friendly and cooks perfectly in a fry pan or sandwich press with no oil required. If you're into Taco Tuesdays, they just got easier with their Urban Eats Chipotle Chicken Quesadillas ($4.99 2pack) making the list These cheesy quesadillas are ready in minutes and pack a smoky chipotle punch. 'Pan fry those babies and you have a pretty decent meal for the price,' one person wrote. 'Definitely! I love them with salsa, jalapeños and sour cream. I'm going tomorrow, dinner is sorted.' 'Seconded! Just had one for lunch - absolutely top tier,' another wrote. For the sweet toothers, shoppers shouldn't go past Aldi's Sweet Haven Portuguese Tarts ($5.49 4pack), apparently. The golden, creamy custard tarts are a hit straight from the freezer and multiple shoppers say they should be illegal they're that good. 'Portuguese tarts are pretty good!' 'Those ought to be illegal! I love them.' 'Just tried these tonight. Pretty good is understating it.' 'I'll second that. They're a freezer staple for us.' For a pro tip, bake them in the oven for 10 minutes to get that fresh-from-the-bakery crisp. While many of these cult buys are available year-round, some may only appear during limited promotions, so fans recommended stocking up when you see them.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
The Retro Appetizer Our Readers Still Can't Stop Making In 2025
It really is the little things in life. And by little things, we mean the handheld, bite-sized bites waiting for you at the kitchen counter when you arrive at the party. From pontoon dip to pulled pork sliders, we've cranked out plenty of new appetizers in 2025. But one thing about our readers: 'in with the new' never means 'out with the old.' Some of our most popular recipes are the ones that have been around the longest. And one, named oh-so appropriately, keeps finding its way back to the top of the list. This year, make room on the table for Cheese Dreams. Get The Recipe What Are Cheese Dreams? Cheese dreams are pillowy bites of bread slathered in butter, topped with a generous layer of sharp Cheddar cheese, and toasted to golden, crispy perfection. You can think of them as an open-faced grilled cheese or a twist on the classic Southern cheese straw. And just like the cheese straw, cheese dreams have endless variations. Many of our readers grew up enjoying and making their own versions of this classic Southern dish, and the recipe is just as flexible as it is flavorful. Cheese Dream Ingredients In our recipe, we use freshly grated sharp Cheddar to achieve that indulgently cheesy flavor, but don't be afraid to experiment with different types of Cheddar (an aged white Cheddar would work wonders here). The flavor of our cheese mixture is further elevated by a touch of Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and ground red pepper. Everything comes together with the use of white bread, cut into attractive bite-sized sandwich squares. They're the perfect starter for any gathering. Whip up a batch and pair them with one of our favorite party drinks for a minimal-effort Lose A Recipe Again With MyRecipes, your personal recipe box, you can save and organize all of your Southern Living favorites and thousands more in one Reviewers Are Saying When our recipes take off, we have our readers to thank. Here is what home cooks had to say about this nostalgic appetizer: 'I made these for my first catering gig, and they flew off the trays! I used tramezzini bread and buttered each whole piece before stacking and cutting into smaller pieces. I served them with a chipotle scallion crema, but they would have gone in an instant despite this. It just made them slightly more decadent.' 'I made these as an addition to a small bites table for my daughter's high school graduation. By far, this was the most requested recipe! Such a surprise as it was the simplest dish to make of them all! Very delicate and moist, not to mention easy! I will definitely make these again in a pinch!' 'I love this recipe! When I have a free evening, I'll make a batch or two of cheese dreams to freeze. I just pop them in the oven while I'm mixing up drinks for company.' Read the original article on Southern Living Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Air Fryer Hacks You'll Wish You Knew Sooner
