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Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot) BBQ Chicken

It's so quick and easy to make a batch of shredded BBQ chicken in your pressure cooker. You just need four ingredients and it's ready to enjoy in less than 30 minutes!

Shredded BBQ chicken being picked up with tongs.

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

You’ll find the full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Be sure to check out the blog post itself for extra tips and tricks!

Time to grab you Instant Pot and make the most delicious pulled BBQ chicken for all your sandwich needs! This pressure cooker BBQ chicken is a true dump and go recipe and it results in the most flavorful shredded chicken.

This is a great go to BBQ chicken recipe when you are running short on time and have hungry mouths to feed!

For more BBQ recipes, be sure to try my BBQ Ribs and Sticky Chicken Legs!

How to make pressure cooker BBQ chicken

  • Gather your ingredients.
The ingredients for the recipe ready to use.
  • Place chicken, chicken broth, and bbq seasoning in pressure cooker insert.
The chicken and other ingredients in the Instant Pot ready to cook.
  • Close and cook high pressure for 14 min.
  • After the 14 minutes, allow the pressure cooker to naturally release for 10 min. Quick release any remaining pressure.
The chicken in the pressure cooker after cooking.
  • Remove chicken and place in a large bowl and shred.
Shredded chicken in a white bowl.
  • Add bbq sauce and serve how you like.
BBQ sauce being stirred into the shredded chicken.

What's the best cut of chicken to use?

I find the best shredded BBQ chicken is made with a mixture breast and thighs for optimal texture and flavor. The thighs contain more fat to keep the chicken nice and juicy, as well as having a deeper flavor. You can use one or the other if you choose. Use skinless and boneless chicken so that it is easy to shred.

What's the best BBQ sauce to use?

You can use your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. If you are following a low carb or keto diet, use a sugar free sauce. If you have time, be sure to whip up a batch of my tangy BBQ sauce, otherwise your go to store bought bottle will work just great.

As far as the seasoning to use in this recipe, my homemade bbq seasoning is perfect.

Can you make it ahead of time?

This pressure cooker BBQ chicken is great for meal prep and freezer meals.

Refrigerate: Make the recipe and let the chicken cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and it will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Make the recipe and let the chicken cool to room temperature. Place it in a ziplock bag, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheat the chicken on the stovetop on a medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

BBQ shredded chicken served in a bun.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • The chicken needs to be naturally released from pressure. Do not quick release until after 10 minutes.
  • This is great to use as sandwiches, over rice, on pizza, and so much more.
  • Do not add the bbq sauce to the pressure cooker while it is pressure cooking.

More Instant Pot Recipes

Close up of pressure cooker BBQ chicken served in a burger bun.
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Pressure Cooker BBQ Chicken

It's so quick and easy to make a batch of shredded BBQ chicken in your pressure cooker. You just need four ingredients and it's ready to enjoy in less than 30 minutes!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time14 minutes
Release pressure10 minutes
Total Time29 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: BBQ pulled chicken, how to make shredded chicken, Instant Pot shredded chicken
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 465kcal
Author: Tanya Harris

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place chicken, chicken broth, and bbq seasoning in pressure cooker insert.
  • Close and cook high pressure for 14 min.
  • After the 14 minutes, allow the pressure cooker to naturally release for 10 min. Quick release any remaining pressure.
  • Remove chicken and place in a large bowl and shred. Add bbq sauce and serve how you like.

Notes

  • I prefer to use a combo of chicken breast and thighs for this recipe for optimal texture and flavor. You can use one or the other if you choose.
  • This is great to use as sandwiches, over rice, on pizza, and so much more.
  • Do not add the bbq sauce to the pressure cooker while it is pressure cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 465kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 985mg | Potassium: 517mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 502IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 92mg | Iron: 4mg

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Winter Fruit Salad

This easy and delicious winter fruit salad recipe is the perfect side dish for breakfast, brunch, or an easy snack. Made with an array of fruits that are in season in the winter and tossed in a delicious orange and honey dressing. 

white bowl with fruit salad inside of it with spoon sticking out in corner

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

You’ll find the full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Be sure to check out the blog post itself for extra tips and tricks!

Brrr, it’s cold outside. And the only thing I can truly appreciate about this weather are the cute clothes, hot chocolate, and this healthy winter salad. Ha.

All jokes aside, this salad is so easy you’ll want to make it weekly. It’s perfect for a small gathering or simply for meal prep. Just make the salad ahead of time and enjoy. 

How to Make a Winter Fruit Salad

Gather some of your favorite fruit that is in season in Winter and peel and chop them (except the apples, keep the skin on). Buying fruit that is in season will be cheaper and the quality will be much better. 

ingredient photo of apples, clementines, kiwi, promegranate seeds, honey, orange juice, and mint leaves

I opted for apples, kiwi, clementines, and pomegranate seeds. I also added some copped mint for an added burst of flavor. 

