It's getting tough out there. Feeling the pinch?

Floss

weenancyinAmerica said:

I learned to enjoy eating alone when I was traveling alone to do research starting back in the 1980s. Just don't start an argument with yourself while doing it. Keep it civil even when talking to yourself.

Love this 😂
I am quite content to take myself out to eat now & again, I often take my Kindle or a book if in a hotel, or read on my phone if in a restaurant or pub.

One thing I always do is identify a table and ask to sit there so I am sat with my back to the wall facing the restaurant, rather than being shown to the single table by the kitchen doors or toilets 😉

weenancyinAmerica

I'm down to wearing t-shirts and trousers most of the year (add a sweater in winter) and socks with Crocs for shoes. Never really got the hang of make-up, so don't use it. Found out that just plain water and a face flannel were the best things to keep my face clear - everything else just made it worse. I was supposed to wear skirts or dresses to work when I had a regular job for years, but I refused since I was bending over a lot to shelve books and having to climb on stepstools. They kept me on anyway. 

Tahlullah.H

Ok.  So, I bought the Air Fryer as suggested - with basket to allow you to shake the food periodically as recommended.  But, what I had not bargained for was the level of washing I am having to do to keep the thing clean.  Although it says it shouldn't go in the dishwasher, I am putting the lower section in, just for peace of mind.  But, the basket gets gunked up with food and the small holes are just about impossible to clean.  This feels far worse than cooking in the oven.  I think I will keep going for the rest of the month, and if I can't get past this washing thing, it will have to go.  The dishwasher was invented to stop me needing to be tied to the kitchen sink. This gadget is setting me and womankind back 100 years!

Brambling

Tahlullah what are you cooking in it? Is it possible you're using too much oil?  I do put mine in the DW and find it doesn't need it every time its used, it depends on what I've cooked in it for example if I make chips it doesn't need it but does if I've made fried chicken.  I would say be careful if you use spray oil like fry light as i find they do ruin pans, I also find preheating helps.  I've had mine approx 4 years with no issues however it's not used every day

Floss

Tahlullah.H said:

Ok.  So, I bought the Air Fryer as suggested - with basket to allow you to shake the food periodically as recommended.  But, what I had not bargained for was the level of washing I am having to do to keep the thing clean.  Although it says it shouldn't go in the dishwasher, I am putting the lower section in, just for peace of mind.   

If your air fryer instructions say "do not put in dishwasher" you are potentially ruining your appliance. 

If your basket is getting "gunked up", perhaps you are not pre-heating adequately. 

Tahlullah.H

Thanks, but I am not 'potentially ruining the appliance' by putting it in the dishwasher.  The only thing that is getting ruined is my patience, and their lovely shiny high gloss black finish on the bottom section, which I am happy to lose.

No, I haven't been using fry light, but at the same time, I probably haven't been using enough oil?  I clean it after use, when cooking any type of meat or fish.  But, even chips stick and need to be scraped off on occasion.  And if I don't wash it, I am concerned that whatever remnants/oil splats are left will burn on, making it harder to clean later on.  Perhaps I need to pre-heat?  And if I am doing that, where is the money-saving over the oven?

When considering the top moneysaving things, I would have to include my freezers, my slow cooker and my soup maker.  But, this is not on the list as I am losing far more than I am gaining at present.  However, I will do as suggested and try pre-heating it.  Thanks for the suggestion.

Rosa_Damascena

Tahlullah.H said:

Ok.  So, I bought the Air Fryer as suggested - with basket to allow you to shake the food periodically as recommended.  But, what I had not bargained for was the level of washing I am having to do to keep the thing clean.  Although it says it shouldn't go in the dishwasher, I am putting the lower section in, just for peace of mind.  But, the basket gets gunked up with food and the small holes are just about impossible to clean.  This feels far worse than cooking in the oven.  I think I will keep going for the rest of the month, and if I can't get past this washing thing, it will have to go.  The dishwasher was invented to stop me needing to be tied to the kitchen sink. This gadget is setting me and womankind back 100 years!

Having to spend time in the kitchen cooking does that IMHO. Fridges and salad were invented for a reason.

Brambling

Tahlullah.H said:

.  Perhaps I need to pre-heat?  And if I am doing that, where is the money-saving over the oven?

When considering the top moneysaving things, I would have to include my freezers, my slow cooker and my soup maker.  But, this is not on the list as I am losing far more than I am gaining at present.  However, I will do as suggested and try pre-heating it.  Thanks for the suggestion.

It doesn't need long 3 or 4 mins and if you look online for some foods it says no need to do so.  You can but liners for them but I've not tried them and it would add to the costs.  Different gadgets suit different people

JIL

Could you line the airfry basket? 
I don't have a problem with things like oven chips, roast potatoes or fish, but sausages and meats go on a liner. 
I have never cleaned mine.......husband does it.

Floss

I've had 2 different air fryers - the bottom of the first was "do not put in dishwasher or into water" as it contained an electrical part, but the basket was fully washable. The second is fully washable/ dishwasher safe.

I've never had a problem cleaning mine and I preheat for a few minutes as per the instructions. I guess it depends on how much you use it and what you are cooking.