

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!
Reset Your Relationship: How To Start 2025 Strong With Your Partner
As the calendar turns and a new year unfolds, many of us are laser-focused on our career goals, fitness resolutions, and vision boards that outline the journey to our best selves. But amidst all the planning and self-improvement, have you made room for another important part of your life? Your relationship.
It's easy for couples to fall into a routine, going through the motions and letting their connection sit on autopilot. While comfort is natural in a long-term relationship, it’s important to remember: that what you don’t nurture, eventually fades. So, why not make 2025 the year you reset your relationship? Here’s how to start the year with a renewed bond, reigniting the spark that brought you together.
Step 1: Schedule Your Reset Meeting
The first step to hitting the reset button is a State of the Union meeting with your partner. This is your chance to take a pulse on the relationship, discuss what's working, and identify areas that need attention. It’s all about creating space to reflect, without distractions.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a shared note on your phone) and come prepared to share your top 2-3 desires for your relationship.
What do you both want to feel more of in 2025? Maybe it’s feeling more appreciated, or perhaps you want to reignite the passion you had when you first started dating. Whatever it is, get clear about it, and make sure both of you are on the same page.
This isn’t just about listing your own wants, it’s also about discussing ways to nurture each other’s needs. Relationship goals should be focused on fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and mutual respect. Use this time to check in, not only with each other but with your individual feelings and expectations. Set the foundation for a fulfilling year ahead.
Step 2: Set A Date (Or Multiple!)
Having the meeting is only the first step. Now, it’s time to take action. One of the simplest ways to breathe new life into a relationship is by reintroducing consistent, intentional time spent together. For many couples, life gets busy, and date nights fall by the wayside. But dating doesn’t stop when you say "I do"—in fact, it’s even more essential.
During your reset meeting, lock in a regular date night that works for both of your schedules. This could be a weekly dinner date or an every-other-week adventure—whatever keeps things fresh. The goal is consistency. It’s easy to push date nights aside when life gets hectic, but if you set a specific date each week or month, you’re making your relationship a priority.
If you’re unsure what to do for your date nights, don’t worry! The key is creating new experiences together. This is what sparks excitement and brings you closer as a couple. Whether it’s cooking a new recipe together, trying a dance class, or exploring a nearby town, it’s about creating shared memories that build your connection.
Step 3: Find an Accountability Partner
Just like you might have a personal trainer to help you crush your fitness goals, an accountability partner for your relationship can do wonders for keeping both of you on track. Consider hiring a marriage coach or therapist—someone who can meet you where you are and guide you in strengthening your relationship.
When selecting a professional, it’s important to choose someone who truly wants the best for your marriage and can provide actionable advice.
Don’t be afraid to set high standards for your relationship, and seek guidance on how to keep it thriving for the long haul. In your reset meeting, discuss your commitment to growth, and be honest about areas where you may need support.
Marriage isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor—it’s an ongoing process. Regular check-ins with a professional can help keep your relationship in tip-top shape and “divorce-proof” by addressing issues before they become insurmountable.
Step 4: Try Something New Together
Stale routines can easily make a relationship feel monotonous. Spice things up by trying something new! Couples that explore new activities and create new memories together have stronger, more fulfilling bonds.
My husband and I host one of the top luxury marriage retreats, A Weekend For Love, designed to help couples experience new things together. From couples' workshops to outdoor adventures, the retreat provides a platform to rediscover each other and reconnect on a deeper level.
The element of surprise can reignite your connection. It’s exciting, fresh, and shows your partner that you’re committed to growing together. This doesn’t have to be a huge commitment—it could be as simple as trying a new hobby or planning an impromptu weekend getaway.
Your Relationship Should Be A Priority
As you start the year with personal goals in mind, don’t forget the importance of nurturing your relationship. It’s easy to get caught up in work, fitness, and family obligations, but your bond with your partner deserves to be at the top of your list. Resetting your relationship offers an opportunity to reignite that spark and remind each other why you fell in love in the first place.