Place the cut fruit in a large bowl. 

various fruits in white bowl in rows

Prepare the dressing by combining orange juice and honey in a small bowl and whisking until combined. Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss until combined.

Fun fact, the citric acid, in the orange juice, will allow your apples to avoid turning brown for a couple of days. 

orange juice being poured over fruit salad

And there you have it, an easy, really easy, winter fruit salad. 

winter fruit salad in a white bowl with a honey pot and fruit surrounding it

Looking for more brunch recipes? Try these out:

Watch this video tutorial and see how I make this Winter Fruit Salad from start to finish.

orange juice being poured over fruit salad
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Winter Fruit Salad

This easy and delicious winter fruit salad is the perfect side dish for breakfast, brunch, or an easy snack. Made with an array of fruits that are in season in the winter and tossed in a delicious orange and honey dressing.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: fruit salad, winter fruit salad
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 101kcal
Author: Tanya Harris

Ingredients

  • 2 large apples chopped, honey crisp preferred
  • 2 kiwi fruit peeled and chopped
  • 2 clementines peeled and separated
  • 1 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 2 Tablespoon mint leaves finely chopped
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 1 Tablespoon honey

Instructions

  • Place fruit and mint leaves in a large bowl.
  • In a separate small bowl, add orange juice and honey and whisk until combined. Pour over fruit and toss until combined.

Video

Notes

  • This salad can be made up to 3 days ahead. Any longer than that and your fruit may get too soft and your apples will start to brown. You’ll want to store this in an airtight container if making ahead.
  • The flavors in this salad will get stronger overtime, especially the mint. 

Nutrition

Calories: 101kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 298mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 151IU | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

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Air Fryer Basket vs Air Fryer Toaster Oven, Side by Side

Many people have either an air fryer basket or an air fryer toaster oven and wonder how they can adapt recipes created for the basket to work in the oven. This blog post will provide you with a step-by-step breakdown of cooking in the basket vs the air fryer toaster oven. 

french fries in air fryer basket on left, french fries in air fryer oven tray on right

As a collector of air fryers...Really, I couldn’t stop myself from buying shiny new models. I found myself wondering what the difference was between the air fryer basket and the air fryer oven. The apparent difference is that one is larger than the other (the ovens typically provide more cooking space). Another difference was that baskets provided a nice little handle that allowed me to shake my food. But what about the actual food? Did they produce different results?

I took some time to note how three of my popular recipes performed in each machine. I chose to make and take note of the following recipes:

  1. Frozen French Fries  
  2. Air Fryer Apple Chips
  3. Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Things you should know beforehand:

All air fryer brands are not created the same, so the two I used could have different results from the ones you may have at home. However, your cook times shouldn’t be much different than mine. 

For the basket, I used the Cosori 5.8qt and for the oven, I used the Instant Omni Plus Air Fryer Toaster Oven. 

For the first round of the air fryer basket vs air fryer toaster oven, let's start with frozen French fries...

Air Fryer French Fries

fries in air fryer basket on left and fries in air fryer tray for oven on right

These air fryer French fries are the reason I bought an air fryer in the first place. I used frozen French fries for this side-by-side comparison. I typically air fry French fries anywhere from 8-12 minutes, depending on the type of fries and how thickly cut they are. 

Amount: .75 lbs of frozen shoestring French fries.

Preheat:  Both the basket and the oven were preheated at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Then, each was cooked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until it reached the desired crispiness. 

  • Basket: The basket took 8 minutes to cook until it reached the desired crispiness. 
  • Oven: The oven took 13 minutes to cook until the desired crispness was achieved.
cooked french fries on 2 white plates, with the text basket on left, the text oven on right
 
  • Winner: The basket, by a little...as it cooked a few minutes faster. 

Air Fryer Apple Chips

cooked apple slices in air fryer basket on left and apple slices in air fryer tray for oven on right

These Air Fryer Apple Chips are another quick favorite snack for my girls and me. It’s just one way I can make them get that apple a day to keep the doctor away. I used 1 Gala apple for this recipe.  

Amount: 1 large Gala apple sliced into 2.5mm slices.

Preheat: None. I start apple chips from a cold basket. My air fryer oven does an automatic preheat time, so I adjusted the oven cook time to accommodate that. 

  • Basket: Cooked for 16 minutes to reach desired crispiness. 
  • Oven: Cooked for 17 minutes to reach the desired crispiness.
2 white plates with cooked apple chips, text that says basket on left and text that says oven on right

Winner: The oven, by a little. My husband said the ones in the oven tasted crispier. I thought they were the same. I’d say it’s a tie and with only a one-minute difference, I’d prefer to do these in the oven since there is more space.

