Recipe Index

This Old Gal's Pressure Cooker Cookbook Review

September 5, 2018 by Tanya 2 Comments

If you want easy and delicious Pressure Cooker Recipes all in one place, than This Old Gal's Pressure Cooker Cookbook is a must have. Keep reading to see my thoughts on it.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

I received a copy of this Old Gal’s Pressure Cooker Cookbook in exchange for my full and honest review.

I first stumbled across This Old Gal's blog about a year after I had been blogging myself. It was when I purchased my Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker and I needed to find some good recipes. I’m not sure what or who led me to her website, but I was happy that I found it. Ask anyone that uses their electric pressure cooker a lot, and they will let you know all about how amazing her recipes are.

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How to Make Meatloaf in your Air Fryer

August 28, 2018 by Tanya 58 Comments

Making meatloaf in the Air Fryer became a game changer for us. Now you can make delicious moist meatloaf in less time in your Air Fryer.

This post may contain affiliate links, please read my disclosure here

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the
recipe card at the bottom of the post.
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

We are still on the Air Fryer bandwagon in our home and it’s not going to stop anytime soon. Fact is, it has made our lives so much easier when it comes to getting dinner on the table in a hurry. Since both my hubby and I work full time and have a ton of side projects, we just don’t have much time to devote to meals that take a long time to cook.

That’s where this Air Fryer Meatloaf comes into play. Meatloaf is one of my comfort foods but it typically takes me almost a good 90 minutes to bake a 2lb meatloaf in my oven, unless I’m making my Mini Mozzarella Stuffed Meatloaf in the oven. But for a huge loaf, the Air Fryer allows me to cut that time almost in half. Thanks Air Fryer!

How to Cook Meatloaf in an Air Fryer

Making meatloaf in your Air Fryer is easy peasy. You will use whatever meatloaf recipe you like (my meatloaf recipe is included below) and “fry” it in your Air fryer at 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit. How long will depend on how much meat you put in your loaf. For a 1lb meat loaf, cook for about 25-30 minutes. For a 2 lbs of meat, go up to about 45 minutes.

I like to combine my loaf made of meat and place it directly in the Air Fryer basket or on my Phillips brand grill tray. This grill tray didn’t come with my Phillips Air Fryer so I had to purchase it seperatley. I find it handier than the basket and easier to clean. No worries, if you don’t have the grill tray for your air fryer, you can still place your meatloaf in the basket.

I do however recommend using foil paper or these parchment paper rounds for the bottom of your meatloaf so it’s easier to remove and doesn't leave a humongous mess. I make a foil paper sling with foil paper if I'm not using my grill tray.

Once the recommended time on your meatloaf is done, use a calibrated quick read thermometer to check the temperature. Ground beef should reach a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Meatloaf in an Air Fryer vs. Oven, What's the Difference?

Time. That’s pretty much it. As far as texture and taste, it’s the same. But the time saved making a meatloaf in the Air Fryer is worth taking the time to put it in the Air Fryer. The Air Fryer preheats much quicker than the oven and the time it takes to get done is much quicker.

What kind of meat to use for Air Fryer Meatloaf

Whatever kind your heart desires. Beef, turkey, pork, a combinaition...they all will work in your Air Fryer.

I used Butcherbox ground beef for my first air fryer meatloaf and loved it. ButcherBox (You can see my unboxing of my first box of meat on Facebook) and used the grass fed beef to make this meatloaf.) It was delicious!

Watch this full video tutorial on Youtube where I make this meatloaf from start to finish.

I've also written a 9 month review of Butcher Box delivery service.

Important Updated Notes on Air Fryer Meatloaf:

I originally cooked my meatloaves in the Phillips Starfish Technology XL Air Fryer with Grill Tray. The grill tray allowed the meat to be further away from the heating element which allowed my meatloaf to cook without becoming too dark too quickly. My newer air fryer doesn’t have the same option so I cover it with heavy-duty foil paper to ensure the top doesn’t get too dark too quickly.

All air fryers won’t need the foil covering. I recommend checking on your meatloaf periodically. If it starts to get too brown during the cooking process, cover with foil until it’s time to add the glaze.
There are many factors that may affect how long it takes to cook your meatloaf in the air fryer. If you find that your meatloaf is not done at the recommended cook time, place it back in the oven and check on it about every 5-10 minutes until it has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Looking for more Air Fryer meat recipes? Try these out:

Meatloaf in Air Fryer with glaze on top.

Print Recipe

4.83 from 17 votes

Air Fryer Meatloaf

Making meatloaf in the Air Fryer became a game changer for us. Make delicious moist meatloaf in less time in your Air Fryer.

