air fryer

Name: Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 orange, juiced + reserve a 1/2 Tablespoon of zest from peel; 2 Tablespoons soy sauce; ¼ cup of white vinegar; ½ cup of brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon of minced garlic; 1 Tablespoon of cornstarch, mixed with 1 tbsp water; 1 chicken breast, cubed; 1 cup of flour; 1/3 cup of cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon of paprika; 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne; 1/2 Tablespoon of Natures Seasoning; 2 eggs

Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

March 26, 2021 by Rachel 7 Comments

We have had an air fryer built into both our oven and toaster oven for the last 3+ years. But it took until getting our Ninja Foodi for me to really get hooked on the air fryer. We literally cook everything in it. We started with little things like chicken fingers and french fries. But now we’re using it for other things — like frying fresh cod and making our own Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken!

You’ll need an air fryer and this

The recipe is super easy. And it calls for one of my husbands favorite ingredients — orange zest! Honestly, the first time I used orange zest in any recipe, my husband freaked out (in a good way)! And I’ve been hooked on zest ever since!

Here’s what else you’ll need:

1 chicken breast, cubed
flour
cornstarch
paprika
cayenne
Natures Seasoning
2 eggs
an orange
soy sauce
white vinegar
brown sugar
minced garlic
cornstarch mixed with water

That’s it! Just make a side of rice (I use my Instant Pot for rice) and serve your Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken over it! If you’ve never made rice in the Instant Pot before, here’s what you need to know:

I highly recommend using jasmine rice. Measure a cup of jasmine rice. Rinse in water and then put the cup of jasmine rice in your Instant Pot. Add 1 and 1/4 cup of water to the Instant Pot. Lock and seal the Instant Pot. Set your Instant Pot to manual for 4 minutes. Once the Instant Pot timer goes off, let the IP natural release for 10 minutes. Then release the rest of pressure.

The recipe

Copycat Panda Express Orange Chicken

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

1 chicken breast, cubed
1 cup of flour
1/3 cup of cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
1/4 teaspoon of cayenne
1/2 Tablespoon of Natures Seasoning
2 eggs

Sauce

1 orange, juiced + reserve a 1/2 Tablespoon of zest from peel
2 Tablespoons soy sauce
¼ cup of white vinegar
½ cup of brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon of minced garlic
1 Tablespoon of cornstarch, mixed with 1 tbsp water

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

In a saucepan over medium heat, add all of the sauce ingredients and bring to a slow boil. Once slow boiling reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes.

Stir every couple of minutes to prevent sauce sticking. Let sit on warm while the chicken cooks

STEP 2-

In a mixing bowl, mix spices, flour and cornstarch.

STEP 3 -

In a separate bowl whisk egg.

STEP 4 -

Coat the chicken in the flour, and then dredge in egg.

STEP 5 -

Return chicken back to flour and fully coat.

STEP 6 -

Place breaded chicken in oil sprayed air fryer basket. Spray chicken with oil.

STEP 7 -

Cook on 380 for 10 minutes.

STEP 8 -

Once all chicken is cooked, increase sauce heat to low medium and add fried chicken. Stir until chicken is completely coated.

STEP 9 -

ENJOY over rice!

PIN FOR LATER

Air Fryer Fried Oreos Recipe — Super Easy!

February 26, 2021 by Rachel 13 Comments

We’re in the midst of what feels like the longest Winter of all time. I kid, because I know it has basically been the longest year of all time. But one of the things I feel like many of us missed over the last year was going to county fairs and state fairs. Maybe we can hit up our local fair this year, but if not I have the perfect solution to your fair-food problem. Just make these super easy Air Fryer Fried Oreos from the comfort of your own home!

What you’ll need for this recipe

Besides your air fryer, this recipe has very few ingredients.

15 OREO cookies (regular or Double Stuffed). If you ask me, always go with Double Stuf. Always.
8 canned biscuits or 8 homemade biscuits
1/2 a cup of powdered sugar
1/2 a cup of milk

That’s it! Just a few ingredients and you’ll have delicious, better-than-fair-food, from the comfort of your own kitchen! Check out the full air fryer fried Oreos recipe below!

How to make Air Fryer Fried Oreos

Yield: 15

Fried Oreos Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

15 OREO cookies (regular or Double Stuffed)
8 canned biscuits or 8 homemade biscuits
1/2 cup of powdered sugar
1/2 cup of milk

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Flatten the biscuit dough and cut in half.

