In an innovative approach to festive dining, Beverley Jarvis, a cookery writer based in Ashford, Kent, has opted to prepare her entire Christmas dinner using not one, but five air fryers. This decision marks a significant departure from traditional cooking methods, opting instead for modern conveniences that she believes save both time and money. Dubbed a self-proclaimed “air fryer bore,” Ms. Jarvis has embraced the versatility of these appliances to cater to a festive feast for 11 of her loved ones.
Beverley’s enthusiasm for utilizing air fryers stems from their efficiency and affordability, particularly during the current cost-of-living crisis. She mentions that cooking with air fryers can be half as costly compared to using a conventional oven, making it a practical choice for many households. In her own kitchen, she has integrated air fryers seamlessly, boasting one in her utility room while using four others in the kitchen. The underlying principle behind air fryers is their capability to blow hot air at high speeds around food, ensuring it cooks evenly and retains its flavor.
Sharing her insights on BBC Radio Kent, Beverley emphasized the benefits she has experienced: “Every day I normally use two, and I just think they’re fantastic,” she remarked, highlighting that they preheat in merely three minutes to reach a cooking temperature of 200°C.
For those curious about how to replicate such a Christmas dinner using air fryers, Beverley provided some valuable tips. She suggested opting for a turkey breast roll, which can easily be procured from a butcher or supermarket. An average-sized turkey breast roll would take around 55 minutes to cook at 180°C in an air fryer, while larger models can accommodate bigger birds as well. Additionally, she mentioned that cooking crispy roast potatoes alongside the turkey is simple—these can be added towards the end of the cooking time.
Furthermore, Ms. Jarvis shares delightful ideas for side dishes and snacks for festive gatherings. She recommends preparing pigs in blankets, which take about 10 minutes at 190°C, and asserts that cooking sausage rolls is particularly effortless, taking just 15 minutes at a slightly higher temperature of 200°C.
For those desiring a more substantial meal, Beverley has also experimented with various meats in her air fryers. In her culinary adventures, she successfully roasted a large piece of gammon, providing enough meat for ten people. This dish was enhanced with a glaze made from maple syrup and marmalade, along with a splash of whiskey, offering a sweet and aromatic finish. To add flavor, she placed onions and carrots beneath the gammon while it cooked.
Not limited to traditional fare, Beverley has crafted interesting festive snacks, such as cheesy treats. By grating half a block of parmesan, mixing in a quarter teaspoon of chopped chili, and adding a few pumpkin seeds and herbs, she creates delightful morsels. The preparation is straightforward; the mixture is formed into blobs and cooked in the air fryer at 190°C for just four minutes, resulting in lacey, crispy cheese snacks that pair perfectly with a glass of bubbly.
In summary, Beverley Jarvis’ inventive use of air fryers for her Christmas dinner reflects a growing trend towards modern and efficient cooking solutions. Her experience underscores not only the practicality of air fryers in saving energy and time but also opens the door for creative culinary explorations. From turkey breast rolls to crispy potatoes, and even pigs in blankets, her recipes offer inspiration for those looking to elevate their festive meals with efficiency and flair. Her journey signifies a shift in cooking traditions, combining joy, convenience, and innovative technology in holiday celebrations.