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

These Air Fryer Chicken Wings are one of my all-time favorite things to make in the air fryer. So easy, crispy, and delicious. I cooked these wings without added seasonings to show the comparison.  

cooked chicken wings in air freyr basket on left, cooked chicken wings in air fryer oven tray on right

Amount: 1.83 lbs of chicken wings placed in each device. 

Preheat: I preheated each machine to 400°F for 5 minutes before adding the wings.

  • Basket: Took 27 minutes to get the desired color and crispiness on these wings.
  • Oven: It took 38 minutes to achieve the desired color and crispiness on these wings. Please note that the wings in the photo above, on the right, show the oven wings pulled at 27 minutes. They were much lighter than the wings in the basket, so I added them back in until they were a deeper brown.  
2 white plates with cooked chicken wings, text that says basket on left, text that says oven on right.

Winner: The basket. The wings were done much faster. However, once I increased the time on the oven wings, I could not tell a difference.

Conclusions:

  • Whether it’s the air fryer basket or the air fryer oven, both will cook faster than a conventional oven. An air fryer basket and oven typically take 5 minutes to preheat.  
  • The air fryer basket tends to cook foods a little faster than the air fryer oven, and the cooking time will vary between machines and types of food being cooked. 
  • The air fryer oven can hold more food. Although not pictured here, we use our air fryer oven to make pizza in the air fryer. We’re only able to fit one small-sized pizza in the air fryer basket. With the oven, we can fit two pan-sized pizzas side by side. 
  • When converting recipes created for an air fryer basket to an air fryer oven, plan to cook the recipes for a slightly longer time. As each air fryer is different, keep a close eye on the food. You can watch the food in the oven as it cooks, so you don't overcook it.

I hope you found this side by side comparison helpful. If you’re looking for more helpful articles about air frying, check out these articles:

by 7 Comments

11 Delicious Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and I love when it is quick and easy. That's where my Air Fryer comes in. I have so many amazing Air Fryer breakfast recipes here on My Forking Life. I wanted to compile them into an roundup post to make your meal planning a little easier!

Air Fryer Recipes, Tips, and More!!

Subscribe to get my exclusive Air Fryer newsletter and receive my 5 part Air Fryer Companion Guide!

    I won't send you spam. You can also unsubscribe at any time.

    Air Fryer Breakfast Recipes

    Air Fryer Breakfast Bakery Recipes

    Air Fryer Breakfast Meat Recipes

    Air Fryer Egg Recipes

    Air Fryer Breakfast Side Dishes

    Now the only question left... what are you going to make for breakfast?

    by 13 Comments

    Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot) Chili

    Get the most delicious chili in a fraction of the time with your trusty pressure cooker! So rich and flavorful, this chili is easy to make, perfectly comforting and so so tasty!

    A spoon in a bowl of chili topped with sour cream, shredded cheese and fresh jalapenos.

    This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

    You’ll find the full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Be sure to check out the blog post itself for extra tips and tricks!

    Quite honestly, there is never a bad time for chili! It's a constant in our house! When you don't have hours to spend to watch a simmering pot, grab your pressure cooker for an effortless family dinner.

    So hearty and rich in flavor, this Instant Pot chili is ready to serve within an hour, and it's great for meal prep too!

    For more hearty pressure cooker recipes, be sure to check out my Vegetable Soup and Chicken and Potatoes.

    How to make pressure cooker chili

    Gather your ingredients.

    Ingredients to make the recipe on a white work surface.

    Chop the onion, garlic and jalapeno.

    Chopped onions, garlic and jalapeno on a cutting board.

    Turn the pressure cooker on the high-sauté function. Once the display says “HOT,” add oil. Add onions, jalapeño, and garlic cloves and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until onions have softened.

    Onions, garlic and jalapeno being cooked in the Instant Pot.

    Add ground beef and stir, cooking until ground beef is no longer pink and is browned. Then add chili powder, cumin, oregano, Worcestershire sauce and stir until combined.

    The beef browned in the pressure cooker.

    Press Cancel on the pressure cooker. Add vegetable juice, water, kidney beans, yellow corn kernels, and brown sugar. Do not stir. Cover the pressure and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes.

    Beans and corn added to the pressure cooker.

    Once pressure cooking time is up, allow the pressure to natural release for at least 15 minutes.

    Once all pressure is released, press Cancel on the pressure cooker and open the lid. Stir the chili. It will appear watery. Press the sauté button and allow the chili to simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s reduced to your likeness. Salt to taste.

    Some of the cooked shili on a wooden spoon over the Instant Pot.

    What do you serve it with?

    This chili is great to serve by itself in a big bowl with your favorite toppings. I love to serve it with my Cornbread Muffins or you can serve it on a bed of rice.

    When it comes to toppings, for me, you can never have enough! Try topping it with:

    • Shredded cheese
    • Sour cream
    • Fresh jalapeños
    • Sliced avocado
    • Guacamole
    • Salsa
    • Crispy tortilla strips

    Can you make it ahead of time?