If you have an air fryer, chances are it's already revolutionized the way you cook. After all, this popular appliance that took the world by storm has pretty much everything going for it: Air fryers are affordable, incredibly easy to use, capable of heating food easily and quickly, and -- for the most part -- the recipes you can make with an air fryer are much healthier than their traditionally-fried counterparts. But you might be surprised to learn that air fryers aren't just for making delicious homemade french fries or the easiest Korean-style salmon you've ever had the pleasure of cooking. From previously-unthought-of uses like home-roasting your own coffee beans to practical tricks like how to keep greasy meats from smoking, there are a few hacks that any self-respecting air fryer owner should know to get the most out of their beloved appliance. We've scoured the depths of the internet and consulted with all the air fryer experts in our life to figure out the best air fryer hacks you'll wish you knew sooner. Read more: The 11 Best Electric Smokers, According To Reviews Embrace Preheating Your Air Fryer One of the strongest selling points for air fryers -- if not the biggest altogether -- is how unbelievably easy the appliance makes it to prepare a vast array of foods. At its easiest, just press a few buttons, wait a few minutes, and voila! And while you can certainly take the simplest approach with just about anything you can fit into your air fryer's basket, you might want to consider preheating the appliance for certain recipes. As with conventional ovens, preheating an air fryer serves the purpose of having the cooking process start out at a higher temperature, which will ultimately decrease cooking time and increase the quality of some foods. While preheating isn't necessary for every single thing you cook in an air fryer, it can be an especially good idea for freezer foods and recipes that are meant to have a crispy or crunchy texture. Some models automatically preheat, while others require the user to manually start the process. Either way, it's worth a quick recipe check or a flip through your model's manual to be sure. Use The Right Oil Traditionally deep-fried foods are popular for a reason: they're undeniably delicious. But they also pack an unhealthy punch of excess oil, grease, and fat that's downright unappetizing, especially if you're actively monitoring your health. Enter the air fryer, capable of delivering the same delicious fried foods but at a fraction of the health cost. However, even then, most air fryer recipes do call for a relatively small amount of fat or oil in order to achieve the right consistency and quality. The thing is, it's actually quite important that you choose the correct oil for this particular cooking process, as the extreme heat inside an air fryer can break down oils with a lower smoke point, releasing chemicals that can cause an undesirable burnt or even bitter flavor in your food. Instead, look for oils with a higher smoke point, like canola, sunflower, or plain vegetable oil. Remember to beware of aerosolized oils and cooking sprays, which can ruin air fryers, as some contain additives like soy lecithin, which can bind to the interior of your appliance causing a grimy residue that is extremely difficult to clean and can ultimately harm the longevity of your air fryer. Alternatively, opt to apply oil to your food with a basting brush or another safer method. Parchment Paper Is Your Non-Stick Friend One of the few annoyances when it comes to using an air fryer is the sticking problem: Whether you simply forget to add a bit of oil, underestimate the amount needed, or take all the necessary precautions anyway, sooner or later, you're going to encounter food that just doesn't want to be parted from your favorite countertop appliance once the cooking cycle is done. And sometimes, there's only so much that cooking oil can do to prevent this. With that scenario in mind, it's our pleasure to point out the wonderfully heat-resistant hack that is parchment paper. Commonly used to line baking sheets, parchment paper can handle temperatures well over 400 Fahrenheit as well as prevent sticking and make clean-up that much easier. Many times, you can even find specially shaped parchment paper liners specifically made to line air fryers. While it may be tempting to use aluminum foil for the same purpose, always use caution to ensure that said foil can't be blown loose inside the air fryer -- if it touches the heating mechanisms, it can be a major fire hazard. Parchment paper is a far safer solution. Don't Overstuff The Fryer It's all too tempting when you're busy and need to get dinner on the table to just dump food into the air fryer and walk away. Unfortunately, this isn't the best way to get good results. (Also, you should follow the filling instructions faithfully, as some air fryers have been recalled due to fire danger.) Air fryers are generally quite tolerant. However, the appliance does not take well to overcrowding. Air fryers work by circulating hot air evenly around food. This is why you can get a nice crisp without oil, although a light toss of oil across the surface of your foods can make them crispier. Either way, if you pile your fries, chicken cutlets, or veggies all together, the air can't get in. This can lead it to become soggy or, in the case of meat, it can even come out undercooked and it's therefore dangerous. You can overwork your air fryer and cause it to break, too. Instead of taking any risk, arrange your food in a single layer and work in