You’re Going To Love These Tasty, Time-Saving TikTok Air Fryer Recipes
I love my air fryer… real bad. And if you’re like most low-maintenance millennials in the kitchen, you’ve probably noticed how air fryers have eased their way into our kitchens to make our lives that much easier. As if arriving at our doorsteps like a surprise gift from the cooking gods, these compact kitchen appliances have changed the way we cook, making meal preparation both seamless and more convenient.
Who would have thought that using hot air circulation to cook food would not only make our meals taste better but provide just the right amount of crispiness and golden brown exterior, all while using significantly less oil? These days, it’s hard to even imagine my life without having this baking contraption by my side for delivering meals in 20 minutes or less, all while allowing me to experiment with my culinary skills.
The Retro Electric Air Fryer has been a godsend for making tasty meals in little to no time. The retro-style air fryer comes with a convenient adjustable timer and temperature control, making it quick and easy to adjust to various recipes. And with so many recipes at our disposal to try and get creative with, it’s safe to say that me and my air fryer are locked in.
From side dishes to main course, we’ve put together a list of must-try air fryer meals that will have your taste buds singing. Thank us later.
10 Easy Air Fryer Recipes
@shey.cooks this is your sign to get an airfryer #potato #potatoes #potatotiktok #airfryer #airfryerrecipes #potatowedges #cooking #foodie
Crispy Air Fryer French Fries
Air fryer French fries are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Cut potatoes into fries and toss with olive oil, salt, and your favorite seasonings. Air fry at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, and your side dish will be complete.
@dininwithjas Spicy 🌶 Ranch Wings! Let’s make them! 🔥😋 #airfryerwingsseasoning #ranchwingsrecipe #ketofriendlyrecipes #crispywings
Air Fryer Spicy Ranch Chicken Wings
Chicken wings made in the air fryer are the best for whipping up a flavorful meal, with less oil than traditional frying. Toss your wings with a mixture of olive oil, seasonings of choice, and your preferred wing sauce. Air fry at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway throughout. Top it off with ranch seasoning, and you have a crunchy, delicious delight.
@wellnessbykay crispy air fried ravioli is a must make (recipe in bio) 🤩 #airfriedravioli #airfryer #airfryerrecipes
Crispy Air Fried Ravioli
If you’re looking to transform store-bought ravioli into a delicious appetizer, we’ve got the recipe for you. Dip ravioli in beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Cook at 325°F for 8-10 minutes, and once golden and crispy, dunk it in a side of saucy marinara sauce.
@lexiitastytreats Air fryer Garlic Butter Sweet Chili Salmon #airfryerrecipes #airfryer #airfryertiktok #airfryer #salmon #salmonairfryer #salmonrecipe #dinnerideas #dinnerwithme #quickrecipes #foryou #fyp #viraltiktok #viral #quickmeal #easymeal #salmontiktok #foodtiktok #airfryerrecipe #cooking #momcooking
Air Fryer Salmon Filets
Air-frying salmon yields a perfectly cooked, flaky fish with a flavorful crust. Season salmon filets with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and salt and cook for 10-12 minutes at 375°F depending on thickness, and dinner is served!
@jazz_leaf Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks ↓ •4 mozzarella string cheese •1/4 cup flour of choice •1 egg, whisked •1 cup Panko breadcrumbs + 1 tbsp Italian spices 1️⃣ Cut mozzarella sticks in half. 2️⃣ Dip in the flour, egg, flour, egg then the Panko/Italian seasoning blend. 3️⃣ Freeze for 10-15 mins. 4️⃣ Place in a single layer in the air fryer. 5️⃣ Spray with avocado oil, air fry at 390 for 5 mins. #mozerellasticks #airfryermaster #airfryertiktok #airfryerrecipes #airfryerrecipe #mozerallacheese #airfryerhack
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
You can’t go wrong with cheesy, gooey mozzarella sticks for a quick snack or appetizer. To try it for yourself, cut mozzarella cheese into sticks, dip it in beaten egg, coat it with breadcrumbs, and freeze. Once frozen, pop them in the air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until golden and melty.