    If you are getting organized, pressure cooker chili is a great recipe for meal prep. Once you've made it, let it cool completely before placing in an airtight container and it will keep well for 4 to 5 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, or in the microwave, until warmed through to serve.

    The flavors develop even more the next day, so leftovers are always really tasty!

    Can you freeze it?

    Yes! This freezes really well! It will keep well for up to 6 months, I always have some in my freezer! Thaw the chili in the fridge overnight before reheating.

    A bowl of pressure cooker chili with a spoon in it and served with toppings.

    Recipe Notes and Tips

    • The chili will appear watery once you open the lid after pressure cooking as the water hasn’t had the chance to evaporate. Simmer after pressure cooking to reduce the water amount and build flavor.
    • This chili is relatively mild. If you like it spicier, add a little cayenne.
    • Feel free to add in other veggies that you have in your fridge. Mushrooms, bell peppers and carrots all work really well.

    Watch this video tutorial and see how I make this chili from start to finish.

    More Pressure Cooker Recipes

    Chili served in a white bowl with a spoon.
    Print Recipe
    4.50 from 2 votes

    Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot) Chili

    Get the most delicious chili in a fraction of the time with your trusty pressure cooker! So rich and flavorful, this chili is easy to make, perfectly comforting and so so tasty!
    Prep Time5 minutes
    Cook Time50 minutes
    Total Time55 minutes
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: how to cook chili in a pressure cooker, instant pot chili recipe
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 534kcal
    Author: Tanya Harris

    Ingredients

    • 2 Tbs oil
    • 2 yellow onions chopped
    • 2 jalapeño chopped
    • 4 garlic cloves chopped
    • 1 lb ground beef
    • 2 Tablespoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon oregano
    • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
    • 1 ½ cup vegetable juice like V8
    • ¾ cup water
    • 1 can red kidney beans drained and rinsed
    • 1 cup yellow corn kernels frozen
    • ½ Tablespoon brown sugar
    • Salt to taste

    Instructions

    • Turn the pressure cooker on the high-sauté function. Once the display says “HOT,” add oil. Add onions, jalapeño, and garlic cloves and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until onions have softened. Add ground beef and stir, cooking until ground beef is no longer pink and is browned. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, Worcestershire sauce and stir until combined.
    • Press Cancel on the pressure cooker. Add vegetable juice, water, kidney beans, yellow corn kernels, and brown sugar. Do not stir. Cover the pressure and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Once pressure cooking time is up, allow the pressure to natural release for at least 15 minutes.
    • Once all pressure is released, press Cancel on the pressure cooker and open the lid. Stir the chili. It will appear watery. Press the sauté button and allow the chili to simmer for 5-10 minutes until it’s reduced to your likeness. Salt to taste.

    Video

    Notes

    • The chili will appear watery once you open the lid after pressure cooking as the water hasn’t had the chance to evaporate. Simmer after pressure cooking to reduce the water amount and build flavor.
    • This chili is relatively mild. If you like it spicier, add a little cayenne.
    • Feel free to add in other veggies that you have in your fridge. Mushrooms, bell peppers and carrots all work really well.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 534kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 686mg | Potassium: 1029mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 2027IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 108mg | Iron: 5mg

    by 10 Comments

    Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

    Get the most perfect crispy bacon every single time with your trusty air fryer! So easy and quick to make with no mess and an excellent addition to any breakfast!

    Air fryer bacon served on a white plate.

    This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

    You’ll find the full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Be sure to check out the blog post itself for extra tips and tricks!

    It's no secret here that I love my air fryer! Such a quick and effortless way to cook so many foods and the results are always so good! Well, bacon is no different!

    This crispy air fryer bacon takes minutes to prep and you can cook a whole pack at the same time, perfect if you are feeding a crowd! Make breakfasts a breeze or crumble it on top of soups or other recipes.

    Use this air fried bacon on top of Sheet Pan Pancakes or in my Shrimp and Bacon Spinach Salad. If you don't have an air fryer, you'll also find my how-to bake bacon in the oven post helpful.

    How to make crispy air fryer bacon

    • Lay bacon in an air fryer basket, bacon can overlap.
    Raw bacon strips in an air fryer basket.
    • Cook on 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes.
    Bacon starting to cook the air fryer basket.
    Bacon pieces nearly cooked.
    • Remove and enjoy.
    Overhead shot of the bacon cooked in the air fryer basket.

    My air fryer is smoking when cooking bacon

    Some air fryers are known for smoking while cooking bacon, but you can remedy this pretty easily. Place a little water in the bottom of the basket or a piece of bread to soak up the grease can reduce the smoking.

    Always use a clean air fryer when cooking bacon or other greasy meats to reduce the amount of smoke, and be sure to clean out the grease before using your air fryer again.

