¿Do you like frozen food?
The kitchen and I are not very friends but I definitely don't like the easy way like frozen meals. I tried this orange chicken thanks to Influenster who sent me a gift card to buy it but... this is not my thing! He doesn't know the same, and not even "normal"
I know that here in the USA it's normal to eat frozen food every day, but I... I pass
I totally get the siren call of frozen items. When life gets hectic, the thought of just popping something into the microwave or, even better, the air fryer, is incredibly appealing. I mean, who hasn't stared into the freezer section, dreaming of a delicious, effortless dinner after a long day? While my recent experience with frozen orange chicken wasn't a win – and trust me, I was really hoping for that crispy, saucy goodness the bag promised – it doesn't mean all frozen meals are off the table. From my perspective, it's all about picking the right frozen items and knowing how to give them a little extra love. That red bag of frozen orange chicken with broccoli in the picture? While it didn't work for me this time, I've learned that even 'air fryer meals' can be transformed. My go-to trick is to always have some fresh ingredients on hand. For example, if you're making something like frozen stir-fry, throw in some extra fresh bell peppers, snap peas, or even a handful of spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. It instantly boosts the nutrition and flavor, making it feel less like a pre-packaged meal. Don't just rely on the seasoning packet either! A dash of garlic powder, some chili flakes, or a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon can totally elevate a dish. I’ve even added a spoonful of my favorite store-bought sauce to plain frozen chicken or veggies for an extra kick. And yes, the air fryer is a game-changer for many frozen items, giving them that crispy finish you often miss with a microwave. Just make sure to follow the temperature and time guides carefully to avoid dry or burnt food. I've found that preheating the air fryer makes a huge difference for even cooking. If you're trying to avoid heavily processed frozen stuff but still need quick options, consider batch cooking some rice or quinoa at the beginning of the week. Then, when you need a fast meal, you can quickly sauté some fresh or frozen vegetables with a protein like pre-cooked chicken or canned beans. It's almost as fast as a frozen meal but gives you more control over the ingredients. It's a learning curve, but finding those hidden gems or knowing how to doctor them up can make a huge difference in your weeknight cooking. What are your favorite frozen hacks or quick meal ideas that actually taste good?
I like frozen food, but not frozen meals. I use frozen veggies because they’re cost effective and save me a lot of time in the kitchen. I’m also vegan so many of the plant-based meats I use are frozen. I also like frozen fruit for smoothies. But I always cook the meal myself, not a fan of prepackaged frozen meals.