@michaelkory Air Fryer Pizza Hot Pockets 👨🏻🍳🍕 #airfryer #hotpockets #pizzapockets #macros #lowcalorie #healthyrecipes #homemadepasta
Air Fryer Homemade Hot Pockets
There’s something so nostalgic about old-school hot pockets that will have your grown-up self craving this cheesy and saucy goodness. Grab a pack of store-bought or homemade pie crust dough with your choice of fillings from ham, cheese, pepperoni, mozzarella, or spinach.
Roll out the pie crust dough and cut it into rectangles, placing your desired fillings in the center. Fold the dough over the fillings and press the edges to seal. Add to the air fryer and cool for 10-12 minutes at 375°F. Let cool slightly before serving ,and enjoy your childhood treat.
@lanisanchezzz Crispy brussel sprouts in the air fryer 😍 Seasonings (measure with your <3 ) - olive oil - salt - pepper - garlic powder - onion powder - paprika - parmesan Air fry at 375°F for 10 min Top with lemon juice & more parmesan cheese! Enjoy 😋 #airfryerrecipes #brusselsprouts #easyvegetablerecipes #vegetables #brusselsproutsrecipes #airfryer #sidedishrecipes #sidedish #vegetarian
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts may be a vegetable that is an acquired taste, but with the right ingredients and a little finesse, you’ll turn your “ick” into a “yum.” Toss your Brussels sprouts with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, and lemon, then air fry at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. What you’ll uncover is a new love for this underrated green.
@thecanok Onion rings #recipetok #easyrecipe #onionrings #mozzarellaonionrings #recipe #airfryer #cheesyonionrings
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Crispy, flavorful onion rings are a classic comfort food made just a bit healthier in the air fryer. To make, slice onions into rings, dip in buttermilk, coat with seasoned flour, and air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Once golden brown, enjoy with a side of ketchup, honey mustard, or chipotle sauce.
@naturallieplantbased Buffalo tofu bites - recipe on my website #airfryer #easyrecipes
Crispy Air Fryer Tofu Bites
For vegans and vegetarians looking for an easy snack to power through their day, tofu bites are the way to go. These bite-size grubs create a crispy texture that is perfect for adding to salads, bowls , or enjoying by themselves. Toss cubed tofu with cornstarch, soy sauce, and your favorite seasonings. Cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, and we promise you won’t be able to put them down.
@skinnytaste Air fryer sweet potato fries ✨ Whichever method you decide to try, you can’t go wrong! #airfryer #sweetpotatofries #crispy
Air Fryer Cinnamon Sweet Potato Fries
While some enjoy the classic flavor of traditional french fries, sweet potato fries provide foodies with an alternative to indulge their sweet tooth. Not only does it only take minutes to make, but they provide a nutrient-rich alternative to traditional fries. Cut sweet potatoes into fries and toss with olive oil, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook at 375°F for 18-20 minutes, and you’ll have a side dish that’s both sweet and savory.
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Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Navigating Dating When Emotionally Unavailable & Detached: My Journey Back To Feeling
The last time I came with a dating story, I told you I got my little feelings hurt in 2021. I called myself trying to be out in these streets entertaining a man in a different area code, city, and state — only for homeboy to play in my damn face. So, I went and gave y’all "8 Rules To Casual Dating Every Woman Should Know This Summer." You’re welcome. Fast forward to 2024, and I am now coming to you from a more mature and intentional place. We’re not in summer yet, but I truly believe what blooms in spring, thrives in summer.
2023 was my year, and it was my turn. I had just completed an 8-month holistic detox. The glow-up was real and well-deserved. The way I have poured into myself is unmatched. Let me tell you, self-love is a love you have never known. After a five-year healing journey, I finally felt like myself again, and I was ready to play. My heart was open, my mind was clear, and my body hella transformed. I had told all my friends that I was ready to explore dating again, and at the height of summer, I did exactly just that.