    How long does it take to cook bacon in an air fryer?

    A full 12 ounce packet of bacon will take between 12 and 15 minutes to cook, depending on how crispy you like it. If you are cooking less than the full pack, it will take around 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the bacon every 5 minutes or so so that it cooks evenly.

    How long will it keep?

    Once you have cooked your bacon, let it cool and it will keep well covered in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. I like to cook a whole pack of bacon and then I can add it to dishes in the week for a burst of flavor.

    You can also reheat it in the air fryer at 375F for 3 to 5 minutes.

    5 pieces of cooked bacon in the air fryer basket.

    Recipe Notes and Tips

    • Keep an eye on that bacon. Some air fryers will cook bacon faster than others. Watch it closely to avoid overcooking.
    • If you’re cooking less than a pack of bacon, your bacon will cook much quicker, in about 8-10 minutes.
    • This method works for pork and turkey bacon.
    • If you don’t want your bacon to curl, cook less at a time and lay them in a single layer. They’ll still curl a little. I like curly bacon pieces though 🙂
    • I used the oven directions on the back of the bacon to figure out the approximate cook time for the air fryer. I usually go 30 degrees below the recommended oven temperature and I cut the time about 20%. That's one of the best air fryer tips to have.

    More Air Fryer Recipes

    Air fryer bacon served on a white plate.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 3 votes

    Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

    Get the perfect crispy bacon every single time with your trusty air fryer! So easy and quick to make with no mess and an excellent addition to any breakfast!
    Prep Time3 minutes
    Cook Time12 minutes
    Total Time15 minutes
    Course: Breakfast, Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: air fried bacon, how to cook bacon in an air fryer, how to cook crispy bacon
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 236kcal
    Author: Tanya Harris

    Ingredients

    • 12 oz pack of bacon

    Instructions

    • Lay bacon in an air fryer basket, bacon can overlap. Cook on 360 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. Remove and enjoy.

    Notes

    • Keep an eye on that bacon. Some air fryers will cook bacon faster than others. Watch it closely to avoid overcooking.
    • If you’re cooking less than a pack of bacon, your bacon will cook much quicker, in about 8-10 minutes.
    • Some air fryers are known for smoking while cooking bacon. Place a little water in the bottom of the basket or a piece of bread to soak up the grease can reduce the smoking. Also, always use a clean air fryer when cooking bacon or other greasy meats to reduce the amount of smoke.
    • This method works for pork and turkey bacon.
    • If you don’t want your bacon to curl, cook less at a time and lay them in a single layer. They’ll still curl a little. I like curly bacon pieces though 🙂

    Nutrition

    Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 375mg | Potassium: 112mg | Vitamin A: 21IU | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

    by 11 Comments

    How to Cook Livermush

    If you haven't tried this classic North Carolina dish, now is the time! Livermush is such a flavorful dish and it's so quick to cook and it's great for hearty breakfasts and weekend brunches. I promise you it will be your new favorite!

    Breaking a slice of livermush in half.

    You’ll find the full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Be sure to check out the blog post itself for extra tips and tricks!

    Ok, I know the name sounds a bit weird, but trust me, Livermush is delicious!

    My hubby grew up eating this and now we have it on the regular in our house. It's a North Carolina favorite that is super flavorful and it's so quick and easy to cook!

    For more Southern favorites, be sure to check out my Southern Chess Pie and Peach Cobbler Cake.

    How to cook livermush

    So quick and easy to cook, and you can prepare it on the stovetop or in the air fryer.

    • Cut Livermush into slices, about ¼ inch thick.
    Slicing a block of livermush.

    Stovetop

    • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Place the slices in a skillet in a single layer.
    Slices of livermush in a skillet.
    • Brown the Livermush, about 4-5 minutes on each side, until the outside is crispy.
    Cooked livermush slices in a skillet.

    Air Fryer

    • Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the slices in an air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minute, until the outside is crispy.
    Livemush slices in an air fryer basket.

    What is it made of?

    Livermush is made with pork liver and cornmeal and is known as 'poor man's paté' in some circles. It is bound together with cornmeal and seasoned with sage and black pepper. You buy it as a chilled block which you then slice and fry.

    Livermush is not the same as liver pudding or scrapple. While they may sound or even look the same, livermush is made with a little more cornmeal. The other two are looser in texture. You can read more about the history of livermush.

    You can opt to make your own livermush or buy it in the store if you see it in NC.

    What does it taste like?

    If you like sausage patties, you will love this! It has a softer and smoother texture and the sage and black pepper give it a slightly spicy, earthy and herbal flavor.

    How do you serve it?

    Typically eaten as a breakfast or lunch food. It's great to serve in place of a sausage patty in a breakfast sandwich and we also like to serve it with grits.

    Can you eat it raw?