batches. Some sources say you can safely load your basket up with fries or veggies, neither of which will make you sick if undercooked. This will raise the cooking time, though, and it will likely lead to a less crunchy and satisfying result. If you want to cook for a large family, it's probably better to buy an air fryer with a multi-level basket. Pay Attention To Proper Cleaning Methods Though it may seem a bit obvious to be counted as a hack, taking a small amount of time to consider the proper cleaning methods for your particular model of air fryer can save you quite a bit of time and effort, and it can also prolong the lifespan of your appliance altogether. Though there are lots of different air fryer models on the market, there are several tips that can apply universally to all models. To start with, always try to clean your air fryer shortly after use, but wait for all the components to cool down first. If you can't get to it right away, it's okay to soak your air fryer's pan and inner basket in warm soapy water for a little while. You can even make a paste out of water and baking soda to help dissolve especially tough grime. Perhaps most importantly though, you should never use sharp utensils or abrasive sponges or brushes in the cleaning process, as many air fryers have a protective nonstick coating that can be damaged if you don't stick to a gentler means of cleaning. Remember to wipe the interior chamber of the main unit with a damp towel too, as crumbs and oil can and will accumulate there. And while some air fryers have components that are dishwasher safe, for longevity's sake it's usually a good idea to hand wash or at least confirm the best cleaning method with your model's manual. Reheat Leftovers To Restaurant-Ready Perfection Air fryers aren't just for freezer foods and nifty from-scratch recipes. Whether you're reheating last night's takeout or making the most out of that giant meal you prepared earlier in the week, it's time to give your microwave a break and discover a better way to reheat. The key to our favorite countertop appliance's expertise with leftovers lies in the basic way that it functions: All air fryers work by using a high-powered fan to circulate hot air throughout its interior. When food is suspended in the air fryer's basket, the hot air is able to cook everything evenly all at once, resulting in the delightfully crispy texture that we know and love. When it comes to leftovers, the usual reheating methods -- by way of a microwave or a conventional oven -- tend to leave some foods soggy. But due to its method of air circulation to achieve an even cooking temperature and texture, air fryers leave even the saddest leftovers with a fresh crunchiness that will never fail to satisfy. From pizza to egg rolls and beyond, you're really missing out if you haven't already tried this incredibly simple hack. Place A Slice Of Bread In The Drip Pan To Soak Up Excess Grease There are multiple reasons why you might, on occasion, notice smoke coming from your air fryer. Maybe a piece of food has fallen through the basket into the drip pan, or maybe you've just got too many items in the basket and the appliance is struggling to keep up. Either way, you're more likely to see smoke coming from your air fryer if the foods you're cooking are on the greasy side, like burgers or even bacon. And while even a small plume of smoke can be alarming, there is an easy solution to prevent your air fryer from smoking due to greasy foods. The immediate answer is to place a small amount of water, think a couple of tablespoons, in your air fryer's drip pan. The interior heat will quickly turn the water into steam and take care of the smoke problem. On the other hand, if you know ahead of time that something you're cooking is on the greasy side and likely to smoke, try placing a slice of bread in the drip pan. The bread will soak up any excess grease that drips into the pan, ultimately preventing that dreaded cloud of smoke from hovering over your kitchen. Explore Air Fryer Accessories We've already established that the number of things you can do with an air fryer is nearly endless. From chicken wings to tasty falafel, there isn't much that you can't make with an air fryer, and with the countless number of accessories available on the market, that list is growing ever smaller by the day. So if you find yourself making the same old recipes over and over, it might be time to start exploring what kind of extras could potentially breathe new life into your kitchen. Now bear in mind that not all air fryer accessories are universal -- you'll definitely want to double-check whether an attachment is compatible with your particular model before purchasing. But all in all, if you have an air fryer, we can pretty much guarantee you'll be able to find plenty of gadgets to work with it. Something as simple as silicone baking cups can open the door to all kinds of delectable