This time I decided I wanted to take my time. I wanted to date the “right way” or the “healthy way.” You know, keep your options open, ask the right questions, believe actions and not words, observe patterns and pay attention to red, yellow, and green flags. I was never the dating app type of girl. I sincerely miss everything about human connection and dating from 2000 to 2012. Can we please bring all of that back into 2024? I prefer to feel a man’s energy and presence in real-time. Nonetheless, I still chose to dabble with a few dating apps. I was all the way outside and dating for practice.
Unfortunately, with today’s dating culture, social climate, and how some of these men move and/or behave, these dates were a dead end. Not one guy made it to my roster. What these men were was benched this season – not one of them could be my first-round select draft pick. It didn't seem like anyone I met was interested in a serious relationship. And it’s completely fine. Miss me with the ghosting, lack of effort, inconsistency, and poor communication. I continued to just do me because what is for me will not miss me.
Kelvin Murray/ Getty Images
The universe must have heard me talking because I had specifically told my closest girlfriends that I wanted to meet someone who lived in the vicinity, no more than twenty minutes away, and no more long distance. And I did meet him (it’s crazy how I manifest exactly what I want). As we started to get to know each other, I liked his energy and effort. I liked the direction it seemed to be going to the point my girlfriends had to tell me not to run from him. Because every part of me wanted to run from something that seemed normal.
I liked what he was coming with until I became uncomfortable with my own feelings, and I didn’t know how to communicate them to him.
With that said, I knew if I truly wanted to experience the truest of loves, a reciprocal, requited love, and be in a healthy relationship this story had to come to a pause. What I didn’t know was that he was going to show me things I didn’t know I needed to work on. I didn’t know he inadvertently was going to help me continue to heal parts of me that were hidden.
As someone who has learned to self-heal, I am no longer the type that runs from herself. I am here for the growth.
The truth is I am emotionally detached from myself, and I am not actively dating at the moment. I am the one that has to work on herself. My reiki healer called it, too – she told me this year would not be a year for a relationship, but a year of continuous growth. And now I see why. After all the healing work I have done thus far – I am an unemotional mess. How?
At my big age of 39, I struggle to communicate my wants and needs.
I still struggle to communicate and process uncomfortable feelings. I would rather give myself anxiety, act nonchalantly, emotionally react, and choose non-communication when I am bothered with someone than address the issue (I will later explain why). I have been ignoring my feelings for so long it has become a habit, a defense mechanism, and more so a trauma response.
If you are someone like me who grew up in a household that didn’t discuss feelings, your emotional needs were unmet, and you don’t feel safe to share your feelings – emotional detachment is quite common.
Oftentimes, we always talk about men being emotionally unavailable, but what if it’s a woman who is emotionally unavailable or emotionally detached? How does she navigate herself, dating, or being in a relationship? As I navigate my emotions this season, let’s explore what it means to be emotionally detached, the signs of detachment, and how to reconnect with yourself emotionally.
Emotional Unavailability vs. Emotional Detachment
When we look at the terminology emotional unavailability and emotional detachment, one might argue that the two terms are interchangeable and have the same meaning. One could also argue that both terms mean that some people are not in tune with their emotions or lack the emotional capacity to be responsive to someone else’s emotions. Fair enough. However, there is a big difference. The definition of emotional unavailability is described as people who have difficulty with sharing their emotions and being receptive to the emotions of those around them.
According to Verywell Mind, signs of emotional unavailability can look like being distant or cold, lack of closeness, and emotional intimacy in relationships, inability to understand and relate to others’ feelings, defensiveness when asked to change or let others in, tendency to shut down or avoid topics that require emotional openness, or withdrawal from people or situations that provoke emotional reactions.
