I have affiliate links in this post because I have a kid who one day, if she wants, needs to go to college. #everypennymatters
I hate small appliances. They take up so much valuable real estate in my very tiny kitchen. That’s why I resisted buying the Instant Pot for so long. But then yesterday. We popped by Bed Bath and Beyond because we wanted to get out of the house. No real plans to buy anything. And sitting there, all by its lonesome, on the clearance rack, hidden behind sad shower curtains, neglected placemats and humiliated humidifiers, sat a three quart Nuwave Brio. On the side was a hastily slapped sticker with $74.99 written on it in red sharpie.
I texted my mother-in-law, “Do you happen to have a coupon?”
She spread the word to the network. Her sister had one, but couldn’t take a photo. So Aunt Carol texted the coupon code number to Ma, who sent it via FB messenger to me, and then I added the coupon to my account…and the Brio came home with me.
It was an accident.
I had no space in my kitchen. I was not ready to commit to yet another device.
As soon as we got home, I threw in some prepared zucchini fries from Trader Joe’s. Wow. I love these baked, but in the air fryer, they are instantly, exponentially better. But it could’ve been a fluke. That first time sometimes is. And the Brio got an assist because the zuke fries were pre-prepped. Within five minutes, I wanted another go. And this time, I wanted it clean, without any interference. I tossed some asparagus in olive oil, added salt and freshly ground black pepper, and threw those in the basket. I almost wanted it to fail so I could return it. They came out perfect. Even better than oven roasted. Even better than when grilled on the Traeger outside. They were absolutely lovely.
I think what sent me over the edge was the clean-up. A quick hand-wash and then a pop in the top rack of the dishwasher. And it was ready to go again. You won me over, Brio. That night, I cleared out an entire shelf for you so that you could have your own permanent cubby in my kitchen.
It wasn’t unappreciative. Within 24 hours, we’ve done kale chips, brussels sprouts and popcorn shrimp.
My three-year-old ate kale.
Let me say that again in case you missed it.
My three-year-old ate kale, and asked for more.
I love this thing.
Quick Notes:
Trader Joe’s Zucchini Fries: 390°F, 8 minutes, shake halfway.
Popcorn shrimp: 390°F, 7 minutes, shake halfway.
Green Giant Cauliflower Tots: 390°F, 12 minutes
Johnsonville Bratwurst Patties: from frozen, 370°F, 12 minutes
Asparagus: 400°F, 6 minutes.
Kale chips: 390°F, 8 minutes, shake halfway.
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