Drew Barrymore’s Air Fryer Obsession: Recipes and a Beautiful Mom Review (Walmart Edition!)
Drew Barrymore, the beloved actress and entrepreneur, has once again captured our hearts, this time with her enthusiasm for air frying! Her Beautiful by Drew Barrymore line at Walmart has become a sensation, and her air fryer is a star product. But beyond the stylish design and affordable price, does it actually deliver? And more importantly, what can you cook in it? This article dives into a detailed review of the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore air fryer, coupled with delicious and easy recipes you can try at home.
## The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Air Fryer: A Mom’s Honest Review
Let’s face it, as moms (or anyone with a busy lifestyle!), we crave convenience without sacrificing quality. The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore air fryer promises both, and from a practical perspective, it largely delivers. Here’s a breakdown of its pros and cons, keeping a mom’s needs in mind:
**Pros:**
* **Stylish Design:** Let’s be honest, kitchen appliances are often clunky and unattractive. The Beautiful line breaks that mold. The air fryer comes in a variety of aesthetically pleasing colors like Sage Green, Cornflower Blue, and White Icing, making it a statement piece on your countertop rather than an eyesore. Drew clearly understands the importance of form and function.
* **Easy to Use:** The digital touchscreen is intuitive and simple to navigate. Pre-set cooking functions for common foods like fries, chicken, and vegetables take the guesswork out of cooking times and temperatures. Even a beginner cook can achieve consistently good results.
* **Large Capacity:** Many air fryers are too small for family-sized meals. The Beautiful air fryer boasts a generous capacity (usually around 6 quarts), allowing you to cook enough food for a family of four without having to do multiple batches. This is a huge time-saver!
* **Easy to Clean:** The non-stick basket is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze. This is a major selling point for busy moms who don’t have time to scrub stubborn food residue.
* **Affordable Price:** Compared to other high-end air fryers, the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore air fryer is incredibly affordable. You get a stylish and functional appliance without breaking the bank, readily available at Walmart.
* **Pre-set functions:** The pre-set options are a godsend for busy weeknights. Just select the food you’re cooking, and the air fryer will automatically adjust the time and temperature.
* **Quick Cooking Times:** Air frying significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional oven baking. This is perfect for getting dinner on the table quickly on those hectic evenings.
* **Healthier Cooking:** Air frying requires little to no oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep-frying. You can enjoy crispy, delicious food without the added fat and calories.
**Cons:**
* **Takes Up Counter Space:** Like any air fryer, it does require a significant amount of counter space. Consider your kitchen layout before purchasing.
* **Can Be Noisy:** Some users have noted that the air fryer can be a bit noisy during operation. It’s not deafening, but it’s something to be aware of.
* **Learning Curve:** While the pre-set functions are helpful, it might take some experimentation to perfect cooking times and temperatures for your specific preferences and recipes.
* **Non-stick Coating:** While convenient for cleaning, the non-stick coating can degrade over time with frequent use. Avoid using metal utensils that can scratch the surface.
**Overall:**
The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore air fryer is a winner, especially for moms and busy individuals. It combines style, functionality, and affordability, making it a great addition to any kitchen. The large capacity, easy-to-use controls, and dishwasher-safe basket make it a practical choice for everyday cooking. While it has a few minor drawbacks, the pros significantly outweigh the cons.
## Air Fryer Recipes for the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Air Fryer
Now that we’ve covered the review, let’s get to the fun part: the recipes! Here are some delicious and easy air fryer recipes that are perfect for the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore air fryer:
### 1. Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound chicken wings, separated at the joints
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. Pat the chicken wings dry with paper towels. This helps them get extra crispy.
2. In a bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place the chicken wings in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches.
5. Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken wings are cooked through and crispy.
6. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
**Tips & Variations:**
* For extra crispy wings, you can lightly coat them in cornstarch before seasoning.
* Experiment with different spice blends to customize the flavor. Try adding cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or Italian seasoning for a more savory flavor.