recipes, from muffins to frittata. Other popular air fryer additions include racks and special pans that will allow you to "grill" certain food items, as well as cake and pizza pans, and even refillable oil sprayers. Small Oven-Safe Baking Dishes Are Also Air Fryer-Safe Shopping for air fryer accessories is certainly fun, but for the budget-conscious, it can be a little pricey. After all, the number of accompanying pans, racks, and other products on the market is practically limitless. Thankfully, you likely already have plenty of dishes that can take the place of those accessories. After all, any oven-safe dish is also air fryer-safe! Of course, depending on the size of your air fryer, you're going to be limited as to which dishes you can actually use. But any small -- and some medium-sized -- dish that you can put in the oven can also stand up to the heat in an air fryer. This can make some recipes vastly easier to achieve with little or even no cleanup required -- especially if your oven-safe, air fryer-safe dish is also compatible with your dishwasher. As always, double-check to make sure that the dish you're using is up to the task. While most glass baking dishes are totally fine to go in an air fryer, that doesn't mean that they all are. Contact The Manufacturer Before Replacing A Broken Air Fryer It's true, you can do just about anything with an air fryer. However, they can still have issues, just like any other appliance. But before you conclude that your trusty kitchen buddy is a lost cause and spend the money to replace it, it might be worth contacting the manufacturer. Best case scenario, some models come with a warranty that could get you a brand new air fryer for little or no extra money. On the other hand, the problem might be as simple as a broken component. Many companies offer replacement parts to purchase, and some might even fix the appliance for you. Either way, solving the problem is better for the environment than simply chucking the malfunctioning air fryer in the garbage -- and not to mention, better for your wallet than replacing the entire appliance. Give Your Toaster The Day Off Since before the days of the Crockpot, it's seemingly been a competition to see which popular new kitchen appliance can do more than the last. Some have even become obsolete along the way. And while we don't think the toaster is going to go extinct anytime sooner, the advent of the air fryer is certainly giving it a run for its money. Turns out, your air fryer's signature crispiness is exactly what your morning toast has been looking for all along! Simple as it seems, it still might take a couple of tries to figure out exactly which setting you prefer, since cooking time for a simple slice or two of bread is, expectedly, quick. But this function of your air fryer goes beyond toast too. Things like bagels, waffles, and other large or thick-sliced breads may not be able to fit in your average toaster, but your air fryer can handle them no problem, and they'll likely be even tastier. Not only that, but it might enable you to declutter your kitchen countertop a bit. What's not to love? Try Roasting Your Own Coffee Beans This one's for all the coffee lovers out there. When you think of all the wonderful, mouthwatering things you can make with an air fryer, coffee likely isn't one of them. And while you're definitely going to need to defer to your preferred method of brewing for your average morning cup of joe, air fryers can make that cup so much fresher if you can just get your hands on some green coffee beans. That's right — you can roast your own coffee beans right at home in your air fryer. This process is one that you'll want to preheat your appliance for, but altogether, it should take less than an hour from start to finish. Ideally, the beans should be in a single layer so that each one ends up being evenly roasted. The length of time you'll air fry your beans depends on whether you prefer light, medium, or dark roasts. Once they're done and you've allowed the beans to sit for a while to cool, you can store them or grind them immediately for the freshest cup of coffee you've ever had. Dehydrate Fruits, Veggies, And Meats Interestingly enough, dehydrators already work much like an air fryer, just without the high temperatures. So it really isn't a surprise that, with the right settings, your air fryer can also double as a dehydrator. Those settings will vary according to what you're trying to dehydrate, but a quick recipe check should be all you need to get on your way. By setting your air fryer at a relatively low temperature for a period of time (but still usually less time than it takes for a dehydrator to work), you'll be able to make all kinds of delicious snacks -- think fruit chips, "sun"-dried tomatoes, fruit leather, jerky, spices, and even homemade dog biscuits for the pet in your life! The key is to choose the right temperature for the food