Hidden in Plain Sight

Today I'm cooking with a tool I should have been using for years.

Earlier this year our air fryer died and I didn’t replace it because machines that are designed to be irreparable and break quickly have no place in my kitchen. Still, I’ve been missing the convenience.

I sort of knew an air fryer and convection oven are the same thing, but never really gave it a second thought. Then last night I made a sheet pan meal: vegan chicken tenders, okra, and Trader Joe’s hashbrowns (red cabbage slaw on the side). When I went to preheat the oven, there it was staring at me, hidden in plain sight for years: a convection setting! I gasped. I used it. My life is changed.

Tonight I can’t wait to use it again. I’ll bake off the last three frozen tenders and chop them up to throw in a hot pan with plenty of oil, leftover rice, green beans and carrots from the yard, a little scrabled egg. Lots of scallions, a dash of white pepper, one clove grated garlic, and a heavy pour of soy sauce right at the end. Fried chicken fried rice, yum.

Does your oven have a “secret” convection setting too?