* Serve with classic dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or buffalo sauce.
### 2. Air Fryer French Fries
**Ingredients:**
* 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps them get crispier.
2. Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches.
6. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
**Tips & Variations:**
* For extra crispy fries, you can parboil them for a few minutes before air frying.
* Experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
* Serve with ketchup, mayonnaise, or aioli.
### 3. Air Fryer Salmon with Lemon and Herbs
**Ingredients:**
* 2 (4-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano)
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Lemon slices for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
2. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the salmon fillets with the marinade.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket, skin side down if using skin-on fillets.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Garnish with lemon slices and serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add a clove of minced garlic to the marinade for extra flavor.
* Use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
* Serve with roasted vegetables or a side salad.
### 4. Air Fryer Broccoli
**Ingredients:**
* 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
**Instructions:**
1. In a bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
3. Place the broccoli florets in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them.
4. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
5. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (optional) and serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
* Roast the broccoli with other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or onions.
* Serve as a side dish or add to salads and bowls.
### 5. Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
**Ingredients:**
* 8 mozzarella cheese sticks
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 egg, beaten
* 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Marinara sauce for dipping
**Instructions:**
1. Place the mozzarella sticks in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
2. In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
3. Dredge each mozzarella stick in the flour, then dip it in the beaten egg, and finally coat it in the panko breadcrumb mixture.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
5. Place the mozzarella sticks in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them.
6. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella sticks are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Serve immediately with marinara sauce for dipping.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Double-coat the mozzarella sticks for extra crispiness and to prevent the cheese from leaking out.
* Use string cheese cut into smaller pieces if you can’t find mozzarella sticks.
* Serve as an appetizer or snack.
### 6. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
**Ingredients:**
* 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. Soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps them get crispier.
2. Drain the sweet potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
5. Place the sweet potato fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches.
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are tender and slightly crispy.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.
* Serve with a maple syrup dipping sauce or a creamy avocado dip.
* Experiment with different spices like ginger or allspice.
### 7. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
**Instructions:**
1. In a bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
3. Place the Brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them.
4. Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and slightly charred.
5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add bacon bits for extra flavor.
* Roast the Brussels sprouts with other vegetables like onions or garlic.
* Serve as a side dish or add to salads.
### 8. Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
**Ingredients:**
* Frozen pizza rolls (any brand)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
2. Place the frozen pizza rolls in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
3. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and heated through.
4. Serve immediately with marinara sauce.
**Tips & Variations:**
* No need to thaw the pizza rolls beforehand.
* Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer and the specific brand of pizza rolls.
### 9. Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Sandwich
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices of bread
* 2 slices of cheese (cheddar, American, or your favorite)
* 1 tablespoon butter, softened
**Instructions:**
1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in the air fryer basket.
3. Top with cheese slices.
4. Place the other slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
5. Preheat air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
6. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Serve immediately.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add ham, tomato, or other fillings to your grilled cheese.
* Use different types of bread for a variety of flavors and textures.
### 10. Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs
**Ingredients:**
* Eggs
**Instructions:**
1. Place eggs in the air fryer basket.
2. Set the air fryer to 250°F (121°C).
3. Cook for 15-17 minutes, depending on desired doneness.
4. Immediately transfer the eggs to an ice bath to stop cooking.
5. Peel and enjoy!
**Tips & Variations:**
* No preheating necessary.
* Adjust cooking time slightly based on your air fryer.
## Conclusion: The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Air Fryer – A Kitchen Must-Have
The Beautiful by Drew Barrymore air fryer is more than just a pretty appliance; it’s a versatile and convenient tool that can help you create delicious and healthy meals with ease. Whether you’re a busy mom looking for quick weeknight dinners or a food enthusiast eager to explore new recipes, this air fryer is a worthwhile investment. Its stylish design, user-friendly interface, and affordable price make it a standout choice in the crowded air fryer market. So, embrace the air frying craze and start cooking up a storm with Drew Barrymore’s Beautiful creation!