During my university years in a small Boston apartment with minimal counter space, discovering the Ninja air fryer was a game changer. It was my first air fryer, and it treated me exceptionally well. This multifunctional machine quickly became an essential part of my kitchen, serving as my toaster, oven, and warmer all in one. Its ability to fold up and save space made it perfect for my tiny living quarters.
The versatility of this air fryer is incredible. With its 8-in-1 functionality, you can air fry, roast, broil, bake, toast, dehydrate, and keep your food warm. It pre-heats in just 60 seconds and cooks faster than a traditional oven, which was a lifesaver during my busy university days. Its large capacity fits a 13″ pizza or nine slices of toast, making it suitable for various cooking needs.
I liked this model so much that I eventually upgraded to their premium version, which offers even more features (which you can find here), but honestly, the original model is more than enough for most people’s needs. I passed my old one on to my mother, and it’s still going strong after years of use. There are countless ways to use Ninja’s versatile air fryers, and I’m excited to explore more and share my findings with the Choose More Plants community.
Crisp up your favorite veggies and tofu with minimal oil for a healthier, delicious twist on traditional fried foods. Air frying significantly reduces the fat content compared to deep frying, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious individuals. Enjoy crispy air-fried Brussels sprouts, sweet potato fries, or cauliflower bites. You can also air fry chickpeas for a crunchy snack or use it to prepare a quick batch of veggie tempura.
Roast your favorite vegetables to perfection, achieving a tender inside and a crispy outside. The air roast function circulates hot air evenly, ensuring that your veggies cook uniformly without the need for excessive oil. Perfect for preparing dishes like roasted carrots, bell peppers, or a hearty mix of root vegetables. Try roasting a whole head of cauliflower for an impressive and nutritious centerpiece, or create a tray of mixed vegetables seasoned with herbs for a simple and flavorful side dish.
Broil plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh for a smoky, charred flavor that mimics the taste of grilling. Use this function to create crispy, caramelized edges on your favorite plant-based dishes. Air broiling is ideal for making vegan kabobs, broiling marinated portobello mushrooms, or achieving a perfect char on slices of eggplant or zucchini. The high heat ensures a delicious, golden-brown finish, adding depth and complexity to your meals.
Bake delicious plant-based treats, from cookies and muffins to casseroles and breads. The even heat distribution ensures consistent baking results, making it easy to achieve perfect texture and flavor. Enjoy evenly baked dishes like vegan banana bread, lasagna, or a savory vegetable pie. You can also experiment with baking plant-based quiches, stuffed bell peppers, or homemade granola bars for a nutritious and satisfying snack.
Perfectly toast your bagels to your desired level of crispness with the bagel function, which toasts the cut side while gently warming the outer crust. Enjoy a warm, toasted bagel topped with avocado, hummus, or your favorite plant-based spread. Try topping your bagel with a variety of nutrient-dense ingredients such as sprouts, sliced tomatoes, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for added flavor and health benefits.
Achieve the perfect toast for your sandwiches, breakfast, or snacks with the adjustable toast settings. Enjoy golden-brown toast topped with nut butter, sliced fruit, or a sprinkle of seeds for a nutritious start to your day. Use this function to create crispy toast for bruschetta, toasts for hearty plant-based sandwiches, or simply to enjoy with a drizzle of agave or maple syrup for a sweet treat.
Dehydrate fruits, vegetables, and herbs for healthy, homemade snacks that retain their nutritional value and are free from preservatives. Create apple chips, dried mango, or crispy kale chips to enjoy nutritious, plant-based snacks on the go. Dehydrating intensifies the flavors, making it perfect for making sun-dried tomatoes, drying fresh herbs from your garden, or preparing homemade fruit leather for a chewy, satisfying snack.
Keep your plant-based dishes warm until you’re ready to serve, maintaining their ideal temperature and texture. This function is perfect for preserving the quality of soups, stews, or a tray of roasted vegetables until mealtime. Use it to keep a pot of vegan chili, a batch of roasted root vegetables, or a hearty lentil stew warm and ready to serve, ensuring that your meals are always enjoyed at their best.
Join the waiting list to be notified when Xavier begins offering online nutrition counseling to the Choose More Plants community. Information regarding pricing, availability, and service details will be announced when you are notified.
Beyond nutrition counseling, Xavier is available for consulting, talks & workshops, and beyond. Learn more about these services and more here.
Our picks are a handpicked and continuously updated selection of recommendations favored by Xavier and the Choose More Plants community to support a plant-rich lifestyle. This selection reflects our preferences and experiences but is not the only great option. We aim to provide valuable choices while recognizing diverse needs and tastes.
To cater to everyone, we offer product tiers: “Value Pick,” “Standard Pick,” and “Premium Pick,” ensuring recommendations fit various budgets and preferences.
We use affiliate links for some picks, which help support our work without affecting our recommendations or increasing costs. For example, as part of the Amazon Associates program, we earn from qualifying Amazon purchases. Proceeds are reinvested into improving our community and resources.
Our picks are a handpicked and continuously updated selection of recommendations favored by Xavier and the Choose More Plants community to support a plant-rich lifestyle. This selection reflects our preferences and experiences but is not the only great option. We aim to provide valuable choices while recognizing diverse needs and tastes.
To cater to everyone, we offer product tiers: “Value Pick,” “Standard Pick,” and “Premium Pick,” ensuring recommendations fit various budgets and preferences.
We use affiliate links for some picks, which help support our work without affecting our recommendations or increasing costs. For example, as part of the Amazon Associates program, we earn from qualifying Amazon purchases. Proceeds are reinvested into improving our community and resources.
Let’s grow this collection of picks together. From foods to kitchen gadgets to resources, we’re all ears for your recommendations. We’ll review each submission and consider it for inclusion.