In 2025, make a commitment to prioritize your partnership, to nurture it daily, and to invest in its growth. Take time to celebrate each other’s victories, support one another’s dreams, and build a foundation of love and respect. When you start the year with a clear focus on your relationship, you’re setting it up for success.
So, before you start mapping out your new workout plan or work goals, do yourself a favor: put your relationship at the top of that list. Your love story deserves a fresh start, too.
Happy New Year, and here’s to a love-filled 2025!
Couples, if you are ready to do the work and invest in your relationship register for A Weekend For Love: Heart Retreat Feb 21-23, 2025.
Featured image by zamrznutitonovi/Getty Images
I Stepped Out Of My Comfort Zone & Hosted A Journaling Meet-Up. Here's How It Went
Last year, I began my journey with journaling, and it has quickly become one of my favorite self-care practices. It started with reading Calling In The One, a book about manifesting love in your life.
At the end of each chapter were exercises, and the majority of those exercises required you to journal. I took it seriously because your girl wants a loving, healthy relationship in 2025. But while I finished the book, I still held on to the practice of journaling.
Journaling has not only allowed me to get my feelings out on paper, but it has also made me think deeper about situations and see other perspectives. For example, I may write about how I feel someone hurt me, and as I'm writing, I may realize some of my faults in the situation, thus forgiving that person or giving that person grace.
There have been other times when I'm writing, and suddenly, I get overwhelmed with emotion. I'm talking, tears streaming down my face, and having to pause to get myself together. Those moments are especially important to me because I began asking myself questions like, "Why did I get so emotional?" Which further allows me to keep journaling until I get to the root. But sometimes, it's just a purging of old feelings that I kept inside and was finally letting out.
Why I Decided To Have A Journaling Meet-Up
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Because journaling has been such a transformative practice for me, I wanted to share it with others and build community on similar ideas. That is one of the reasons why I created my brand, The Self-Care Writer. Not only did I want to provide self-care products like my Journaling & Self-Care Essentials Kit, but I also wanted to have events that were rooted in self-care and wellness.
So this year, I decided to have my first event. The new year often brings optimism as people are looking to make positive changes in their lives, and that's why I decided to have my event the weekend following New Year's Day. Thus, my event Release & Renew Journaling Meet-Up was created.
The Process
It was my first event, and while I wanted it to be nice, I also wanted something low-maintenance and free for the girlies. That's why I decided to make it a meet-up. It takes the pressure off of attendees and myself. I had it at a local Atlanta cafe so we wouldn't be forced to meet a food and beverage minimum.
Also, I was unsure of how many people were actually going to show up. I shared the meet-up with friends, posted on social media, and created an Eventbrite page. While I had a lot of tickets purchased through Evenbrite, you know how it is when something's free.
I capped the tickets at 25, and I had a total of eight girls show up. Most were friends, which I'm so grateful for. I was also proud that I got out of my comfort zone and took a chance at something I've wanted to do for a long time.
I had journal prompts for those who needed a little push and cute rose-gold pens with my website on them. After introductions and instructions, we mingled, ate, drank our coffees and teas, and journaled together.
What I Learned
Because it was my first event, I had low expectations, and I think that's best when planning something like this. The atmosphere seemed very encouraging, and everyone seemed to enjoy the space. However, I think we all could agree it was a little noisy at times, so it was hard to hear each other.
I hope to make this a monthly event, so having it in a quieter space or a restaurant with a private room would be ideal. I also would like to include more activities in the meet-ups to help build more community with each other. (I'm still collecting surveys, so more feedback is pending.)
The older I get, the more I believe in timing. I realized I had to go through certain transformations to become the person I am today to even create a brand like The Self-Care Writer. By showing up for myself through tools like journaling, I, in turn, can better show up for others.
While this is just the beginning, I am excited for what's to come. Who knows? I may even write a follow-up story about what else I've conquered since my first meet-up.
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