August is filled with parents starting to panic about what to make for dinner since we all know that school is right around the corner, as well as the numerous after-school activities, that accompany it. This is probably the reason why the two hottest appliances, for the fall are the Instant Pot and the Air Fryer.

The Instant Pot company just launched its new Air Fryer. The Vortex, hmm, just in time for back to school. Do you think this is a coincidence? Probably not, since they probably spend millions and millions on marketing. I also heard that a newer model is slated to be released right before Christmas, again, a coincidence? I think not.

So, I am a busy mother, I know most of you know that my kids are heavily involved in hockey and other sports. Hockey being the most time consuming, so I introduce a new section on my blog called sheet meals, which I have wanted to write about for several years.

Sheet Pan meals are not new, my mother (God-Bless her soul) has been doing them in the oven for over 40 plus years.  So what makes a good sheet pan meal? One that you have one meal all prepared on one pan, which means it’s easy to prepare and easy to clean up! The flavors usually all blend together, which means you get a really tasty meal.

Tips For Cooking With Sheet Pans:

• We are going to be using the sheet-pan for now, that came with the Vortex, as I get more comfortable with using my new machine, I will be looking for alternatives. I am really going to be thinking about how to best utilize both shelves. For even more food. (Remember, I have teenage boys)
• Before you start laying your ingredients on, spray the sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray, since it will be even easier to clean up.
• Cut the foods about the same time, since that means that the foods will all cook and be ready at the same time, this makes for a better meal, rather than waiting for the chicken to be ready, while the snow peas are already done.
• Spread the ingredients in a single layer, so they all cook evenly.
• Use tongs, they are so important for this type of meal, easy to put on and even easier to get off, and onto the dinner plates.
• Try to find the meat and the vegetables that have about the same cooking time, this will be trial and error, but keep a notebook and you will soon find your favorites.
• Remember that seasonings are your friend, season as you go, if you add the Brussels Sprouts to the sheet, they should be seasoned before you put them on the pan, same with chicken, etc.
• Use a meat thermometer, as you cook more and more in your air fryer, you need to check and make sure your meat is completely cooked, otherwise you could get foodborne illnesses.
• Most meats and vegetables will need to have some level of cooking oil (usually olive oil) to keep them moist, in the air fryer.
• I usually preheat my air fryer to 400 degrees F, before making any sheet pan.

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Air Fryer Sheet Pan Meal-Kielbasa and Potatoes

Ingredients

• 1 pound kielbasa sausage
• 1/2 cup sweet onion
• 1 pound potatoes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Instructions

1. Start by cutting all your sausage.

   

2. Then add your diced onions and potatoes.

   

3. Mix in the olive oil, salt, pepper, ground thyme, paprika, and lemon juice.

   

4. Pour it into the air fryer basket. And set the temperature for 370 and the time for 12 minutes.

   

5. Shake the basket about 1/2 way and check to see if the potatoes are done, when the time is up. If not add another 5 minutes.

6. Plate, serve and enjoy!