STEP 2 -

Quickly dip Oreo cookie in milk.

STEP 3 -

Wrap the Oreo cookie in halved biscuit dough completely covering cookie. Form the dough into a ball in palm.

STEP 4 -

Spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the cookie balls in air fryer basket leaving at room to expand for 10 minutes. Spray cookies with oil.

STEP 5 -

Cook at 370 degrees for 5 minutes or until golden.

STEP 6 -

Dust your fried Oreos with powdered sugar and serve.

STEP 7 -

ENJOY!

PIN FOR LATER

Air Fryer Hush Puppies Recipe

February 17, 2021 by Rachel 15 Comments

I grew up in a very Catholic household. As such, we celebrated lent in the traditional ways — by not eating meat on the holy days as well as Fridays. This is a tradition I have enjoyed continuing with my own family. But, my kids and I get really tired of the traditional french fries that are served with fish. So, instead, we like to switch it up and serve these air fryer hush puppies.

Why the air fryer?

So the Air Fryer in itself is a fairly new (and hot!) commodity. But our convection toaster oven has had an air fry function built in for the last 3+ years. So I’ve had the chance to play around with the air fry function a bit. It worked okay, but having an actual air fryer has seriously changed the game. It heats up very quickly. Something as simple french fries turn out absolutely delicious. And these hush puppies? Well, let’s just say, my southern father is proud!

And if you’re on the fence, just see all of these amazing recipes you can make with your air fryer.

What you’ll need

Besides the aforementioned air fryer, you’ll need the following:

Yellow Cornmeal
All Purpose Flour
Baking Powder
Sugar
Salt
Pepper
Garlic
Paprika
Egg
Paprika
Milk

That’s it! Most of these items are things you already have in your kitchen. I know I always have to double-check to make sure I have the yellow cornmeal. But, otherwise, most of the items you likely have on hand.

Air Fryer Hush Puppies Recipe

Air Fryer Hush Puppies

Prep Time 45 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 Cup of Yellow Cornmeal
1 Cup of All Purpose Flour
1 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Powder
1/2 teaspoon of Sugar
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of Pepper
1/2 Tablespoon of Garlic
1/2 teaspoon of paprika
1/2 tablespoon of parsley
1 Egg
3/4 Cup of Milk

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

In a mixing bowl, add cornmeal, flour, baking powder and sugar. Mix until completely combined.

STEP 2 -

Add the egg, milk, and spices.

Mix until combined. Let batter sit in refrigerator for 30 minutes

STEP 3 -

Roll the batter into desired size balls.

Spray the air fryer basket with oil and place battered balls in the basket. Spray the balls with oil.

STEP 4 -

Cook at 380 for 5 minutes, turn balls, spray with oil and cook for 5 more minutes.

STEP 5 -

Remove from air fryer and ENJOY!

PIN FOR LATER

Air Fryer Copycat Krispy Kreme Donuts

February 12, 2021 by Rachel 8 Comments

As a foodie, I’ve always been obsessed with the yummy things that people gravitate towards. But it wasn’t until my late 20’s that I was introduced to warm Krispy Kreme glazed donuts. Honestly, I didn’t realize what the big deal was. That is, until a co-worker brought me my first ever warm Krispy Kreme donut. And that, my friends, was a game-changer. Recently I had the pleasure of introducing my kids to Krispy Kreme. But, instead of spending the money a couple of times a month to pick some up, I decided to make my own Copycat Krispy Kreme Donuts recipe!

Why you need an air fryer

What you’ll need to make Copycat Krispy Kreme Donuts

Besides your handy dandy air fryer, you’ll need the following ingredients:

8 homemade biscuits or 1 can store bought
6 Tablespoons of melted butter
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla
3/4 cup of evaporated milk

That is it! Honestly, the most ‘difficult’ part is the prep of the glaze. But the glaze is the absolute best part of a Krispy Kreme donut, am I right?!

Copycat Krispy Kreme Donuts

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

8 homemade biscuits or 1 can store bought
6 Tablespoons of melted butter
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla
3/4 cup of evaporated milk

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Using a baking hole punch, punch hole from center of biscuit.

STEP 2 -

Spray air fryer basket with oil and place four donuts leaving space to expand. Spray donuts with oil.

STEP 3 -

Cook on 390 for 5 minutes.

STEP 4 -

Mix the powdered sugar, vanilla, melted butter, and evaporated milk until completely combined.