Whereas emotional detachment is defined as the inability to or willingness to connect with others on an emotional level. Furthermore, Psychology Today states emotional detachment can also mean that people do not engage with their feelings. Exhibit A – me. Emotional detachment has various causes – past neglect, childhood or adult trauma, PTSD, depression, personality disorder, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, or, in some cases, medication (i.e. antidepressants). It is important to note emotional detachment is a complex issue. For someone like me, it’s a coping mechanism.
It is easier for me to ignore uncomfortable feelings to protect myself from stress or getting hurt. Hence, my nonchalant demeanor. It is also true for some people it is a reaction to trauma, abuse, and unprocessed emotions. Exhibit B – me. As it is difficult for me to open up about my feelings at the moment. On the contrary – emotional detachment can be helpful in navigating some situations like listening to people’s opinions and gossip.
Unfortunately, emotional detachment is not a behavior that can be turned on and off at will. Please note that emotional detachment is NOT a mental health diagnosis but can be a symptom of a mental health condition such as an attachment disorder. And if you know anything about attachment theory, it is related to the relationship we develop in our childhood with our primary caregivers.
Signs You're Emotionally Detached
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According to Psychology Today and Verywell Mind, general signs of emotional detachment can look like difficulty showing empathy to others, sharing emotions, committing to a relationship, feeling numb, poor listening skills, lack of self-esteem, preferring to be alone, struggling to feel positive emotions, inability to identify emotions, lack of physical, verbal, or sexual contact and losing touch with people or maintaining connections.
In a romantic relationship, emotional detachment shows up as you or your partner not being available for connection, poor communication, or reduced affection.
For me, my experience with emotional detachment is collective. I am an empath to my core. I don’t have a problem relating to other’s feelings or circumstances. I don’t have commitment issues, nor do I have an issue connecting with others or maintaining those connections. I struggle with sharing emotions, at least the negative ones.
Due to the emotional abuse from my childhood and a toxic relationship, I learned sharing emotions just wasn't the safe thing to do. As a survivor of trauma, I learned to suppress feeling negative emotions in general as a form of protection.
How To Reconnect To Your Emotions When You're Emotionally Unavailable
Serious Kid Cudi GIF by Apple MusicGiphyExploring my emotional side in-depth started late last year simply by noticing my reaction to something that he did. I didn’t know how to properly communicate to him how I was feeling or what he did bothered me in the moment. So, I swallowed my feelings and said absolutely nothing. I intentionally chose to avoid the issue. I chose to rationalize the situation instead of acknowledging that my feelings at the time were valid. I chose to act like everything was all good because it was all good.
“It wasn’t that deep to begin with” is what I told myself. And this is where the problem lies.
The saying is true, “What happens in your childhood shows up in your adult relationships.” I came to realize that because I was not able to express my feelings as a child, I struggled to process them. I either hold back my feelings, take a long time to say how I feel, or don’t say anything at all. This is because I fear people will walk away from me like my mother did if I share what I truly feel. I fear my feelings won’t be validated, or they will be rejected.
With that said, I was completely unaware that I was emotionally detached from myself until recently. So, here we are with this article. It all started by reading Instagram’s @theholisticpsychologist, Dr. Nicole LePera’s newest book How to Be the Love You Seek: Break Cycles, Find Peace, and Heal Your Relationships, which was released on November 28, 2023. As I read through the first chapter, I became triggered.
How Dr. LePera describes her childhood with her parents and experiences with her romantic partners somewhat mirrored my experiences with my own parents and relationships. As Dr. LaPera stated in her book, I have no issue showing up for others or meeting their needs and wants. But when it comes to expressing my own needs and wants – I cannot or I don’t. This is mainly due to my hyper-independence.
At an early age, I learned to show up for myself because the people I trusted to show up for me failed. Given my home environment, I had internalized it is not safe to talk about feelings. I never knew my emotional responses and behavior were abnormal. But because I am willing to continue to do my inner work, I know that I can reconnect to my emotions, and undo four decades of repressed emotions.
