• How to Make Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

    Twice baked potatoes are a comforting classic, and using an air fryer makes the process even easier while ensuring a delightful crispness. To begin, select some medium-sized floury potatoes, such as Maris Pipers or King Edwards, and give them a good scrub under cold water. Pat them dry with a tea towel before pricking the skins with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.

    Preheat your air fryer to 200°C. Place the potatoes in the basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded, and cook for about 35-40 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they're tender when pierced with a knife.

    While the potatoes are cooking, you can prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, scoop out the flesh of the cooked potatoes, being careful to keep the skins intact. Mash the potato flesh with a generous knob of butter, a splash of milk, and a handful of grated cheese—cheddar works wonderfully. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and feel free to add extras like chopped chives, sour cream, or crispy bacon bits for an extra touch.

    Once the potatoes are well mixed, spoon the creamy filling back into the skins, mounding it nicely on top. For an extra crispy finish, sprinkle a little more cheese on top and pop them back into the air fryer for another 5-10 minutes at 200°C, until golden and bubbling.

    Serve your air fryer twice baked potatoes warm, garnished with a sprinkle of herbs if desired. They make a perfect side dish for any meal or a tasty snack on their own. Enjoy!

  • Instant Pot Strawberry Jam Recipe

    Making strawberry jam in your Instant Pot is not only quick and easy but also yields a deliciously fresh spread that’s perfect for scones, toast, or drizzling over desserts. This recipe allows you to capture the sweet, vibrant essence of strawberries in no time.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 kg fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
    • 300 g granulated sugar
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

    Instructions:

    1. Prepare the Strawberries: Begin by washing and hulling the strawberries. Halve or quarter them depending on your preferred consistency.

    2. Combine Ingredients: In your Instant Pot, layer the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gently stir to combine.

    3. Cook: Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to 'Manual' mode at high pressure for 5 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow for a natural release for about 10 minutes before carefully releasing any remaining pressure.

    4. Blend: Using an immersion blender, puree the mixture to your desired texture. For a chunkier jam, blend lightly; for a smooth spread, blend thoroughly.

    5. Thicken: Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode and let the jam simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently until it reaches your desired consistency.

    6. Jar the Jam: Decant the hot jam into sterilised jars, seal tightly, and allow to cool before storing in the refrigerator.

    Enjoy the rich, fruity flavour of homemade strawberry jam any time you like, with the convenience of your Instant Pot! Perfect for brightening up your breakfast or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

  • Reheating Chinese food in an air fryer is not only a quick and efficient method but also enhances the texture and flavour of your takeaway. The air fryer circulates hot air around the food, ensuring a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist. To get started, simply preheat the air fryer to around 160°C. Place your leftover spring rolls, dumplings, or fried rice in the basket, being careful not to overcrowd it. Heat for about 5 to 10 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure everything is warmed through and golden. The result is a delightful meal that tastes almost as good as when it was first served, with a satisfying crunch that microwaving simply cannot achieve. Enjoy your reheated feast!

  • Cooking chicken breast in an air fryer is a quick and healthy way to prepare a delicious meal. To start, you'll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which you can season to your taste. A simple mix of olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika works wonderfully.

    First, preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) for around 5 minutes. While the air fryer is warming up, pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to ensure a good sear. Coat them lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly on both sides.

    Once preheated, place the chicken breasts in the fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) and the chicken is golden brown.

    After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices, then slice and serve. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breast with your choice of sides!

  • Cooking brisket in an air fryer may seem unconventional, but it can yield a deliciously tender and flavourful result. Here’s a simple guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried brisket.

    Ingredients:

    • 1 kg brisket, trimmed
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • Salt and pepper, to taste

    Instructions:

    1. Prepare the Brisket: Start by patting the brisket dry with a kitchen towel. This will help achieve a better sear. Rub the olive oil all over the meat, then season generously with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed for maximum flavour.

    2. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F). This step is crucial to ensure that the brisket cooks evenly and develops a lovely crust.

    3. Cook the Brisket: Place the seasoned brisket in the air fryer basket, ensuring that it’s not overcrowded. Cook for about 50-60 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach at least 70°C (160°F) for medium doneness.

    4. Rest and Slice: Once cooked, remove the brisket from the air fryer and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. After resting, slice the brisket against the grain for the best texture.

    5. Serve: Enjoy your air-fried brisket with a side of roasted vegetables or in a hearty sandwich. The smokiness from the paprika combined with the air fryer's cooking method will leave you and your guests thoroughly impressed.

    Cooking brisket in an air fryer is not only quick but also packed with flavour, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or special occasions.

  • At Dellaroca, where the kitchen buzzes with the rich aromas of Italian cuisine, cooking chicken fillets to perfection is an essential skill. To achieve tender, succulent chicken, heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, place the fillets carefully in the pan. Cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes on one side, allowing a beautiful golden crust to form. Flip them over and continue cooking for another 5 to 6 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches a safe 75°C. For an added touch, a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of lemon juice just before serving will elevate the flavours and create a dish that resonates with the heart of Italian cooking.