Prep Time10

Cook Time40

Resting Time10

Total Time50

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: meatloaf in air fryer

Servings: people

Calories: 407kcal

Author: Tanya

Ingredients

1 cup fresh soft bread crumbs
¼ cup beef broth
½ cup chopped mushrooms
½ cup shredded carrots
½ cup chopped onions
2 cloves garlic
2 eggs lightly beaten
3 Tablespoon ketchup
1 Tablespoon Dijon style mustard
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 lbs ground beef

For glaze

½ cup ketchup
¼ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoon dijon mustard

Instructions

Add breadcrumbs and beef broth to a small bowl and stir until breadcrumbs are coated. Set aside.
Add mushrooms, carrots, onions, and garlic and process until finely chopped. Place in large bowl.
Add ground beef, eggs, soaked breadcrumbs, ketchup, Dijon style mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt to large bowl. Mix with hands until incorporated. Form into a loaf.
Preheat Air Fryer to 390 degrees.*
Place Meatloaf in Air Fryer and cook for 40-45 minutes.
While meatloaf is cooking, prepare glaze by combining ketchup, brown sugar, and dijon mustard. When there is about 5 minutes left on your timer, spread glaze over meatloaf in Air Fryer.
Remove and allow meatloaf to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Video

Notes

Most Air Fryers have a maximum temperature setting of 400. The Phillips brand has a maximum temperature of 390 degrees.
I love using fresh breadcrumbs in this recipe. I take about 4 slices of whatever bread we have around the house, toss 'em in the food processor for about 1 cup of breadcrumbs.
Adding vegetables to your meatloaf helps keep it moist and not dense.
Wait a few minutes before slicing your meatloaf if you don’t want it to fall apart.
Check on your meatloaf periodically. If it starts to get too brown during the cooking process, cover with foil until it's time to add the glaze.

Suggested Tools for making Meatloaf in Air Fryer

Nutrition

Calories: 407kcal

Step by Step Photos of Air Fryer Meatloaf

I like to start with making fresh breadcrumbs in a food processor. — I like to start by making my breadcrumbs fresh in my food processor.

breadcrumbs and beefbroth in a small bowl for air fried meatloaf recipe. — Place breadcrumbs and beef broth in small bowl. Set aside.

chopped vegetables for air fried meatloaf — Chop your mushrooms, onions, carrots, and garlic in a food processor.

air fried meatloaf mixture — Add chopped vegetables, ground beef, eggs, ketchup, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, breadcrumbs and salt to a large bowl. Use hands to combine.

air fried meatloaf in air fryer before cooking — Place meatloaf in preheated 390 degree Air Fryer.

sauce in glass bowl with spoon — While Air Fryer is frying, make glaze.

air fried meatloaf covered in glaze — With about 5 minute cooktime left, cover meatloaf with glaze. Return to Air fryer and cook for 5 more minutes or until meatloaf reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Completed Meatloaf in Air Fryer — All done. Remove from Air Fryer and allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Have you tried my Perfect Air Fryer Steak yet?

White Cheddar Pressure Cooker Pasta

August 21, 2018 by Tanya 10 Comments

This White Cheddar Pressure Cooker Pasta is creamy, delicious, and so easy to make in your Instant Pot Pressure Cooker. Now you can have this elegant take on macaroni and cheese can be made in less than 20 minutes in one pot.

white cheddar pressure cooker pasta on a plate

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the
recipe card at the bottom of the post.
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

I’ve always been a huge macaroni and cheese lover. Baked macaroni, stove top macaroni, slow cooker macaroni...you name it, I’ll eat it. I raved and raved all about my favorite Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe. And although I love this baked macaroni and cheese, I also love a good creamy stovetop pasta shell recipe.

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Healthier Recipe for Cheesecake Factory's Avocado Egg Rolls (Air Fryer Method)

August 15, 2018 by Tanya 14 Comments

If you love avocado egg rolls, then you will love this healthier recipe for Cheesecake Factory's Avocado Egg Rolls. Now you can enjoy your favorite appetizer at home without all the added fat.

This post may contain affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.

air fried egg roll being dipped in sauce

I’m a sucker for stuffing things in an egg roll and calling it an appetizer. So when I found out that Cheesecake Factory had an appetizer where they stuffed an avocado in an egg roll with a dipping sauce, I was on board.

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10 Air Fryer Tips Every Air Fryer Owner Should Know

August 11, 2018 by Tanya

The Air Fryer device can be an amazing tool if you use it right and see it's true potential. Here are 10 Air Fryer Tips that will help you get amazing results with your Air Fryer.