    Livermush is already cooked when you buy it, so it is safe to eat raw...but don't do that. It's much better if you fry it so you get those crispy edges and the flavors are much more pronounced.

    Slices of cooked livermush being served on a white plate.

    Recipe Notes and Tips

    • Livermush is fully cooked and just needs to be crisped up. You can use either the stovetop or air fryer to cook it.
    • I tend to only add oil if I am frying on the stovetop. I do not use oil if I am using the air fryer. You can lightly spray the slices in the air fryer if you like.
    • Take care not to overcook the slices. When overcooked, they can become dry.

    More Breakfast Recipes

    Overhead shot of cooked livermush served on a white plate.
    Print Recipe
    4.80 from 5 votes

    How to Cook Livermush

    If you haven't tried this classic Carolina dish, now is the time! Livermush is such a flavorful dish and it's so quick to cook and it's great for hearty breakfasts and weekend brunches.
    Prep Time5 minutes
    Cook Time10 minutes
    Total Time15 minutes
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: easy livermush recipe, how to cook livermush, what is livermush
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 180kcal
    Author: Tanya Harris

    Ingredients

    • 16 oz pack of Livermush
    • 2 teaspoon oil optional

    Instructions

    • Cut Livermush into slices, about ¼ inch thick.

    Stovetop

    • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Place the Livermush in a skillet in a single layer and brown the Livermush, about 4-5 minutes on each side, until the outside is crispy.

    Air Fryer

    • Preheat the air fryer to 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Place Livermush slices in an air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minute, until the outside is crispy.

    Notes

    • Livermush is fully cooked and just needs to be crisped up. You can use either the stovetop or air fryer to cook it.
    • I tend to only add oil if I am frying the Livermush on the stovetop. I do not use oil if I am using the air fryer. You can lightly spray the Livermush in the air fryer if you like.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 10g

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    Air Fryer Crab Legs

    It's so quick and easy to cook the most perfect crab legs in an air fryer! Ready to serve in less than 15 minutes, they are seasoned with old bay for a great at home boil!

    Air fryer crab legs on a white plate and garnished with herbs.

    If you're looking for another way to make your crab legs at home then this is it.

    Since snow crab legs usually come cooked, they are super quick to warm up in your air fryer, so once you've cleaned them, all you have to do is season them and let the air fryer do its job!

    How to make air fryer crab legs

    • Scrub the legs. I like to use a potato brush to scrub them well. The dry them with a paper towel.
    crab legs in large bowl with water and scrubber
    • Combine crab legs, olive oil, old bay, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Use hands to rub oil and seasoning all over crab legs.
    Crab legs with seasonings in a silver bowl.
    • Place the legs in foil paper and wrap tightly.
    • Place in an air fryer basket.
    • Air fryer crab legs on 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes.
    • Remove from the air fryer and foil paper. Enjoy 🙂
    The cooked crab legs on foil in the air fryer basket.

    Why cook crab legs in an air fryer?

    Mainly because I love my air fryer. But it's also a great way to quickly "cook" crab legs. I don't have to wait for the water to boil when doing it on the stovetop. I also like the fact that the seasoning sticks to the shells of the crab legs.

    What do you serve them with?

    These air fried crab legs are great served as an appetizer with some melted butter for dipping. Simplicity at it's best! You can of course serve these up as part of a seafood boil with other seafood and lots of sides.

    Make up your own seafood menu with these crab legs served alongside:

    What are the best crab legs to use?

    Because we are cooking these crab legs in the air fryer, you want to make sure the legs will all fit in! For that reason, it's best to stay away from Alaskan king crab and go for snow crab instead. Smaller crabs like Dungeness will work well too.

    A crab leg on a white plate.

    Recipe Notes and Tips

    • I prefer to use fresh/defrosted crab legs as I like the seasoning to stick to the crab shells. If you have frozen, you can cook it from frozen by adding a few extra minutes.
    • When the crab legs are cooked they should be a vibrant orange / pink color.
    • Take care not to overcook the legs or the meat can become chewy.

    More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

    Air fryer crab legs on a white plate and garnished with herbs.
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    5 from 1 vote

    Air Fryer Crab Legs

    It's so quick and easy to cook the most perfect crab legs in an air fryer! Ready to serve in less than 15 minutes, they are seasoned with old bay for a great at home boil!
    Prep Time10 minutes
    Cook Time5 minutes
    Total Time15 minutes
    Course: Appetizer
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: air fried crab legs, how to cook crab legs, how to cook crab legs in an air fryer
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 176kcal
    Author: Tanya Harris

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb crab legs cleaned and scrubbed
    • 2 Tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon old bay
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

    Instructions

    • Combine crab legs, olive oil, old bay, and garlic powder in a large bowl. Use hands to rub oil and seasoning all over crab legs. Place the legs in foil paper and wrap tightly. Place in an air fryer basket.
    • Air fryer crab legs on 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-5 minutes.
    • Remove from the air fryer and foil paper. Enjoy 🙂

    Notes

    • You can make these with frozen or fresh crab legs. If frozen, they will take an extra few minutes in the air fryer or you can defrost them fully before you cook them.
    • When the crab legs are cooked they should be a vibrant orange / pink color.
    • Take care not to overcook the legs or the meat can become chewy.
    • These are great on their own or served with melted butter.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 176kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 475mg | Potassium: 116mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1mg

    by 8 Comments

    Air Fryer Holiday Ham

    Cook your holiday ham in a fraction of the time in your air fryer this year! Glazed with a sweet and tangy honey sauce, it only takes 30 minutes to make and is a hit with the whole family!

