Eight years ago, the concept of an air fryer seemed like a novelty to me. A coworker boasted about how he effortlessly cooked a perfect steak in his air fryer, and my skepticism kicked in. After all, cooking a steak on a skillet wasn’t exactly a daunting task. So, I took his word for it and moved on with my culinary adventures. But as time passed, the buzz around air fryers grew louder, and it felt like everyone had one. Even those who had initially sworn off air fryers were joining the craze. Then, during the pandemic, I stumbled upon a fantastic deal on the COSORI Pro II Air Fryer, and my journey with this kitchen marvel began.
The COSORI Pro II Air Fryer
I couldn’t resist the allure of the COSORI Pro II Air Fryer, especially with its glowing reviews and numerous YouTube tutorials. Little did I know that it would become an integral part of my daily cooking routine. At the time of my purchase, the price was significantly lower than what it is today, and I considered it a steal. The COSORI Pro 2 quickly found its place in my kitchen.
I especially like the easy-to-use controls, the front facing basket, and somewhat boxy look. Other air fryers are a bit round and look like a hot-water pot, but this has the look of appliances that I for my kitchen.
Exploring the Possibilities
My initial experiments with the air fryer involved cooking chicken and bacon. The results were impressive, and I loved the convenience of draining excess fat from the bottom. I also saved bacon grease, which came in handy for other recipes. Gradually, I expanded my air fryer repertoire, incorporating it into my daily cooking. It became my trusty sidekick, handling veggies and fries while my stovetop took care of the main course.
The Pitfalls
However, my air fryer journey was not without its share of failures. When I finally attempted to cook a steak, I realized that it fell short of my expectations. Achieving a juicy and tender steak in the air fryer proved elusive. Although I had seen success stories online, my attempts resulted in tough, uneven steaks that left much to be desired. Perhaps my exploration of the carnivore diet had raised my standards, but the air fryer simply couldn’t deliver in this department. Nonetheless, I accepted this limitation and moved on.
My Wife’s Delight
My wife, on the other hand, found her own joy with the air fryer. She cherished her favorite breaded chicken strips from Trader Joe’s, which turned out golden, crispy, and irresistibly juicy in the air fryer. It was the ideal way to prepare them without resorting to deep frying. We were also pleased that we could avoid using vegetable seed oils, opting for a healthier alternative at home.
The Unexpected Breakdown
Recently, our air fryer hit a snag. After approximately 1000 uses, the handle on the basket suddenly gave way. It appeared that the combination of heat and regular use had taken a toll on the plastic, resulting in an unexpected breakage. Fortunately, no one was harmed, and our countertops remained unscathed. However, our air fryer lay broken before us.
Mindful Reflection
In an effort to practice mindfulness (and keep my cool), I decided to complete my cooking on the stovetop that day, opting for a delicious lunch. I would address the air fryer issue later. Armed with some superglue, I attempted a temporary fix, fully aware that it wouldn’t last. The reality was that our trusty COSORI Pro 2 Air Fryer was approaching the end of its journey.
Conclusion
My journey with the COSORI Pro 2 Air Fryer has been filled with culinary adventures, from delightful discoveries to inevitable setbacks. While the air fryer had its limitations, it became an essential part of my daily cooking routine. As I continue to explore new kitchen horizons, I’m grateful for the memories we’ve created together. Perhaps, I’ll even order another COSORI Pro 2 to carry on the legacy, but for now, I savor the moments with my trusty, albeit fragile, companion.
-Ryan