This post may contain affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Air Fryers are becoming more and more popular these days. There are plenty of brands you can choose from that vary in price range. Some can be found as low as $70 and some can be as high as $600. Whichever brand you choose to buy, there are great air fryer tips that every air fryer owner should know and become familiar with. I've made a list of the top 10 Air Fryer Tips every air fryer owner should know.

10 Air Fryer Tips

#1. Preheat your Air Fryer...well, most of the time

It's common practice that any cooking element should be preheated. Most brands of air fryers specify that the air fryer should be preheated to ensure even cooking. I do it sometimes, other times I don't and my food still turns out delicious. If your air fryer does not have a preheat setting, simply turn it to the desired temperature and allow it to run for around 3 minutes before placing your food in.

#2. Use oil on your foods for the air fryer...well, most of the time

I like to use oil on certain foods to help them crisp but certain foods don't necessarily need it. If your food already has some fat on it (dark meat chicken, ground beef, fatty cuts of meat, etc.) then you probably don't need the oil. I use oil on vegetables (like my Breakfast Air Fried Potatoes) and any battered seafood, !like my Crispy Air Fryer Fish).

#3. Grease your Air Fryer Basket

Even if your food does not require oil, always take a moment to at least grease your air fryer basket. I grease mine by rubbing, or spraying, a little bit of oil on the bottom grates. This will ensure that your food won't stick.

#4. Never use aerosol spray cans in your air fryer

Aerosol spray cans (like Pam and similar brands) are known to cause chipping in many Air Fryer baskets. The aerosol cans have harsh agents that just don't mesh with the coating on most baskets. It's best to invest in a good quality oil mister or bottle. I use the Evo Spray Bottle.

#5. Don't overcrowd the basket

If you want your fried foods to turn out crispy, you'll want to make sure you don't overcrowd the basket. Placing too much food in the basket will prevent your food from crisping and browning. To ensure this doesn't happen, cook your food in batches or invest in a bigger air fryer. My first air fryer was the Farberware brand which was big enough for four servings of wings and fries.

#6. Shake the basket during cooking for fries, wings, etc.

When air frying smaller items, like chicken wings, french fries, and similar items, you'll want to shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking. Sometimes I use a pair of silicone kitchen tongs to flip larger items over rather than shaking. Once you open the basket to shake, the air fryer will temporarily pause but will resume cooking your food at the same temperature once you return the basket.

#7. Spray halfway through cooking

I found that spraying with oil halfway through cooking gets the best crisp on most foods. I tend to wait and spray halfway through cooking unless it's an item that doesn't need spraying, like fatty meats. Coated food items should be sprayed. Also, spray any dry flour spots that still appear halfway through air frying.

#8. Water/Bread in the bottom stops white smoke

If you're cooking greasy food in your air fryer, don't be surprised if you see some white smoke shooting out the unit. To solve it, just pour a little (around 2Tbsp) of water in the bottom of the basket. It will stop the smoke and your food will continue to cook.

Some people place a slice of bread in the bottom of the unit to soak up any grease when preparing items that may sputter a lot of grease, like bacon.

#9. Be careful of small light items in the air fryer

Each Air fryer unit comes with a powerful fan on top of the unit. This causes some lighter weighed items to get swept up in the fan which can be dangerous. I once tried to make fried egg roll wrappers and it almost became a disaster. I am hopeful to try it again once I figure out how to stop the flying around.

#10. Adjust the Temperature for Certain Foods

It can sometimes be tempting to crank the heat for the Air Fryer to the highest temp to let it run but be careful as some foods can dry out quickly. A good rule of thumb is to modify the temperature and time from how long you would typically make it in the oven. I like to go 30 degrees below and cut the time by about 20%. For example, if you cooked brownies at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes in the oven, cut the degrees on the Air Fryer to 320 degrees and cook for about 16 minutes.

#11 Invest in a Good Quick Read Thermometer

Having a good quality quick read thermometer is of upmost importance when it comes to cooking certain meats in your Air Fryer, like steak, chicken, and pork. I recently invested in a Thermapen 4k and I must say it's worth every penny.

Those are my Top 11 Air fryer tips for successful cooking. If you haven't made the jump on purchasing an Air Fryer yet, check out Air Fryer Reviewed for reviews of different Air Fryer brands.