you're making, which can vary, so be sure to have a game plan before you start throwing ingredients together. Don't Thaw Frozen Vegetables Before Air Frying Them Up front, it's a simple question: should you thaw out your frozen vegetables before popping them in the air fryer? It's no secret that the process of air frying is one of the tastiest ways you can prepare your daily intake of veggies, but how can you ensure that they don't end up soggy nonetheless? The answer is that it depends, but most of the time, you should air fry your frozen veggies as they are without thawing them out beforehand. This is also another food that you'll want to preheat your appliance for. When frozen vegetables are defrosted, they begin to release the moisture trapped by those low temperatures in your freezer, so they can start to get soggy. Putting them straight into a blazing hot air fryer doesn't give that moisture a chance to soak into the veggies. That being said, some vegetables like bell peppers, cauliflower, and broccoli hold up to the freezing process better, so if you're just dying to thaw your veggies beforehand, it isn't going to hurt these varieties. Even so, it saves time and effort to simply pop them in, press a button, and give it a few minutes. Use A Toothpick To Keep Things Together Here's the thing about air fryers: it's a magical thing how you can simply pop your food into the basket, let the hot air circulation do its thing, and enjoy something yummy just a few minutes later. But when it comes to recipes that involve stacked ingredients, think sandwiches or anything that involves a slice of cheese on top, that rapidly-circulating air can make a bit of a mess. While the process isn't likely to blow apart your entire meal, some ingredients may need to be a little more secured to ensure that they come out in perfect condition. Thankfully, the solution couldn't be simpler: just stick a toothpick in your sandwich or stacked food, making sure to secure the ingredients you're worried about, and you're done! That being said, only use wood or reusable metal toothpicks for this hack, never plastic. Some Air Fryers Allow You To Proof And Bake Bread This we know: air fryers are absolutely not the same thing as bread makers. And if making homemade bread is your favorite hobby, chances are you already have the equipment you need. But for the rest of us who are relatively new to the process and might want to try our hand at making fresh bread before going out and buying all the necessary paraphernalia, an air fryer can be a great way to experiment. Not every air fryer is made to handle bread making. But those that are do massively simplify the process. Proofing is the step in which dough is allowed to rest and rise one final time before being baked -- the dark, draft-free interior of an air fryer is a perfect place for this. For the final baking step, you'll want to defer to your chosen recipe. Roast Garlic Roasted garlic is delicious and versatile. You can use it in countless ways, from mixing it into your mashed potatoes to using it for the best garlic bread you've ever had. Stews, roasted veggies, ground meat, butter, hummus, and gravy all do well with an addition of sweet, caramelized garlic. Best of all, you can make roasted garlic in an air fryer. Start by preheating your air fryer to 380 Fahrenheit (some sources advise 400 Fahrenheit, so feel free to experiment with your machine). Cut the top off of a head of garlic just enough that the cloves beneath are exposed, but no more. All you need is an entry point for salt, oil, and heat. Use about 1 teaspoon of oil per head and ¼ teaspoon of salt if desired. You can also cook without salt if you prefer, as it won't measurably change the consistency of the results. Once prepped, wrap the whole head in tin foil and pop it in the air fryer. Depending on your device, it may be done in 16-20 minutes, or you may need to wait more like 25. Start checking at the 16-minute mark the first time you do it and you should be safe. Make Hard Boiled Eggs Hard boiled eggs are great. They're healthy, require no extra fat, and lend themselves to a variety of dishes, from egg salad to green salad. They also work well as a pre- or post-workout snack or an easy addition to a lunchbox. The only problem? They're kind of a pain to make, which is where the air fryer comes in. In the air fryer, you can cook a batch of four eggs (some air fryers can accommodate more) without waiting for water to boil, after which you can dump them into cold water to cool, the same as you would with a stovetop approach. Preheat your machine to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, arrange the eggs across the basket, and cook for 13 minutes for soft boiled and 17 for hard boiled. Although you'll have to work in smaller batches, the process is pretty hands-off and there's less cleanup. Plus, the timing is very precise and the eggs peel easily. The only