    Sliced glazed ham served on a white plate ready to eat.

    Holiday ham is one of my favorite things to serve over the festive season, and with this recipe, it just got a lot easier and quick to make it at home!

    This air fryer holiday ham comes out so succulent and the honey and mustard spiced glazed will leave everyone asking for seconds!

    Ready to serve in less than 45 minutes, it takes a fraction of the time compared to roasting it in the oven, and the results are so perfect. And of course, the leftovers are delicious!

    For more holiday recipes, be sure to check out my Cranberry Sauce and Sweet and Spicy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts!

    How to make Air Fryer Holiday Ham

    • Gather your ingredients. I use a boneless pre-sliced ham. You'll want any ham that can fit in your air fryer basket.
    Ingredients to make the recipe.
    • Slice the ham if it isn't already sliced.
    The ham sliced on a wooden chopping board.
    • Wrap ham completely in foil paper and place in the air fryer basket. I like to tear two pieces of foil, put one on the bottom and lay another on the top, and tuck in the corners.
    • Cook on 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.
    The ham covered with foil in the air fryer.
    • Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by whisking honey, brown sugar, dijon mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and salt in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat. Bring mixture to a boil and immediately remove from heat.
    The glaze in a silver pot.
    • After 15 minutes is up, open foil on ham and brush ½ of the glaze on the ham, brushing in between the slices as well.
    Brushing the glaze on the ham.
    • Cover the ham with foil and cook for an additional 15 minutes on 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Once time is up, remove foil and pour the remaining glaze on top.
    Pouring glaze over the ham.
    • Optional step: If you want a little char on your ham edges, continue to cook ham, uncovered, on 400 degrees for 3-5 minutes.
    The cooked holiday ham in the air fryer basket.

    What do you serve with glazed ham?

    This air fryer holiday ham is great to serve with all of your favorite veggie and potato side dishes for a feast that everyone will love! Try it with:

    How long does a cooked ham keep?

    If you can't get through this ham on the day, it will keep well, covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.

    You can reheat the ham covered in the oven at 275 for 10 to 20 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat slices in the air fryer at 320F for 2 to 3 minutes.

    Leftovers can also be enjoyed cold in salads and sandwiches, or added to soups and stews.

    Why cook a ham in the air fryer?

    Roasted ham is delicious, but it requires at least a couple of hours of cooking time, in the air fryer, it takes a fraction of that time and it comes out just as tasty! I love that I can also free up my oven for all of those yummy side dishes!

    Overhead shot of a glazed holiday ham served on a white plate next to dinner rolls.

    Recipe Notes and Tips

    • The ham should be cooked on 300 degrees for about 10 minutes per pound. Therefore, if your ham is larger, it will need a longer cook time, smaller, less cook time.
    • Make sure that the ham is wrapped completely in the foil. This allows your ham to stay moist and catch all the delicious juices.
    • Allow for ½ pound of ham per person.
    • If your ham comes with a glaze packet, feel free to use that if you prefer and omit the glaze in this recipe. I just really love the taste of dijon and the hint of cayenne in my glaze.

    More Air Fryer Recipes

    The glazed holiday ham served on a white plate.
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    5 from 3 votes

    Air Fryer Holiday Ham

    Cook your holiday ham in a fraction of the time in your air fryer this year! Glazed with a sweet and tangy honey sauce, it only takes 30 minutes to make and is a hit with the whole family!
    Prep Time15 minutes
    Cook Time30 minutes
    Total Time45 minutes
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: glazed holiday ham recipe, how to cook ham in the air fryer, quick glazed ham recipe
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 338kcal
    Author: Tanya Harris

    Ingredients

    • 3 lb boneless spiral ham

    Glaze

    Instructions

    • Slice the ham if not pre done.
    • Wrap ham completely in foil paper and place in the air fryer basket.
    • Cook on 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.
    • Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by whisking honey, brown sugar, dijon mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and salt in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat. Bring mixture to a boil and immediately remove from heat.
    • After 15 minutes is up, open foil on ham and brush ½ of the glaze on the ham, brushing in between the slices as well. Cover the ham with foil and cook for an additional 15 minutes on 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • Once time is up, remove foil and pour the remaining glaze on top.
    • Optional step: If you want a little char on your ham edges, continue to cook ham, uncovered, on 400 degrees for 3-5 minutes.