STEP 5 -

Place donuts on a cooling rack over a baking sheet.

STEP 6 -

Pour glaze over donuts. Reuse captured glaze from baking sheet and re-glaze donuts 6-8 times.

STEP 7 -

ENJOY!

PIN FOR LATER

Must Try Air Fryer Copycat Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

January 30, 2021 by Rachel 13 Comments

There are plenty of mornings in our house where my kids wake up screaming that they want cinnamon rolls. In fact, I’m not going to lie — my kids wake up most mornings begging for cinnamon rolls. I’m not sure what started this. I remember, as a kid, begging my mom for ‘cinnamon toast.’ And I suppose cinnamon rolls might be this morning memory for my kids. I have tried basically every canned cinnamon roll on the market (PS. whatever you do, do not buy ALDI canned cinnamon rolls!). Regardless, I was never happy with the canned rolls. Instead I tried to make an exact copycat Cinnabon rolls recipe. Guess what? I nailed it.

Why use an air fryer?

Just like my other favorite appliance, the Instant Pot, the Air Fryer is incredible. It’s super easy to use and the cooking method just makes things extra delicious.

What You’ll need to make these Copycat Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

whole milk
active yeast
white sugar
egg
unsalted butter, melted
all-purpose flour
salt
cup light brown sugar
cinnamon
cream cheese
powdered sugar
vanilla extract

The recipe details seem difficult, but I promise it is way easier than you think! Most of the total time is spent letting the dough rise. So please don’t be intimidated about this recipe!

Copycat Cinnabon Rolls Recipe

Yield: 2 very large cinnamon rolls

Copycat Cinnabon Rolls

Prep Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients

The Dough

¾ cup warm whole milk
2 ¼ teaspoons active yeast
¼ cup of white sugar
1 egg and 1 egg yolk
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon salt

The Filling

2/3 cup light brown sugar
1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature

The Frosting

4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

INGREDIENTS -

STEP 1 -

Place milk in a microwave safe container and microwave on high for 30 seconds. Pour warm milk into a mixing bowl and add yeast.

STEP 2 -

Add sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Mix until completely combined.

STEP 3 -

Stir in flour and salt until dough begins to form.

STEP 4 -

Using a stand mixer, attach dough hook and mix on medium until dough forms into a ball and not sticking to the mixing bowl. Add some flour if too sticky. If using hands to knead, knead the dough for 10 minutes on a floured surface until dough is no longer sticky.

STEP 5 -

Place the dough ball in a well-oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and a warm towel. Place bowl on the counter for an hour and a half to allow for the dough to double in size.

STEP 6 -

Place the dough on a floured surface and flatten with a rolling pin until the dough is roughly a square foot of surface. (12”x12”)

STEP 7 -

Rub room temperature butter to cover the dough leave a slight margin around the dough.

STEP 8 -

Sprinkle and combine the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture to complete the filling.

STEP 9 -

Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into inch and a half wide strips.

STEP 10 -

Roll the strips into themselves until all are rolled into a wheel. Place dough wheel into spring mold pan that fits the air fryer basket. Cover pan with cloth and allow dough to sit for 15 minutes.

STEP 11 -

Cook in air fryer for 20 minutes on 350 degrees.

STEP 12 -

Remove cinnamon roll from air fryer and allow to cool.

STEP 13 -

In a mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and butter until frosting is combine completely.

STEP 14 -

Top the cinnamon roll with the frosting and enjoy!

PIN FOR LATER

The easiest copycat Cinnabon roll recipe

Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich Recipe

January 22, 2021 by Rachel 13 Comments

Living in Ohio, I feel like we were ‘late’ to the game when it came to Chick-fil-A. We would sometimes stop there during our travels south. But it wasn’t until I was in high school that a Chick-fil-A restaurant opened in Northeast Ohio. They definitely have a cult-like following. And, at first I didn’t quite get it. But after moving back home from New York, I caught the ‘bug’ that is a Chick-fil-A obsession. And, now that I have my trusty air fryer, I’ve made a Copycat Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich recipe that is to DIE for!

Why the air fryer?

Okay, so truth be told, we’ve been long-time advocates of the air fryer. Traditional fryers are messy and big! But air fryers aer simple and take up way less space. In fact, our Breville Smart Oven has an air fry feature we’ve been using for years. But, in addition to our Instant Pot, the air fryer is our next most-used kitchen appliance.