note is that different air fryers cook differently, so when cooking a hard boiled egg this way, you might need to experiment. Start with 13 minutes at 250 and go from there. Have an ice water bath ready nearby and plunge the eggs into it as soon as they come out. Revive Stale Chips Nobody likes stale chips. Depressingly, an open bag of chips loses its crunch pretty quickly, even though they can safely last well after the best-by date as long as they're unopened. This freshness time boils down to moisture content. When snack foods absorb too much humidity, they get soggy, which is why so many of them come with a little absorbent packet inside. Now onto the good stuff: You can revive stale chips in the air fryer. While the microwave also works, and you can even make homemade chips using this appliance, the air fryer gives more reliable and enjoyable results. Just know that the temperature and timing will depend on the variety of snack food you're looking to raise from the dead. First, preheat your air fryer to 300 Fahrenheit. You can either rely on your machine to tell you when it's heated or wait three minutes or so. Once hot, heat thin potato chips for a minute and a half only. Cook thick potato and other kinds of chips for the same amount of time, and then check frequently as you continue to heat until done. For denser snack foods, such as Cheetos, tortilla chips, and baked chips, cook for two and a half minutes. This trick works for other snacks as well, but you may need to play with the amount of cooking time. Bake Small Batches Of Cookies Air fryers make light work of several baking tasks, but their ability to produce delicious cookies may be the sweetest. The batches these handy appliances can handle will be smaller, obviously, but the cookies will be second-to-none. Thanks to the convection style of heating, air fryers bake cookies super quickly, leaving you with gooey centers and crispy edges in the end. Basically, they give you the best of both worlds when it comes to achieving the ideal texture. Winning! Whether you are using store-bought cookie dough or making it from scratch, baking cookies in the air fryer at 300 degrees F for about five or six minutes should get the job done. You'll want to line the basket with parchment paper first, but it couldn't be easier. It won't heat up your kitchen like the oven, either. It'll take several rounds to make a full batch of cookies in your air fryer, but if you aren't looking to make more than a few, there really is no better way to accomplish the task. Make Your Hot Dogs Crispy Nothing says summer more than firing up the grill to make burgers and hot dogs. However, when you don't want to go all out, your air fryer is here for the win when it comes to making crispy hot dogs. Air-fried hot dogs won't have the same smoky flavor as when they are cooked on a grill, but air fryers get the texture pretty darn close. The rapid convection style of cooking ensures your hot dogs are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside in a matter of minutes. You can go ahead and toss your hot dog buns in the air fryer for a quick toast as well. For a creative spin on the classic hot dog, you can also slice your wieners into ribbons and air fry them at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes. Like other air-fried foods, you'll want to flip them, maybe even a couple of times. When they come out of the basket, they'll be somewhere between jerky and bacon, and of course, they'll be crispy to the max. Then, you can put your hot dog ribbons on sandwiches, salads, or add them to your next breakfast plate. Conquer Fruits And Veggies With Ease Arguably, the easiest way to cook fruits and veggies is with an air fryer. It crisps and roasts them just as well as your oven -- maybe better -- and there's no doubt that it does it a heck of a lot quicker, too. You'll have to flip your produce at least once while it cooks, but other than that, you can basically set it and forget it. Of course, it doesn't require nearly as much oil, either, so it's generally considered a healthy alternative to traditional frying and roasting methods. Whether you aim air fry corn on the cob, brussels sprouts, zucchini, a variety of canned peach desserts, or something else, this handy appliance is ready and waiting to help get the job done. Just about anything you would put on the grill can be air fried, and that's just the beginning. Don't leave your air fryer out of the equation the next time you want to cook your favorite fruits and veggies quickly. Cook Chicken Without Defrosting It First If you don't have a deep fryer -- most of us don't -- your air fryer is the key to achieving restaurant-worthy chicken wings. Just like a deep fryer, but with way less oil, your air fryer's convection style of cooking creates beautifully crispy wings every time. Best of all, you can go ahead and toss frozen chicken wings straight into the basket and