When Gerry first joked on the podcast about doing a whole episode about our toaster oven/air fryer, I (Shannon) rolled my eyes.
Who dedicates an entire conversation to one kitchen appliance? Well, apparently we do, because here we are.
The truth is, this little gadget has become one of the most used items in our home. It fits our lifestyle in a way we didn’t expect, and since Gerry is such a big fan, it’s time we give it the spotlight it deserves.
Joys of a Toaster Oven
We aren’t food bloggers, and you won’t find us measuring spices to perfection. What we are, though, are people who live intentionally, love simple routines, and want our meals to be easy, budget-friendly, and actually enjoyable.
The toaster oven/air fryer makes that happen.
What Kind of Toaster Oven/Air Fryer Do We Have?
Our toaster oven isn’t anything fancy. It’s affordable. It is a Black + Decker Air Fryer Toaster Oven. It, of course, toasts, air fries, and bakes. Pretty basic, but it is a staple in our kitchen.
Our Air Fryer Favorites
We’ve experimented extensively with what goes in the basket, and we’ve found some favorites that are easy to make and taste better than you’d expect.
Air Fryer Baked Potato and Sweet Potato
This one feels too easy, but that’s the point. Instead of waiting forever for the oven to preheat, we pop a potato in the air fryer, and it comes out with a crispy skin and fluffy inside. Add some toppings and you’ve got dinner. Sweet potatoes are just as good and feel a little more special.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
If you’ve been burned by soggy sprouts before, the air fryer will change that. Crispy edges, tender centers, and just enough char to make them taste restaurant-worthy. We make these when we want to feel like we’re eating something fancy but don’t want to leave the couch.
Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
This is our “we need something green with dinner” move. A little seasoning, a short time in the air fryer, and suddenly we’re eating veggies that don’t feel like a chore. They taste way better than steaming them.
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
This one feels indulgent, but it isn’t. Zucchini fries achieve that crunchy texture we crave, and they are perfect for dipping in marinara or ranch. They’re a great snack or side dish when you want something different.
Air Fryer Chickpeas
One of our favorite snacks. They get crispy, salty, and perfect for munching while watching a movie or packing for a road trip. They’re also a good way to add a little protein to a salad. You can find the recipe on our blog post, Toaster Oven Cooking.
Air Fryer Tofu
This one deserves its own category because so many people struggle with making tofu that isn’t mushy. The air fryer makes it golden, crispy, and actually enjoyable. We’ll toss it in bowls with rice and veggies, or snack on it with soy sauce.
Air Fryer Pizza (+ Reheating Leftovers)
If you’ve ever tried to reheat pizza in a microwave, you know the disappointment of soggy crust. The air fryer fixes that. Leftover pizza comes out as good as it was the first time, maybe better. We also use the toaster oven side to bake small pizzas, which is perfect for a quick dinner.
Air Fryer Grilled Cheese
A grilled cheese sandwich in the air fryer is a culinary delight. Crispy bread, gooey cheese, and no standing over a skillet. It’s a rainy day favorite in our house.
Air Fryer PB+J
This one is Gerry’s creation, and it deserves a spot of honor. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich gets toasted in the air fryer until the bread is golden and the peanut butter is warm and gooey.
It’s the kind of thing you don’t think you need until you try it. Gerry swears by it, and now it’s a regular in our rotation when we want something nostalgic but with an upgrade.
Why It Fits Our Lifestyle
We downsized our lives years ago, and part of that meant rethinking how we use our space and time.
A toaster oven/air fryer might not seem like a big deal, but it simplifies our cooking. We don’t need a dozen gadgets or a full oven heating the kitchen for one meal.
It saves us money, keeps cleanup easy, and helps us eat at home instead of defaulting to takeout.
For us, it’s not about being obsessed with an appliance. It’s about how the small things can make daily life easier and even a little more fun.
That’s the theme of our whole adventure… finding joy in places we didn’t expect.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you plan it right. Vegetables, a protein source like tofu, and even potatoes can all be prepared in there.
Absolutely. Veggies and plant-based proteins are some of the best things to cook in it.
The air fryer is faster, and it cooks food to a crisp instead of a soggy texture.