If you are someone like me who struggles with emotional connection with yourself and others, here is how you go about it:
Lighthouse Films/ Getty Images
1. Know Your Attachment Style
For me, the first step was to understand my attachment style. I asked my therapist if she could help me identify my attachment style to understand my triggers. She recommended The Attachment Theory Workbook by Annie Chen, LMFT. My therapist administered the associated online quiz – Attachment Quiz. If you haven’t figured out my attachment style yet by reading this article, I have an anxious attachment style.
This means I don’t do well with inconsistent behavior, especially from men (but I’m the type that holds men to standards too). People with an anxious attachment style have a need to feel close to their partner. It may come across as “clingy” or “needy.” However, this same need is often driven by fear of abandonment, mistrust, and low self-esteem. I would say knowing your attachment style is helpful because you can work towards having a secure attachment style (with practice) in your relationships – familial, business, work, platonic, or romantic.
2. Become Self-Aware
Most people who are not in the practice of self-care or self-healing are unaware of their triggers, patterns, and behaviors. We are so caught up in the daily minutiae of life that we forget to pay attention to the most important part of our days — ourselves. As Dr. LePera says, make it a conscious habit to pause throughout your day to check in with yourself. Ask yourself:
- How does my body feel?
- What am I doing right now?
- Am I present?
- Am I distracted and lost with other thoughts?
- What do I think or feel when I recall a specific experience with someone?
- What do I think or worry about?
- What would happen if I shared my authentic thoughts, perspective, feelings right now?”
This is what Dr. LePera refers to as exploring your embodied self or fulfilling your authentic needs in chapter two of her book. Consistent mindfulness and self-awareness are key to self-discovery and in any healing journey. Learning to focus on the present moment also includes paying attention to our emotional response to an event or how we think about emotions in general.
3. Practice Vulnerability
The idea of vulnerability is a tough one for me and so many other women for countless reasons. Whether it be toxic family, friendships, relationships, or trauma – trusting others with your thoughts and feelings is not easy. As much as I am open and transparent, I am not as vulnerable. And I believe there is so much power in the duality to be both. To trust someone, let alone a man with your authentic self is a delicate matter.
But it is emotional vulnerability that allows us humans to build authentic connections, create stronger relationships, and break down emotional walls. Emotional vulnerability is not something to be rushed – it takes time and practice from you and the people you choose to have in your life. Medical News Today suggests that we can learn to be vulnerable by opening up more to our closest friends, building our ability to become more trusting, and developing skills to regulate our emotions.
4. Seek Therapy
I have been in therapy for six years and counting. I would consider therapy one of my safe spaces. I am one of those individuals who recommend therapy to everyone as it has given me the tools and resources I need to navigate my life challenges. By choosing to get help, I was able to put my PTSD and depression in remission for four years now. I have also learned how to manage my anxiety.
I am fully aware that in this season of my life requires me to do the work to unlock new levels of self. And any time where I have consciously chosen growth – the universe or life has not failed me. I was able to heal my body, my heart, and my spirit. Now, it’s time to heal my inner child, this hurt little girl who lives in me.
I will say choosing a therapist is similar to dating; you might go through a few potentials until you find a therapist you connect with. Actually, one of my lifelong friends said to me the other day, “Your relationship with your therapist is one of the most important relationships in your life.” I needed her to say that, and I needed to hear it because it’s true. You are essentially trusting a licensed stranger to help you navigate your life on so many levels.
Be picky and ask the questions. Cut the cord at the first red flag given. Again, let me reiterate that emotional detachment is not a mental health diagnosis. It can be treated with the help of a therapist. Emotional detachment only becomes a problem when it starts to interfere with your daily life. Pay attention to changes in your daily behavior and make decisions to cope accordingly.
I am genuinely excited about reconnecting with my emotions. I want to feel all the feels – good, bad, and indifferent. I want to cry all the tears – especially the sad ones. I want to process and release negative emotions. I want to say how I feel in the moment with no fear.
If you are that girl who struggles with emotional connection or thinks you're emotionally detached, I hope that you become willing to face your inner child and show up for her. Don’t run – she has been waiting for you.
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