Do you have any Air Fryer tips? Leave them in the comments below. Happy Cooking 🙂

Looking for more Air Fryer recipes? Try our popular Perfect Air Fryer Steak with Garlic Herb Butter, Crispy Korean Air Fried Chicken Wings, Breakfast Air Fried Potatoes, or Air Fried Jamaican Jerk Pork Recipe. You can also find more Air Fryer recipes on out Air Fryer category here or this list of 14 Great Recipes for Air Fryers.

Looking for Air Fryer Accessories? Check out my list of Air Fryer Accessories that are worth your money.

Our Most Popular Air Fryer Recipes

PERFECT AIR FRYER STEAK WITH GARLIC HERB BUTTER
KFC COPYCAT AIR FRYER POTATO WEDGES

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

AIR FRIED GENERAL TSO'S CHICKEN

KOREAN AIR FRIED CHICKEN WINGS

AIR FRIED JAMAICAN JERK PORK

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice (NY Street Cart)

July 31, 2018 by Tanya 67 Comments

Enjoy the flavors of the popular New York street cart chicken (Halal Guys Copycat) right in your pressure cooker with this Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Dish. This quick and easy delicious dinner can be ready in less than 30 minutes.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the
recipe card at the bottom of the post.
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

I love New York City, especially the food. In law school, I took a trip to New York for a conference. Ask me if I remember what the actual conference was about...I don't. What I do remember is traveling with some wonderful law school colleagues, seeing Swizz Beatz on the street and asking for a pic (he was so cool about it too), partying at the 40/40 club, and standing in a long line at 3am waiting for some chicken that was sold in a cart. Yes, you read that right, I like to eat chicken at 3am. That literally was the best street food I had in my life and I knew for sure it was something that I had to recreate in my own kitchen.

MAKE NY STREET CHICKEN IN YOUR INSTANT POT

I found that my Instant Pot Pressure Cooker was the perfect vessel to recreate this dish. I’m always making one-pot meals in my Instant Pot, like my ever so popular Pressure Cooker Shrimp Paella. In fact, I use my pressure cooker so often I’ve made a whole recipe category just for you all in the recipe section of the site.

completed instant pot chicken and rice in the pot

I adapted this street chicken and rice recipe from the Serious Eats website and perfected it for my Instant Pot. The recipe as written on their site is pretty delicious but I truly didn’t feel like marinating the meat when it came to this dish. Making this dish in the pressure cooker is perfect for a weeknight meal.

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN AND RICE IN THE INSTANT POT

Create your white sauce

First, you'll want to make the famous white sauce for this chicken and rice dish. This sauce has a tangy yet slightly sweet taste that pairs well with the rice and chicken. Prepare this first and set it aside.

Brown your chicken for flavor

Then it's time for the pot. You’ll want to brown your chicken in the pot to build flavor, especially since we are skipping the traditional step of marinating the chicken. I like to set my sautè function on high to get a good caramelization. Just make sure you don’t overcrowd the pot when browning as you won’t get a nice sear. Cook your chicken thighs in batches for the best results.

Deglaze your pot

Next, you will have nice brown bits (they may even look a little burnt). This is fine, don’t freak out, it’s flavor! Take a bit of chicken broth and deglaze the bottom by pouring the broth into the bottom of the pot. Take a wooden spoon and scrape the bottom bits up. Make sure it’s a wooden spoon as you don’t want to scrape the bottom of your pot with metal utensils.

Add your onions and garlic

Next, add your onions and garlic and sauté them until the onions have softened. Make sure onions are softened a bit before adding the garlic. You don't want the garlic to burn or it will give your dish a horrid taste.

Add your rice...but rinse it first

Then add your rinsed rice. Rinsing your rice will allow the rice to remain fluffy and not stick to the bottom. Rinsing your rice is key for any rice dish in the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker.

Add the rest of your ingredients

Add your remaining seasonings, broth, and your chicken back to the pot. Push chicken into the broth to ensure it gets fully cooked.

Set the pressure cooker for 10 minutes. Once time is up, allow it to naturally release for 10 minutes, dinner is served.

Do you really have to brown the chicken in the Instant Pot first...that is the question?

Yes, yes, and yes. I get it, you may not want to but the purpose is to build flavor since you aren't marinating the meat.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do...and don't forget the sauce.

I've included step by step photos below for those who prefer those over video. Enjoy 🙂

For more photos of the operation of the Instant Pot, check out my Pressure Cooker Shrimp Paella recipe.

Other Instant Pot Recipes

Print Recipe

4.85 from 26 votes

Instant Pot Chicken and Rice (NY Street Cart Style)

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keyword: instant pot

Servings: people

Calories: 575kcal

Author: Tanya