Summer is the season for light, refreshing meals that don't require tedious cooking or heating up the kitchen. Small appliances like slow cookers, Instant Pots, air fryers, and microwaves are game changers for creating delicious summer meals without breaking a sweat. By strategically using these kitchen gadgets for your summer cooking, you can enjoy delicious homemade meals this summer while keeping your kitchen cool and comfortable.
Set it and forget it
Slow cookers are perfect for preparing hassle-free dishes like pulled pork and chili while keeping your kitchen cool. The beauty of set-and-forget cooking is its convenience: just add your ingredients to the pot, choose your preferred setting, and let your food cook. Whether you're working from home or soaking up the sun outside, you'll come home to a delicious meal ready for you for a stress-free dining experience.
Not only are slow cookers great for making traditional stews and soups, but they can also be used to make a variety of dishes like chicken tacos, barbecued pork chops, and even desserts like bread pudding and apple crisp.
Cooking low and slow keeps the meat tender and juicy while allowing flavors to meld. Plus, using only one pot means cleanup is minimal. A slow cooker is an attractive option for busy summer days when you don't want to put in long hours in the kitchen.
Easy one-pot meals
If you want to whip up some quick, tasty meals this summer without breaking a sweat in the kitchen, the Instant Pot is the answer. This versatile device is perfect for whipping up delicious one-pot meals in no time. The pressure cooking feature cooks beans, vegetables, meat and other ingredients much faster than traditional cooking methods.
One of the big benefits of using an electric pressure cooker for summer cooking is that it keeps your kitchen cool. Instead of leaving the oven or stove on for hours, the Instant Pot efficiently cooks your favorite dishes while minimizing heat.
Whether you're cooking a hearty stew, tender pulled pork or flavorful risotto, this handy cookware will make it easy. Plus, its multi-functionality means a breeze when it comes to meal prep and cleanup – perfect for busy summer days when you'd rather relax and enjoy the sunshine than struggle in a hot kitchen.
Cook crispy food without heating up the kitchen
Air fryers are the wonders of the modern kitchen, creating crispy meals without heating up your entire kitchen. This compact appliance uses high-velocity air technology to transform your favorite foods into crispy, delicious meals using a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep frying methods.
Imagine enjoying golden fries, crispy chicken wings, and crunchy veggies without feeling like you're stuck in a sauna. Not only does an air fryer keep your kitchen cool on sweltering summer days, it also cuts down on cooking time, making it an efficient option for creating quick, delicious meals.
By harnessing the power of rapid hot air circulation, the Air Fryer delivers the craveable crispy texture that's usually only achieved with deep-frying. With this innovative tool, you can say goodbye to grease splatters and enjoy indulgent dishes guilt-free. This tool will revolutionize your summer cooking experience.
Cooks quickly and with minimal heat
Microwaves are often underestimated in cooking, as they are seen as just a device for reheating leftovers or making popcorn. However, microwaves are a powerful tool for cooking with minimal heat, especially during the hot summer months when turning on the oven is unbearable. With the ability to cook food quickly and efficiently using electromagnetic waves, microwaves offer a great shortcut in cooking.
Microwave ovens cook quickly and create delicious food without any hassle. Whether you want to steam vegetables, whip up a quick apple mug cake or cook a fish fillet hassle-free, microwave ovens offer endless possibilities for creating delicious food while keeping your kitchen cool and comfortable. The next time you're faced with sweltering heat and have a craving for a home-cooked meal, the microwave oven is your efficient, low-temperature friend.
Summer Appliance Tips
If you use small appliances like slow cookers, Instant Pots, air fryers, and microwaves during the hot summer months, take advantage of the timer settings if they have them. Set timers to prevent overcooking and keep heat in the kitchen to a minimum. This is not only energy efficient, but it also keeps temperatures in cooking areas cooler.
When using multiple appliances at the same time, proper ventilation is important to prevent heat and steam from building up in your kitchen. Open windows and turn on extractor fans to improve air flow and overall air quality. This simple step will create a comfortable cooking environment and prevent lingering odors in your living space. Proper ventilation can make food prep much more comfortable on hot summer days.
Stay cool while preparing summer meals
It's important to remember that staying cool in the summer doesn't mean sacrificing the enjoyment of good food. With the help of small appliances like slow cookers, Instant Pots, air fryers, and microwaves, you can create flavorful dishes without the hassle. These handy tools not only help lower the temperature in your kitchen, but they also help save time and energy.
The next time a hot day leaves you craving a hearty meal or a sweet treat, turn to your trusty kitchen buddies. From tender slow-cooked meats to crispy air-fried snacks, there are endless possibilities for how to enjoy summer meals while staying cool. These small appliances are your secret weapon for easily cooking summer meals without breaking a sweat.
Lisa MarcAurele is a Connecticut-based blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people minimize leftovers and save money when cooking for one or two. Lisa enjoys hiking and taking scenic day trips around New England.
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