    Notes

    • The ham should be cooked on 300 degrees for about 10 minutes per pound. Therefore, if your ham is larger, it will need a longer cook time, smaller, less cook time.
    • Make sure that the ham is wrapped completely in the foil.
    • Allow for ½ pound of ham per person.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 338kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 1425mg | Potassium: 341mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 16IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg

    by 2 Comments

    Fish Soup

    Warming and comforting, this easy fish soup recipe will feed your soul! Easy to make in one pot, this delicious soup is made with white fish and is ready to enjoy in 30 minutes.

    Fish soup with corn served in a bowl with a spoon.

    Soup season is well and truly here, and there's nothing quite like a delicious fish soup. It's one thing I look forward too when the weather starts to get chilly!

    Loaded with flavor, this white fish soup is made with fresh herbs and corn and it comes together quickly and easily. Serve with some crusty bread for a real comfort food meal.

    For more soup recipes, be sure to check out my Beet Soup Recipe and my Roasted Tomato Basil Soup is always a family favorite.

    How to make homemade fish soup

    • Gather your ingredients.
    The ingredients to make the soup on a kitchen worktop.
    • Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add habanero pepper (omit if you don't like any spice), onion, garlic cloves and saute for 3-4 minutes, until onions softened.
    The onion and garlic being sautéed in a pot.
    • Add chicken broth, clam juice, thyme, bay leaves, corn cobs, and bring to a simmer. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes.
    Four pieces of corn in the broth.
    • Add fish and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until fish is cooked through and flaky.
    • Remove bay leaves and thyme. Top with cilantro and add lime juice. Salt and pepper to taste.
    The fish soup in a pot ready to serve.

    Can you make it ahead of time?

    This soup is best served as soon as you've made it. This is because the white fish cooks quickly so you need to be careful that you don't over cook it or it can become chewy.

    You can however, make the soup ahead of time if you leave the fish out. Make the recipe up to adding the fish and then you can store it in the fridge or freeze it. Warm the soup up when you are ready to serve, and cook the fish through.

    What's the best fish to use?

    I've used both mahi mahi and cod fish in this recipe. Most white fish will work well. Halibut is another great choices. Avoid very delicate fish like sole and oily fish like tuna.

    What's the best stock to use in this recipe?

    I used chicken stock in this soup, it's a great way to add flavor and I always have some to hand. You can use vegetable stock if you are pescatarian. If you do have fish stock, you can use that and leave out the clam juice.

    Soup served in a blue bowl on a white plate with a spoon.

    Recipe Notes and Tips

    • Make the soup in a dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan so that the heat distributes more evenly.
    • I like to use mini corn cobs in this fish soup, but you can also use frozen corn kernels.
    • The fish only requires a short amount of cooking time, so only add it when you are ready to serve.
    • I add the habanero peppers to my soup because it gives it a little spice. If you aren't a fan of spice, simply leave it out or opt for a milder pepper, like jalapeño with the seeds and ribs removed.

    More Soup Recipes

    Fish soup with corn served in a bowl with a spoon.
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    Fish Soup

    Warming and comforting, this easy fish soup recipe will feed your soul! Easy to make in one pot, this delicious soup is made with mahi mahi and is ready to enjoy in 30 minutes.
    Prep Time10 minutes
    Cook Time20 minutes
    Total Time30 minutes
    Course: Soup
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: easy fish soup, how to make fish soup, white fish soup
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 251kcal
    Author: Tanya Harris

    Ingredients

    • 2 Tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 habanero pepper seeds removed and chopped
    • 1 yellow onion chopped
    • 4 garlic cloves chopped
    • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup clam juice
    • 2 springs fresh thyme
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 4 mini corn cobs or ¾ cup frozen corn kernels
    • 1 lb cod fish cut into 2 inch pieces or other white fish (mahi mahi, halibut)
    • ½ cup cilantro chopped
    • 1 Tablespoon lime juice
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add habanero pepper, onion, garlic cloves and saute for 3-4 minutes, until onions softened.
    • Add chicken broth, clam juice, thyme, bay leaves, corn cobs, and bring to a simmer. Allow to simmer for 10 minutes. Add fish and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until fish is cooked through and flaky.
    • Remove bay leaves and thyme. Top with cilantro and add lime juice. Salt and pepper to taste.

    Notes

    • Make the soup in a dutch oven or heavy bottomed pan so that the heat distributes more evenly.
    • I like to use mini corn cobs in this fish soup, but you can also use frozen corn kernels.
    • The fish only requires a short amount of cooking time, so only add it when you are ready to serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 869mg | Potassium: 826mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 559IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 2mg