Phase 2

February – Air Fryer Mushrooms
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February – Air Fryer Mushrooms

Using the air fryer to cook mushrooms has been a revelation. Why, you might ask? Easy, hands off, lower in fat, and delicious…I will answer. I used a mixture of brown crimini with a package of organic ‘Chef’s Sampler’ mushrooms. But you can use the commonly available white mushrooms as well. The ‘Chef’s Sampler’ is a mix of Alba Clamshell, Forest Nameko, Velvet Pioppini and Maitake Frondosa.

Mixed Mushrooms

Mixed Mushrooms

The small clustered mushrooms turn crispy as if they were deep fried. The volume will reduce significantly so use more than you think you will need.

Ingredients: (2 servings)

  • 4 – 6 cups of mixed mushrooms, wiped with a damp cloth if dirty. Cut the larger ones in half.
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of kosher salt

Method:

  1. Toss the mushrooms with the tablespoon of olive oil and the kosher salt
  2. Cook in the air fryer at 370 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking at the half way point

That’s all.

Air Fryer Mixed Mushrooms

Air Fryer Mixed Mushrooms

Sautéing them in a pan will use much more oil or butter, and requires your attention. Try this method if you have an air fryer, I think you will find it delicious.

February – Roast Celeriac
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February – Roast Celeriac

Lately I have been reading a lot about celeriac. Many folks have never even heard of this vegetable. Have you noticed it in the grocery store? It’s quite an off putting (and slightly ugly) vegetable. In his cookbook Simple Yotam Ottolenghi suggests roasting it whole…who ever would have thought of it!? When I have cooked it before, it was boiled and mashed along with potatoes. It’s a wonderful combination, probably more common in France. But never would I have considered roasting it whole. As it turns out, it’s delicious and easy, only requiring a bit of time.

Celeriac

Celeriac

Celeriac has green leaves and stalks that grow above ground and roots with a rough, brown skin that grow underground. While farmers grow celery for its edible leaves and stalks, they grow celeriac for its roots.

Some people refer to celeriac as celery root, but it is not actually the root of a celery stalk. It belongs to the same plant family as carrots and is related to celery, parsley, and parsnips. Inside, the root is pale and resembles a potato or turnip. Its flavor is similar to that of celery and parsley. You can eat washed and peeled celeriac raw as well as cooked. I am a big fan of parsnips so I was game.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), one cup of raw celeriac provides:

Celeriac is a concentrated source of many nutrients, including:

  • vitamin C
  • vitamin K
  • vitamin B-6
  • potassium
  • phosphorus
  • fiber

But it’s particularly high in vitamins C and K. With only 5.9 grams of carbs per 3.5 ounces of cooked vegetable, celeriac is a healthier, lower-carb alternative to potatoes. 

This recipe is simple but requires a three hour cooking time, so plan ahead.

Ingredients:

  • 1 – 2 large celery roots, hairy roots trimmed but there is no need to peel it
  • 1- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons of cumin seeds, lightly crushed (Yotam uses coriander seeds)
  • flaked sea salt
  • 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F
  2. Pierce the celery root with a small knife, all over, about 20 times per root. Place in a baking dish and rub with the oil, seeds and about 2 teaspoons of flaked salt.
  3. Roast for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until the celery root is very soft and brown on the outside
  4. Cut into wedges and serve with a wedge of lemon, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a drizzle of oil if desired.
Roast Celery Root or Celeriac

Roast Celery Root or Celeriac

Cut open the celery root was soft, with the texture of a sweet potato and with a mild flavor reminiscent of that of celery hearts and parsley.

Roast Celery Root or Celeriac

Roast Celery Root or Celeriac

Try this, I think you will be pleasantly surprised. It’s fun to be introduced to a brand new vegetable.

February – Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
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February – Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin

I received an air fryer for Christmas. I had been eyeing them for a couple of years, but never could make up my mind if they were worth the cabinet and counter space. The decision was made for me when I got one as a present. I have found it very useful, especially when I wanted to roast vegetables and didn’t want to turn on the oven. It does a wonderful job of roasting carrots, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or a single chicken breast.

The decision to try it with pork tenderloin was one of expediency. My usual method is sous vide, the pork emerges meltingly tender and delicious. But sous vide takes some time with setting it up, heating the water, and cooking the vacuum packed tenderloin. This time I wanted dinner on the table in less than an hour. A pork tenderloin in the air fryer cooks in 20-25 minutes, start to finish. It was delicious, although not as tender as sous vide. It is, however, a viable alternative.

I simply rubbed it with a Mexican style rub (use your favorite or anything you have on hand, even a package of taco seasoning) and roasted it at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes. The internal temperature should be 145 degrees F and I found my own tenderloin needed an additional 5 minutes. I turned it over at the midpoint of about 10 minutes.

Pork Tenderloin

Pork Tenderloin – after

Let is rest at least 5 minutes after cooking before slicing.

Pork Tenderloin

Pork Tenderloin

I will definitely use the air fryer again when crunched for time.