cook them up without taking the time to defrost them first. Talk about a game-changer. Simply cook your frozen chicken wings at 400 degrees F for about 20 minutes, and you're good to go. In addition to wings, you can also cook other kinds of frozen chicken in the air fryer without thawing it first. Nuggets and tenders are an obvious choice, but even frozen chicken breasts can go into the basket as-is. It may seem a bit counterintuitive, but give it a try and you'll be amazed at how easily it handles the task. The size of the chicken breast matters, but start by cooking your frozen chicken at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through. After that, check the progress and either take it out or keep it in for a few more minutes until it's cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Get Crispy And Fluffy Potatoes For many of us, potatoes are the first thing that comes to mind when we think of an air fryer. After all, we've all seen the pictures of crispy fries coming out of the basket, and they look delicious. While air-fried french fries are a true delight, both in theory and practice, your appliance also has what it takes to cook other potato dishes -- and its ability to fluff and crisp them to perfection is uncanny. In addition to fries, your air fryer is arguably the best way to make a baked potato. It speeds up the process quite a bit and also helps you achieve the ideal crispy skin and fluffy interior that we all aim for. After pricking a few holes in the skin and rubbing it down with oil, set your air fryer to 400 degrees F and cook the potato for about 30 to 45 minutes. Really, though, baked, roasted, fried, whatever, your air fryer is all you need to whip up any kind of spud. All hail the mighty air-fried potato! Read the original article on Chowhound. 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Times
4 days ago
- Times
Win a two-night stay at Grove of Narberth worth £1,600
This country house hotel, tucked away in the lovely Pembrokeshire countryside, is a must for foodies. There are two excellent restaurants, but it's Fernery that people travel for. This destination dining spot is all about making the most of the best Welsh ingredients, including those sourced from the hotel's two-acre kitchen garden and surrounding hedgerows. You'll retire to one of the lovely suites (either in the main house or in the cottage) decorated with Welsh art, crafts and antiques. The location is another boon, with extensive woodlands and a network of paths and bridleways that make ideal settings for walks. The property is also just a short drive from Pembrokeshire's rugged coast, where surf and wildlife-watching adventures await. As part of your prize, you'll enjoy a two-night stay for two on a B&B basis. It also includes a five-course tasting menu at Fernery, plus a wine or non-alcoholic pairing. A guided tour of the kitchen garden is included as part of the experience. The stay must take place between Wednesday and Sunday, and between August 29, 2025 and August 29, 2026. Blackout dates include public holidays, the festive period and Valentine's Day. For more information, click here. For your chance to win, simply vote in each category in this year's Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards. There are 17 categories in total. Click here to vote. For the full list of prizes, see closes at 23.59pm on August 31, 2025. Open to residents of the United Kingdom who are aged 18 years or older, excluding employees and agents of the Promoter and its group companies, or third parties directly connected with the operation or fulfilment of the Promotion and their affiliates, and their immediate families and household members. One entry per person. Winners will be selected at random from all valid entries. No cash alternative and prize is non-transferable. Winner and guest responsible for getting to and from the venue at their own expense. Subject to availability, Prize must be booked by April 1, 2026, to take place from Wednesday to Sunday, between September 1, 2025 and August 29, 2026, except on public holidays, the festive period and Valentine's Day. Winner and his/her guests must travel on same itinerary. All parts of Prize must be used in conjunction with same booking. Travel insurance, food and drink (outside what is previously declared in the board basis), spending money and all incidental expenses are the responsibility of the Winner. Prize is subject to Grove of Narberth terms and conditions. Your information will be used to administer this Promotion and otherwise in accordance with our privacy policy at and those of the partners. Promoter is Times Media Ltd. Full T&Cs apply — see
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
M&S shoppers go wild for bizarre fruit that's leaving them completely divided
M&S shoppers are going wild for a bizarre hybrid fruit that's leaving them divided. Social media is awash with posts and pictures of the citrussy creation - but not everyone is keen on the concept. The posh retailer has brought back its Limelon, shaped and tasting like a melon with a hint of lime. But customers and foodies have been left divided over the £3 buy. Some are massive fans, branding it "delicious" and saying they "can't wait" to try it on Facebook. But others have flat out rejected the concept, with one calling it "disgusting" and another saying they were left unimpressed. Shoppers on M&S' website are similarly divided, with one saying it was "tasteless and ended up in (the) bin" and another plainly calling it "weird". But others said it was "extremely juicy" and another a "game changer". Shoppers keen to give the limelon a try can order it for home delivery via Ocado, which sells M&S products. Posts on TikTok and Facebook suggest it's available in stores as well, but it's not clear if it's on sale across all M&S branches. Neither is it clear when the limelon was first launched but reports suggest it made its first appearance on shelves in 2020. We have asked M&S if the fruit is back permanently, what the calories are and when it was first launched and we'll update this story when we have heard back. Four ways to save money at M&S Shoppers on the lookout for limelons in stores can find their nearest M&S branch via - If you are buying one, shoppers are recommended to keep it in the fridge. As ever, you should always shop around before buying any product as you might find it cheaper elsewhere. is a useful website for comparing the price of supermarket items. We looked on the site and found there are other supermarkets selling limelons, and you can get them cheaper elsewhere. Sainsbury's is selling one for £2.50 while Morrisons has one for £3. OTHER M&S NEWS M&S said this week it will dish out treats to customers after a cyber attack devastated its systems leaving some services down for weeks. The retailer said over 1.8million customers will receive birthday gifts this month, including those who missed out in May and June. Its Sparks loyalty scheme is also fully back online, it has confirmed. The retailer said staff can enjoy 30% off for four days across Fashion, Home and Beauty products as well - 10% higher than the standard 20% discount. It comes as the retailer tries to recover from the cyber incident which cost it £300million in lost profits and left it crippled. Timeline of the attack Saturday, April 19: Initial reports emerge on social media of problems with contactless payments and click-and-collect services at M&S stores across the UK. Customers experience difficulties collecting online purchases and returning items due to system issues. Monday, April 21: Problems with contactless payments and click-and-collect persist. M&S officially acknowledges the "cyber incident" in a statement to the London Stock Exchange. CEO Stuart Machin apologises for the disruption and confirms "minor, temporary changes" to store operations. M&S notifies the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and engages external cybersecurity experts. Tuesday, April 22: Disruptions continue. M&S takes further systems offline as part of "proactive management". Wednesday, April 23: Despite earlier claims of customer-facing systems returning to normal, M&S continues to adjust operations to maintain security. Contactless payments are initially restored, but other services, including click-and-collect, remain affected. Thursday, April 24: Contactless payments and click-and-collect services are still unavailable. Reports surface suggesting the attackers possibly gained access to data in February. Friday, April 25: M&S suspends all online and app orders in the UK and Ireland for clothing and food, although customers can still browse products. This decision leads to a 5% drop in M&S's share price. Monday, April 28: M&S is still unable to process online orders. Around 200 agency workers at the main distribution centre are told to stay home. Tuesday, April 29: Information suggests that the hacker group Scattered Spider is likely behind the attack. Shoppers spot empty shelves in selected stores. Tuesday, May 13: M&S revealed that some customer information has been stolen. Wednesday, May 21: The retailer said disruption from the attack is expected to continue through to July. Tuesday, June 10: The retailer reveals it's bringing back online shopping - but click and collect still not available. Tuesday, July 1: M&S boss says the company is hoping to have online operations running 'fully' within four weeks. Online shopping has since returned across England, Scotland and Wales, but Northern Irish customers are still waiting for an update. Last week, three teenagers and a woman were arrested in the UK as part of an investigation into the attacks. They have since been released on bail. M&S also recently announced it is increasing the number of products sold in larger family packs across its aisles.
